HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Citizens' Advisory Committee Project Area 4 09/19/2011PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 19, 2011
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Benford convened the meeting at 3:02 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Fred Benford, Chairman
Terry Archer, Member
Russ Campbell, Member
Ron Crisp, Member
Jane Daugherty, Member
Phyllis Harkins, Member
Absent:
Roberta Grubb, Vice Chair
Berit Reistad-Daly, Member
Staff Present:
Martin Alvarez, Redevelopment Manager
Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development
Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment
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Also Present: QY RDA
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Robert Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tern /
Jan Harnik, Councilmember VE ! IED BY -
Roger Dash, Planning Commissioner
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Member Harkins mentioned that on Hovley between Oasis Club and Idaho
there is a block wall that Redevelopment installed about seven or eight
years ago and on the front side there is landscape. There is a lot of
landscape that is now dead. She inquired if there is landscape and lighting
district for that area. Ms. Aylaian responded that the wall was installed
about 11 years ago, and she believes it is for the City to maintain. She
said that she would look into it.
CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO.4
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 19, 2011
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE CITIZENS' ADVISORY
COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4 MEETING OF JULY
18, 2011.
Minutes of the meeting from July 18, 2011, were unanimously
approved as submitted and carried by a 6-0 vote with Members
Grubb and Reistad-Daly ABSENT.
V.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
VI.
NEW BUSINESS
None
VII.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
Vill.
OLD BUSINESS
None
IX.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
A. UPDATE ON PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE
(Lauri Aylaian, Director of Planning)
Ms. Aylaian was happy to inform the Committee that the code
enforcement case that has been open for several years finally closed
about a week ago. The course has been maintained consistently in recent
months in a manner that is acceptable. She stated that the property has
changed ownership a week ago. The new owner did their due diligence
and met with staff before closing escrow. She noted that they are targeting
an opening for the first of the year.
Member Archer mentioned that he had a private meeting with the owners
after they came to the association and made a presentation to the Board
of Palm Desert Country Club (PDCC). He said that the meeting instilled
confidence. The owners have done their homework, and seem sincere in
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CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 19, 2011
their efforts. He mentioned that the owners are looking at possibly opening
the clubhouse a little earlier maybe around Thanksgiving.
Member Daugherty asked if there were any discussions about an
assessment district. Member Archer stated that he believes they
submitted a proposal to the City on their thoughts of doing some type of
an assessment that would be done so it is collected through property
taxes given to the City to hold.
Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Mr. McCarthy if he has had any
conversations about an assessment with the owners. He responded that
he had an extensive conversation with one of the principals of the firm. He
stated that he shared information on the feedback that was received while
presenting the undergrounding project. He also shared that the community
feels they have been abused with the whole process, and that they would
need a "Show Me" period before going out to the community. Mr.
McCarthy let the owner know that there were some people interested in an
assessment, but then there were some people that rejected the concept.
Councilwoman Harnik inquired if there has been any talk about doing a
town hall to begin an exchange or make the people feel like they are part
of the process.
Member Archer responded that their Board offered to allow them to use
their meeting area to do such a thing. He feels that at the right time they
are willing to meet with the community. Member Archer commented that
the owners mentioned if there were an assessment district, they would
offer perks to the property owners either by reduced golf fees and reduced
food and beverage fees, and other things to encourage residents to use
the club.
Mr. McCarthy stated that he did extend an invitation to their general
manager to introduce themselves to the Committee. Ms. Aylaian
interjected that they will be here at a future meeting.
Mrs. Carol Benford (42880 Tennessee) commented that at one time they
talked about a limited assessment district for people that have homes
adjacent to the golf course. She inquired if it ever comes to a point of
bringing it forward, would it have to come from the citizens and not the
owners. Mr. McCarthy responded that is the City's preference.
Member Crisp mentioned that the ownership seems to be very secret
about who they are, which sends a red flag in his mind. Member Archer
replied that he thinks they are flying under the clouds for a little bit to get
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CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4
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their feet in and get established rather than getting inundated by
everybody coming in and wanting answers because they don't have the
answers just yet.
Councilwoman Harnik commented that they might build a bridge if they
send a letter to that effect to the homeowners' to get rid of those red flags.
Member Harkins stated that the owners are taking a full page in their
October newsletter.
Mr. McCarthy commented that he has talked to 10 different entities in
depth, and the owners seem to be the most sophisticated of the ones he
has talked to. They asked the right questions. They seem to have a good
grasp at what they were getting into.
Councilwoman Harnik stated that the whole community, and
understandably so, has been in such a state of upheaval through
ownership one after the other. The best thing to do right now is keep
communication open.
Chairman Benford mentioned that the possibility of an assessment can
keep the golf course going long term, but it is matter of setting up the
rules.
B. UPDATE ON THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY LEGISLATION
BILLS (Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment)
Mr. McCarthy reported that the legislature and the Governor adopted AB
26 the dissolution of redevelopment across the state and AB 27 is to adopt
an ordinance to continue the redevelopment agency subject to paying a
certain amount to the state. He stated that the City has adopted AB 27,
which is the ordinance to continue the redevelopment agency. However,
the League of California Cities and California Redevelopment Association
have filed suit against the State. It has been taken under consideration by
the State Supreme Court. The State Supreme Court issued a stay on
everything, which moots anything we have done to date with the exception
of contracts that were already in place and approved. He stated that the
Agency is still moving forward on the design for the Carlos Ortega Villas,
but pre-empted from entering into a development agreement for a
construction contract until it sorts itself out. The court has tried to time the
deliberations, the hearings, and briefs so they are able to make a decision
prior to January 15. January 15 is the date of the first payment under the
continuation ordinance. He noted that we would not know our fate until
December or until the first of the year.
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CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4
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SEPTEMBER 19, 2011
Chairman Benford clarified that any projects that have been started will
continue but nothing new. Mr. McCarthy responded that contracts that
have been started like the design (architectural agreement) for the Carlos
Ortega Villas is still moving forward; however, assuming that the City
received all approvals and construction documents are completed, the
City could not move forward in terms of retaining a contractor to build the
units or developer to develop the units. He stated that there are certain
things that are moving forward, but they will come to a stop until we get
the ultimate disposition of the Redevelopment Agency sorted out.
There was brief discussion on Proposition 22 and new legislation to clean
up bills AB 26 and AB 27.
Chairman Benford asked why continue with the design of Carlos Ortega
Villas, if you are unable to build them. Mr. McCarthy replied that the
design would have value in terms of actually building units there, but the
question is who will build those units.
Chairman Benford inquired if a private enterprise could take over a project
like that. Mr. McCarthy answered no. It might be the Agency or successor,
which would be the City.
Member Archer asked how many units are there suppose to be. Mr.
McCarthy replied 72 units.
X. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON/MEMBERS
B. AGENCY BOARD LIAISONS
Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel mentioned there will be a Rock 'n' Roll Marathon,
and said staff could bring a map of the route to the next meeting.
Ms. Aylaian stated that it is scheduled for December 31.
Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel explained that the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon has a
live band after every mile. The marathon starts and ends at the Indian
Wells Tennis Garden, and the City of Palm Desert has put in some money
for the Police Department to maintain the streets. He mentioned that the
Marriott is one of the sponsoring hotels. It will start at 10:00 a.m. on New
Year's Eve.
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CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4
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SEPTEMBER 19, 2011
Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel commented that a Red Lobster will be built where
the old Bananaz Restaurant building used to be. At the next City Council
meeting, there will be a request for fagade enhancement funds to install
drywells throughout the property to take care of any ground water.
C. PLANNING COMMISSION LIAISON
D. STAFF
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Upon a unanimous motion by the Project Area No. 4 Committee, the
meeting was adjourned at 3:35 p.m.
Monica O'Reilly, Recording Secrgry
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