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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/04/15 Additional Information B()ARI2-Q!'_l!lREi.'I0_~S Edward Plant, Chairman SAN Dllc(;() REFR1GERATION SERV1CES Lee Wilson. Vice Chairman NORHrRlIp GRlJ\lMAN ('()NT1NI;"r,\l, MARITIMI' Ray Ashley MARITlMI' MUSFlIM Mark Bailey CHESAr'FAKE-: FISH COMPANY Chris Barnes GE"FRAI DYNA\lIlS NASSCO Richard Bartell B.-\RTHI. IloTELS Capt. Rill Bartsch S.D. BAY PIUHS Susan Baumann BALI H.-\l RrsTAuRA'\1 Sampson A. Brown, Esq. K"I(;1II & CW\TR * R.A. Carpenter R.E. SnIT[: E,,(jINl:fRING Robert Cartwright SI1ERATON SAN DIE(;O HOTEL & MARI"A Randy Dick FIVI' STAR PARKING Tcd Eldredge Mi\'\(II[STERRESUKIS Urj Feldman SUNROAD ENTERPRISES Victor Fresca DIXII-:II,r: LUMFIER * Rick Ghio A'TIIONY'S FISH GROTTO Barrctt Jung DOLE FRISH FRl:IT Ted Kanatas MANCil ESTER GRAND HYATT RESORT Eric Leslie HARBOR ISLAND WFST MARI'-'A Dick Luthcr DLA PII'LR US LLP Mike McDowell ATI,AS KONA KAI Jack Monger The Monger Company Steve Pagano San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina * George Palermo San Diego Ilarbor Excursions * H.P. "Sandy" Purdon SIIELTl'R COVE MARINA Todd Roberts MARINI', GROUP [30ATV,-'ORKS Ahmad Solomon SDG&E Gary Sullivan GOODRI(:II Jim Unger HORNIlI.owr:R CRI1ISICS & EVE"TS Bruce \Valton SE,\!'OI{T VIU,AGI', OPI'RATIN(j Co., LLC Perry Wright CONSIDINF&CO"SIDI"J::: Donn Yover BAE SVSTF,MS SA" DIE(jO Sl1lp REPAIR D1BliC:L(lI~ E\1J-:Rln_'s * Arthur E. Engel Tom Fetter Thomas A. Driscoll * Pete Litrenta Douglas Manchester Karen Me Elliott Sii\H S-il-artlll Bernic-Cloward PRESIDLNI Kristin Peterson DIRI,('T()R()FOPFRATIO"S * SDPTA Past Chairmen IIIII ~~~ SAN DIEGO PORT TENANTS ASSOCIATION April 14, 2008 Mayor Cheryl Cox and City of Chula Vista Council members City of Chula Vista 276 Fourth Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910 Dear Mayor Cox and Councilmembers: I am contacting you on behalf of a broad coalition of businesses and organizations including members of the San Diego Port Tenants Association and the Working Waterfront Group, to announce our opposition to the Land Grab being proposed by developers and out of town investors. These developers are circulating an Initiative for the November ballot that requires the Redevelopment of the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. We believe this Initiative is bad for the region because: . It will replace maritime operations at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal with hotels, office towers and retail development . it will allow commercial development along the entire length of the Terminal that faces San Diego Bay . it will eliminate thousands of good-paying, waterfront jobs . it will threaten the future of the waterfront businesses and ship repair businesses with gentrification. Further more, there alreadv is a Plan for Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. In 2004, after much public discussion and debate that included a day-long public workshop, Port Commissioners adopted a policy dedicating the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal exclusively to maritime operations. Since then, the Port has worked painstakingly to develop a Maritime Business Plan for Tenth Avenue. That plan is currently undergoing public outreach with stake holders that include Port Tenants, Working Waterfront businesses, labor, and the 2390 SHELTER IS1,AND DRIVE, SUlTE 210 . SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92106 . (619) 226-6546 . FAX (619) 226-6557 . EMAIL: sharon@sdpta.com, kristin@sdpta.co www.sdpta.com Mayor Cox and City of Chula Vista Council members April 14, 2008 Page 2 Environmental Health Coalition and will result in a long-term Maritime Plan for Tenth Avenue. The Maritime business plan, already in the work, will preserve San Diego's maritime terminal and thousands of waterfront jobs, prevent gentrification, and protect air quality. This developer initiative proposes to scrap those planning efforts. We are calling this initiative a "land grab" because it mandates private development of the Tenth Ave. Terminal in the form of hotels, and other commercial development, most of which is not compatible with waterfront cargo operations. I In summary: . This initiative is bad for the region and upsets the economic diversity of our regional economy by replacing maritime businesses with more hotels and retail businesses . This Initiative is nothing more than a land grab by developers and out-of- town investors . We already have a process for developing a plan for Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. We vigorously oppose this Land Grab, and we ask that the City of Chula Vista Mayor and City Council do two things: . Consider a resolution to support the Port District's policy, established in 2004, dedicating the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal exclusively to Maritime cargo operations . Consider a resolution opposing the SDCS Initiative Thank you for your concern and for your support of maritime jobs in the San Diego region. Sincerely, Chairman, San Diego Port Tenants Association . Charitable events at city parks face backlash I The San Diego Union-Tribune Page 1 of4 Slgn21J,~~.com (!@ PRINTTHIS Charitable events at city parks face backlash Noise, traffic, overcrowding are taking toll on neighbors By Eleanor Yang Su STAFF WRITER April 12, 2008 It was 7:30 a.m. last Saturday, and people were pouring into Balboa Park to be part of the Walk for Recovery. Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" blasted from a set of speakers. The air smelled of kettle com and gourmet coffee. As with dozens of weekends each year, hordes of walkers and runners descended upon the park that day, sneaker- clad and ready to sweat to raise money for a good cause. But an explosion in the number and size of these charitable events across the country is prompting an unlikely backlash. Cities, struggling to accommodate demand for their park spRce, are raising fees to recoup costs associated with the events. Neighbors, meanwhile, are growing increasingly agitated by early-morning noise, traffic headaches, overcrowded parks and trampled grass. Across the country, the number of nonprofits has ballooned, and many have seized upon walks and races as an ideal fundraiser melding fitness with community. Runners and walkers raised an estimated $714 million in 2006,37 percent more than five years earlier, according to USA Track & Field, the sport's governing body. Next weekend, five walks and races in San Diego County will benefit causes as varied as epilepsy, prematurely born babies and the fight against human trafficking. Officials from Boston to New York City have responded to the huge demand by setting stricter event guidelines, raising fees and urging organizers to use less-crowded suburban parks. 'Jl ;0.;. ":1.JbiJ)' ", . .. .. ,)r.~~~.\)H,"i"', NANCEE E. LEWIS I Union-Tribune About 1,500 people participated in the Walk for Recovery last weekend in Balboa Park, one of a growing number of charitable events in San Diego. NANCEE E. LEWIS / Union-Tribune The growing number of charitable events, such as The Walk for Recovery, has sparked some complaints about noise and traffic congestion from residents living near Balboa Park. The San Diego Unified Port District significantly increased permit fees in January to capture the full cost of special events in its 16 parks. http://signonsandiego.printthis.clickability .comlpt/ cpt?action=cpt&title=Charitable+events... 4/14/2008 Charitable events at city parks face backlash I The San Diego Union-Tribune Page 2 of 4 In the city of San Diego, officials issued a moratorium several years ago on new events in Balboa Park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. But that has only pushed organizers to stack their events in the weeks before and after. From the start of April through the end of September, the number of participants in walks, runs and biking events in Balboa Park has jumped 21 percent in the past three years, according to city records. The number of events has risen from 12 to 17. Some wonder whether the cash-strapped city is missing an opportunity to recover event -related expenses through permit fees, which haven't been raised since 2005. "In the last three to four years, the special events in Balboa Park have gotten out of control," said Vicki Granowitz, chairwoman of the Balboa Park Committee, an advisory panel that considers land-use and planning issues. "There absolutely is not full cost recovery on special events. We basically subsidize them." Different amounts For many of the 1,500 participants in the Walk for Recovery last weekend, it was more than a stroll through the park. Virtnally all the walkers were personally touched by mental illness, alcohol abuse or drug abuse. Chase Jenkins, a former gang member and drug abuser, marveled that morning about how "weird" it was to be sober and walking through the park. "This is cool," said Jenkins, 20. "Typically, I'd be locked up in a jail cell." The walk was small compared with the mega-events that draw tens of thousands of people to Balboa Park. And yet for the organizer, Mental Health Services, it is the main fundraiser of the year. Planners estimate that they raised about $80,000, which will be split with about 50 local nonprofits. Mental Health Services paid $950 in permit fees for the event, considerably less than the $3,450 it would have paid the Port District for a comparable event. The city's fees are lower than those charged for a similar event in Los Angeles, but slightly higher than those in San Francisco and Sacramento. San Diego's fees vary depending on the number of participants, the event's admission charge and whether the organizer is a nonprofit. The San Diego Union-Tribune paid $1,775 in park permit fees for its Race for Literacy weekend in Balboa Park and Pantoja Park downtown. The fees for the May 3-4 races are less than what companies are typically charged because all proceeds benefit the San Diego Council on Literacy. Cities charge vastly different amounts for special events. In New York City, officials use park fees to make money. Charities hosting large walks in Central Park pay about $40,000 a day in fees, while smaller walks, for about 5,000 people, cost about $10,000 a day in fees. In Boston, officials pass direct costs, such as the time for park rangers to attend the events, onto the organizers. http://signonsandiego.printthis.clickabi1ity .comlptlcpt?action=cpt&tit1e=Charitab1e+events... 4/14/2008 Charitable events at city parks face backlash I The San Diego Union-Tribune Page 3 of4 The San Diego Unified Port District analyzed its fees last year and concluded they covered only 18 percent of event costs. Increases put into effect Jan. I factor in long-term costs, such as additional fertilizing and landscaping needed after large events, and part of the salaries of special-event staff. "We offer the parks as an amenity for the whole region to use, but if you want exclusive use, the philosophy of our board is you have to pay that incremental amount," said Jim Hutzelman, assistant director of community services for the Port District. The port received about $150,000 in special-event permit fees last year and hopes to generate an additional $650,000 this year with the fee increases. San Diego officials were unable to provide figures for how much the city draws in permit fees. It's also unclear how much of the city's costs are covered by permit fees, but officials acknowledge there is a gap. "The philosophy behind the special-event fees is to balance costs related to events with the public benefit," said Stacey LoMedico, director of the city's Park and Recreation Department. "You want to support the cause of the nonprofits." The city's last fee analysis was conducted in 2004, but park officials were unable to provide a copy. They note that organizers are responsible for cleaning up after events and are charged for damage to the grass or grounds. Sleeping in the closet When Alexandra Kogan moved into an apartment across from Balboa Park a year ago, she expected it to be lively. But the early-morning noise, closed streets and nonexistent parking because of special events have helped persuade her to move. "The most annoying is the marathon because it shuts down everything," Kogan said, referring to the Rock 'n' Roll race that starts in the park. "I run, too, but I don't need to run on the 163." Some neighbors tell horror stories about getting cars towed because of unclear street closure signs and being woken up at 4 a.m. by sound checks. In the Park View apartment complex across the street from where many races start, one resident has moved his twin bed into his closet to shut out the noise. Another sleeps with earplugs every weekend. Pat Newbacher leaves her apartment for entire weekends about once a month to avoid major events. She recalled only about three to four large events a year when she moved to the neighborhood 10 years ago. "It's gotten excessive," Newbacher said. "The events are making it chaotic. They should spread it out, maybe to Mission Trails and Mission Bay." Despite their complaints, many neighbors say they are grateful for the wide variety of interesting events held daily in the park. Alyssa Wolven, a community organizer who has lived near the park for years, said the large events and the police presence they draw also benefit the community by limiting public intoxication. http://signonsandiego.printthis.clickability .comlptlcpt?action=cpt&title=Charitable+events... 4/14/2008 . Charitable events at city parks face backlash I The San Diego Union-Tribune Page 4 of 4 City officials say the neighborhood input is important, but they feel they are doing a good job providing the right amount, and mix, of programs. "It's a balancing act," said Kathleen Hasenauer, deputy director of the park department. "The special events add to the cultural fabric of the park." .Eleanor Yang Su: (619) 542-4564; eleanor.su@!!niontrib.com >>Next Story>> Find this article at: http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/200B0412/news_1n12walks.html r Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. 10 Copyright 2007 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. " A Copley Newspaper Site http://signonsandiego.printthis.clickability .comlpt/ cpt?action=cpt&title=Charitable+events... 4/14/2008 . /'1::'/11 3' .r. MEMORANDUM April 15, 2008 From: Budget Subcommittee (Cox/Rindone:x\~ To: City Council ~ ' Subject: Report to City Council on Proposed Budget in the Department of Mayor/Council for Fiscal Year 2008/09 In the continuing effort to reduce the City's budget, the Council Budget Subcommittee has prepared the attached Department of Mayor and Council proposed budget for City Council consideration. Although City Manager Garcia has indicated that no further budget cuts are necessary, the proposed reductions will allow the City Manager greater fiscal flexibility. The Council Budget Subcommittee recommends that: the 10% reduction made in FY 07/08 be maintained in FY 08/09; reduced spending in the Office of Mayor more greatly reflect actual spending from FY 07/08; pay raises received by Mayor and Council in accordance with the City Charter be balanced by reductions in the Mayor/Council car allowances, until such time as the pay raise for managers is reinstated. The budget is divided into six "Blocked Budget" divisions: Administration, Mayor, and Council Seats 1-4. These divisions are divided into two categories, specifically Personnel and Supplies and Services. Council Budget Subcommittee Recommended Budget Reductions by blocked budget category: DEPARTMENT Proposed Percent Dollar Amount* ADMINISTRATION Reduction Personnel 0 Supplies and Services $24,922 Sub-total 10% $24,922 MAYOR'S OFFICE Personnel $110,429 Supplies and Services $9,338 Sub-total 20% $119,767 COUNCILMEMBER OFFICE Personnel $12,063 Supplies and Services $4,919 Sub-total 10% $16,982 Council X 4 $67,928 Department Reduction 14% $212,617 -Totals may not add due to rounding April 15, 2008 ------ Administration: Other Professional Services, Promotional Expenses, Printing and Binding, Office Supplies, and Travel are recommended to be reduced to reflect actual costs from FY 07/08. The budget amount set for FY 07/08 was based on the experience of fiscal year 2006/07. Based on actual experience during fiscal year 07/08, a new baseline is recommended. The proposed reductions amount to $24,922. The Council Budget Subcommittee discussed realigning the budget for the Constituent Services Manager that currently falls under the Office of the Mayor. Since the duties of that position are conducted on behalf of the department as a whole, future consideration can be given to draw the position's budget from the Department's Administration blocked budget. This budget proposal does not contain this change. Mayor: A 35% reduction in the Mayor's car allowance offsets the pay increase by $4,600 in FY08/09. Freezing the Coastal and Environmental Advisor position results in a reduction of $110,429. Supplies and Services are proposed to be reduced by $9,338, for a total reduction of $119,767 representing 20% reduction from FY 07/08. All or a portion of the Car Allowance reduction may be restored if the 4% managers' raise is restored. Councilmember: The proposed Council Office reduction for FY 08/09 is recommended to be 10%, the same 10% as FY 07/08: $16,982 ($2,310 from the car allowance plus $14,672), to be allocated at each Counci1member's discretion, as described below. All or a portion of the Car Allowance reduction may be restored ifthe 4% managers' raise is restored. Each Councilmember shall submit a memo to the City Manager by June 20, 2008, identifying the line items from his budget from which $14,672 will be taken. Ifthis memo is not received by June 20, 2008, the City Manager shall make adjustments as indicated in the attached proposed Council Budget Subcommittee's proposed Mayor & City Council Department Budget for FY 08/09. If approved, budget reductions will be applied to designated line items, as presented in the attached budget. The City Manager shall have the authority to implement these recommendations if needed. Allocations for the Mayor, Administration, or Council blocked budgets may be redistributed within Supplies and Services at anytime as long as the total budget reduction among each Office's blocked budgets is maintained and budget rules are observed. April 15, 2008 ~ MAYOR & COUNCIL DEPARTMENT: COUNCIL BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE PROPOSAL FY 08-09 % $$$ Reduction Dept Budget with Reduction ReductiQl'lS ADMINISTRATION . .. Executive Secretarv $ - $ 100,659 Receotionist $ - $ 64.473 Overtime $ - $ - Sick-in-lieu $ - $ 547 Hourlv, PARS, and Medicare $ - $ 6,211 MOU Deferral pavment $ - $ 1,828 Worke(s Como $ 5289 Sub-total $ 179,007 siiilDnes and Services Other Professional Services 10% $ 2,000 $ 18 000 Promotional Expenses 55% $ 17,064 $ 13,962 Printina & Blndina 50% $ 3,622 $ 3622 Postaae $ - $ 264 Office suoolies 15% $ 939 $ 5,320 phone Service $ - $ 1444 Travel 25% $ 1,297 $ 3,890 Sub-Total $ 46,521 ADMINISTRATION TOTAL 10% $ 24,922 $ 225,528 MAYOR'S OFFICE Mavor $ 177 865 Mavor Car Allowance 35% $ 4,200 $ . 7800 Chief of Staff $ --c- 173,362 Chief of Staff Car Allowance $ - $ 4,800 Constituent Services Manaaer' $ 87,614 Coastal Advisor 100% $ 106,229 $ - Sick-in-Iieu $ - Worke(s Como $ 1.0 578 Sub-total $ 110,429 $ 462 03ll sUoiifies and Services Cellular Phone 100% $ 500 $ - Printina & Bindina 25% $ 934 $ 2,801 Postane 20% $ 171 $ 685 Other Commodities 45% $ 5,400 $ 6800 Travel 15% $ 2,334 $ 13,224 Sub-Total $ 9,338 $ 23,310 MAYOR TOTAL 20% $ 119,767 $ 485,349 COUNCILMEMBER OFFICE Councilmember $ 60,385 Councilmember Car Allowance 35% $ 2,310 $ 4290 Council Aide 16% $ 9,753 $ 51,202 Worke(s Como $ 5,290 Sub-Total $ 12,063 $ 141,167 sUoiifies and Services Cellular phone Service 100% $ 500 $ - Printina& Bindina 25% $ 467 $ 1,400 postane 20% $ 86 $ 342 Other Commodities 45% $ 2,700 $ 3,300 Travel 15% $ 1,167 $ 6,612 Sub-Total $ 4,919 $ 11,655 COUNCIL SUBTOTAL 10.0% $ 16,982 $ 152,822 COUNCIL SUBTOTAL X 4 10.0% $ 67,928 $ 611,288 DEPARTMENT BUDGET 14% $ 212,617 $ 1,322,165 The proposed Administration, Mayor and Council budget reductions will take effect on July 1, 2008. Each Councilmember shall submit a memo to the City Manager by June 20, 2008 identifying the line items from which $14,672 will be taken ($2,310 will be taken from the Car Allowance. The total budget reduction per Council seat blocked budget is $16,982). If this memo is not received by June 20, 2008, the City Manager shall make adjustments necessary within each Council blocked budget to reach this total. The Car Allowance reduction mav be restored if the 4% manaaers' raise is restored.