DESERT HOT SPRINGS

SKYBORNE

WANTS MONEY BACK

BY LESLIE ANDREWS

DESERT HOT SPRINGS

, CA- When the Skyborne Housing Development was proposed back in 2005, a new fire station and a new park were promised to the city of Desert Hot Springs. Three years later, a new fire station has emerged, but the new park was never built. Now Skyborne developer D.R.Horton wants reimbursement. During a study session held Tuesday afternoon, the Desert Hot Springs City Council discussed how to go about handling the development. Mayor Pro Tem Scott Matas recused himself from this discussion due to leasing a home in the development which he intended on buying. City Attorney Ruben Duran stated, "This item has been on the study session agenda for some time. I recommend that this development be scheduled for closed session. I recommend that you proceed with limitations.? At first, Councilmember Russell Betts made a motion to table this item for now, but without a second, his motion failed. But the rest of the council felt that some items of the Skyborne development be publicly men- tioned. Assistant City Manager Steven Mendoza gave a power point, explaining the history of Skyborne. He explained, "They haven't built the park but we have the fees. So we haven't double billed them.? The Development Agreement requires D.R. Horton to contribute $1.2 million of improvements to the Karen Avenue Park site with conjunction with donating the 5 acres of land. With that scenario, developer is paying twice. So they requested the city accept a bond in lieu of park fees and that they be reimbursed $354,240 in Quimby fees. The bond could guarantee completion of the park and provide financial security in the event the developer is unable to proceed. In turn, the developer will be able to use the $354,240 in cash flow to construct park improvements. Councilman Al Schmidt commented, "I've been involved in this whole thing from way back. I'm glad the DR Horton people are there. They've helped the city by being there. I think we ought to work with them any way that we can.? Councilman Karl Baker, Junior agreed with Schmidt. "I think it would be prudent that the decision be made by the council at a later date,? he said. Amy Moore, a representative from D.R. Horton, appeared to speak. "The reason why this came up is because we're looking for permits. I look at the permits and there's a park land fee. I realize that this was an accident that none of us caught. That's what had us with staff. Certainly, we've paid the fees but we're still on the hook for the $1.2 million,? she stated to the council. "I'm going to

Give DR Horton their money back? Say what? According to reliable sources and widely published media reports, DR Horton is moving out of Southern California. All of their properties are for sale. As for Skyborne being "biggest asset and the most prized possession.? If you believe that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I will sell you. Our leaders once again looking at the world through rose colored glasses? All this after one week ago telling us the city is going to be non-existent if we don't approve a measure for paying higher property taxes? Get real, people.

Bill Effinger

be coming to staff to provide the necessary presentation items that we come to village at. That's what we would like to do. We want to start more houses and we have the biggest asset and the most prized possession. DR Horton has a personal interest in the community. We've had a wonderful relationship with the city from day one. It's important to us.? The date for discussion on whether or not to repay D.R. Horton will be scheduled sometime in July in a future closed session item.

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CHANGES IN CITY COUNCIL STRUCTURE IN DHS?

BY LESLIE ANDREWS

DESERT HOT SPRINGS

, CA- The City cities like Cathedral City begin their study ses- ses- Council of Desert Hot Springs discussed ways sions at 3:00 p.m. and do their regular session at to improve the layout of the city council meet- 6:30 p.m. The same was considered for Desert ings during their study session Tuesday night. Hot Springs. One suggestion that was brought up was to To restructure the city council agenda was change the time that meetings start from 6:00 also talked about. Mayor Yvonne Parks suggest- p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Council member Russell Betts ed that public hearings should go before public wasn't too sympathetic of this idea, as he men- comments take place, just as they already are in tioned, "When Gary Bosworth was still alive, Palm Springs during their meetings. he had a hard time making it to the meetings by Raises in allowances were also brought up, six.? Also, he mentioned that most people work as auto allowances could rise to $600 and the from nine to five and the current time was fine council salaries could see an increase, like RDA for them. However, Al Schmidt commented, "If meetings could go up to $75 per meeting, with a someone wants to be here, they will be here at maximum of two meetings per month. 5.? No decision was made, but stay tuned for Also, the topic of when study sessions the changes as they will appear before a future should be held was brought up. Some valley council meeting.