HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrelim - RDA - 06/24/10PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING
THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M.
Chairman Finerty convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Member Jean M. Benson
Vice Chairman Jim Ferguson
Member Richard S. Kelly
Member Robert A. Spiegel
Chairman Cindy Finerty
Also Present:
John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager/RDA Executive Director
David J. Erwin, City Attorney/RDA Executive Director
Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment
Stephen Y. Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager
Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk
Bo Chen, City Engineer
Russell Grance, Director of Building & Safety
Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Janet M. Moore, Director of Housing
Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works
Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs
Bill Hunley, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire
Andrew Shouse, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk
III. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Reauest for Closed Session:
Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8:
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PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JUNE 24, 2010
1) Property: APN 628-130-015
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Lauri Aylaian/City of Palm Desert/
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Barracuda, LLC
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
2) Property: APN 628-130-008
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Lauri Aylaian/City of Palm Desert/
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: David Nelson
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
3) Property: Lease Property - APN 622-260-082
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Justin McCarthy/City of Palm Desert/
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Other Parties: Riverside County Sheriff's Department
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
4) Property: Lease Property - 42-455 Washington Street
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: Justin McCarthy/Martin Alvarez/
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Other Parties: Up A Creek, Inc. (Casey's Restaurant)
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
5) Property: 43-755 Kelsey Court
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: Justin McCarthy/Janet Moore/
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Harry G. and Joyce E. Planck
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
6) Property: APN 627-102-012
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Justin McCarthy/Janet Moore/
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
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PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING
DRAFT
J U N E 24, 2010
7) Property: APNs 627-101-017, -033, and -039
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: Justin McCarthy/Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
Upon a motion by Ferguson, second by Benson, and unanimous vote of the Agency
Board, Chairman Finerty adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 3:01 p.m. She
reconvened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
IV. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION.
Action:
V. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
None
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular Redevelopment Agency Meeting of June 10, 2010.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE AGENCY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. 245RDA, 249RDA, 246-Housing, 250-Housing, and 251 HA.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. R29420 -
Professional Architectural Services for the Desert Willow Lakeview Terrace
Expansion Project.
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve Amendment No. 2 in an amount not to
exceed $5,000 to the subject contract with Smart Michael Siminoff
Architects, Inc. (SMS), Irvine, California, for additional reimbursable
allowance for the Lakeview Terrace Expansion at Desert Willow;
2) authorize the Director of Finance to transfer $380 from contingency
(Account No. 851-4663-454-4001) to base; 3) appropriate an
additional $4,620 from Unobligated Project Area No. 2 funds;
4) authorize the Chairman to execute said Amendment.
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PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JUNE 24, 2010
D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Amendment No. 2 to Contract
No. R29450A — Professional Services for the Desert Willow Kitchen and
Building Expansion Architectural Design.
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve Amendment No. 2 in an amount not to
exceed $11,200 to the subject contract with Melzer Deckert & Ruder
Architects, Inc., Irvine, California, for additional architectural design
services for the Desert Willow Kitchen and Building Expansion;
2) authorize the Director of Finance to transfer $3,550 from
contingency (Account No. 851-4663-454-4001) to base;
3) appropriate an additional $7,650 from Unobligated Project Area
No. 2 funds to Post Construction Costs, Account
No. 851-4663-454-4001; 4) authorize the Chairman to execute said
Amendment.
E. REQUEST FOR RATIFICATION of the Contractor Pre -qualification List for
the Desert Willow Kitchen and Building Expansion Project.
Removed for separate consideration under Section VII, Consent Items Held
Over. Please see that portion of the Minutes for Council discussion and
action.
Staff requested Item E be considered separately for consideration of an
amended recommendation.
Upon a motion by Spiegel, second by Ferguson, and 5-0 vote of the Agency Board,
the remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented.
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
E. REQUEST FOR RATIFICATION of the Contractor Pre -qualification List for
the Desert Willow Kitchen and Building Expansion Project.
Redevelopment Manager Martin Alvarez noted a summary memo was
provided to the Council regarding a pre -qualification process to pre -qualify
general contractors for the Desert Willow Kitchen Expansion project. Staff
met with seven general contractors and reviewed the pre -qualifications to
ensure the insurance and quality of work performed prior would meet the
Agency's criteria for the kitchen expansion. The summary consisted a list of
the seven contractors interviewed, a listing of the pre -qualified contractors,
and a list of those contractors that were rejected at this time. Staff
recommended ratification of the list, which had been approved by the
Executive Director and allow staff to proceed with any appeals that may
come forward. Responding to question, he said staff will go out to bid and
receive the lowest bid. This request is to proceed in a timely manner and
also to ensure the quality of the contractor's work is adequate.
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PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JUNE 24, 2010
Member Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Ratify the Executive Director's
approval of the contractor pre -qualification list for the Desert Willow Kitchen and Building
Expansion project; 2) authorize staff to set up an appeals panel consisting of City staff to
hear any appeals. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote.
VIII. RESOLUTIONS
None
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR FUNDING TO SPONSOR
FASHION WEEK EL PASEO 2011 (JOINT CONSIDERATION WITH THE
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL).
Councilmember/Member Benson moved to, by Minute Motion:1) Approve a $50,000
sponsorship for the 2011 Fashion Week Event; 2) authorize up to $10,000 in -kind City
services and fees; 3) authorize use of the Agency -owned lot at the northeast corner of
Shadow Mountain Drive and Larkspur; 4) permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages
on Agency -owned property; 5) authorize the Mayor/Chairman to execute the sponsorship
contract (Contract No. C29940) — funds have been included in the proposed Financial Plan
for 2010-2011, Community Sponsorships, Account No. 110-4416-414-3062. Motion was
seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A FUNDING COMMITMENT OF $100,000
TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP'S 2010-2011
FISCAL BUDGET AND INCLUDE A LINE ITEM IN THE REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY BUDGET FOR DISCUSSION FOR THE FOLLOWING FOUR (4)
YEARS AT THE SAME AMOUNT.
Economic Development Manager Ruth Ann Moore stated Council had a
study session to review the Blueprint and Implementation Plan last January
and that Mr. Richard Ramhoff was present to speak on the matter. Since the
staff report was written, the cities of Palm Springs and Indian Wells both
approved contributions of $100,000, Desert Hot Springs $50,000, and La
Quinta $25,000. Additionally, the staff of Rancho Mirage recommended to
their council $50,000, and rumor is that the City of Indio will approve
$10,000, but that information has not been confirmed. Further responding,
she said the City of Rancho Mirage will take a vote on staff's
recommendation in July, and she did not have information on the City of
Cathedral City.
Vice Chairman Ferguson heard there was an attempt to relocate the
partnership and it was tied to a contribution by one or more cities.
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PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JUNE 24, 2010
Ms. Moore responded she had not heard of that information at the meetings,
but would defer the question to Mr. Ramhoff.
Vice Chairman Ferguson stated this was a big issue in Closed Session, and
without revealing those discussions he was curious to hear the answer.
MR. RICHARD RAMHOFF, stated he was the President and Publisher of
The Desert Sun and new Chairman of the Coachella Valley Economic
Partnership Board (CVEP). Responding to Vice Chairman Ferguson's
question, he said the partnership was looking for new space as the Blueprint
outlined a larger staff than the space currently available in the Civic Parkway.
Other types of spaces have been looked at, but the Executive Board has
made no recommendation to the overall Board about any such thing. He
said there were proposals from various places, one being the City of Palm
Springs, but it should probably be discussed at an executive session if more
details were needed. However, no movement has been made in terms of a
vote, but all possibilities were being reviewed. He moved on to talk about the
items the Blueprint recommended, which was to have an experience
economic development executive at the top of the organization. He said the
Board hired an executive search firm that was currently gathering resumes,
entertaining candidates, and expected to have the first cuts of those
candidates in 30 days. He said Wes Ahlgren is and will remain Director of
Operations. He said a regional economical development agency like CVEP
with the new Blueprint strategy can amplify the things that each contributing
city did. In one small important thing that has happened just this summer is
the business survey that is being conducted, which is fully funded by grants
from the County. The survey is important, because there was only one city
that he was aware of that was going to participate in that grant for the
summer when it was discovered at a meeting at CVEP. The economic
development folks got together and decided it needed to be done for the
Valley as a whole, because it would provide a good benchmark for what our
businesses are currently feeling, and no doubt that business retention and
growth are just as important as business and traction; some economic
development experts would argue more important. He was excited about the
survey, because A, it amplified what CVEP can do on its own by utilizing
grant funding, and B, it will set a base line where in the five-year plan CVEP
will be able to measure satisfaction among businesses in terms of the
environment it provided. He said this was just one small example, but it
already started along a path of a regional voice for economic development.
Another point to make was that on Saturday, a CVEP organized program
called "Pathways to Success," awarded $1.4 million in scholarships to
students across the Valley. This began a few years ago to respond to the
need to have a better college -educated workforce in this Valley. He said the
Pathways to Success staff was able to pull together matching funds that
already existed across the Desert to attract funding from an outside
organization. The College Access Foundation liked the activity and path that
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PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JUNE 24, 2010
CVEP was taking and provided $1 million in those scholarship funds. He
said this was a perfect example of working together with one voice, and
CVEP is able to amplify what it does. The Blueprint pointed out that the next
step is to organize around business, attraction, and retention, which is
something CVEP can do better. CVEP needs to market itself better by
having a business environment with cities at the table and fulfilling the
Blueprint will require leader -oriented cities like Palm Desert. He thanked the
Council for its consideration and past participation and believed CVEP was
ready for the next step, because momentum was building. CVEP now had
a 25-member board that included representation from public entities and
private industries together with great commitments from the hospitals, CEO's
at high levels, and other businesses at the $10,000 contribution level, which
for many were a big step up to make the commitment to regional economic
development. He said those making commitments see the upside, which
were jobs that benefit everyone across the Valley including his business,
advertising, and retailers across the board. He offered to answer questions.
Member Benson agreed with Mr. Ramhoff's comment that the City of Palm
Desert had stood by CVEP all the years in good and bad times by providing
them space in the City's building and money as well. She said this seems
to be the total commitment that the group has been seeking for a long time
in order to proceed and thought this was probably the last chance that it will
happen. She recommended a contribution of $50,000 with the Council to
review again next year.
Member Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, approve a funding commitment of'
$50,000 to the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership's 2010-2011 fiscal budget and
consider future funding at the appropriate time during the City's budget process next year
— funds have been included in the proposed Financial Plan for 2010-2011 Economic
Development Dues, Account No. 850-4430-422-3630.
Member Spiegel stated he liked the new management, because the previous
ones didn't do much. He's been on the Council for 16 years and every year
its given money to CVEP, so he hoped this new management will make a
difference. He knew $50,000 was less than what CVEP was requesting, but
if one combined all the years together that Palm Desert had contributed, it
was a lot more than $50,000.
Member Spiegel seconded the motion.
Member Kelly stated the Blueprint indicated CVEP will hire a dynamic,
accomplished and seasoned CEO, which depended on resources and
donations with no headquarters, yet he wasn't sure what's been
accomplished in the past. He said the bullet benchmarks in the staff report
was a lot of pie in the sky that it discouraged him from any commitment for
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PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JUNE 24, 2010
future years and was not convinced he was in favor of the $50,000
contribution this year.
Vice Chairman Ferguson stated he came out of Closed Session fully
supporting the $100,000 contribution and Blueprint, and excited about the
direction CVEP was taking, because he was one of the original CVEP
members in 1993-1994 with then publishers of The Desert Sun who really
got the organization going. When he was first elected, he recalled getting
the Mayors of La Quinta and Indian Wells together over dinner and
discussed getting the other cities to pull together and support the
organization, and at that time, they didn't even have an office. He talked to
his colleagues and they were kind enough to offer the space over at The
Brother's Building, which was provided rent free and other cities were
convinced to contribute $5,000; there were only three cities back then in the
1990's. He said Palm Desert contributed free rent and contributed $5,000,
and for 15 years Palm Desert has been the biggest city contributor to the
organization, always provided free rent, CVEP functioned without a CEO
three times, and all of those times, Ruth Ann Moore and Justin McCarthy had
gone over to keep the lights on, kept doors opened, and answered the
phones. He personally served on two search committees and declined to
participate on the last one, because he got burned out, and he personally
served as chairman and been on the board and felt that Palm Desert had
carried CVEP on its back with little or no results believing in the regional
approach, which he still believed. So he was shocked to hear the rumor that
CVEP was moving to another city, which was the way it was presented to
him in the documents given to him in Closed Session. He realized
Mr. Ramhoff was a late comer to the party, but would like it conveyed back
to some of the elders in the organization that a courtesy phone call would
have been nice or, as CVEP's landlord for the past 15 years, a request for
additional space would have also been nice. He said to hear CVEP would
go to either Indio or Palm Springs was received by some as a slap on the
face and it drained his enthusiasm for the $100,000 contribution. He will
support the motion for $50,000 and would be happy to be one of 25 people
who will pull forth for CVEP no matter where it goes, but on a personal note,
it would have been nice for Palm Desert to know what CVEP plans were
before a public meeting took place.
Member Benson concurred with Vice Chairman Ferguson, but it seemed that
CVEP had more Valley support now than ever before and when they
approach Palm Desert again next year, hopefully the other cities will increase
their contributions when they see valid proof of what is being accomplished,
because Palm Desert has supported CVEP through all the bad times and
bad CEOs it had in the past, but the City stuck with CVEP, which was more
than it can say for some organizations that try to set up in the Valley. He
said the cities that are behind CVEP do it because they have faith in what
CVEP is trying to accomplish and one day someone will make it succeed.
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PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JUNE 24, 2010
Chairman Finerty stated she would support the $50,000, but believed results
should be measured and addressed next year by requesting an update, just
like it required it from the Fire and Police Department. She responded to
Wes Ahlgren to serve on the advisory board and would be happy to do so.
She agreed with Member Benson's comment that this was the perfect
opportunity for CVEP and obviously jobs are the issue for the economy.
Chairman Finerty called for the vote and it carried by a 4-1 vote, with Kelly voting
NO.
X. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
XI. OLD BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL AND EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH
THE DESERT SUN FOR SPONSORSHIP OF A PROMOTIONAL
MAGAZINE (CONTRACT NO. C29960) (JOINT CONSIDERATION WITH
THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL).
Marketing Manager Kristy Kneiding stated staff was previously directed to
negotiate a contract with The Desert Sun to help support the relaunch of a
magazine formerly known as 92260, which targets both residents and
visitors. She said staff and representatives from The Desert Sun were
present to answer any questions.
Councilman/Member Spiegel pointed outthat he originallyvoted againstthis,
not because he disliked The Desert Sun, but because he thought this
amount of money could be spent in San Diego, Los Angeles, and San
Francisco to attract people from out of town. He understood the magazine
will be distributed into the local hotels, specifically Embassy Suites and the
Marriott, but none outside the City. Additionally, he received a copy of a
letter from Executive Vice President of Palm Springs Life Frank Jones who
stated they understood the City desiring to take advantage of having a Palm
Desert Magazine and attended the Marketing Committee meeting where
Councilman Ferguson and The Desert Sun presented their concept and
expressed determination to execute the plan. Mr. Jones states that the
Desert Publishing Incorporated could produce the magazine for half the cost
or less and could deliver the quantity, content, graphics, and also improve
greatly on the proposed distribution and reach applications. His
improvements would make the City's magazine a much more valuable
publication and save precious dollars that could be better used in relationship
to the heart wrenching personal cuts recently made by the City.
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Councilman/Member Kelly stated he felt strongly a Request for Proposal
(RFP) should have been conducted. Although he thought it was good to
have a Palm Desert magazine in the hotel rooms, he didn't know how it
would benefit when the residents already received the BrightSide Newsletter.
However, he agreed people should have something from Palm Desert that
could carry home with them. He reiterated the City should have done a RFP
to see what else was out there.
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chairman Ferguson said it took a lot of gulls for
Mr. Frank Jones to make those statements having received millions from the
City of Palm Desert over the years, and having just approved $50,000 this
evening for Fashion Week, and neither one of his esteemed colleagues
insisted the item go out for an RFP, and The Desert Sun didn't say they
could do Fashion Week for half the cost. The last time the City attempted
to launch a magazine, Palm Springs Life (PSL) hastily put together a Palm
Desert Magazine and dumped it on all the Council's desks and never saw
another publication. He said Palm Springs Life (PSL) only seemed to
scream when someone else wanted to do something beneficial for Palm
Desert, but they never deliver. He said PSL had every opportunity in the last
five years since it started 92260 to provide a proposal, which they never did.
He said this was anti -competitive conduct and couldn't believe the two
people he considered business knowledgeable in this County fell for such
ridiculous conduct, which he found reprehensible. He said everyone knew
Palm Desert residents were not staying in the City's hotels, but if you take
into account the part-time residents that live in Palm Desert during the winter
months who return to Chicago, Seattle, Portland and other parts of the
Country, they want to show off Palm Desert to their relatives, sons, nephews,
grandchildren and take copies of this magazine with them. To say this
magazine will just sit on shelves like the BrightSide was disingenuous, which
frankly the BrightSide ended up in the trash more often than not. He said
given the millions spent on marketing, doing a trial for one year with The
Desert Sun to promote Palm Desert was worthwhile from a marketing
standpoint. Additionally, the Council claims to have so much faith, rightfully
so, on the City's Marketing Committee, which voted unanimously in favor o
the Palm Desert Magazine, and he wasn't going to second guess their
opinion. He went on to say the Council voted four to one during the budget
to do this, and he respected Councilman Spiegel's opinion and hoped his
would be respected as well. He said there were two sides to every story, and
The Desert Sun's side needed to be heard.
Councilmember/Member Benson agreed with Mayor Pro Tern Ferguson and
the fact that it would only be a one-year publication, and if it didn't work out,
it wouldn't have to be renewed. She said The Desert Sun had a track record
in these publications, which she thought was worth a try. She believed the
public will take the magazine home if it's published by a reliable source.
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Mayor/Chairman Finerty concurred, stating she was amazed when for three
years some Councilmembers voted to spend more than $600,000 for the Art
of Food & Wine event to promote the City and here a mere $110,000 was
considered to promote the City via a magazine where something was
actually being produced that was not alcohol induced. She was in support
of this request with a one-year trial, because it was a reasonable way in this
economy to market the City.
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chairman Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve
agreement with The Desert Sun for sponsorship of a promotional magazine in the amount
of $110,000 for Fiscal Year 2010-2011; 2) authorize the Mayor to sign said agreement —
funds are included in the proposed Financial Plan for 2010-2011, split between the
respective Redevelopment Agency and City Advertising and Professional Services
Accounts. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 3-2 vote, with Kelly and
Spiegel voting NO.
B. REQUEST FOR RATIFICATION OF THE CITY MANAGER'S
AUTHORIZATION OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CONTRACT NO. C29400
WITH GOULD EVANS ASSOCIATES IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,600 FOR
ADDITIONAL DESIGN SERVICES; AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF TO
SOLICIT BIDS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND RELEASE OF THE REQUEST
FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR OPERATIONS OF THE AQUATIC CENTER
(PROJECT NO. 722-10) (JOINT CONSIDERATION WITH THE PALM
DESERT CITY COUNCIL).
Councilmember/Member Benson stated when the Park and Recreation
Commission was attempting to put more playground equipment in the pool and
it was turned down, the current amendments made will be a good remedy to
that situation. The improved space will be available should it be necessary in
the future.
Councilman/Member Spiegel said the changes will allow more people to come
into the area, picnic on the grass, and pay the fee to get in and watch the race.
He said the grass area will provide the ability to make more money.
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chairman Ferguson said the suggestion was a breath of
fresh air coming from the Parks and Recreation Commission, because it was
good planning to look toward the future. He said one couldn't reserve enough
space for future growth.
Councilman/Member Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Ratify City Manager's
authorization of Amendment No. 1 to the subject contract with Gould Evans Associates,
Phoenix, Arizona, in the amount of $23,600 for additional design services for the Aquatic
Center Project; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1; 3) authorize staff to
solicit bids for construction (Contract No. C29400A); 4) authorize staff to release the RFP for
operations of said project (Contract No. C29400B) — funds for the original design service
contract are available in Account No. 233-4602-454-4001 (±40%) - Park Fund, and Account
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PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JUNE 24, 2010
No. 851-4549-454-4001 (±60%) - Project Area No. 2 Aquatic Facility Capital Budget; funds
for Contract Amendment No. 1 are also available in Account No. 851-4549-454-4001 held as
contingency, no General Fund money is being used for this expenditure. Motion was
seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
C. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD CONTRACT NO. R29420A
TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE LAKEVIEW
TERRACE EXPANSION PROJECT AT DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT.
Redevelopment Manager Martin Alvarez stated the project included the
expansion of the terrace deck by 100 feet, which is an extension of the
existing patio with additional patio surface, outdoor bar, outdoor fireplace,
and outdoor fire pit. On June 23 the City Clerk opened seven bids for the
Lakeview Terrace Expansion Project and a summary of those bid results was
provided to the Council. The lowest responsive bidder was GHA Holdings
in the amount of $999,390 and as part of the bid staff requested additive
alternates for several items that would enhance or provide additional benefit
to the project, which are listed in the summary memo as Additive Alternates
1-7. Staff recommended that as part of the award that Council approve
adding alternates 1-2, 4-7, and excluding Alternate 3, which was extension
of the misting system on the outdoor banquet area. Staff recommended
approval of the contract with GHA Holdings in the amount of $1,089.020 with
a 10% contingency of $108,900. He offered to answer any questions.
Responding to question about qualifications, he said staff reviewed GHA
Holdings qualification and they met the criteria.
Member Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize: 1) The Chairman to award
subject contract in an amount not to exceed $1,089,000 (base bid and additive alternates
1-2, 4-7) to GHA Holdings, Cathedral City, California, for the Lakeview Terrace Expansion
Project at Desert Willow Golf Resort; 2) Director of Finance to set aside the amount of
$108,900 as 10% contingency for the project (use of contingency requires additional
action) — funds have been included in the proposed 2010-2011 Financial Plan in Project
Area No. 2, Account No. 851-4663-454-4001. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried
by a 5-0 vote.
XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF THE CITY MANAGER'S AND
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S PROPOSED FINANCIAL PLAN FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2010-2011 (JOINT CONSIDERATION WITH THE PALM DESERT
CITY COUNCIL AND THE PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY).
Mr. Wohlmuth stated the 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Budget was balanced. The
revenues for this year were estimated at $42,910,000 with expenditures at
$42,637,000, and the difference of $273,000 will be put into the retirement
health contribution to fund that account, which historically was funded every
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PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JUNE 24, 2010
year except in the tough ones. He said the balanced budget accomplished
everything requested by the Council at the budget hearings, but
unfortunately staff was reduced to 148 employees in order to balance the
budget, which was done three months ago. He said the impacts have been
brought into City Hall with no service delivery decline from those cuts and
stated the budget was a good financial plan for 2010-2011.
Councilman/Member Kelly explained for the purposes of the audience in
attendance that this was not the first time the Council was dealing with the
budget, because several meetings prior to this one took place before it
reached this point.
Mayor/Chairman Finerty agreed, stating the Council had three study
sessions with a line -by-line review of the budget.
Mayor/Chairman Finerty declared the public hearing open and invited public
testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. With no public testimony offered,
she declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman/Member Spiegel moved to waive further readina and adopt: 1) City
Council Resolution No. 2010 - 45, adopting a City Program and Financial Plan for the
Fiscal Year July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011; 2) City Council Resolution No. 2010 - 46,
establishing the Appropriations Limit for the 2010-2011 Fiscal Year; 3) Redevelopment
Agency Resolution No. 573, adopting a Redevelopment Agency Program and Financial
Plan for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011; 4) Housing Authority
Resolution No. HA-43, adopting a Housing Authority Program and Financial Plan for the
Fiscal Year July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011; 5) City Council Resolution No. 2010 - 47,
setting the Salary Schedule, Salary Ranges, and Allocated Classifications; 6) By Minute
Motion, approve the Out -of -State Travel Requests as listed in the accompanying staff
report memo entitled same. Motion was seconded by Ferguson.
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chairman Ferguson said this was probably the biggest
budget reduction in the history of the City. He said Palm Desert never had
an unbalanced budget and believed this was a healthy exercise for the City
to tighten its belt and live within the means. He wished other forms of
government would follow the same lead as Palm Desert, although it was a
painful process. His hat was off to the City Manager for making the tough
decisions and the Director of Finance for assuring once again that Palm
Desert had a balanced budget with a modest surplus of $300,000, even with
his conservative revenue assessment.
Mayor/Chairman Finerty called for the vote and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote.
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PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JUNE 24, 2010
B. REQUEST FOR ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS, AUTHORIZING A
REQUEST TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO AMEND THE CONTRACT USE OF
CALIFORNIA NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM (NSP)
FUNDING AND EXECUTION OF THE RELATED AGREEMENT AND ANY
AMENDMENTS THERETO (JOINT CONSIDERATION WITH THE
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL).
Ms. Moore stated this was an amendment to the agreement for NSP to
stabilize neighborhoods in Palm Desert that had been hit by foreclosures.
It was determined early on in the process that the contract needed to be
amended, however, the County believed it had already covered it. Staff was
seeking authorization to acquire properties and be reimbursed by NSP.
Mayor/Chairman Finerty declared the public hearing open and invited public
testimony in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this matter. With no public testimony
offered, she declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman/Member Spiegel moved to: 1) Waive further reading and adopt City
Council Resolution No. 2010 - 48, authorizing a request to amend the contract use of
California Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funding and execution of the relative
agreement, and any amendments thereto; 2) Waive further reading and adopt
Redevelopment Agency Resolution No. 574, authorizing a request to amend the contract
use of California Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funding and execution of the
relative agreement, and any amendments thereto; 3) By Minute Motion, authorize the City
Manager/Executive Director or the Director of Housing to sign Funds Requests and other
required reporting forms.
Councilman/Member Kelly noted this was a $300,000 investment to help
others.
Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE REPLACEMENT HOUSING PLAN
FOR SAGECREST APARTMENTS LOCATED AT
73-775 SANTA ROSA WAY, PALM DESERT (A.K.A. 44-200 SAN
PASCUAL AVENUE, PALM DESERT).
Management Analyst Jessica Gonzales stated the Redevelopment Agency
is required by law to adopt a Replacement Housing Plan whenever the
Agency takes action that would lead to the destruction or removal of dwelling
units from the low and moderate income housing market. As part of the
sage crest Apartment project, the Agency will be removing 14 apartment
units, of which two units were available to low and moderate income
households. According to Community Redevelopment Law, such removal
requires the Agency "replace" those units within four years. The
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PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JUNE 24, 2010
Replacement Housing Plan has been created to identify designated
replacement units that are an/or will be available to replace the two units
within the required time period. The Housing Commission has reviewed the
plan as an information item and no comment was received. She offered to
answer questions.
Chairman Finerty declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony in
FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this matter. With no public testimony offered, she
declared the public hearing closed.
Member Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 575,
approving the Replacement Housing Plan for the Sagecrest Apartments, substantially as
to form. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote.
XII1. REPORTS, REMARKS, AND AGENCY BOARD ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION
A. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
None
B. AGENCY COUNSEL
None
C. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE AGENCY
None
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
Upon a motion by Ferguson, second by Spiegel, and unanimous vote of the Agency
Board, Chairman Finerty adjourned the meeting at 5:51 p.m.
ATTEST:
CINDY FINERTY, CHAIRMAN
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, SECRETARY
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
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