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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1992/05/28 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Thursday, May 28, 1992 Council Conference Room 4:40 p.m. Administration Building CALL TO ORDER 1. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers Shirley Grasser Horton, David L. Malcolm, Leonard M. Moore, Jerry R. Rindone, and Mayor Tim Nader. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager John D. Goss, City Attorney Bruce Boogaard, and City Clerk Beverly A. Authelet. BUSINESS 2. REVIEW OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTAL BDDGETS Mayor Nader turned the meeting over m the City Manager, who had revised the schedule. The following departmental budgets were reviewed: NATURE INTERPRETATIVE CENTER Councilman Malcolm asked Dr. Neudecker how much the City has advanced to the NIC. Dr. Neudecker responded $1.9 million. Councilman Malcolm stated his concern was how would the City get the money back since the NIC is supposed to be supported by the Bayfront development? Councilman Rindone asked that staff look at ways to address the issue for another year and when we can expect to get the money from Barkett. MOTION: Moved by Moore, seconded by Nader to trail the item until the following have been resolved: Source of funds, the loan, interest clarification, and the authority which goes along with the allocation of funds. Mayor Nader asked if the budget could be approved conceptually in terms of the line item amounts as recommended by the city manager and trail actual adoption with direction to staff to come back with information on the items just mentioned. Councilman Moore stated he could not support that. Mayor Nader asked if there were objections to the amounts of the line items? If there were objections to the line items as recommended by the city manager, staff should be advised of that as soon as possible. Councilman Moore stated he had no objection to the report as presented. Mayor Nader stated that staff could take this direction as a consensus of Council to provide further information prior to adopting this budget. Councilman Moore added that Council also needed further action from the Bayfront Conservancy Trust. Councilman Malcolm felt it would be better to approve the budget and let the BTC know that it was on a month-to-month basis until they have a chance to meet again. Mayor Nader felt it would be more fruitful to approve the budget on a month-to-month understanding with a request for further information to come from staff with the understanding that there will be some change in the operating authority. Minutes May 28, 1992 Page 2 Substitute Motion: Moved by Malcolm, seconded by Nader, and unanimously approved the budget in concept and have staff come back with a report addressing the concerns as mentioned with the city attorney specifically addressing concerns about control now, future controls, employment controls, and taxing authority, The report should include specific items such as who does Dr. Neudecker report to, who is the hiring authority, what are our options i.e. forming a BCT II, a limited lease period which allows for annual review by the City Council, etc. If we cannot come to some appropriate language in a settlement agreement of rewriting of the By Laws, then the budget will be approved only on a month-to-month basis. Councilman Malcolm stated that before we adopt the final budget, we will have some answers to the concerns before us. However, he did not want to send the wrong message to the employees. We are funding this, but we want to send a strong message to the Board. CITY COUNCIL MOTION: Moved by Nader, seconded by Moore, and unanimously approved the budget as submitted. CITY ATTORNEY Councilman Malcolm addressed the issue of reconsnuction in the attorney's office stating he would rather do the project before hiring a new attorney. Mayor Nader asked how this plan would fit into the Civic Center Master Plan previously adopted by Council? Mr. Goss responded that they had not had the time to look into that, Councilman Rindone requested that the item be tabled until the Council had a Closed Session to discuss personnel which may preeeed or follow Monday's Budget Workshop at 4;00 p.m. This item will be discussed again after the Closed Session and is to be doeketed for Monday. Council concurred. CITY f:l .F. RK MOTION: Moved by Moore, seconded by Rindone, and unanimously approved the City Clerk's budget as submitted. ADMINISTRATION Councilman Rindone asked the City Manager if funds had been placed in reserves for salary increases. Mr. Goss responded that the budget reflects increases only for those with which we have agreements such as CVEA, WCE, etc. Motion: Moved by Moore, seconded by Nader, and unanimously approved the Administration Budget as submitted. MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION SERVICES MOTION: Moved by Malcolm, seconded by Moore, and unanimously approved the Management and Information Services Budget as submitted. PERSONNEL Councilman Moore asked if there was a special philosophy that dictates to department heads regarding overtime. Mr. Goss responded that there were major overhead accounts. The largest department with Workshop Minutes May2S, 1992 Page 3 overtime was the Police Department. We try to contain it where we take our major hits. Overall, we try to discourage overtime as much as possible. Councilman Malcolm noted that the travel account had been reduced and inquired as to what had been cut out. Mrs. Boshell responded that some of the travel was not as useful and a greater distance away. Those had been eliminated. MOTION: Moved by Nader, seconded by Moore, and unanimously approved the Personnel Budget as submitted. Councilman Malcolm requested a copy of the investment policy. He felt we should be doing more investments with local banks. Also wanted to know who was bonded to invest money in the absence of the Finance Director. MOTION: Moved by Moore, seconded by Malcolm, and unanimously approved the Finance Budget as submitted. DEBT SERVICE MOTION: Moved by Moore, seconded by Malcolm, and unanimously approved the Debt Service Budget as submitted. INSURANGE MOTION: Moved by Moore, seconded by Nader, and unanimously approved the Insurance Budget as submitted. PLANNING Councilman Rindone asked when the funding for the City employee positions ceases, how will this be handled. Mr. Goss responded that we would try to find alternate funding and alternate work. If these were not available, we would be looking at some type of layoff. Councilman Rindone asked when do these employees become permanent. Mr. Goss stated they would have to go through probation, and then they become permanent employees. In a layoff situation, it is usually a reverse to seniority. Mayor Nader asked if it would be possible to have the new people assigned to other projects and the people with more seniority be assigned to the Otay Ranch project so that nobody would be working on a project in a situation where the continuation of their job would depend on that project. Mr. Leiter responded that assignments were made in a way that would integrate experienced staff with new staff and it doesn't put one particular individual solely responsible for a particular project. Mr. Goss stated that we will need to do this in order to have the best qualified for such an important project. Mayor Nader asked ff these positions would be doing work in addition to what we were already paying consultants for as opposed to displacing consultants. Mr. Leiter responded that they will be displacing consultants. Mayor Nader asked if the budget reflected a salary change since there should be some savings by hiring our own employees. Mr. Leiter stated that the increase in salaries was due to the increase in work load that relates mainly to processing plans for Otay Ranch. It would be displacing work consultants would do, but under normal circumstances the amount for consultants would increase for next year, Essentially Minutes May 28, 1992 Page 4 all contract services have been eliminated for the Otay Ranch Project. Mr. Goss stated that there was a separate budget for the Otay Rancho which will go down to zero. Mayor Nader requested a one page supplemental regarding the Otay Ranch budget. Mayor Nader questioned the merging of sections. He stated there are usually two purposes for doing this: (1) to get a streamlined process for the public, and (2) to save money by eliminating duplication. The budget had an upgrade of a position, but he did not see a cost savings reflected for the consolidation. Mr. Leiter responded that the two sections being merged were the section which does current planning and design review and the section which does landscape planning. The two positions in landscape planning have been kept at the same level; the city landscape architect was previously a section head who will be operating under the new combined section. One of the other purposes for upgrading that position was to have a more senior level position over the design review process in order to try to facilitate that process and have a senior level person at all the design review committee meetings. Therefore, in order to consolidate the two divisions, it was felt that upgrading the section head position was justified. Mayor Nader requested a supplemental on the this to include the justification for the upgrade and specifics on what it consists of since under normal circumstances he would expect to save money by consolidation. Mayor Nader inquired about the NCCP expenditures. Since the City will receive $14,500 for planning services from private developers, what will those planning services consist of?. Mr. Leiter stated it will involve the City staff preparing the natural community conservation plan and working with the County to develop the conservation plan for Eastern Chula Vista and surrounding County area. MOTION: Moved by Malcolm, seconded by Moore, and unanimously approved the Planning Budget as submitted. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were none. OTHER BUSINESS 3. CITY' MANAGERS REPORT(S): There were none. 4- MAYOR'S REPORTfs): There were none. 5. COUNCIL COMMENTS: There were none. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, / Beverly A. Authelet, CMC City Clerk Monday, June 1, 1992 Council Conference Room 4:04 p.m. Administration Building The Council met in a closed session at 5:10 p.m. to discuss: Personnel Matter - pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 end adjourned at 5:22 p.m. Adjourned Meetin~/Worksession of the City of Chula Vista CiW Council CALL TO ORDER 1. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers Grasser Hotcon, Malcolm (arrived 4:15 p.m.), Moore, Rindone, and Mayor Nader ALSO PRESENT: John D. Goss, City Manager; Bruce M. Boogaard, City Attorney; end Vicki C. Soderquist, Deputy City Clerk Mayor Nader informed the public that the Closed Session would be trailed until Councilmen Malcolm arrived or 5:15 p.m., whichever came first. BUSINESS 2. REVIEW OF DEPARTMENTAL BUDGETS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, BUILDING HOUSING, PUBLIC WORKS CrRANSIT}, LIBRARY, PARKS AND RECREATION, POLICE, FIRE., NON- DEPARTMF2qTAL, CARRYOVER ITEMS FROM OTHEK DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET REVIEWS, AND SUPPLEMENTAL REPORTS Comrnllllity Develonment City Manager Goss reviewed the requests and recommendations for the deparcraent. He noted that a significant amount of money had been budgeted for legal sendces and recommended that be reviewed when the Redevelopmerit Agency budget was reviewed. Councilman Rindone expressed his appreciation to department heads in trying to replace contract employees with permanent staff. He felt staff was looking at the long term needs of the City. MSUC ('Moore/Nader) to approve the Community Development budget as presente& Mayor Nader requested an overall cost comparison of consultants versus permanent positions being created. Building and Housing City Manager Goss reviewed the requests and recommendations for the department and commended Mr. Larsen for expanding the services of the department without the addition of new staff members. Councilman Moore questioned the number of inspectors and their duties. Mr. Larsen reviewed the current staff'rag and the housing/mobile home inspection schedule. Councilman Moore stated he liked the way the program was going. Councilwoman Grasser Horton questioned why the Manager recommended more than requested by the department for the Director's salary. Mr. Goss responded that Mr. Larsen had been recognized during the year for good performance and that was reflected in the Manager's recommendation, MSUC CMoore/Rhldone) to approve the Building and Housing budget as presented. Minutes June 1, 1992 Page 2 . ~ Councilman Rindone stated Council appreciated the creativity shown by the department regarding the extended hours and services. Public Works City Manager Goss reviewed the requests and recommendations for the department and stated that more new positions were recommended for this department than any other. That was primarily due to the staffing of the Otay Ranch Planning Team. Supplemental Budget Memo #6 addressed the reclassification of administrative office specialist to public works technician. Licensed Land Surveyor Mayor Nader questioned why the position of Licensed Land Surveyor was needed. Mr. Goss responded that the department did not have enough staff to do all the surveying work. By adding the position it would also enable the department to send out not only one 3-person crew but a 4-person crew in more complicated circumstances, or two 2-person crews. It would eliminate the need to contract out much of the work. John Lippitt, Director of Public Works, stated that after 1982 only a Licensed Land Surveyor could sign plans. Civil Engineers were grandfathered at that time but due to attrition in the department it was felt that a Licensed Land Surveyor was needed. Mayor Nader stated he needed more information before he could support the item. He noted there were many other requests and was not sure it was a high priority. Mr. Goss responded that the position would be funded from the Capital Improvement Program and not the General Fund. Councilman Moore requested a Supplemental Budget Memo including a survey of what the crews do, what their back work was, and license experience. Mayor Nader agreed, especially on inclusion of where the back work was and how it related to the creation of the position. Councilman Moore also requested the inclusion of the Public Works office staffing level for the past five years, number of street m~es, sewer miles, and other things that had grown during the past five years. MS (Moore/Nader) to approve the Public Works budget as presented. Mayor Nader clarified that all motions made during the Worksession were subject to final approval by Council at the public hearing. 8 Inch Lens Replacement Councilman Moore expressed concem over changing the 8 inch lenses to 12 inch lenses. He felt it would be nice to have but questioned the priority. Mr. Goss responded that it was included in the CIP budget and was a safety issue. Mayor Nader agreed with Councilman Moore's comments. Mr. Lippitt responded that staff would return with a Supplemental Budget Memo. VOTE ON MOTION: approved unanimously. City Manager Goss reviewed the requests and recommendations for the Library and referred to Supplemental Budget Memo #12 dealing with the prospective FY 1993 periodical cancellations. The Literacy program would be supported at the current level. EastLake High School Branch Library Mr. Goss stated this was an excellent policy issue and the pro's and con's were outlined in Supplemental Budget Memo #13. He stated he could not recommend whether it should be a permanent facility but felt it should not be viewed as an EastLake library but a library senring the entire eastern part of the City. Councilman Malcolm felt it was innovative and a great opportunity that would benefit the community and also the students. Councilman Moore stated that concerns expressed dealt with access, visibility, parking and safety. He agreed that more needed to be done joinfly with other agencies. Mr. Goss stated this was a pilot program and was felt it would be more efficient and effective. Minutes June 1, 1992 Page 3 MSC (Malcolm/Moore} to approve the Librm7 budget as presented. Approved 4-0-0-1 with Counfilman Rindone abstaining Parks and Recreation City Manager Goss reviewed the requests and recommendations for the Parks and Recreation Department. Staff had not made a recommendation on a park ranger position. A Supplemental Budget Memo would be forthcoming and therefore he recommended that any action taken by Council on the budget exclude that position. Landscane Planner Mr. Goss stated there had been a change in his recommendation. The revised recommendation was included in Supplemental Budget Memo #15 which recommended a half-time landscape planner. He was now convinced that both the half-time landscape planner and the landscape architect could be supported by the Capital Improvement budget. Councilman Moore questioned whether the expanded work was a result of new growth. Mr. Goss responded that it was due to new growth, more interjurisdictional planning, and CIP projects. MS (Moore/Malcolm) to approve the Parks and Recreation budget as presented. Cultural Arts Coordinator Councilman Rindone requested that the additional 50% of funding be placed on the "Wish List" for future Council consideration. He felt it was desirable to seek applications for a full time position as it enriched the pool over a half-time pool. Mayor Nader agreed with Councilman Rindone's request and suggested that applicants indicate whether they were available on a part time or full time basis. Cultural Arts Pride Faire Councilman Rindone was pleased that the Cultural Arts Commission instituted the Pride Faire this year. He requested that the community pride aspect of the Faire be emphasized more than the cultural arts aspect. He hoped that it would get the various ethnic groups in the community to actively participate. Mr. Goss felt the Arts Pride Faire was an excellent counterbalance to what had happened in Los Angeles. Park Fees - Councilman Moore questioned when the Supplemental Budget Report would be received regarding park fees. Mr. Goss responded that he had seen the draft but the final report was not prepared at this time. Councilman Moore stated that the City had put large amounts of money into the parks and he could not see puking in those types of improvements without reviewing fees. He would not have an objection to a resident fee and a larger non-resident fee. Mr. Valenzuela responded that the Parks and Recreation Commission had reviewed a Park and Recreation fee adjustment last month, which included a non-resident fee, which was approved and would be brought to Council in the future for review. Mayor Nader stated he was receptive to a higher non-resident fee but would need very compelling justification to substantially increase fees for residents. If staff felt that was necessary he would be more inclined to look at other areas to cut to ensure that Chula Vista parks were as successful as possible for Chula Vista residents. VOTE ON MOTION: approved unanimously. Mr. Goss questioned whether the motion included the one-half time landscape planner. Mayor Nader responded affirmatively. Police Department City Manager Goss reviewed the requests and recommendations for the Police Department budget. The Chief had indicated that he would make changes on the beat and determine mid-year whether additional staffing would be needed. Councilman Rindone requested that the neighborhood concept of the beat patrol be evaluated for areas designated as high crime. Minutes June 1, 1992 Page 4 MSUC (Moore/Malcolm) to approve the Police Deparnnent budget as presented. Fire Dev~uhuent City Manager Goss reviewed the requests and recommendations for the Fire Department. He stated that the budget included full funding for Fire Station #6. MSUC (Moore/Grasser Hor~on) to approve the Fire Deparnnent budget as presented. Four Fire~rhter Engine Staffing Mayor Nader stated he understood that ~his was not the year to take on four firefighter engine staffing but he did not want it to be interpreted that the issue had been dropped on a permanent basis. He felt it should be discussed again at a more ~scally opportune time. Chief Lopez stated that the depa~huent was looking at the Reserve Firefighter program. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None OTHER BUSINESS 3. CITY MANAGER~J REPORT(S) - City Manager Goss informed Council that their next budget meeting/worksession would be June 9th at 4:00 p.m. 4. MAYOR~J REPORTfS) - None 5. COUNCIL COMMENTS - None ADJOURNMENT ADJOURNMENT AT 5:22 P.M. to a Kegular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 1992 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Respectfully submitted, BEVERLY A. AUTHELET, CMC, City Clerk