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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2012/11/29 Jt Parks & RecMINUTES OF A JOINT CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA November 29. 2012 6:30 p.m. Vice Chair Gerace called a Special Meeting of the Pazks and Recreation Commission to order at 6:36 p.m. in the Community Room in the Police Department located at 315 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Boardmembers Boehm, Buddingh, Gazza, Scott, Vogel, and Vice Chair Gerace ABSENT: Chair Chambers ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Sandoval, City Attorney Googins, Director of Library and Pazks and Recreation Waznis, Director of Public Works Hopkins, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation McClure, and Senior Deputy City Clerk Bigelow PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG AND MOMENT OF SILENCE Vice Chair Gerace led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Cox called the Joint City Council Workshop/Special Meeting of the City Council to order at 6:39 p.m. in the Community Room in the Police Department located at 315 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Bensoussan, Ramirez and Mayor Cox ABSENT: Councilmembers Aguilar (excused) and Castaneda WORKSHOP 1. FORUM WITH THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION RELATED TO THE WORK OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Councilmember Ramirez thanked the Commissioners for their service to the City of Chula Vista. He stated the reasons he supported the merge of the Librazy and Recreation Departments. Page 1 Council Workshop Minutes November 29, 2012 In response to a question from Commissioner Buddingh, City Manager Sandoval stated the budget savings as a result of merging the Librazy and Recreation Departments was essentially the difference between the salazies of the Director of Recreation and the Assistant Director of Recreation hired. He also confirmed there were one-time costs, including the severance package for the departing Director of Recreation and stated that it could not be confirmed at that time whether there would be impacts to grant revenue. Mayor Cox stated members of the Friends of the Librazy and Parks and Recreation, as well as the departments' commissions had expressed opposition to the merging of the two departments. She stated that an item would be considered by the City Council in 2013 to re-separate the departments; however funding to do so could not be allocated until the next budget year. Councilmember Bensoussan clazified that the order of the events was that the Director of Recreation position was eliminated at one meeting and then at a subsequent meeting, the Assistant Director of Recreation was added and further that the merge was to be a trial merge for a period of time to evaluate the outcome of merging the departments. City Manager Sandoval confirmed Councilmember Bensoussan's statements. He also stated that during the trial period, staff was to evaluate opportunities for the Recreation and Librazy Departments to collaborate. That report would be made available to Council in 2013 and should any structural changes be made, they would take effect in the new budget year. Councilmember Bensoussan spoke in support of providing adequate opportunities for input from commissioners and members of the public on such issues before they are brought before Council. She also stated she supported the idea of the departments collaborating on providing services. Director of Public Works Hopkins provided an example of collaboration between the Engineering and Police Departments to provide services to residents. Commissioner Buddingh stated he felt the Commission did need to keep an open mind on how to provide services with the reduction in budget and also spoke in support of the Commission being consulted and permitted to provide input prior to decisions being made. Commissioner Garza thanked the Council, Commission, staff, and members of the public for being present at the meeting. He stated that he understood the role of the Council in running the City. He also expressed concern with the Commission not being consulted or permitted to provide input before the departments were merged. Commissioner Boehm requested clarification on the long-term vision of the merging of the departments. Mayor Cox responded that the Council would consider the long-term plan in January or Febrnazy 2013. Commissioner Vogel stated that in 2011, the Commission supported the recommendation of the City Manager to keep the Library and Recreation Departments sepazate. He expressed concern regarding the lack of notice the Commission was given when the item was discussed again in 2012. Assistant Director of Recreation McClure introduced herself and provided information on her background and education. Page 2 ~ Council Workshop Minutes November 29, 2012 Councilmember Ramirez addressed the concerns regarding the Commission not being consulted prior to the decision being made to merge the departments. He encouraged the Commission to view the situation as an opportunity and stated its input and ideas were vital to continuing to provide public services. He stated he would support retaining all savings and additional revenue in the departments to fund services. Vice Chair Gerace recognized the value and experience of the Commissioners and expressed the Commission's desire to provide input and requested information on the formal process for it to provide feedback. Commissioner Buddingh suggested that the City consider partnering with the Chula Vista Elementary School District to allow joint use of playgrounds and school facilities. Mayor Cox responded with the existing structure in place for joint use. City Attorney Googins provided additional information on legal considerations. Commissioner Scott requested additional information on the reasons behind consolidation of the departments. In response, Mayor Cox stated that the merge was not the recommendation of the City Manager, but instead was the decision of a majority of the Council. Councilmember Ramirez encouraged the Commission to gain an understanding of both the Library and Recreation departments, existing and potential sources of funding, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Councilmember Bensoussan stated she did not support the merging of the departments and that the Council had not established along-term vision for the consolidation. She stated before additional changes are implemented, she would like to consider input from the Commission. Commissioner Vogel thanked the Council for meeting with the Commission. He expressed concern with past increases in fees not being retained in the Recreation Department's programs. City Manager Sandoval stated that the Recreation Department is not self-funded and that a collaboration of City and nonprofit services and funding provide recreation services throughout the City. He stated that staff would solicit information from the Commission prior to taking an item to the Council. Commissioner Vogel spoke in support of reinstating the park ranger positions and key after- school hours. Commissioner Garza spoke in support of consulting the Commissioners and the community prior to making major decisions regarding City services. Mayor Cox stated the Commission would be informed when an item regarding Recreation and Library Departments would be considered by Council via the Commission's staff liaisons. Councilmember Ramirez encouraged the Commission to determine its priorities and work with staff to ensure those items are on the agenda. Mayor Cox recognized the quality of City staff and encouraged the Commission to work with them. Page 3 Council Workshop Minutes November 29, 2012 ADJOURNMENT At 8:04 p.m., Vice Chair Gerace adjourned the Pazks and Recreation Commission meeting. At 8:04 p.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the City Council meeting to a Special City Council and Housing Authority Meeting on December 4, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Kerry K. gelo enior Deputy City Clerk Page 4 ~ Council Workshop Minutes November 29, 2012