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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1974/05/15 MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA BUDGET SESSION NO, 1 Held Wednesday May 15, 1974 A~ adjourned regular meeting of the City Council of Chula Vista, California, was held on the above date beginning at 7:00 p,m~ in ~h~ Council Chambers, Civic Center, 276 Fourth Avenue, with the following Councilmen present: Councilmen Hobel, Hamilton, Hyde, Egdahl Councilmen absent: Councilman Scott Staff present: City Manager Thomson, City Attorney Lindberg, Assistant City Manager Bourcier, Deputy City Attorney Beam, Director of Finance Grant, Director of Personnel McCabe, Director of Planning Peterson, Purchasing Agent Espinosa, Chief of Police Winters, Assistant to the City Manager Wittenberg BUDGET FOR FISCAL City Manager Thomson remarked that the budget YEAR 1974-75 for Fiscal Year 1974-75 is a conservative one due to a recent pattern of slow revenue growth, a current inflation rate locally of about 10%, public sensitivity to further tax increase, need to resist further depletion of our re- serves, the operating cost impact to be realized by our new library and the unknown impact of the CETA program. Decrease in Gas Tax revenues In answer to Councilman Hobel's inquiry about the most dominant causes of "other" revenues decline due to major decreases in Gas Tax revenues and park acquisition and development fees, Mr. Thomson explained that the Gas Tax revenues relate primarily to the impact in terms of the energy crisis and fuel availa- bility. Program _changes Mr. Thomson explained (1) the establishment of a Community Development Program, (2) the up-grading of park maintenance to meet a growing park inventory, and (3) the concerted effort to streamline technical service public counters. General Fund balance In answer to Councilman Hyde's inquiry, Mr. Thomson stated that the expected end-of-the- fiscal-year General Fund balance will approxi- mate that of last year - $437,950. CETA Mr. Thomson reported on the status of CETA - it is a combination of the County depending on the Federal government. He added that information indicates that we may not have a clear picture until July. Motion for Executive Session It was moved by Councilman Hobel, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that the Council reces~ to Executive Session for personnel matters, EXECUTIVE SESSION The Council recessed to Executive Session at 7125 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 7:39 p.m. Minutes of an Adjourned 2 May 15, 1974 Regular Council Meeting CITY COUNCIL City Manager Thomson noted the increase in ACTIVITY NO. 1105 League of California Cities dues and the fact that dues are based on city size. Motion to approve It was moved by Councilman Egdahl, seconded as recommended by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that Activity No. ll0S be approved as recom- mended by the City Manager. Special Mayor's appropriation Councilman Hobel expressed concern over the coming of new industry to the City of Chula Vista and proposed tkat, under the City Council budget, a special annual Mayor's appropriation he established to be used to bring clean com- patible industry to Chula Vista to help broaden our tax base. Under this appropriation, the Mayor would be paid a flat per diem amount over and above h~ base Charter salary, plus all expenses incurred while taking trips around the country in talking with various companies, their Boards of Directors and presidents, inviting them to investigate the opportunities of locating their industries in the City of Chula Vista. Also included in this proposal would be that the fund include appropriations to cover an administrative staff person (only the expense portion) as part of the team accompanying the Mayor as a resource person. Councilman Hobel added that it would be his hope that the Mayor could also have on his task force a selected member of the business community -- possibly a member of the Chamber's Industrial Committee -- to form this task force. The actual amomit necessary to carry this pro- posal out would be $10,000. Proposal to be brought back It was moved by Councilman Hobel, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that this proposal be brought back for Council con- sideration at a time appropriate (staff to put this on the list of items to come back). Councilman Hobel indicated he would refine the language of this proposal prior to this time. BOARDS AND CO~ISSIONS City Manager Thomson stated there is no staff ACTIVITY NO. 1110 increase in this activity. It is up a little less than 12% primarily for travel and official receptions. Parking Place Commission newsletter Councilman Egda~l questioned the increase of $410 in Account No. 5212 for the Parking Place Commission newsletter, Cit? Manager Thomson stated this is a vehicle to advise the business community which makes up the bulk of the Parking Place District. Minutes of an Adjourned 3 May 15, 1974 Regular Council Meeting Boards and Commissions office Councilman Hy, de commented on the need for a Boards and Commissions office staffed by a full-time secretary and asked if it would be better to go back to the sxstem whereby each commission would go back to departments' re- sponsibility. City Manager Thomson stated the direct cost for this operation is over $20,000 a year. He proposed this office in 1971, his reasons being (1) having one person do the paperwork, (2) standardization in the way work is handled, and (3) the level of service to the Boards and Commissions. Motion to continue budget It was moved by Councilman Hyde and seconded by Councilman Hobel that the Boards and Com- missions budget be held over until the City Clerk returns so the Council may have the benefit of her comments on this matter. Speaking against the motion Mayor Hamilton spoke against the motion. Motion restated It was moved by Councilman Hyde and seconded by Councilman Hobel that the Council hold up final action on this mmtter until the City Clerk has returned and proceed with comments on the balance of the Boards and Commission budget. The motion carried by the following vote, to- wit: AYES: Councilmen Hy~e, Egdahl, Hobel Noes: Mayor Hamilton Absent: Councilman Scott Increases related to Safety Councilman Egdahl questioned the increase in Council membership and In- Account Nos. 5221 and 5223, particularly as ternational Friendship they relate to International Frienship Com- Commission mission activities and membership in the San Diego Safety Council. City Manager Thomson explained the significant increases. Dave Thompson Mr. Thompson stated that the Safety Commission ExecUtive ¥iee President has monitored Safety Council activities for San Diego Safety Council the past two years. The Safety Commission has made a recommendation fcr approval of the $400 request and he hopes this is approved by the Council. Harry La Bore Mr. La Bore 5aid his Board feels the "work- 960 Myra Avenue shops" to be of more value than the League (Chairman, Library Board Dinner Meetings and requested that about of Trustees) $30.00 more be placed in the budget for the workshops, even if it means deleting money for attendance at League Dinner Meetings. City Manager Thomson indicated this could be handled administratively. Jan Mnrphy Mrs. Murphy stated she is a member of the In- 360 E. James Court ternational Friendship Commission, That Com- mission would like to present a detailed re- port of International Friendship Commission requests at the time the Boards and Commission budget is again before the Council. Minutes of an AdJ~ourned 4 ~ay 15, 1974 Regular Council Meeting Joe Dordahl Mr, Dordahl asked the Council for favorable 710 Gretchen Road consideration of membership in the San Diego (Chairman, Safety Commission) Safety Council as it would be beneficial to the City. City Manager Thomson stated this has community value; he would not, however, put it in the staff budget. Youth Coalition Conference City Manager Thomson remarked that this budget only provides for one Youth Commissioner's attendance to this Conference and Council recently granted the Commission's request to sent another one in addition to the one budgeted for this year. Overtime Councilman Hobel questioned the amount in the Account No. 5103 overtime account. City Manager Thomson indicated this includes the Planning Commission secretary's overtime. Boards and Commissions budget Mayor Hamilton noted that final decision on to be considered at later this budget (Boards and Commissions) would date take place at a later date and that members of the Boards and Commissions would be advised as to the date. COMMUNITY PROMOTIONS It was moved by Councilman Hyde that Activity ACTIVITY NO. 1130 No. 1130 be adopted as recommended. Motion withdrawn Cotmcilman Hyde withdrew his motion. City Manager Thomson noted the significant reduction, basically in the area of the Chula Vista Visitors and Convention Bureau. Visitors and Convention Bureau Nell Haas, President Mr. Haas asked the Council to consider the Bureau's original request [$10,000), adding that the City's help is still necessary even though the Bureau is doing much better this year. He stated that the dues structure as of this date equal $7400, with an increased membership of 75. Motion to set budget at $10,000 It was moved by Mayor Hamilton and seconded by Councilman Hyde that this budget be set at $10,000 in matching funds. Total revenues Mr. Haas asked that this be based on total revenues up to $10,000. Mayor Hamilton stated this was the intent of the motion. Motion carried The motion carried unanimously. United Nations Day Kitty Raso Mrs. Raso stated the request for this activity is $330 and that any money left over from the United Nations Day program will be returned the City. Minutes of an Adjourned Regular Council Meeting 5 May 15, 1974 Fiesta de la Luna Mr. Kjonegaard ~tated the request is for Dan Kjonegaard, $3~300 for th~ Fiesta Parade and $500 for the President, Chula Vista Jaycees Mi~s (]hula Vista Contest, 691 Gretchen Road Our House Gary Wappes, AdminiStrator Mr. Wappes stated this request for $5,000 666 Third Avenue serves as a funding block for additional support from the County, State, Federal Government and private donations, totalling over $195,000. Combo Councilman Egdahl stated he is a proponent of COMBO (Combined Arts and Education Council of San Diego County) and that there is a need for strong financial support of the activities related to COMBO as these activities serve as an attraction to cities in San Diego County such as Chula Vista. Motion to fund COMBO It was moved by Councilman Egdahl and seconded by Councilman Hyde that the amount of $5,000 be proposed for COMBO. Motion amended Councilman Hyde said he would like the motion amended to the amount of $1,000. Councilman Egdahl accepted the amendment and included in the motion that all cities in San Diego County be notified of Council's action and encouraged to do the same. Motion carried The motion, as Am~nded,'carried unanimously. Activity No. 1130 approved It was moved by Councilman Itobel, seconded by Councilman Hyde and'unanimously carried that Activity No. 1130 be approved as revised (total amount being $24,9S0). RECESS A recess was called at 8:53 p.m. and the meet- ing reconvened at 9:15 p.m. CITY ATTORNEY City Manager Thomson noted the fact that there ACTIVITY NO. 1150 is no increase in regular staff in this budget. Professional services In answer to Council inquiries about the in- creased request under "Professional Services" - Accotmt No. 5201~ City Attorney Lindberg explained the need for a research assistant in the City Attorney's office. He stated that his officecouldmakeds~ of~esearch assistan~out of summer law students at an hourly rate of compensation of $3.50. Councilman Hyde indicated he would prefer deleting this item ($2,000) and that the City Attorney come back to the Council for this assistance when the need occurs. Motion to appro~e~ActiVity ~:~ It was moved by Councilman Egdahl and seconded No. llS0 and reduce Account by Commilman Hyde that the City Manager's No. 5201 recommendation be changed to $1500 in Account No. S201 and that the $2,000 from this account Minutes of an Adjourned Regular Council Meeting 6 May 15, 1974 (increased amount) be put on the list of items to be looked at in the end of the bud- get session, and that Activity No. llSO be approved, as revised, Motion carried The motion carried by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Councilmen Egda~l, Hamilton, Hyde Noes; Councilman Hobel Absent: Councilman Scott CITY CLERK AND ELECTIONS City Manager Thomson noted the fact that ACTIVITY NO. 1160 there is no staff increase in this budget. The reduction is due to lack of election costs. The major budget increase is due to advertising. He commented on the request Shelving from the City Clerk for an additional $650.00 for shelving in the vault, the need for which arose after the budget was put together. Tape recorder Councilman Hobel ¢o~ented on the need for a new tape recorder for Council Conferences. (This item to come back on the list of items to be discussed at a later date.) Elections~ Councilman Egdahl asked about creating a reserve election fund to provide for elections in their alternate years as opposed to re- questing the dramatically increased amount each year the need arises. Mayor Hamilton felt that when the need is there ft, should be put in the budget and when the need does not exist, do not budget it. Motion to approve Activity No. 1160 It wa5 moved by Mayor Hamilton and seconded by Councilman Egdahl that Activity No. 1160 be approved as recommended by the City Manager, with an additional $660.00 to provid~ shelv- ing. Advertising Councilman Hobel queried the way the City Account No. 5211 negotiates with the newspaper for the cost of advertising (if a discount is received after a certain volume of advertising is produced, etc.), and asked that this ques- tion be answered by the City Clerk upon her return. Motion carried The motion carried by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Councilmen Hamilton, Hyde, Egdahl, Hobel Noes: None Absent: Councilman Scott CITY ADMINISTRATION City Manager Thomson noted no staff increase. ACTIVITY NO. 1211 There is a $4,600 reduction in the budget. Administration It was moved by Councilman Hobel, seconded Activity approved by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that Activity No. 1211 be approved as recom- mended by the City Manager Minutes of an Adjourned Regular Council Meeting 7 May 15, 1974 ACTIVITY NO, 1230 City Manager Thomson. remarked that this activity General Services is ~taffed hy one person working ~on community redevelopment, The title General Services is a "holding activity." Motion to approve Activity No. 1230 It was moved by Councilman Egdahl, seconded by Councilman Hobel and unanimously carried that Activity No. 1230 be approved as recom- mended by the City Manager. PERSONNEL - Activities approved It was moved by Councilman Hobel, seconded by ACTIVITY NO. 1252 Councilman Egdahl and unanimously carried Trainifig that Activity Nos. 1252 and 1253 be approved as recommended by the City Manager. ACTIVITY NO. 1253 Operations FINANCE City Manager Thomson reported no staff increase, ACTIVITY NO. 1420 1.4% cost increase, reclassification of Operations accountant, extended use of college intern, additional vehicle cost for license ~nspector and bulk ordering of forms for dog licenses. In answer to Councilman Egdahl~ inquiry as to whether or not the License Inspector function is paying for itself in increase fees, Mr. Gordon Grant, Director of Finance, answer affirmatively. Activity approved It was moved by Councilman Egdahl, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that Activity No. 1420 be approved as recom- mended by the City Manager. ACTIVITY NO. 1430 City Manager Thomson noted the fact that this Data Systems is a stabilized budget with no staff increase. Activity approved It was moved by Councilman Hyde, seconded by Councilman Egdahl and unanimously carried that Activity No. 1430 be approved as recom- mended by the City Manager. PURCHASING City Manager Thomson reported no staff increase. ACTIVITY NO. 1520 The 1% cost increase is due to cost of ordering forms. Activity approved It was moved by Councilman Hobel, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that Activity No. 1520 be approved as recom- mended by the City Manager. PLANNING City Manager Thomson reported there is a re- ACTIVITY NO. 1620 duction in staff (really an exchange), upgrad- ing certain classification5 in advanced planning with the idea of having more experienced per- sonnel in these areas, offsetting that by a net reduction in staff (1 position), Presently, the Environmental Review part of the Department ~s staffed by one professional supported by the clerical group. The other professional who was part of the Environmental ReviOw function is now working on redevelopment. Minutes of an Adjourned Regular Council Meeting 8 May 15, 1974 Landscape Architect In an~r to Councilts inquiry, Mr. Thomson stated that no Land~cape Architect has been hired yet. Seismic Safety Element Mayor Hamilton inquired about the reason for the~$2;O~O increase under"Professional Services" to secure a technical evaluation by a consultant for the Seismic Safety Element. It was his understanding that this would be done through CPO or the County. Director of Planning Peterson remarked that CPO is working on the Seismic Safety Element and the coordination work is being done by a person in the City:Manager's Office. The intent is to make use of whatever CPO has availablh adding to it what is felt to be necessary.' CPO Contribution Referring to the $460 increase under "Other Specialized Services", City Manager Thomson explained that this is the City's contribution for CPO's planning effort which appears in the budget. Contractual Services City Manager Thomson explained the reasons for his recommendation of $2,000 as opposed to the Department's request for $50,000 under Contrac- tual Services. He stated he feels more can be a~omplished now through the City's Planning staff. Activity No. 1620 approved It was moved by Mayor Hamilton, seconded by Councilman Egdahl and unanimously carried that Activity No. 1620 be approved as recommended by the City Manager INSURANCE It was moved by Councilman Egdahl, seconded by ACTIVITY NO. 1700 Councilman Hobel and unanimously carried that Activity No. 1700 be approved as proposed by the City Manager. The Council noted the savings. City Manager Thomson attributed this to the effort of the Personnel and Finance Departments in the area o~ the"s~lf~nsurance program. BUS SERVICE OPERATIONS City Manager Thomson stated the increase in this ACTIVITY NO. 1720 activity is primarily because we are reflecting the grant impact right into the budget so as to present a true picture of total cost. He added that most of this comes out of grant funds. Receipt of buses In response to Councilman Hobel's query, Assistant to the City Manager Wittenberg, stated that we will be getting the buses late next calendar year, UNrFA has not yet come back with approval of the City's agreement. Bus stop benches Councilmen Hyde and Egdahl questioned the cost ($190.O0~each) of bus sto~ benches. Mr. Wittenberg remarked that The City's Traffic Minutes of an Adjourned Regular Council Meeting 9 May 15, 1974 Engineer takes care of placement and ordering of benches and ~n ~v~tu~t~On ~ro~ess will take place on the kind of benches appropriate, This budgetary figure is one that would provide the siHgle~cast bench with a seating capacity Of four to five people. Discussion followed on the time it will take to get buses, large and small. In answer to Council's queries as to why more buses were not ordered, Mr. Wittenberg stated that if the City were to order more capital equipment, our matching requirement also in- creases~ He added that SB 325 funds can not be more than SOS of one's total budget. The City could in two months, for example, go out and order m6re buses. Renewing a grant is a relatively simple process; starting it is dif- ficult. CoLmcilman Hobel suggested that many aspects of this operation might be discussed at a Council Conference some time, such as delays caused by UMTA processing,~.l~ti~nsh'i~ o£ capital outlay share of grants and operating funds, etc. Activity No. 1720 approved It was moved by Mayor Hamilton, seconded by Councilman Egdahl and unanimously carried that Activity No. 1720 be approved as recom- mended by the City Manager. POLICE City Manager Thomson reported this budget is ACTIVITY NO. 2111 up $114~000~ or a little over 6%. Included in the budget is the contracted salary increase for the policemen, the primary reason for the increase. Other reasons are the increase in utility costs, educational differential, burglary grant is reflected in this budget~ increase in fuel costs. There is no increase in staff; there is an exchange of positions in the Department. Additional beat Mr. Thomson added that both he and the Police Chief have discussed the need for an additional beat in the City and this may come up during the next budget. He stated this is a tight, but adequate, budget this year. Utilities Account. No. 5251 Councilman Egdahl cited the $6,520 increase due to the computer operation. City Manager Thomson explained that the utility cost is for the entire building and is borne by the Police Department. Perhaps this could be split up next year and put in under Data Processing. Computer In answer to Councilman Egdahl's ~quest~n, City Manager Thomson stated justification for the computer operation could only be related to what staff would be needed to provide the same production of the computer. He stated the computer provides a higher level of service to benefitting departments. Minutes of an Adjourned Regular Council Meeting 10 May 15, 1974 Other E~uipment City Manager Thomson explained the reasons for Account No. 5568 the Department request of $10~920 and his recom- mendation of zero: five portable radios which were deferred, binoculars purchased ~ith savings, concealable body armor covered by Revenue Sharing, and deletion of a bomb detector/X-ray unit, Juvenile Diversion Grant Police Chief Winters commented on this program, Success, Funding, Assignments stating that it has proven to be a successful one. There is a need to look at the statistics, however, over a period of years, rather than just one year. There is~lot~ of interaction between agencies in the community and more contact with schools. One officer is assigned to each high school or junior high school; two officers are handling over twenty elementary schools. Chief Winters remarked that this a decreasing grant. We are in our second year (which c~lls for kind of a 50% City/50% Federal Government set-up); the third year will be 75% City/ 25% Federal Government; then after that it would be 100% City. Possible Council Conference In discussing various aspects of the program, the Council and Chief Winters agreed that this would be a good subject for a Council Conference some time in the future. Councilman Egdahl remarked that it would be good to have some input from school personnel at such time as this conference might be held. School Crossing ~,' Mueller Chief Winters remarked that~r~o~t~or School ~n adult crossing guard at this crossing,S no greater than any other crossing in the City. Discussion Further discussion followed regarding the addition of one peace officer, utilization of CETA, air conditioning on patrol vehicles, increase in overtime account and ammunition. Burglary Specific Grant Chief Winters explained the funding for the Burglary Specific Grant. Councilman Ityde asked that the Council receive an evaluation report~ on this program. Activity Nos. 2111 through It was moved by Councilman Hobel, seconded 2200 approved by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that Activity Nos. 2111 through 2200 be ap- proved as recommended by the City Manager. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Mayor Hamilton, seconded by Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that the meeting be adjourned at ~0;42 p.m. to the next budget session (adjourned regular meeting) scheduled for 7~00 p~m,, Monday, May 20, 1974. ,f,/.~ ~ . h ~ · ~" ' D-el~uty C~t'f Clerk