DHS City Council - February 7

The audio recording of this meeting of the Desert Hot Springs City Council is available here.

There was an item on the agenda to approve easement documents for Edison and Verizon at the Health & Wellness Center. City Manager Daniels asked to have that pulled off of the agenda so it could be rescheduled for the next city council meeting.

Presentations

Queen Scheherazade and her Royal Court came up to make the annual announcement of events at the upcoming Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival, February 17-26, 2012. [I've already posted information about it here.]

Code Enforcement Report

Al Sengstock made this report. He showed a powerpoint with statistics from last quarter and photos of properties that have been improved due to code enforcement.

Councilmember Pye asked about Bank of America. Mr. Sengstock said good relationships have been developed with many financial institutions in the area. Code enforcement has direct contact with actual humans (termed "oxygen breathers" by Mr. Sengstock) at some banks.

Councilmember Betts commented on a house on Pico in Rancho Del Oro. He said it had been trash strewn and has been cleaned up after a response from code enforcement.

Badge Pinning

Chief Williams said the swearing in of new police officer Greg Blum had been postponed.

Rayce Jonsrud

Rayce Jonsrud was presented a certificate of recognition by Mayor Parks for all his work on the DHS Spa Tour.

Whereas, three years ago Rayce Jonsrud saw the need for the spas of Desert Hot Springs to be showcased and took it upon himself to create the Desert Hot Springs Spa Tour. Whereas, there had been some meager attempts to hold a tour in the past, but Rayce Jonsrud had a vision of a much larger and more sophisticated event. And, whereas with vision, creativity, and determination, Rayce Jonsrud carved out an event that has been sold out for three years running, and has become known valley-wide as a premier event for Desert Hot Springs. And, whereas Rayce Jonsrud wrote press releases, served as liaison to the spa owners, Cabot's Museum, the Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention and Visitors Authority, the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce; helmed every committee meeting, organized the touring coaches, organized food and beverage service at Cabot's Museum, and was the person everyone looked to for direction. And, whereas while he is not a spa owner himself, is not affiliated with a spa, and is without motive of financial reward, Rayce Jonsrud selflessly donated his time and creative energy to craft an event that is a shining star for Desert Hot Springs. And, whereas the Desert Hot Springs Spa Tour has brought more visitors than ever before to discover our amazing collection of healing spas in California's Spa City, and spa owners and citizens alike are indebted to Rayce for his vision, hard work, and dedication. And now, therefore, I Mayor Yvonne Parks on behalf of the City of Desert Hot Springs and the City of Desert Hot Springs City Council hereby recognize Rayce Jonsrud for his exceptional leadership.

Mr. Jonsrud encouraged those who had not been on the spa tour to get a ticket for next year's tour, because the spas are so amazing. He called them "gems of the desert." The spa owners, the people at Cabot's, Lorraine Becker, Judy Bowman and all the other involved in it put a tremendous effort into the tour, he said.

He then made a presentation to the co-winner of the grand prize who was (believe it or not) Eric Pontius. This was for two days and one night at the Miracle Springs Resort & Spa with dinner for two at the Capri and two Swedish massages.

The "Grand Grand Prize" went to Rick Sturms. Mr. Sturms is a teacher at DHS High School. This was the first year he had gone on the spa tour. He won the "Fall In Love With Two Bunch Palms" package which includes: two nights in a suite at Two Bunch Palms Resort, two 60-minute spa treatments, breakfast, dinner for two.

Rick Sturms and Rayce Jonsrud.

Public Comments

Lisa Castilone from Grid Alternatives, a non-profit solar company, came up to speak. She said they have been providing solar for low-income families. They have installed solar on 26 homes and approved 18 more. They have pulled building permits worth $16,900 so far, and plan to pull $11,700 more. (That's $650 per permit). They use volunteers and hired subcontractors. The subcontractors are all locally licensed. Each is required to hire one job trainee locally. She said the permitting fee is high and said they would like to see some reduction in that because they are only installing on the homes of low-income families.

Mike Egan said he needs some help. He works for Group Egan, Inc. a company hired by banks to manage, market and sell assets. [Properties, I think]. On January 5, 2012, Fannie Mae assigned to them 11263 Pomelo Drive. On January 23 the bank sent a copy of a $1,000 fine dated November 7, 2011. "Two months before the bank owned the home," he said. Mr. Egan contacted code enforcement on January 23 and was told that Theresa, the ticketing officer, was out sick and to call back later. After several days he called back and left a voice mail. Theresa returned his call the same day and explained the violation. He asked her, "How can you hold the bank responsible for the condition of the property months before they legally owned it." She cut him off to ask if they could have an intelligent conversation. Theresa told him the bank becomes responsible for the property as soon as the owner stops making payments. He asked her to email him any photos or documentation she had. After waiting a few hours without receiving anything, Mr. Egan called her again. Theresa passed his call on to Mr. Sengstock who told him to file an open records request. Mr. Egan asked him why he couldn't just send it. Mr. Sengstock told him to request it via email. Mr. Egan did so. He received a response telling him to go to the bank for the information.

Here Mr. Egan's 3 minutes expired, so he just asked "What do I do?" Mayor Parks said Mr. Egan had sent her an email and she had forwarded it to Chief Williams. Mr. Egan said the fines went from $1,000 for "weeds and two dead palm fronds" to $10,500. Mr. Egan held up a photo of the property when the bank took possession. City Attorney Duran cut off the conversation at this point. Chief Williams said that Mr. Egan could leave the photo at the back table so all could see it, but it wasn't there later when I looked. The Chief instructed Commander Singer to confer with Mr. Egan.

George Fisher said Saturday, February 25 is the "Shake, Rattle & Roll Expo" at DHS High School, 10 AM to 2 PM. The spring CERT class will be May 18, 19 and 20. The class if full, but there is a wait list, so you can still apply. There will be a CERT sign up sheet at the earthquake expo.

Bruce Montgomery announced the Christmas Store fundraiser that was to take place on February 17. He also said that the music classes by Ellie Ward at Grace Church are continuing. Many musical instruments have been donated. They need more students. She teaches vocal, keyboard, guitar and violin to students from 1st grade through high school. Classes are on Saturdays at Grace Church on Bubbling Wells Road. Fees are $45/month or $110 for 3 months. To sign up contact Ellie Ward at 760-329-5338.

Heather Coladonato spoke next. She is the business development and marketing director for the Chamber of Commerce. The business mixer was February 15 at Party Lab in Palm Springs. The Leadership Breakfast will be at Mission Lakes CC, 7 AM on Wednesday, February 22. Bob Bogard from the Palm Springs Art Museum will speak, along with Mitch from Red Jeep Tours [Desert Adventures]. There will be a ribbon cutting for Pro Net Properties on February 29 at noon. RSVP to Jessica Gilbert at Pro Net. Lunch will be served. The Spa Tour raffle winners are listed here on the Chamber website.

Heather Coladonato.

Mike Platt spoke next about Little League Baseball. They need players. Ages are from 4 to 16. They are looking for sponsors, too. If you want to sponsor a kid or a team, go down to the UPS Store or call Mr. Platt at 760-408-4452.

Jeff Bowman, owner of Living Waters Spa and MSWD Director, asked if 10 years ago anyone could have imagined that on TripAdvisor 8 of our city's spas have won spots in the list of Top 25 Relaxation/Spas. He gave credit to the owners of the spas, who care for the city, and protecting their business. He became a Public Safety Commissioner shortly after coming to Desert Hot Springs in 2004. He said this recognition of our spas would not be possible if we did not have a safe city. "We have a safe city, and that safe city started to come into being when the city staff and council had the foresight to hire Pat Williams." He said that "some of you have been in the press lately," for which he was very sorry. He predicted they would attack the chief. He said there are a lot of people in town who understand where we were, where we are now, and that it's because of "you guys stepping up and doing an amazing job." Crime has dropped under Chief Williams. Mr. Bowman called him "a police chief's police chief. And, God, I hope we never lose him."

Michael Scott is a Junior at DHS High School got up and made his appeal for support so he can go to Omaha to compete in the Omaha National World Series. I published a post about that earlier, so you should read that to get full information. Councilmember Matas pointed out that Mr. Scott began playing t-ball in DHS at age 5.

Marjorie Dennis is the volunteer coordinator at Food Now. Last year they provided 100,000 meals. Roughy 550 families come each week for food. No one is turned away. 1,890 individual families are registered. Food Now will have a Chili Cook-Off Saturday, February 25 at Dillon Roadhouse on Dillon Road from 2 to 6 PM. Tickets are $15. Food Now can feed a family of four with only $5. There will be music and auctions. All proceeds go to Food Now. Call 760-329-4100 ext 231 to get tickets. Ask for Dave or Marge.

Councilmember Sanchez asked if they are still looking for chefs. They are. Mr. Sanchez said he had already clicked the "Yes" button to say he would do it, but he wanted to know if he could have a restaurant cook the chili for him. [Groans from the audience.] Ms. Dennis said he could do it anyway he wants, "Just bring the chili." There was a discussion of whether Mrs. Sanchez would do it, or if Councilmember Betts would help him.

Florence Martin said she is from a law enforcement family. She said she won't comment on internal police matters, because she doesn't have the facts. She finds some recent comments assailing the leadership of the DHS PD disturbing. Pat Williams became Chief about the same time she moved to DHS. Before that gangs ruled DHS. Under Chief Williams the size of the department has doubled. He has initiated programs to combat crime and improve communications with the community. He coordinated with other agencies to lead Operation Falling Sun. He cut the number of parolees living in DHS in half. As a result there has been a significant reduction in crime. She said her husband, Russ, is always impressed with how fast crime is solved in this city. There are two reasons: outstanding police work and positive community relations. People are willing to come forward and provide vital information to the police. The DHS PD is well respected and trusted statewide. The level of professionalism and outstanding product provided to the citizens didn't happen in a vacuum. It is due to the hard work of the police combined with the strong leadership of Chief Pat Williams.

Dot Reed announced the DHS Historical Society Soup Supper will be held Thursday, March 1 at Miracle Springs hotel at 6 PM. Donation is $15. Reservations are required: 760-251-4549. The speaker will be Paul Gregory, who is age 92.

She went on to address a comment to "all the people who think that they could do a better job." She asked if their heart is in what's best for them or what's best for the city. "What have you done in the way of promoting our city, or is it just for your benefit?" She asked if those people volunteer. She identified several volunteers at the meeting that night. She has lived here for 34 years. She said a few people are now vying for attention by making rash and untrue statements.

Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency Oversight Board Nominees

The task here was for the city to select its three nominees to the RDA Oversight Board. The RDA Oversight Board for Desert Hot Springs will be made up of seven individuals:

1. One member appointed by the County Board of Supervisors;
2. One member appointed by the Mayor for the city that formed the Redevelopment Agency [not at this city council meeting];
3. One member appointed by the largest special district, by property tax share, with territory in the territorial jurisdiction of the former Redevelopment Agency, which is of the type of special district that is eligible to receive property tax revenues pursuant to Section 34188;
4. One member appointed by the County Superintendent of Education to represent schools if the superintendent is elected. If the County Superintendent of Education is appointed, then the appointment made pursuant to this paragraph shall be made by the County Board of Education;
5. One member appointed by the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges to represent community college districts in the County;
6. One member of the public appointed by the County Board of Supervisors; and
7. One member representing the employees of the former Redevelopment Agency appointed by the Mayor or Chair of the Board of Supervisors, as the case may be, from the recognized employee organization representing the largest number of former Redevelopment Agency employees employed by the successor agency at that time.

I don't know what the difference might be between items 1 and 6, nor why they aren't combined to just say two people appointed by the Board of Supervisors.

Item 3 is the Mission Springs Water District and Director Russ Martin has been appointed by MSWD for that spot.

Here is the list of people who showed interest in being appointed:

• John Pinkney
• Colleen Farber
• Tim Brophy
• Jack Becker
• John Brown
• Jim Kozak
• John Gerardi
• Elizabeth Versace
• Dr. Paul Ross
• Tom Moen
• George Fisher
• Dan Gibbons
• Nancy Wright
• Russ Martin
• Jeff Bowman
• Lorraine Becker
• Richard Cromwell
• Elizabeth Swisher
• Joe McKee
• Chuck McDaniel

Mayor Parks said there was a supplemental list of people who showed interest, but I haven't seen that list and it wasn't read out, but judging from the voting later Marilyn Heidrick must have been one of them, along with Gerald Pope, Michael O'Keefe, and Max Liebermann.

Councilmember Pye said the council should consider how long the applicant has been living in the city to see what RDA has done and hasn't done. The city council should be "pretty comfortable" that the selected people would never have to abstain from a vote due to a potential conflict of interest. For example, someone who is in real estate and wants to sell the RDA property could have frequent potential conflicts of interest, requiring him or her to abstain from votes. "We have to have votes every time," she said.

Mayor Parks said the people should be familiar with the city, but can devote the time and energy to the job.

Councilmember Sanchez asked if Ms. Pye meant she preferred someone with longevity. Ms. Pye confirmed that was correct, that she preferred someone experienced with RDA activities. Mr. Sanchez said that's important, but people who have just moved here in the last year are new blood, and that's important.

Mayor Parks asked each council member to select three. After one round of this, the low vote getters would be off the list, and then they would repeat process until a consensus was reached.

Mr. Betts selected Marilyn Heidrick, Joe McKee and Russ Martin. At this point Russ Martin let him know that he had already been selected by the water district, so Mr. Betts switched to Gerald Pope.

Mr. Sanchez: Gerald Pope, Michael O'Keefe and Max Liebermann.

Mayor Parks: Michael O'Keefe, Tom Moen and Tim Brophy. Then Ms. Parks expressed some concern that Mr. Brophy might have a potential conflict. "I don't know if his partner would want to purchase a property." Mr. Brophy was in attendance, but did not respond.

Ms. Pye: Michael O'Keefe, Marilyn Heidrick and Elizabeth Swisher. She said Elizabeth Swisher was formerly known as Elizabeth Scott Donnelly and had been a member of the city council. She is a CPA and has lived in DHS for 20 years.

Mr. Matas: Michael O'Keefe, Jeff Bowman and John Gerardi.

Ms. Pye said that since Michael O'Keefe received four votes, he was in, and the council needed to revote for the other two. Mr. Matas clarified that those who got no votes in this first round were off the list.

Mr. Betts: Marilyn Heidrick and Elizabeth Swisher.

Mr. Sanchez: Gerald Pope and Max Liebermann.

Ms. Parks: Jeff Bowman and Elizabeth Swisher.

Ms. Pye: Marilyn Heidrick and Elizabeth Swisher.

Mr. Matas: Elizabeth Swisher and Marilyn Heidrick.

With three votes for each, it was Marilyn Heidrick and Elizabeth Swisher. Their names along with Michael O'Keefe would be submitted to Supervisor Benoit.

Consent Calendar

Approved by a vote 5-0, the consent calendar including these items:

• Joe McKee's commissioner application, on which he also forgot to fill in the blank to indicate how long he has been a registered voter in DHS.
• Awarded a contract for Safe Routes To School (Cycle 8) to Tri-Star whose bid was $639,512.30. The next bid was from Hillcrest Contracting of Corona in the amount of $685,309. Each bid exceeded the funding allocated, so the city has decided to postpone improvements at West & Pierson and West & Hacienda to a later cycle. Tri-Star revised its bid to $425,690. The state is funding $383,121. Councilmember Matas recused himself from this item because his business is close to the improvements that will be made on Two Bunch Palms Trail.

Consulting Contract With Development Management Group

Development Management Group has been acting as the city's Economic Developer. The original contract was with the RDA. This item is to extend their contract to the end of June 2012. Up to $60,000. Their work "has provided key resources to help deliver the following:" $3 million grant for infrastructure to promote business in the Indian/Dillon area, Dollar General, Aloha Systems solar on Dillon Road, "interest and recruitment activities."

"The cost for providing economic development services will be recovered through receipt of fees paid by developers on development applications and through reimbursement of project costs." The quotes are from the staff report.

Mr. Betts moved to approve with one additional condition: "that Mr. Bracken make himself available for three hours a quarter - I understand it's a 6-month contract? - that Mr. Bracken make himself available to the other three councilmembers who are not on the economic commission for a 1-hour briefing once a quarter - so that would be a total of 6 hours - and that those be in addition to the contract without being billed." Seconded by Mr. Sanchez.

Ms. Pye said that since Mr. Bracken was present, she thought the council should ask him. Mr. Bracken came to the podium. He said he agreed "absolutely," and that there already are provisions in the contract for that. Mr. Betts clarified his motion to say that arrangements to meet with Mr. Bracken should be made through the City Manager.

Mr. Sanchez said he is sure he has met Mr. Bracken at least once. And that he's very impressed with the amount of success he's had, and we are "honored and privileged to have one of the best men in the valley moving the city forward." He gave kudos to Rick Daniels as well.

Mr. Matas spoke on behalf of the Economic Development Committee, which he co-chairs with Ms. Pye. He said they've had great experience with Mr. Bracken. Mr. Bracken's collaboration with the city at last year's ICSC has put hundreds of thousands of dollars in the pipeline to DHS as sales tax revenue.

Ms. Pye wanted to share with DHS what this company has donen for the city:

• Aloha Energy Systems
• Dollar General
• KMart (trying to find a way to retain KMart once WalMart comes in)
• Noble Wind Project
• Flamingo Hotel
• County facilities in the city
• Campañero retail at Dillon & Palm
• Tahiti Partners
• Development grant for North Indian Canyon & Dillon Road
• Spearheaded a meeting for Chinese nationals
• Working on a meeting with Russian nationals
• Other unnamed retail businesses
• The "Fam" Tour - still producing positive results

She said there are a lot of things in the pipeline right now and he is the first line contact for DHS.

Approved 5-0.

"Desert Hot Springs" Signs On Indian/I-10 Interchange

This is to authorize $80,570 for the script lettering signs on the new Indian Canyon bridges at I-10.

Mr. Betts asked if there was any assurance that these letters would be more visible than the ones on the Palm Drive bridges.

City Manager Daniels said staff had had the very same concern. Initially, it was going to say only "Palm Springs." Then the City of PS agreed to share the space. The letters on Indian will be about double the size of the ones on Palm Drive. Also, there will be some lighting.

Mr. Matas asked about the difference in the portions of expense between the two cities. IOW, why is DHS paying more than Palm Springs?

The proposal from Granite for the signs starts with an identical charge for both cities. $49,500 each for script lettering. [Favor of DHS at this point.] On top of the $49,500 for DHS add the cost of brackets ($11,550), labor ($13,800), and traffic control ($5,720) and that brings you up to $80,570.

Palm Springs, however, starts with the same $49,500. The original supplier for Palm Springs has backed out gracefully and Granite had to seek a new supplier. It appears they already paid their first supplier ($25,030). So that gets transferred to the new supplier and deducted from the $49,500 for a net cost at this point to Palm Springs of $24,470.

Mr. Daniels explained that Palm Springs came up with idea 7 or 8 years ago and at that time they paid some money for that. He said it is his understanding that it all comes out equal, but that before the city sends a check he will check on those amounts to be sure they are correct. If it comes up different he'll bring it back to the city council.

Approved 5-0.

Reports & Comments

Mr. Sanchez has been reading On the Desert Since 1913, columns written by Cabot Yerxa, edited by Richard Brown. He read a paragraph from the book, January 14, 1954.

We have recently had our presidential primary election out here in the desert, just like in more settled parts of these United States. but did you ever consider how different this might be from usual conditions in New York City, for instance? The voting place was just a cabin somewhere centrally located, but we who served on the election board traveled 14 miles. I walked 14 miles, but Merry Xmas, my burro, carried the lunch to serve and canteens of water. (In those days all men carried their own drinking water.) Our voting precinct lies out in the desert and comprises roughly 350 square miles of territory, more or less, and mostly more.

"Yours with a view of 35 miles and nothing in the way, Cabot Yerxa."

Mr. Sanchez went to Sacramento for two days with Mr. Daniels and met and networked. They visited Assemblyman Perez's office to talk about the Sentinel mitigation funds.

He reminded us that he has volunteered to coordinate the Christmas parade. People have approached him to also do July 4. In December they want to coordinate the parade and the tree lighting. He said that if Mr. Betts joined him he was sure they could put on two good events.

He said he met with Chief Williams and City Manager Daniels that day to discuss doing juvenile crime prevention ad hoc committee. Probably 3 Public Safety Commissioners plus two Council Members. Possibly with two community members. He said it's good to learn from the experience of someone who has abandoned the gang culture. He proposed sharing this committee with Scott Matas.

Ms. Pye said she supported both ad hoc committee proposals put forth by Mr. Sanchez, she just didn't know what the council should to put them in action.

She suggested July 4 ideas be brought to the CCAC, since it has been on their "wish list."

March 9 at 9 AM will be a ribbon cutting at I-10 and Indian [near the Shell station] to celebrate the opening of both the Indian overpasses and the Palm Drive/Gene Autry overpasses.

Cabot's grounds were packed for the Spa Tour, she said. 600 people visited the El Moroccan [my math tells me we may have 150 people still riding a shuttle bus somewhere]. The Miracle Springs reception was full too.

On the very same night went to the DVBA general membership meeting [yes, Ms. Pye does have a jetpack]. There she learned about this proposal by Tim Krantz, Professor of Environmental Studies at University of Redlands to deal with the Salton Sea. The proposal includes creation of biodiesel, geothermal and solar energies.

Someone had sent Ms. Pye an anonymous message that must have asked something about MSWD. Ms. Pye said that the city has no jurisdiction over the water district. Water district does the water. The city does the city. And they cooperate on infrastructure.

Mr. Matas said the film commission has now put together a subcommittee of individuals from the community [more volunteers] and has created a website which is being built now.

The Youth Council will put together a team for Relay For Life. They are also going to support Food Now via food drives at the schools.

The high school has set up a room, Room 280, that is available to parents from 9:30 AM to 4 PM on school days where help is available for filling out forms to get food aid, to help with college applications, to help with grants, fundraising, everything. There is a computer center there too which parents can use to check the grades of their children.

He also announced the March 9 ribbon cuttings for the two I-10 interchanges.

There is an app available at IE511.org that will you traffic updates. [Note that this was before the big I-10 traffic jam, and it wouldn't have helped for that].

Community Baptist Church is still actively interested in community gardens.

Mr. Matas said he would be happy to work with Mr. Sanchez on the committee, with Mr. Sanchez as chair.

Mayor Parks and Rick Daniels attended a breakfast with Bill Clinton.

At the CVAG Executive Committee meeting on January 30 one of the items was the application for planning grants for the "Whitewater path." She made it clear that DHS is not ready to support the path, but willing to accept it in concept. More information is needed on how it would be financed.

Mr. Betts proposed a "Welcome Back From Iraq." Move July 4 fireworks to June 30 and the cost of fireworks drops from $30,000 to $8,000 for the same show. He has been in touch with the Community Affairs Service Officer at 29 Palms and buses are beng arranged. The event would be combined concert and fireworks.

Seven people are meeting as the Streets Committee, but they are going to change the name of the group. Every Wednesday 9 AM at the Carl May are their meetings. All are welcome. Their goal is to make the city more beautiful.

He said the city needs to do a better job that the jobs it creates go to residents of this community.

He read part of an email from a potential investor who asked why things are backward compared to other cities in the area. He said we need to set higher standards for everything.

City Manager Daniels said that code enforcement has cited homeowners for pool-dumping. When you empty your pool, it's supposed to go into a truck or into a retention basin, not down the street into a storm drain.

Walmart is in the midst of the environmental report. It should come to the city later this month or early next. It will come to the Planning Commission in late April or May. Then to the City Council in late May or June. If approved, it could begin construction in September.

Mr. Daniels is working to make sure the commercial developments near Indian and I-10 have sufficient U.S.P.S. support for their business after the North Palm Springs Post Office closes in a few months.

The wind structure at city hall was built to code in all aspects, by a company from Cathedral City that hired DHS residents. We all need to create as many local jobs as possible, and there needs to be an acknowledgement that a considerable effort is already being made, but we can always improve. That's our mantra for the next year, he said. "We're going to get better."

Chief Williams said there will be good opportunities in the creation of an ad hoc committee to address youth crime. He said the police have been engaged in intensive traffic enforcement at Palm and I-10. They are ticketing anyone who tries to get around the back up by driving on the shoulder or out across open desert.