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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1974/05/22 MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR M~EETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Held Wednesday BUDGET SESSION NO. 3 May 22, 1974 An adjourned regular meeting of the City Council of Chula Vista, California was held on the above date beginning at 8:30 p.m., in the Council Conference Room, Civic Center, 276 Fourth Avenue, with the following Councilmen present: Councilmen Hobel, Hamilton, Hyde, Egdahl Councilmen absent: Councilman Scott Staff present: City Manager Thomson, Assistant City Manager Bourcier, Director of Finance Grant, (City Attorney Lin~berg arrived for the Executive Session). GAS TAX City Manager Thomson explained that the Gas Tax and Capital Improvement Program sections were combined. These are balanced even though the Gas Tax interest is carried over in a separate control account. Administrative Account Mr. william Robens, Assistant Director of Public Works, in answer to Councilman Hyde's query, explained the procedure where- by certain Gas Tax funds are placed in the General Fund to cover administrative costs of Gas Tax projects. Mr. Robens then detailed the expenditures under the 2107 and 2107.5 Funds. ACTIVITY NO. 6300 It was moved by Councilman Hyde, seconded by 2107 Funds - Gas Tax Councilman Egdahl and unanimously carried that Activities Nos. 6300 and 6400 be adopted as recommended by the City Manager° ACTIVITY NO. 6400 2107.5 Funds - Gas Tax Engineering CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Mr. Robens reviewed the Program for 1974-75 noting the priorities and costs involved. SC-4 Storm Drain, Whitney at Mr~ Robens stated that this should be Hilltop Drive - $37,000 under Special Capital Outlay Fund, instead (partial funding) of the General Fund, as listed. City Manager Thomson explained that this was done primarily for budget balance. Councilman Hyde commented that it was his understanding that the Capital Outlay Fund was established primarily for major capital improvement projects that would be of gen- eral benefit to the entire community. He added that he did not consider this project a "special one" - it would be more in the line of a routine project~ Gas Tax Funds Construction Mr. Roberts reviewed the 18 projects listed. Projects Traffic Signal Installation Mr. Robens commented that the City would be "L" Street and Industrial Blvdo trying to get the State to cooperate on this traffic installation° Adjourned City Council Meeting Page 2 May 22, 1974 Councilman Egdahl remarked that he couldn't see the logic of why the motorists must make a left turn to get onto I-5 to go North. He felt the on-ramp should have gone off from the North side of "L" Street. Motion for correction It was moved by Councilman Egdahl and second- ed by Councilman Hyde to request the State Division of Highways to consider correcting this on-ramp. Councilman Hyde indicated the staff should be asked first for a presentation as to why this was constructed in this fashion. Motion withdrawn Councilman Egdahl withdrew the motion; Councilman Hyde withdrew the second. Motion to hear representative It was moved by Councilman Egdahl, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that a representative of the State Division of Highways meet with the Council, to explain why this was constructed the way it was, and to listen to the Council's request to change it. Lights along Third Avenue Councilman Hobel mentioned that three years ago, he brought up the subject of safety lighting on Third Avenue between "G" and "I" Streets, and it is not listed on any of these projects. Mr. Robens indicated that he was not aware of this request; the City could perhaps get the San Diego Gas and Electric Company to put more tishts in on the wooden poles. Total Revenues City Manager Thomson reported that the total revenue the City gets from the State is $650,000. The total expenditures are $850,000. This will be made up by reducing the budgeted amount of money for certain projects 'such as storm drains ($60,000 ~ Council discussion Discussion followed in which Director of Finance Grant reviewed the revenue sharing funds and balances in the Capital Improve- ment and Revenue Programs. Capital Improvement Projects Mr. Roberts briefly discussed the projects listed under the 1975-76 and 1976-77 Programs. Park Facility West of Broadway Council discussed the lack of park facilities west of Broadway. City Manager Thomson com- mented that the concern was to maximize limited funds. Perhaps on a policy basis, the City will have to pay the price of these properties - it won't get as mueh for the dollar - 5ut areas that are lacking will be served more adequately. Help from the Federal Government Mayor Hamilton remarked that this is a dilemma faced by many cltles~ and perhaps the Federal Government recognizes this and there is money available for such projects. Adjourned City Council Meeting Page 3 May 22, 1974 Councilman Hobel suggested developing the elementary school sites that are near the West side - develop them in such a way that they ~ould be used on weekends and holidays for picnic areas. Motion for staff study It was moved by Councilman HYde, seconded by Council- man Hob~l and Unanimously Carried that staff investigate the possibility of park improve- ment programs west of Broadway ("D" Street South) and make recommendations to Council as to possibilities and prospective costs. Councilman Hyde noted that no special time is designated for this study but he would like to see it in next year's CIP Program. Adoption of Capital Improvement It was moved by Councilman Hobel, seconded Program by Councilman Egdahl and unanimously carried that the 1974-75 Capital Improvement Program be adopted as presented. Included in motion Councilman Hobel included in his motion having the $37,000~ cost estimate for the storm drain at Whitney & Hilltop Drive be put into the General Fund rather than then Capital Outlay Fund. Councilman Egdahl seconded the inclusion and the motion carried unanimously. RECESS A recess was called at 10:04 p.m., and the meeting reconvened at 10:10 p.m. COMMUNITY PROMOTIONS Mrs. Pearl Specter, Coordinator~ submitted a request for $1,000~ for "Meals on Wheels". She answered Council's questions concerning the operation of this organization. "Meals on Wheels" funded It was moved by Councilman Egdahl~ seconded · y Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that the request for $1,000 be granted for "Meals on Wheels". BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Mrs. Jan Murphy, member of the International Friendship Cormnission, discussed the pro- posed budget. She noted the recommendation made by the City Manager was $2,800 and the Commission's original request was for $3~940. Priorities discussed Mrs. Murphy indicated that some of the items kept in the budget did not have high prior- %ties and could be eliminated to favor the more important projects, such as the trip to Irapuato for the essay c6ntest winners. This should be listed as having higher priority than dues tn the Town Affiliation Association andthe~ conference at Phoenix. Speaking against budgeted amount Councilman Hyde remarked that the amount requested by this Commission was four to five times higher than other commissions. I~ said he could not vote favorably on this o The whole concept of the commission is centered on a relationship between the City of Chula Vista and the City of Irapuato, Mexico, for a very limited number of people. Adjourned City Council Meeting Page 4 May 22, 1974 He found it difficult to substantiate that this activity is of any significant benefit to the City. It is not an international program - - it is a Sister City Program. Councilman Hyde noted the Mexican community ten miles from the City limits (Tijuana) for which nothing is being done to enhance this relationship. He added that he felt the commission's scope was too narrow. Mrs. Murphy answered that part of the com- misAion's program was foreign~exchange students, and there is a constant "feed- back" as a result of the Sister City pro- gram and the exchange programs. Councilman Hyde's suggestions Councilman Hyde suggested that the Council (1) approve a dollar figure not in excess of $1,500.; (2) refer the budget figure back to the International Friendship Commission and ask them to restructure it in that ceiling, and;(3) request that they broaden the scope of their activities to include more international programs than those that are indicated. Motion for $1,500 budget It was moved by Councilman Hyde and seconded by Councilman Egdahl that the budget for the International Friendship Commission be returned to them with the stipulation that the Council will not approve a budget amount in excess of $1,500. Speaking against motion Mayor Hamilton spoke against the motion indicating that the programs carried on by the commission were productive. Re took the opportunity to read many of the essays pre- pared by the students (400 were submitted this year) and feels the amount budgeted for this project was a good expenditure for the City. The Mayor noted t~at the funds in this project will be matched by community donations sought by the Commission. Motion failed The motion failed by the following vote, to- wit: Ayes: Councilmen Hyde, Egdahl NOES: Councilmen Hamilton, Hobel Absent: Councilman Scott Motion for $2,800 budget It was moved by Mayor Hamilton and seconded by Councilman Hobel for adoption of the budget as recormmended by the City Manager for $2,800 ,- priorities to be arranged within that amount to accomplish the programs by the International Friendship Commission. Council discussion Councilman Hyde felt the amount should be dropped to $2,550 and drop the Town Af- filiation dues and the trip to Phoenix. Councilman Egdahl said he would be willing to vote for the motion if there was an understanding that the specific expenditures would come back to the Council for approval prior to the adoption of the budget (3une 18)o Adjourned City Council Meeting Page 5 May 22, 1974 Mayor Hamilton stipulated that if the priorities were not brought back prior to this time, he would vote for Councilman Hyde's motion for $1,500. Motion carried Councilman Hyde indicated that he would compromise at $2,000. The motion carried by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Councilmen Hamilt~m, Hobel, Egdahl Noes: Councilman Hyde Absent: Councilman Scott ACTIVITY NO. 1110 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS It was moved by Councilman Hobel, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that Activity No. 1110, be approved as re- commended by the City Manager. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS NEWSLETTER The Council discussed re-issuance of the "Newsletter? Suggestions were made instead, to have a "Mayor's Column" in the local newspaper. Mayor Hamilton suggested that the City Manager ask the Chamber of Commerce if there would be any interest ~n their part in running something of community in- terest in their newsletter° SECRETARY TO BOARDS AND In answer to Council's questions, City Clerk COMMISSIONS Fulasz stated that she would recommend keeping the office of the Boards and Com- missions making no change in the present operation. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES City Manager Thomson explained that this City Attorney was a request for $2,000 for additional professional services in the City Attorney's office. Council Action sustained It was moved by Councilman Hobel, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that the Council sustain its previous action on this matter. TAPE RECORDER City Clerk Fulasz explained that the pre- City Clerk sent tape re~order was a little over eleven years old and in constant need of repair. She requested that it be replaced with another machine. The Communication Expert stated it would cost approximately $500. Request granted It was moved by Councilman Hyde, seconded by Councilman Hobel and unanimously carried that the request be granted in the amount of $500. ADVERTISING ACCOUNT City Clerk Fulasz reported that she spoke to Mr. Rebele of the STAR-NEWS. He explained that the City is payin$ $4~0 per c~ inch £or legal advertising. This rate has been in effect for two years, and is the same rate charged other cities~ school districts, etc. Council discussion The Council discussed ways and means of try- ing to cut down the costs of this account. Adjourned City Council Meeting Page 6 May 22, 1974 Mr. Bob Bourcier, Assistant City Manager, cormmented that when he worked in the Eng- ineering Division (San Diego), they had a legal opinion that they could publish a map in lieu of a legal description. In this way, they estimated a savings of $25,000. Motion for City Attorney Direction It was moved by Mayor Hamilton, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that the City Attorney give a legal opinion, such as that received by the City of San Diego, as to legal advertising, and further to employ briefly,as much as possible, when writing up the ordinances. SHUFFLEBOARD COURTS Director of Parks and Recreation Hall noted the petition received for renovating the shuffleboard courts at Memorial Park. City Manager Thomson indicated thmt the Council need take no action on this matter since it will be before them for consider- ation at the meeting of May 28, 1974. BENCHES ALONG THE STREETS City Manager Thomson cormnented that this request was one that the Council asked be brought back at budget time. It has been resolved in that it will be taken care of in the Grant. ENERGY COSTS ON THIRD AVENUE It was moved by Councilman Hyde, seconded by Councilman Egdahl and unanimously carried that the $50.00 for this expenditure (Christ- mas Lights) be put in the Parking Place Com- mission budget. JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT - Mro Thomson explained that this was a $60,000 Therapy Pool request for a joint powers agreement with the elementary school district to construct a therapy pool for the handicapped. Motion to defer It was moved by Mayor Hamilton, seconded by Councilman Hyde, and unanimously carried that this item be deferred until more infor- mation is available from the elementary and Sweetwater Union High School District and that it not be considered for this year's budget; however, if it gets to the stage where it can be considered by the City Council it be considered for the appropriate budget at that time. PARK RANGER City Manager Thomson explained that this position was in the PEP Program which is now being phased out. The CETA Program is running late and there will be a gap between the two programs. Two of these positions have been requested under the CETA Program. Mr. Hall~ Director of Parks and Recreation discussed the duties of the Park Ranger. In answer to the Council's question con- cerning vandalism, Mr. Hall stated that the Police Department is doing an excellent job now in patroling the parks, except Adjourned City Council Meeting Page 7 May 22, 1974 for (1) riding motorcycles in the parks, and, (2) having animals in the parks. He added that it was illegal to allow a dog in any public park, even though the dog is on a l~ash. Ordinance to be reviewed It was moved by Councilman Egdahl, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that the ordinance prohibiting animals in the parks be brought back to Council for review. Motion to defer action It was moved by Councilman Hyde, seconded by Councilman Hobel and unanimously carried that the Council defer action on this until a report is received from the staff con- cerning the necessity and desirability of having such service and proposals and ways and means of fulfilling it. TEMPORARY LIBRARIAN Mr. Thomson reviewed the request made by the City Librarian for a Librarian to assist the staff in the transition going from the old library to the new. This is a part- time position, running two years, an~ would cost $16,000. Mr. Thomson indicated he has not had a chance to totally evaluate this request and would prefer that it be deferred for the time being~ No action taken It was moved by Mayor ~milton, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that no action be taken on this request. REVENUE ESTIMATES Director of Finance Grant reviewed the Re- venue Estimates with the City Council. PROPERTY TAXES In answer to Council's query~ Mr. Grant discussed his basis for the estimated secured and unsecured amounts on the current taxes~ ASSESSED VALUATIONS Mr. Grant reported that he used the 5% valuation figure whereas the County Assessor has predicted it would be approximately 29%. Mr. Grant noted the method used by the County Assessor in arriving at this esti- mate, and remarked that no definite figure would be available until August. TRANSIENT TAX In answer to Council's questions, Mr. Grant indicated the decrease shown was a result of the gas shortage - people were not traveling and the motel and hotel owners were pre- dicting a big drop° However, with the current picture ( more gas for the motorists), Mr. Grant indicated that he would revise the figure shown to bring it up to $89,000 or $90,000. Council discussion Council discussion ensued on the figures shown for Fines and Penalties, Golf Course Greens, Swimming Pool Fees and Bus Fare Acceptance of Revenue Budget It was moved by Councilman Hyde, seconded by Councilman Hobel, and unanimously carried Adjourned City Council Meeting Page 8 May 22, 1974 that the Revenue Report be accepted accord- ing to the budget figures submitted. INDUSTRIAL TASK FORCE Councilman Hobel presented his recommend- ation for the initiation of an Industrial Task Force to be made up of the Mayor or designated member of the Council, a staff resource person to be designated by the City Manager, and a business representative consultant to be ~elected by the Mayer &nd the Council. The procedure to be used initially would be (a) develop the plan (staff to support this phase with in-kind services; Mayor and busi- ness consultant participate); (b) prepar- ation of marketing brochure, and (c) estab- lish itinerary. The monies to finance this program would come from the General Fund~ Councilman Hobel estimated that the program would cost approximately $20,000. Council discussion followed in which the members voiced their concurrence with the proposed program. Motion for continuance It was moved by Councilman Egdahl, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that this matter be continued and brought back at a later date with appropriate input. It is to be brought back at the budget hearing date (June 18)~ Councilman Scott to be briefed Councilmmn Hobel stated he would write to Councilman Scott and explain the program° EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved by Mayor Hamilton, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that the Council recess to Executive Session for personnel and possible litigation. The Council recessed to Executive Session at 12:45 a.m. and the meeting reconvened at 1:40 a.m~ ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hamilton adjourned the meeting at 1:40 a.m. to the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, 1974, at 7:00 p.m.