HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1995/06/06 RDA MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
Tuesday, June 6, 1995 Council Chambers
8:11 p.m. Public Services Building
CALL TO ORDER
1. ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Agency/Council Members Alevy, Moot, Rindone, and Chair/Mayor Horton
ABSENT: Agency/Council Member Padilia
ALSO PRESENT: John D. Goss, Director/City Manager; Bruce M. Boogaard, Agency/City
Attorney; and Beverly A. Authelet, City Clerk
MSC (Horton/Moot) to excuse Agency/Council Member Padilla's absence, approved 4-0-1 with Padilia absent.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 16, 1995, May 23, 1995 and May 30, 1995
MSC (Rindone/Horton) to approve the minutes of May 16, 1995, May 23, 1995, and May 30, 1995 as
presented. Approved 4-0-1 with Padilia absent.
CONSENT CALENDAR
(None Submitted)
* * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * *
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND RELATED RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
3. PUBLIC HEARING REQUEST FOR SPECIAL LAND USE PERMIT TO CONTINUE A STEEL
FABRICATION BUSINESS AT 790 ENERGY WAY--The applicant constructed a building without building
permits in order to expand the existing steel fabrication business. Applicant is required to legalize or remove the
building. The Agency is requested to make the requisite findings and conditionally grant the Special Land Use
Permit. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. (Community Development Director)
RESOLUTION 1455 MAKING REQUISITE FINDINGS AND CONDITIONALLY GRANTING
SPECIAL LAND USE PERMIT FOR A CONTINUATION OF A STEEL FABRICATION BUSINESS AT
790 ENERGY WAY (SUPO-94-02)
This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was declared open. There being no public testimony,
the public heating was declared closed.
RESOLUTION 1455 OFFERED BY CHAIR HORTON, reading of the text was waived, passed and approved
4-0-1 with Padilia absent.
4. PUBLIC HEARING SALE OF AGENCY PROPERTY LOCATED AT 801 BROADWAY
WITHIN THE SOUTHWEST REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA TO JAMES COURTNEY WITHOUT
PUBLIC BIDDING--In response to an Agency Request for Proposals, Mr. James Courtney's offer is deemed
acceptable by staff. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. (Community Development Director)
Minutes
June 6, 1995
Page 2
RESOLUTION 1456 FINDING AND DETERMINING, PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY
CODE, THAT IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC AND AGENCY FOR THE
ELIMINATION OF BLIGHT THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 801 BROADWAY IN THE
SOUTHWEST REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA BE SOLD TO JAMES L. COURTNEY, ET AL,
WITHOUT PUBLIC BIDDING, AND APPROVING A PURCHASE AND SALES AGREEMENT AND
JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS WITH JAMES L. COURTNEY, ET AL, AND AUTHORIZING THE
CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE SAME
Chris Salomone, Director of Community Development, stated it was a priority item as the Agency had directed staff
to dispose of the property. Staff felt the offer by Courtney was fair.
Member Rindone stated he would support the staff recommendation. A subsequent offer had been made that was
higher but staff had continued to recommend Mr. Courtney's offer be accepted because the Agency had been dealing
with him in good faith. It was not unusual that the Agency keep its commitment.
This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was declared open.
· Mike Vogt, 4932 Gold Glen, Bonita, CA, representing James L. Courtney, stated he wanted to clear up
any misunderstanding about Mr. Courtney's intent. It was not just to increase the tire business but also to develop
an automotive super center, i.e. provide tune-ups, details, diagnostic services. Those were services that he currently
had to send out. He was committed to landscaping and renovating the property. He wanted the City to be proud
of the project.
Chair Horton questioned if the existing buildings would be remodeled.
Mr. Vogt replied that he would remodel the existing buildings. They had to deal with the constraints of the existing
parcel but he would be working with the Design Review Committee regarding the elevations, landscaping
treatments, mounding, etc. to make it an attractive automotive super center.
There being no further public testimony, the public hearing was declared closed.
RESOLUTION 1456 OFFERED BY MEMBER RINDONE, reading of the text was waived, passed and
approved 4-0-1 with Padilia absent.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
ACTION ITEMS
5. A. RESOLUTION 1457 APPROVING AGREEMENT TO SETTLE, RELEASE AND REIMBURSE
COSTS WITH CYPRESS CREEK COMPANY L.P. AND PROMISSORY NOTE REGARDING
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION IN SITE ACQUISITION COSTS FOR THE
PALOMAR TROLLEY CENTER DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AND APPROVING
COOPERATION AGREEMENT (PALOMAR TROLLEY CENTER) WITH CITY TO LOAN CITY FUNDS
TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO PAY BACK LOAN TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FROM
CYPRESS CREEK COMPANY, AND AUTHORIZING CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE SAME--The Agency
directed staff to negotiate specific participation by the Agency in Phase 2 site acquisition costs. Negotiations with
the developer were successful, with the developer agreeing to a level of Agency participation consistent with the
Agency's directed parameters. The formal agreement is before the Agency for consideration. Staff recommends
approval of the resolutions. (Community Development Director)
Minutes
June 6, 1995
Page 3
B. RESOLUTION 17919 APPROVING COOPERATION AGREEMENT (PALOMAR TROLLEY
CENTER) WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA TO PAY BACK
LOAN TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FROM CYPRESS CREEK COMPANY L.P., APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAME
Dave Gustarson, Deputy Director of Community Development, reviewed the actions to be taken by the Agency and
the City.
Agency/Council Member Moot questioned if the Agency was only obligated if the sales tax revenue was there.
Mr. Gustarson replied that the Agency was obligated to repay the City for the funds that were expended to the
developer to the degree that the RDA, in the Southwest Project Area, had sufficient revenues to repay the City.
Agency/Council Member Moot questioned if the artificial wall between the City and the Agency was taken down,
would the obligation to the Agency and the City be contingent upon there being sales tax revenue to pay it.
Mr. Gustafson responded that was correct. The obligation to repay the developer was set at 30% of the sales tax
generated by the project. If it did not generate sales tax there was no obligation to repay.
Agency/Council Member Moot stated there could be no adverse impact on the General Fund since it was contingent
on the obligation to pay only on the revenues received from the project.
RESOLUTIONS 1457 AND 17919 OFFERED BY CHAIR/MAYOR HORTON, reading of the text was
waived, passed and approved 4-0-1 with Padilia absent.
6. REPORT REQUEST FROM AUTO PARK DEALERSHIP FOR ADDITIONAL
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE--The Redevelopment Agency considered the request for additional financial assistance
from the Auto Park Developers on February 14, 1995 and directed staff to obtain and analyze financial data on
dealership operations. Additional information has been received and analyzed, and recommendations are offered
for consideration. (Continued from the meeting of May 16, 1995) (Community Development Director)
Chris Salomone, Director of Community Development, stated the applicant's attorney had requested a two week
continuance.
MS (Horton/A!evy) to continue the item for two weeks.
Member Alevy questioned what the rational was for a continuance.
Mr. Salomone replied that the report was prepared at the request of the dealers and their attorney had called on each
date requesting a continuance. They were not happy with the staff recommendation and he felt they may need
additional time to prepare.
Member Alevy stated it was his understanding that Southbay Chevrolet was making a concerted effort to sell and
questioned if that was the reason for the continuance.
Mr. Salomone stated Fuller Ford joined Southbay Chevrolet in the request about three weeks ago and that may have
prolonged it. The sale of Southbay Chevrolet was ongoing and there were a number of offers staff had heard about.
Member Alevy questioned if there was anything the City could do to help.
Mr. Salomone replied that he felt the City was doing all that they could including contacting additional dealers to
come to the site.
Minutes
June 6, 1995
Page 4
Member Moot questioned if it would be appropriate to tell them that it was the last time the item would be
continued.
MSC (Horton/A!evy) to continue the item at the applicants request for two weeks. Approved 4-0-1 with
Padilia absent.
OTHER BUSINESS
7. DIRECTOR'S REPORT(S) - None
8. CHAIR'S REPORT(S) - None
9. MEMBER COMMENTS - None
ADJOURNMENT
ADJOURNMENT AT 8:30 P.M. to the Regular Re, development Agency Meeting on June 20, 1995 at 6:00 p.m.,
immediately following the City Council meeting, in the City Council Chambers·
Respectfully submitted,
BEVERLY A. AUTHELET, CMC/AAE, City Clerk
Vicki C. Soderquist, CMC, Deputy city Clerk
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL WORKSESSION/MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
Wednesday, June 7, 1995 Council Conference Room
6 :lp. m. Administration Building
CALL TO ORDER
1. ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Alevy, Moot, Padilia, Rindone, and Mayor Horton (left the
meeting at 9:13 p.m.)
ALSO PRESENT: John D. Goss, City Manager; Bruce M. Boogaard, City Attorney; and Vicki C.
Soderquist, Deputy City Clerk
BUSINESS
2. REVIEW OF DEPARTMENTAL BUDGETS
Mr. Goss stated Council had started a practice of going through the department budgets and tentatively approving
them until the final public hearing on June 20th. Council had also identified those items they wanted discussed in
detail which would be "carry-over" items for the June 14th meeting. At that time Council would also be reviewing
the board/commission budgets, promotions, and carry-overs. In reviewing the budget there was approximately 60-
70 issues regarding expenditure proposed cutbacks and revenue enhancements. Many of those were very difficult
issues within the Planning, Police, Library, Parks & Recreation/Open Space, and Community
Development/Redevelopment departments.
PARKS & RECREATION/OPEN SPACE
Parks
Mr. Goss stated there was a proposed decrease in the Parks & Recreation budget of $356,980. The effort had been
to structure the changes to rmnimize the impact on the quantity and quality of services provided. It was
recommended that the Gardener I position and seasonal gardener position continue to be frozen and that an
additional Gardener I position be frozen. The department would also take on the maintenance of the street medians
as a cost saving measure. The water budget would be reduced by $44,000. Staff was recommending against the
request for unfreezing the Park Ranger position due to budget constraints. One-third of the Park Supervisor's time
associated with the activities at Marina View Park would be charged to the Port District.
Councilmember Rindone questioned if staff was doing consolidated bidding fbr maintenance services.
Jess Valenzuela, Director of Parks & Recreation, replied that staff continued to do "cluster" bidding as general
policy.
Recreation
Mr. Goss stated it was recommended that the after school program be expanded to Olympic View Elementary
School. In order to offset the costs of the program it was recommended that a Program Participation Fee be
established of $10 per participant per year. It was recommended that staffing for Sunday programming at the
Community Youth Center be eliminated. Parkway Pool would be open for six months and Loma Verde Pool would
remain open for twelve months. Staff recommended that the two bene~ted Senior Lifeguard positions be eliminated
and be on a part-time basis during the summer months only. Deputy Directors would be given a mileage allowance
rather than being provided vehicles. A $30 annual fee for the Therapeutics Program would be instituted for
residents and $40 for non-residents. City sponsorship of Camp Sunrise would be reduced from two weeks to one.
Minutes
June 7, 1995
Page 2 __..
Mr. Goss stated there was a proposal for reduction in wages for hourly employees. He then provided wage
comparisons and information with transparencies. The department did not feel it would affect the quality of part-
time employees hired.
Councilmember Rindone questioned the total projected savings from the reductions.
Mr. Goss replied that the overall savings would be $72,000. Regarding revenue enhancements, Daily Admission
Fees and Learn to Swim Fees had already been discussed. Swimming Pool Passes had been discussed and there
was no resolution with staff returning with an additional proposal. He recommended that the Swimming Pool Passes
be treated as a carry-over item. Staff recommended that the adult league fees be increased by $50.00 and that a
$25 surcharge be applied to the youth leagues. One staff recommendation that the Parks & Recreation Commission
did not support was the recommendation for a $1.00 drop-in fee for the Parkway Gym. The cost of printing the
recreation brochures currently borne by the General Fund would be transferred to the Recreation Trust Fund.
Open Space Districts
Mr. Goss stated that because the general taxpayer was paying a portion of the open space districts' administrative
support it was recommended that the districts be charged for their portion of the Parks Department overhead but
not a full cost recovery factor.
Mayor Horton questioned if the City owned the Women's Club.
Mr. Valenzuela responded that the City did own the facility and it was rented out and utilized for recreation classes.
It was an Enterprise Fund that paid for itself, i.e. maintenance, staffing, etc. The City was probably on the low
end of the hourly rate for the Womens Club and staff could look at those figure.
Mayor Horton felt the Parkway Pool should be kept open until mid-October while the weather was still warm.
Mr. Valenzuela replied that the attendance did drop off significantly after school began in September.
Councilmember Padilia referred to Account 5225, Transportation Allowances, and questioned the dramatic increase
from 1993/94 to 1995/96.
Mr. Goss stated the two deputy directors currently had City issued cars and it was recommended that they receive
a car allowance. There was an increase in that account but there would be an overall reduction of approximately
$4,900.
Councilmember Rindone questioned if the $1.00 drop-in fee was only applicable to the Parkway Gym. He further
questioned the amount of revenues received if Council supported the $10.00 Program Participation Fee.
Mr. Goss stated the revenues generated from the Program Participation Fee would be approximately $10,000.
Councilmember Rindone stated he had met with Mr. Goss regarding his deep reservations on three items. He felt
he could support the $1.00 drop-in fee for non-residents for Parkway Gym. The two that were totally unacceptable
were the reduction of part-time salaries, a savings of $72,000, and the $10.00 Participation Fee, projected revenues
of $10,000. He would not be part of a Council that would place a participation fee on youth to play on a
playground on an annual basis. That was totally unacceptable.
Mr. Goss stated it was not a fee to play on the playground but to participate in organized activities. They would
not be excluded from playing on the playground.
Councilmember Rindone stated he did not want to see any assessment placed on any youth participating in after
school recreation programs. Council needed to be committed to being pro-active and not just reactire with
additional police, etc. He felt Council could find the $82,000 somewhere else in the budget to cover those costs.
Minutes
June 7, 1995
Page 3
He recommended that the salary cuts for part-time personnel and the $10.00 participation fee be carded over with
alternative funding sources or other reductions for the $82,000. He had not heard of any mid-level management
positions being reduced or eliminated in the Parks & Recreation Department.
MOTION: (Rindone) Council would not include the $10.00 Program Participation Fee or reduction in the
salaries the of Recreation Aide, Recreation Leader, and Recreation Supervisor. Place those items on the
carry-over list and direct the City Manager to find alternative funding sources or other reductions to make
up the $82,000.
Mayor Horton stated she was supportive on the $10.00 Participation Fee. However, she preferred the decrease in
part-time salaries rather than laying people off. When looking at the salary comparisons with other cities the
reductions were not out of line. She wanted the items carried over to Council could see the entire budget and know
what they were dealing with.
Councilmember Padilia felt Council needed to look at the entire budget and see what the reality was in terms of the
flexibility. Council needed to look at the bottom line and then they would know where they could mitigate some
of the reductions proposed that they were uncomfortable with. He was in favor of carrying over the item for further
information.
Councilmember Alevy stated he had a problem with the increase in fees for the senior leagues. He felt it would
eliminate many adults from participating in those activities. Certain sports put more stress and wear on the fields
than others and he felt more attention should be paid to that. The City had contributed electricity, water, labor,
administration, manpower, and allowed the youth leagues to have their own concessions without taxation and he
felt the department should look at those costs with a set-aside for scholarships for teams that could not afford to
participate. He questioned if the walk-in fee tbr Parkway Gym was for residents as well as non-residents.
Mr. Goss replied that it was proposed for residents and non-residents. He was uncertain of the administrative ability
to do it for just non-residents. That was an issue staff could return with more information.
Councilmember Alevy stated he was concerned that Parks & Recreation personnel were responsible for maintenance
of the street medians. He felt it was inappropriate for that department.
Mr. Goss stated that in the past it had been contracted out but staff was proposing that the parks staff pick-up that
task as a cost saving measure. Therefore, maintenance may not be as good as currently provided with the proposed
reduced staff and adding the maintenance of the medians. Contracting the organization had been the focal point of
most of the budget.
Councilmember Alevy felt that many of the full-time and part-time employees of the Parks & Recreation Department
were doing as much to mitigate crime, gang problems, etc. as many of the social service agencies. He questioned
if the City should not look at the CDBG structure and taking some of those funds to enhance and augment what the
Parks & Recreation staff was doing instead of giving it all to someone else.
Councilmember Moot stated he wanted to carry over the potential savings that was rejected which involved the Boys
& Girls Club assuming some of the after school recreational programs.
Mr. Valenzuela stated he had talked to representatives of the Boys & Girls Club and they felt there was a possibility
of combining Park View Elementary School and Gregg Rogers School. It would be assumed at the Club versus
the playground sites. Mr. Mosher felt they could accommodate it but they charged a $15.00 yearly fee.
Councilmember Moot stated he had a different philosophical perspective regarding the $10.00 Participation Fee.
He did not feel that was a tremendous amount of money to participate in a program. It was an opportunity for the
youth to raise funds for something that they wanted to do, it could be a positive thing.
Minutes
June 7, 1995
Page 4
· Manuel M. Martinez, 347 Montcalm Street, Chula Vista, CA, representing Park View Little League,
stated he was strongly opposed fees charged to Little League teams as they were a non-profit
organization. He felt the support they had received from the City was minimal at best. The adult
league could afford to pay an increase. He questioned the status of the remodeling of Gregg
Rogers Park.
· Ken Newton, 2442 Manzana Way, San Diego, CA, stated he had been a Recreation Leader for the Parks
& Recreation Department for six years. The job had assisted him in paying his way through San
Diego State University and make his career choice in life. He was opposed to the pay cuts for
the part-time staff and the implementation of the fees for the after school sites. He proposed to
form a committee of recreation leaders to develop a list of revenue generating activities patterned
after local universities intermural activity programs. He did not feel that many of the families
would be able to afford the annual $10.00 Participation Fee and, therefore, those students would
be out on the streets.
· Karen Walden, 362 Del Mar Avenue, Chula Vista, CA, stated she was a Senior Lifeguard and she opposed
the staff recommendation to freeze the position. Terminating the position created a great risk and
liability for the City.
· Diana Ross, 152 Garret Avenue, #22, Chula Vista, CA, representing the recreation staff, stated she was
pleased to hear that Council was not supporting the $10.00 Park Participation Fee but another
issue of concern was the $l.00 drop-in fee for the gymnasiums. She suggested an annual or
monthly fee for those facilities. She was opposed to the reduction in pay for part-time personnel.
They were currently on the high end of the salary survey but they were highly trained. If the pay
cuts were approved they would be on the low end of the salary survey. She had not heard
anything about management taking pay cuts and felt it could be spread out more evenly.
· Steve Palma, 176 Montgomery Street, Chula Vista, CA, Parks & Recreation Commissioner, stated Parks
& Recreation was preventative maintenance. The youth should not be the ones to sacrifice. When
looking at the overall operation cost for department staff maybe there could be some consolidation.
He had voted for some of the increases as he felt there was a need to generate income but he did
not see how they could ask certain people to take pay cuts. He disagreed that Parks & Recreation
should take any cuts. Council should look at the overall City.
· Russ Hall, 235 "K" Street, Chula Vista, CA, Parks & Recreation Commissioner, stated the budget had
been a difficult process for the Commission. He was troubled that the fees that would be raised
were not guaranteed to go back to the Parks & Recreation Department. If that was true, they
would be back in the same place next year with no end in sight. He felt the Council should decide
what the core services were that could be provided on a regular basis without pitting one side of
the community against the other. The Director should meet with the key members of his staff and
develop those basic core services he felt his department could provide based upon a commitment
from the Council of a stabilized budget. Council would be making difficult choices that had been
delayed for years.
MS (Horton/A!evy) to carry over the Parks & Recreation budget.
Councilmember Moot questioned what the Landscape Architect did.
Mr. Valenzuela replied that he provided all the landscape architectural services for the department, new park
planting, involved in the park master plans for new parks and open space area, assisted the Director with the
landscape installation for open space areas, and helped to develop the CIP program for rehabilitating the aging parks
in the western part of the City. His pay was defrayed through either CIP monies or development accounts. It did
not impact the General Fund.
Councilmember Moot questioned where that inflow was reflected in the budget.
Mr. Goss stated it was reflected in the revenue section, i.e. transfers into the General FIred. It was not reflected
by department. Because of the difficulty of segregating the revenues that would go to individual departments it was
listed as General Fund revenues.
Minutes
June 7, 1995
Page 5
Councilmember Moot questioned how staff could say that the Landscape Architect was fully funded by CIP and not
reflected in the budget.
Mr. Goss stated staff did know, but the nature of the way revenues for the General Fund were reflected was that
revenues were accumulated by the category of revenues that went into the overall budget. The department kept time
sheets and charged out those costs to the individual projects.
VOTE ON MOTION: to carry over the Parks & Recreation budget to the budget hearing on June 14, 1995.
MSC (Rindone/A!evy) the Program Participation Fee of $10.00 per child to participate in the after school
recreation program not be brought back. Approved 3-2 with Horton/Moot opposed.
MSF (Rindone/Padi!!a) the reduction of part-time salaries of the Recreation Aide, Recreation Leader, and
Recreation Specialist not be brought back for consideration. (Direction to staff to find an alternative revenue
source or reduction.) Failed 2-2-0-1 with Horton/Moot opposed and Alevy abstaining.
Councilmember Moot questioned the wisdom of not bringing back the $10.00 Program Participation Fee.
* * * Council recessed at 7:55 p.m. and reconvened at 8:04 p.m. * * *
Mr. Goss stated discussions were being held with the Sweetwater Union High School District regarding underwriting
the costs for the manager of the EastLake Performing Arts Center. Those were ongoing discussions and there was
a possibility that an additional position would be added. At the present time he felt it would be revenue neutral.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Goss stated the Police/Police Grants budget was proposed to increase by $223,058. If grants were discounted
the budget was actually decreased by $110,000. Staff proposed to add four additional police officers for $220,000
utilizing Federal Crime Bill monies at $100,000 with the local match of $120,000 allocated from CDBG funds.
Staff's analysis was that there was no place else to get the money other than the CDBG funds or the General Fund.
He outlined other grant-funded officer positions. Recommendations for revenues included: equipment violation
sign-offcharge, privately-initiated vehicle impound t~es, full cost recovery on issuing traffic accident reports, tow
referral fee for Police-initiated tow, and increased fees for fingerprint services. Budget reductions dealt with
overtime costs, the elimination of the school patrol camp subsidy, and the South Bay Community Services contract.
The patrol vehicle replacement would be shifted permanently from 2 to 3 years for patrol vehicles and from 4 to
5 years for the replacement of canine vehicles. It was recommended that the deletion of the Quality of Work Life
and Training Coordinator be switched from Personnel to the Police Department as the Police Community Relations
Coordinator. A vacant Community Services Officer position would be deleted. Coordination of sworn officer
training duties would be civilianized and a new position of Police Training Coordinator would be added.
Entrepreneurial ventures included the commercial traffic enforcement program to identify and f'me improperly
equipped commercial vehicles and vehicles carrying loads in excess of road surfaces. Supplemental budget requests
for eight new microcomputers was recommended for deferral at the present time. A request for two new positions,
i.e. Lieutenant and Sergeant was not recommended.
Mayor Horton requested that staff' address the concerns expressed in the letter from the Police Officers Association.
Mr. Goss stated the reference to problem vehicles was not a current issue. The Department had worked very
closely with Public Works Operations in terms of developing specifications for patrol vehicles.
Rick Emerson, Chief of Police, stated Mr. Cox and some of the members had drafted their concerns after hearing
only the budget overview from the City Manager. Staff had not had an opportunity to meet with them on the issues.
The Department was currently ordering Crown Victorias which was giving the Department good service. There
was a problem in the past in getting vehicles outfitted which resulted in a delay of 4-5 months. Staff felt that could
be managed. Vehicles were no longer being auctioned off but stripped for used parts.
Minutes
June 7, 1995
Page 6
Councilmember Padilia questioned who had administrative control over the police fleet for time and service.
Chief Emerson replied that the Department worked with Public Works Operations and the Fleet Manager.
Councilmember Padilia questioned if there was an average mileage on a patrol unit so when it was exceeded there
was accelerated maintenance costs.
Dave Byers, Deputy Director of Public Works/Operations, stated three things were tracked for replacement: 1) age,
2) mileage, and 3) cost per mile and total life maintenance of the vehicle. Past experience had been at
approximately 100,000 miles. Because the Crown Victorias were new vehicles they did not have the maintenance
history.
Chief Emerson distributed a tentative outline that had been developed in conjunction with the people in the unit.
Staff looked at the outreach program, i.e. Senior Volunteers, PAL, CAST, and volunteers, alarms, community
relations, and crime prevention programs. They felt it could be addressed in a more effective fashion. They did
not have a firm definition of how it would be broken out.
Mayor Hotton questioned if it was the Department's recommendation to management and not from management
to the Department.
Chief Emerson replied that was correct. There had been discussion about how to assimilate people and not have
layoffs but when looking at the available people that were there they felt it was something that would work out for
them.
Mayor Horton questioned how the individual volunteer programs were presently administered.
Chief Emerson stated in reality some of the programs were in the wrong place and spread out through the
organization because they did not have someone that could be centrally in charge of the programs.
Mayor Horton stated they did not have a problem with the way the programs were currently being handled and
questioned why a new position should be created.
Chief Emerson replied that staff did not have the opportunity to do the other things they should be doing because
they were working with the volunteers. They probably could continue to operate in that fashion but it would give
them an opportunity to organize it the way it should be done.
Mayor Horton questioned the deletion of the Community Service Officer.
Chief Emerson replied that 56 police officers had been hired since he came to the City. They did not get enough
of an opportunity to write police reports as they should. During the training process staff felt some police officers
could be at the front desk in a training mode where they could process 10-15 police reports in an eight hour period.
They would receive iramediate feedback on those reports. He felt that would enhance the Department's abilities.
Mr. Goss stated the addition of four police officers was being recommended and another officer would be displaced
by a civilian so that officer could go back to patrol duties.
Councilmember Padilia stated a CSO would absorb some of the responsibilities that would be delegated to the patrol
person out in the field. He questioned if the situation with the volunteer organizations was untenable and, therefore,
required the addition of the Community Relations Coordinator essentially eliminating the ability to fund preventative
or proactive programs in the department.
Chief Emerson responded that in order to keep volunteers going they needed to have rewards and assurance that
what they were doing was really important. Without that attention volunteers dwindled away. Last year volunteers
Minutes
June 7, 1995
Page 7
donated 29,000 hours. With the addition of the Senior Volunteer Patrol the number would reach 40,000 - 50,000
hours. Community based policing meant they had to be in touch with the people they were providing service to.
Councilmember Rindone recommended that the micro-computers be added to the carry-over list.
Councilmember Padilia requested responses to the operational impacts on the department.
Mr. Goss stated the Civilian Training Coordinator would replace an agent that would go into patrol or
investigations. He felt it was up to the Chief to assess the needs of the department when reassigning that position
and shifting personnel accordingly.
Chief Emerson stated he did not know where the POA had received their information regarding the shifting of that
position, but in reality that agent would probably be shifted to narcotics.
· Kathryn Lembo, 315 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA, representing South Bay Community Services,
explained the services the Police Department had contracted for over the last twelve years.
Mayor Horton stated she wanted the Police Department budget carried over because she had concerns regarding
the cuts.
Ms. Lembo stated her costs for programs was $149,500 lbr actual staff and she received $120,000 from the City.
The difference was made up through fund raising, leveraging United Way dollars and private donation dollars.
Other services offered through the agency was approximately $100,000 - $200,000 per year which was private
funding. She was willing to work with the City Manager, the Police Chief, and Public Works Director and look
at graffiti as a whole because it was currently included in the Police Department, CDBG funding, and Public Works.
She felt they could work out a way of providing the same level of service at a cheaper cost with some of the money
going over to diversion. They had a grant proposal which would cover the cost of one counselor and they would
not know if they received the funding until the end of July. She felt the City and South Bay Community Services
should meet with the Presiding Judge regarding the increase of fees to help diversion. There needed to be a policy
commitment that the service remain.
Councilmember Padilia stated he supported carrying over the funding for South Bay Community Services. He was
concerned in cutting out their funding and then creating a position for $63,000. He wanted to see funding
alternatives to keep the diversion program.
Mr. Goss stated it was a reluctant proposal but there was some concern about the level of service being provided.
The $63,000 was being deleted from the Personnel Department. There could be other alternatives with the
additional officers being added and it was possible that another CSO could be deleted for a cost savings of $38,000.
Chief Emerson stated they supported prevention and hoped there was a way to get the program to support itself with
a fee based program and grants rather than the rest of the City supporting it.
Councilmember Moot questioned if Council could address issues that were subject of on-going negotiations that
would come within the budget.
Mr. Goss stated that based on on-going negotiations there could be fiscal impacts on the budget that were currently
unknown. One of the dangers of stating that a certain dollar amount had been set aside for any results of Meet &
Confer would be that it would become the point of negotiations. It was a difficult issue and in terms of Meet &
Confer Council may want to talk about it in Closed Session.
Councilmember Moot felt those issues should be solidified before Council review of the budget so they would know
what that number was.
Minutes
June 7, 1995
Page 8
Mr. Goss stated there was a problem with that as well because it was not known how much money was available
at that time. It was a problem either way.
Councilmember Alevy questioned if grants were received if the budgeted funds then went to off-set General Fund
expenditures.
Mr. Goss stated grant monies could not be used fbr salaries and equipment was usually not a negotiable item.
Councilmember Padilia questioned how the positions funded by the COPS Bill would be absorbed.
Chief Emerson stated they would be transferred to the General Fund. The COPS Bill was a bridge that would get
the Department through the tough times and at the end of the three year period the economic conditions in the
community would be much better. Because of the projected growth of the City the Department would need to
continue adding officers.
Councilmember Rindone stated the facilities were built for the year 2000 and questioned future needs.
Mr. Goss stated the master plan anticipated that there would be additional buildings built on the present site.
Eventually, for the Police Department, it would entail eliminating Community Development and the legislative
offices. In terms of overall needs the interim step would be the purchase of the El Dorado building.
MSUC (Rindone/Padilla) to carry forward the Police Department budget for one week.
Mr. Goss recommended Council review the Library and Planning budgets and carry over the other budgets.
Council normally adopted a tentative budget prior to July 1 st.
Councilmember Rindone stated Council did not have a meeting scheduled for 6/27/95 but that a special meeting
could be called with Council not meeting on 7/11/95.
* * * Mayor Hotton left the meeting at 9:13 p.m. * * *
LIBRARY
Mr. Goss commended the department and the Director for adding a new facility which required a tremendous
amount of staffing and reorganizing the department in order to minimize the increase in staffing. The proposed
budget contained fee adjustments, supplemental budget issues, and recommended reductions. The biggest item was
the reduction of the materials budget of $118,000, but the Library DIF was being utilized as a capital funding source
for the South Chula Vista Library and building up its stock.
Councilmember Moot stated the Library budget stated very clear goals which he would like to see for every
department. He would also like to see along with the goals some performance criteria.
Mr. Goss stated many of the departmental budgets contained goals but some were not included in the commentary.
Councilmember Alevy stated he did not have any problem with the budget but felt the name, Civic Center Library,
was boring. It was an opportunity to memorialize or honor someone and get the community involved. It was a
matter of civic pride.
Mr. Goss stated when he first came to the City there was a definite notion that facilities would not be named after
people.
Councilmember Rindone stated three of the current five Councilmembers had recently been involved in the recent
bloodletting process and the name chosen was the South Chula Vista Library. He questioned if a benchmark survey
had been recently done on key positions in the Library.
Minutes
June 7, 1995
Page 9
David Palmer, Library Director, informed Council that the Assistant Library Director position had been eliminated.
Councilmember Rindone requested that Council be given a copy of the organizational chart for the Library.
MSC (Rindone/Moot) to tentatively approve the Library budget, staff to return with an organizational chart
with the carry-over items. Approved 4-0-1 with Horton absent.
PLANNING
Mr. Goss stated the budget contained a lot of shifting around of staffing. In the 1994/95 budget the percent of non-
General Fund revenues to support operations was about 73 %, the projection was about 63 %, and for 1995/96 it was
proposed to be 95 %. The impacts of the budget would be diminished ability to work on General Fund funded
projects.
Councilmember Alevy questioned how that compared to other cities.
Robert Leiter, Director of Planning, stated it was probably higher than most cities. They would be starting
EastLake and San Miguel Ranch in 1995/96 which were one time projects. Therefore, staff felt they could meet
the 95 %, but because they were one time projects that percentage would have to be re-evaluated at the end of those
projects.
Councilmember Moot questioned the progress of the Park Implementation Plan.
Mr. Leiter stated that project was on track and staff was currently working on it with the Parks & Recreation
"" Department. He felt projects such as the Central Chula Vista Zoning Study, which had not been started, would be
impacted.
Mr. Goss stated the Otay Valley Regional Park Plan was also on going and the City needed to protect the City's
interest.
Councilmember Rindone questioned if staff had started the review of Third Avenue north of E Street. He was
concerned that the emphasis was not on the older areas of the community. He questioned what the budget impacts
were on the GIS system.
Mr. Leiter stated certain segments had been accomplished but it was a long term project, i.e. reviewing
neighborhoods one at a time. The GIS system was being used to produce planning maps and reports. Developing
new applications, entering new data bases, or expanding the capabilities of the system would occur at a slower rate
with the budget cuts.
Councilmember Moot questioned if input had been received from the developers regarding the 95 % and the cost
to them on the projects.
Mr. Leiter stated staff had negotiated with both EastLake and San Miguel regarding the work program, staffing
plan and funding requirements and they were in basic agreement with both.
Mr. Goss stated it was the same thing with Otay Ranch and staff was recommending additional staffing or
unfreezing of certain positions. Baldwin had agreed to pay those costs.
Councilmember Rindone questioned what the change was from the present budget to the proposed budget for
planning staff for general services.
'-- Mr. Leiter responded 2.5 positions would be transferred to work on the special projects that would have otherwise
been working on current and advanced planning functions. None of the changes would require layoffs. Staff would
also continue to look for other outside funding sources, i.e. grants, etc.
Minutes
June 7, 1995
Page 10
Councilmember Rindone questioned if the Cellular Antenna Siting Study would be delayed.
Mr. Leiter stated other cities were addressing the same issue and SANDAG was addressing it from a regional
perspective. Staff was trying to bring in outside resources.
Councilmember Rindone questioned if interns and volunteers were being utilized.
Mr. Leiter stated they presently utilized a .5 intern which would be reduced to .25 for the next fiscal year.
Councilmember Rindone stated if the budget was too tight the Department could return to Council. He felt the
budget contained some very tough decisions and recommendations.
MSC (A!evy/Moot) to tentatively approve the Planning Department budget. Approved 4-0-1 with Horton
absent.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Goss stated an issue in the Community Development budget which was an overall issue Council may want to
consider was in conjunction with the minutes that were taken for the boards/commissions, other than the Council,
RDA, and Planning Commission. While reducing staff there was an increased work load in taking minutes for the
boards/commissions.
Councilmember Rindone questioned if a tiered structure had ever been examined. There were some commissions
that had a significant number of recommendations to Council which would require more detailed minutes while
others were not as significant. He questioned if Council should form a subcommittee to review all
boards/commissions to see if it could be streamlined.
Mr. Goss stated it was 1,800 hours for Community Development, i.e. 600 hours for the Redevelopment Agency
minutes with 1,200 hours for all the other boards/commissions the Community Development Department supported.
He felt it was a workload problem.
Councilmember Moot questioned if it would eliminate the staff person at the meeting.
Mr. Goss responded that the staff person would be present but the minutes would be action minutes which only
reflected the motions. He felt Council may want to form a subcommittee for review.
Councilmember Rindone stated he preferred to add the issue to the carry over list because Mayor Horton was not
present.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
OTHER BUSINESS
3. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT(S) - None
4. MAYOR'S REPORT(S) - None
Minutes
June 7, 1995
Page 11
5. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Moot
Councilmember Moot did not want the Council to be so quick to abandon the $10.00 Park Participation Fee. He
felt many could afford the fee and he would not propose that those that could not afford the fee pay it. He did not
feel it unreasonable.
CLOSED SESSION
Council did not meet in Closed Session.
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
® Agency negotiator: John Goss or designee for CVEA, WCE, Executive Management, Mid-Management,
and Unrepresented.
Employee organization: Chula Vista Employees Association (CVEA) and Western Council of Engineers
(WCE).
Unrepresented employee: Executive Management, Mid-Management, and Unrepresented.
ADJOURNMENT
ADJOURNMENT AT 9:38 P.M. to the Regular City Council Meeting on June 13, 1995 at 6:00 p.m. in the City
;"" Council Chambers.
Respectfully submitted,
BEVERLY A. AUTHELET, CMC, City Clerk
by: '
Vicki C. Soderquist, CMC, Deputy City Clerk