HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2009/01/08MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
January 8, 2009
6:00 p.m.
A Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 6:03
p.m., in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Bensoussan, Castaneda, McCann, Ramirez, and Mayor
Cox
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Sandoval, City Attorney Miesfeld, City Clerk Norris, and
Deputy City Clerk Bennett
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
ACTION ITEM
I. CONSIDERATION OF DECLARATION OF A FISCAL EMERGENCY
Over the last few years the City of Chula Vista has experienced a precipitous decline in
revenues due to the slumping economy, the housing crisis, and the slowdown in
development activity. The City had made significant program and personnel reductions
during this time in order to bring expenditures in line with a lower revenue base.
However, the City's financial outlook has continued to deteriorate and is facing a $3.9
million deficit in fiscal year 2008-2009 and an estimated $20.0 million deficit in fiscal
year 2009-2010 for the City's operating fund. (Finance Director)
City Manager Sandoval provided an overview of the City's ongoing budget deficit. He also
provided information related to the measures that have been taken to balance the budget. He
stated that if additional revenues were not received, the City's workforce would have to be
reduced by 26 percent, impacting the services provided to the community. He recommended that
the Council declare a state of fiscal emergency.
Finance Director Kachadoorian presented details of the City's five-year budget outlook. She
provided historical data and a forecast for the City's general fund reserve levels. She also gave a
summary of prior personnel reductions, as well as future reductions that may become necessary,
and the major service impacts caused by those reductions.
Larry Brietfelder, Chula Vista resident, representing Chula Vista Taxpayers Association, spoke
in opposition to the proposed resolution declaring a Fiscal Emergency.
Page 1 - Counci] Minutes January 8, 2009
ACTION ITEM (Continued)
Georgie Stillman, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of a local sales tax increase of one
percent, with conditions including a sunset clause and an oversight body.
Mayor Cox reminded the speakers that the only item on the agenda was the declaration of a
fiscal emergency.
Bob Coleman, Chula Vista resident, spoke in support of aone-percent sales tax, and in support
of declaring a fiscal emergency.
The following members of the public spoke in support of the proposed resolution declaring a
fiscal emergency:
Richard Preuss, representing Chula Vista Employees Association
Theresa Acerro, Chula Vista resident, representing Southwest Chula Vista Civic
Association
Jose Preciado, Chula Vista resident
Scott Love, Chula Vista resident, also spoke in support of placing a sales tax measure on
the ballot.
Mayor Cox clazified the purpose of declaring a fiscal emergency by a local government, which
would enable City government to look beyond itself for revenue.
Each Councilmember then spoke in support of the proposed resolution.
City Attorney Miesfeld noted that adoption of the resolution required a unanimous vote.
ACTION: Mayor Cox moved to adopt the following Resolution No. 2009-001, heading read,
text waived:
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-001, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA DECLARING A FISCAL EMERGENCY
Councilmember Ramirez seconded the motion and it carried 5-0.
Mayor Cox recessed the meeting to convene in Closed Session at 6:57 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT
CODE 54957.6
Page 2 -Council Minutes January 8, 2009
CLOSED SESSION (Continued)
Agency designated representatives: Jim Sandoval, Scott Tulloch, Mazcia Raskin, Bart
Miesfeld, Rod Betts, Maria Kachadoorian, Leah Browder
• Employee organizations: CVEA, IAFF, POA, WCE, Mid-Management, Professional and
Unrepresented Groups
No reportable action was taken on this item.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:35 p.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the meeting to the next Regulaz Meeting of the City Council,
January 13, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Lorraine Bennett, CMC, Deputy City Clerk