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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1984/05/30 MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA BUDGET SESSION NO. 1 Wednesday, May 30, 1984 4:00 p.m. Council Conference Room ROLL CALL Councilmembers present: Mayor Cox, Councilmembers Scott, Malcolm, Moore, McCandliss Councilmembers absent: None Staff present: City Manager Goss, Assistant City Manager Asmus City Manager Goss stated the Council will now begin the Budget Sessions and any carry-over items will to be considered at the meeting of June 12. He noted the Operating Budget ($1.1 million higher this year); funds by being offset using Redevelopment Agency, SCOOT and Port District funds. Thirty-five (35) new positions have been requested; however, only a few are being recommended for approval. Mr. Goss related the criteria for his justification for the recommendations on these positions. PLANNING DEPAR1MENT Mr. Goss explained the proposed 1984-85 Planning Budget is projected to decrease from $622,479 to $564,650 or a decrease of $57,829 (9.2%). The reason for the decrease was the encumbrance of $40,000 for the General Plan studies for the City's Eastern Sector which will not be rebudgeted next year. A1 so, funds for the two Contract Planners to process the Gersten and the EastLake proposals will be placed on a revolving fund rather than in this particular budget. This $70,000 for the two Contract Planners will be reimbursed through the revolving fund plus $26,930 has been encumbered for the Sphere of Infi uence Study now under way; also $12,600 for the Otay Valley Road Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Mr. Goss added money has been appropriated in this budget for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report in connection with the General Plan Amendment for the City's Eastern Sector. This is estimated at $40,000. A separate Plan of $7,000 has been budgeted in order to secure necessary professional services to analyze the economic "in-point" from the City's point of view for tile EastLake Project. STAFFING City Manager Goss stated the budget reflects the addition of one Planning Technician II. This position was deleted in the last fiscal year but is being recommended to be retained in this budget. Also recommended is the professional services of a Planning Technician II level ($4,410). This would be a one-fourth (1/4) time position to assist the Landscape Architect with landscape drafting so the architect can spend more time on public landscape projects. Adjourned Regular - 2 - May 30, 1984 City Council Meeting Council discussion followed regarding budgeting for the trolley right-of-way; landscaping the right-of-way; and budgeting for annexations, such as the Lower Sweetwater F1 ood Control Di strict. MSUC (Moore/Scott) to approve time Planning Budget as submitted by the City Manager. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT City Manager Goss explained that the total Redevelopment Budget including Town Centers I and II, Bayfront, Otay Valley and the low-and-moderate income housing is down from $1,878,511 to $1,608,650 or $260,860 (14.4%). This budget is funded from the proceeds of bond issues and excess-tax increment di stri buti ons. Under Town Centre I, Mr. Goss referred to AB 203 legislation (the so-called Hannigan Bill) which contains provisions that expenses such as utility costs for the parking structure and earthquake insurance for the structure would not be able to come out of tax increments but would have to come from the jurisdiction's General Fund. BAYFRONT City Manager Goss commented that $50,000 has been budgeted for engineering design services to design the initial public improvements which will begin to open up the Bayfront for development. Also included is $25,000 for possible developing the wetlands development plan for the Bayfront. In order to assist staff in furtiler assessing the economic impact of the Bayfront Plan and work toward a more specific plan in identifying public vs. private responsibility for developing the areas infrastructure funds, tile amount of $10,000 has been budgeted for hiring an economist Consultant. Mr. Goss generally reviewed tile rest of the Community Development budget highlighting funds such as $15,000 to be set aside for professional assistance in helping the City deal with public and private agencies involved in the production and regulation of hazardous waste and recommending a Consultant firm be hired to assist time City in this matter. Councilman Malcolm questioned whether the City Attorney has been contacted as to his opinion in hiring outside Counsel to represent the City in the Bayfront Plan. (subpoenaed by the Sierra Club). City Attorney Harron stated he discussed this with tile Attorney General and the hearing itself would involve approximately 1,000 pages. It would take all of his time to work just on this project which would leave no time to work on City business. He recommended the Council budget for an outside Counsel MSUC (Malcolm/Moore) for staff to get the necessary outside Counsel to represent Chula Vista in the Bayfront Plan suit. Adjourned Regular - 3 - May 30, 1984 City Council Meeting Councilman Scott questioned the need for budgeting $9,000 for cleaning out the weeds and debris along the railroad right-of-way (Bay Boulevard along "G" and "F" streets). He questioned whether or not MTDB should be doing this. Community Development Director Desrochers stated that in the past, he has had help from the California Conservation Corps (CCC); however, in requesting the MTDB to either spray the weeds or cooperate in some way, staff has received a negative response from them. Mayor Cox referred to the Bayfront Plan suit and questioned whether contract clerical help was needed to get the administrative record toge~ler such as typing, xeroxing, etc. City Attorney Harron noted a transcript has been ordered by the Sierra Club and the Coastal Commission would be responsible for providing that transcript. MSUC (Cox/Scott) to authorize the City Attorney to discuss this option with the Attorney General representative in San Diego and come back to this Council with the most cost-effective method. MSUC (Cox/Scott) to direct staff to prepare a letter to go to the Chairman of the MTDB expressing Council's concern and requesting some action (on their part in cleaning up tile trolley right-of-way). Councilman Moore asked that supervision for this particular clean-up come from the City with the possibility of getting some volunteers. SPECIAL STUDIES Further Council discussion involved setting aside $10,000 for a co-generation c· suggestio. of getti.g o.e full-time s ff perso. in r ~ projects which would include the Otay Valley Road project and the variety of expertise needed in conducting these studies which no one person can do. Councilman Scott questioned the $5,300 budgeted for ground breakings, grand openings, marketing activities for both the Bayfront and Otay Valley; plus $72,000 from the Block Grant Budget for an analysis o~ a developer proposal in areas outside the Redevelopment District. Director of Community Development Desrochers ex~ ained that part of that $72,000 would be used chie~y for marketing and other activities and studies for the Otay Valley Road District. Further Council discussion ensued regarding the amount of money spent on promotional activities. Councilwoman McCandliss noted that the ~5,400 should be approved in this year's budget; however, a strict auditing should be kept on how that money is to be used, also for the $72,000 budgeted from block grant funds. CONTINGENCY FUNDS Councilman Malcolm recommended that the City budget $50,000 for Contingency Funds: ~20,000 in the Redevelopment Agency fund and ~30,000 in the City Council fund. Adjourned Regular - 4 - May 30, 1984 City Council Meeting A general discussion followed regarding the percentage of this money (1/4 of 1% of the Budget); using this as a "slush fund" to get around a 4/5's vote of the Council; advantages and disadvantages of a Contingency Fund; other similar funds used in Engineering and Building Departments; provisions of using the Contingency Fund; and the majority of the vote of the Council to approve any projects being funded from this particular activity. MSUC (Malcolm/Moore) to direct the City Attorney to prepare (an opinion regarding) the legality of appropriating a Contingency Fund. MSUC (Moore/Malcolm) to approve the Community Development Department budget as submitted by the City Manager. Councilman Malcolm asked the City Manager to discuss at the next budget meeting tile difference between "appropriations" and "expenditures". BUILDING AND HOUSING City Manager Goss submitted the Building and Housing Budget stating there is a projected increase from 3796,830 to $814,420 or $17,590 (2.2%). He explained the proposal to "double-fill" a position for part of a fiscal year in order to train a replacement for the Zoning Enforcement Officer who is retiring, plus a vehicle for this Officer ($~'/~',T1)tF). Mr. Goss~the Department's request for a Building Inspector I level position and a art time Clerical Aide. He is not recommending tha{'these positions be a~'~'~'6't~e)S"~t is recommending an additional five months period for the Zoning Enforcement level position to be trained for that position. MSUC (Meore/Scott) to approve the Building and Housing Department Budget as submitted by the City Manager. Assistant City Manager Asmus noted an error in the Departmental Budget: Building Inspector I position should be listed as Building Inspector II. ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONS BUDGET City Manager Goss declared these budgets are being combined so that Council can consider them at one time. PUBLIC WORKS be i.creased rom 5 t o 21 6 ) a r Goss discussed the retirement of the Public Works Operation's Director stating the budget recommends a reconsolidation of the Engineering and the Public Works 0 eration into one Public Works Departm~t~ Under this reorga~a~~y ~ngineer would assume the Administration of the combined Departments and the Public Works Operation Department would become a Division headed by a Deputy Public Works Director - Operations. Adjourned Regular - 5 - May 30, 1984 City Council Meeting Mr. Goss said he is recommending the addition of one (1) Contract Engineer at a cost of ~35,000 to supplement the Engineering staff in ~ ~o~ate the processing through the Planning Department of the two large land-use projects: Eastlake and E1 Rancho del Rey in the eastern part of the City. In addition, he is recommending an equivalent of a .06 Intern II be added to the Intern Design and Traffic Engineering. In answer to~T~'s questions, City Engineer Lippitt remarked he has been successful in hiring university students during the summer months and has even hired some on a contract basis after they have graduated. As to Traffic Enlineering the Department has requested the addition of one(1 ) Enginee'T, ~ Engineering Technician and an Intern. However, Mr. Goss stated he is recommending at this time only the Intern position be filled. STREET SWEEPING Councilman Scott stated he has a potential Con~ict of Interest on this subject and left the table at this time. Councilman Malcolm questioned when this particular item is going out to contract. City Manager Goss noted the City is seeking requests for proposals; however, in the meantime there is tile need to purchase a new street sweeper at a cost of $76,000 and add the cost of the Equipment Operator $17,140 in order to increase this operation. Councilman Scott returned to the table at this time. TREE TRIMMING City Manager Goss submitted a historical background on the tree trimming which has occurred since late 1970. Because of the many facets involved in this activity, he suggested that a workshop of the City Council be conducted; perhaps some time next month. EQUIPMENT NEEDS City Manager Goss then reviewed the rest of the budget noting the hardware and software needed for the mini-computer; the equipment needed for the construction and maintenance crew; $2,500 to be set aside for termite-control work in isolated areas of City Hall; the one-fourth ton pick up truck with a utility body at a cost of $10,000 recommended for the sewer crew; equipment needed such as a Lanier Transcriber, Computer Applications Consultant, portable washer etc.; and the request for three (3) Construction Specialists. Mr. Goss stated he is not recommending filling these positions at this time; however, if additional funding comes to the City from motor vehicle in-lieu tax, he will be making further recommendations to the Council which may include at least one (1) Construction Specialist. MSUC (Moore/Malcolm) to approve the Public Works Budget, minus the street sweeping section, as recommended by the City Manager. Adjourned Regular - 6 - May 30, 1984 City Council Meeting MSC (Malcolm/Moore) to approve the street sweeping section provided that it comes back to the City Council before purchasing the Street Sweeper as indicated by the City Manager. Councilman Scott abstained. TRANSIT increase from 5 t~, $149,860 (9.4%). Mr. Goss then generally reviewed the various aspects of this budget and the various recommendations being made. Council discussion followed regarding budgeting and delivery of new buses for the City of Chula Vista; cost of the "E" Street Trolley Station and the reserve account which may be depleted along with the maintenance facility proposal; and contact with National City to see if they would share a transit system with Chula Vista. MSUC (Moore/McCandliss) to approve the Transit Budget. Mayor Cox called a dinner break at this time, 6:00 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 6:30 p.m. LIBRARY City Manager Goss submitted the Library ~ noting tile increase from $1,274,570 to $1,363,110 or an increase o'=F (6.9%). He noted that out of this budget, $1,147,110 is supported by General Fund while $216,000 comes from the State Library Act and the Public Library Fund. The Public Library Fund is a new source of money this fiscal year (from) which the City realized $25,460. For 1984-85, it is expected at least $47,000 will be received from this ne~v revenue source. Mr. Goss generally reviewed the Library Budget as proposed noting the use of the California Services Act (CSA) funds; the additional personnel being requested and recommended; the equipment to be budgeted; and the money being set aside for repairing and the maintenance of the Library furnishings. In answer to Council's questions, Library Director Lane stated she has one (1) Librarian Assistant, two (2) Shelvers and one (1) Clerical Aide who are bilingual. This is equivalentSand one-half (~s~ns out of the forty-two (42) positions in the Library. She is requesting a bilingual Library Assistant who will work with the Children's Librarian and will be ~ to work in the adult section also. At the present time, this position works part time in each department. Council discussion followed with Mrs, Lane and the City Manager answering questions pertaining to the non-resident card; need for a Branch Library; the decrease in the amount being spent on the purchase of books; the need for more space to house the books; the need for additional personnel to process future purchases of books; the micro-computers and the need for that equipment. Adjourned Regular - 7 - May 30, 1984 City Council Meeting Further discussion centered on the proposal to purchase a computer for the Library. Mrs. Lane remarked additional staff would have to be hired to monitor and teach the patrons how to use the computer. Councilman Scott said he was against purchasing a computer; but he would recommend perhaps leasing it on consignment. He discussed the infi ation costs on books which has increased at 1 east four times during the past several years and the inadequate book purchases being made at this time. Councilman Scott noted the Library should have approximately 300,000 books and they have approximately 190,000. Mrs. Lane explained the budget is supplemented by $21,000 in CLSA funds and recommended the purchase of a small collection of Spanish language books. In answer to Council's queries, Mrs. Lane commented that to purchase additional books would mean weeding out the old books which is a very time consuming process. The old books which are weeded out are donated to the Friends of the Library and are sold. The Librarian then discussed the Latino Services Project which is funded by a special State Grant. She added that the recommendation also is to budget $7,000 for additional audio-visual material to keep up with the films in video cassette demand in this particular Division. Councilwoman McCandliss noted the schools are teaching computer training to the students and most adults today have their own computers at home, therefore, she questioned how a computer in the Library would be operated and who would use it. MSUC (Moore/Scott) to approve the Library budget as submitted by the City Manager. MSUC (Scott/Moore) for the City Manager to report back on a proposal for a computer in the Library. (The report due at the meeting of june 12). PARKS AND RECREATION City Manager Goss submitted the Budget noting the increase from $2,271,472 to $2,378,12D or $106,648 (4.6%). He noted the entire budget mainly consists of policy issues such as leasing of the Golf Course and taking over Provence Park. The intent of the budget is to mainly indicate what would be required for the City to offer maintenance of the Golf Course comparable to that which may be offered by American Golf. Councilman Malcolm suggested the City not lease out the Golf Course. He feels now that with "true experts" hired to run the Golf Course, it could be maintained in an excellent fashion. He added the whole maintenance of the Golf Course needs "shaking up" and further, construction of a drainage channel is needed. He is willing to go with the one-half million dollars to be put in the CIP Budget for ~is channel and also greens fees should be increased since the Chula Vista Golf Course has the lowest fees in the County. PROVENCE PARK Councilman Scott cautioned that in taking over Provence Park, the Council should be aware that maintenance on that Park has been stopped and the area has deteriorated. He added the City would have to spend a great deal of money in order to bring the Park up to date. Adjourned Regular - 8 - May 30, 1984 City Council Meeting MSUC (Scott/Malcolm) for a letter to be written to the Board of Supervisors and a phone call to the First District Supervisor noting the condition of the park and asking them to keep up the maintenance {on Park area). NON-RESIDENT FEES Mr. Goss explained that the Department i s eval uati ng a surcharge or non-resident fee for the use of Recreation Department classes and facilities, i.e., 50¢ surcharge on recreation classes and a $12 a year fee or $1 a month be charged for a non-resi dent user card to use the Parkw~ Gym. The Department proposes identification cards with individual photographs on it which would determine whether the person was a resident or non-resident. MSUC (Moore/Scott) for tile City Manager to report on the resident and non-resident use of the Parkway Gym (full-cost recovery fees) including the recreational cl asses. In answer to Council's questions, Director of Parks and Recreation stated that the Department is proposing lunch-hour activities for the employees of the City. WEIGHT ROOM Mr. Goss stated a policy determination needs to be made regarding the level of service to the community provided at the weight room at the Parkway Gym. To bring tile weight room up to the state-of-the art, an expenditure of $25,815 is needed; to replace the equipment in the weight room to what it was approximately ten years ago, an expenditure of $6,520 needs to be made. MSC (Moore/McCandliss) to approve the minimal amount for the weight room program - $6,520 . Councilman Scott voted "no". Councilwoman McCandliss questioned the City's liability regarding the weight room in light of the heavy equipment being used. MSUC (McCandliss/Moore) to refer this to the City Attorney and to the insurance carrier. Further Council discussion involved the playground equipment and programs with the Department's request to operate the Harborside Playground full-time during the Winter and Spring which would mean the addition of a .62 Recreational Leader. Mr. Goss stated he is not recommending this due to lack of funds. Since the Fal 1 and Spring programs are not that wel 1 uti 1 ized, the recommendation is they be eliminated and those hours be devoted to a full-time Summer Program. MSUC (Scott/Malcolm) to approve the Parks and Recreation Budget as submitted by tile City Manager. MSUC (Scott/Malcolm) to change the hours of the Fall and Spring programs and to utilize that in reestablishing a full-time Summer playground program. Adjourned Regular - 9 - May 30, 1984 City Council Fleeting MSUC (Cox/McCandliss) for a report back on the utilization of the Parks and Recreation van (how that is being used), Councilman Malcolm questioned if any thought has been given to expanding Hilltop Park property in the area next to the school. Councilman Malcolm noted the problem of the liability which would occur since that property is directly across the street from Hilltop Park which would result in a traffic probl era. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilwoman McCandliss referred to the letter received from the Air Pollution Control District. She stated no narrative was been submitted explaining the statistics involved in tile four-page documentary. She questioned the validity of the report adding the Agency needs to be contacted regarding obtaining a narrative on tile figures presented. Councilman Malcolm left at this time (8:35 p.m.) MSUC(McCandliss/Moore) to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors addressing Council's concern with the lack of timeliness and completeness of the APCD Report and ask that they set aside time on a Tuesday docket for the Mayor of Chula Vista to make a presentation. A copy of this to go to Mr. Sommerville of the Air Pollution Control District. MSUC (McCandliss/Scott) to review to the original letter from the Council to tile Air Pollution Control District and if that letter did not ask for a narrative from tile District, that another letter be sent requesting that along with a clarification of the City Council's position. CITY MANAGER ' S REPORT City Manager Goss stated construction on the Senior Citizen's Housing Complex on "F" Street has stopped; however, the lottery for the applications for the housing units will be conducted on Thursday morning at the Parkway Center. Mr. Goss noted that a Disaster Emergency Operation Center exercise will be conducted tomorrow morning with a simulated earthquake. He invited the Council to observe the Disaster Drill at 9:15 a.m. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. to the meeting scheduled on Thursday, May 31, at 4 p.m. WPG: 0440C PAG