HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 2005-09-12
Seal Beach, California
August 22, 2005
The regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council for this date was canceled
by action of City Council on December 13, 2004.
dtr~4 [l~;!
Ity ler and ex-officio clerk
of the City of Seal Beach
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Seal Beach, California
September 12, 2005
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in adjourned session for a
Workshop on Global Budget Priorities at 5:00 p.m. with Mayor Antos calling the
meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Antos
Council Members Larson, Levitt, Ybaben, Yost
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Also present:
Mr. Bahorski, City Manager
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development Services
Ms. Arends-King, Director of Administrative Services
Mr. Vukojevic, Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Mrs. Devine, City Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Antos declared Public Comments open. Ms. Joyce Parque, Seal Beach,
stated the concept of prioritizing the budget with needs is not new and the only
way to get the projects done is to make cuts is each department; there was over
$7 million paid in the pension fund; should get the county to reimburse the City
for Sunset aquatic park sewer fees; Leisure World should not have two
representatives on the Council. Ms. Sue Corbin, Seal Beach, said that there
should have been better noticing to the public regarding the workshop; tax
money is not being used wisely; City Manager has tied his salary to the police
department raises; should make warrants available for public to review; believes
that the City does not have the required Local Coastal Plan or a committee that
meets regularly and could be fined; and she is against the fact that the taxpayers
are providing Council with food during their meetings. There being no further I
comments, Mayor Antos declared Public Comments closed.
Mayor Antos clarified that a Local Coastal Plan was submitted to the Coastal
Commission and it was returned to the City to address some areas concern in
the plan. The City staff is dealing with those concerns and will be resubmitting
the plan for final approval. The City Manager indicated that the City received a
grant from the Coastal Commission to cover some of the costs incurred to
develop the plan.
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09-12-05
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH GLOBAL BUDGET PRIORITIES
In the presentation by Councilman Ybaben three of his concerns were pointed
out: 1) Need to clarify the city's financial status and priorities, 2) Why is Council
asked to raise revenue, and 3) What is true financial health of the city. He stated
that he would like to see the budget reports in a format that is easier to
understand, it is confusing when you see the cash reserves exceeding $25
million and then are asked to impose taxes on the residents. Councilman Larson
disagreed with the format being confusing. Councilman Ybaben continued
saying that Council needs to understand the current status and condition of city
assets, functions, and services; assign priorities that city staff can implement;
and communicate actual financial conditions to the public. In summarizing
Councilman Ybaben presented a table where he rated the current projects and
the resources allocated along with a table rating the services that the city
provides. His recommendations for Council to consider would be to use this type
of rating system to: 1) establish priorities and give staff direction, 2) review and
reallocate financial resources to match priorities, 3) identify areas that need long
term planning, and 4) identify short term actions consistent with priorities.
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The City Manager stressed the need to have a balance of all projects; you cannot
put all the resources in one area. The five-year plans and costs are updated in
the budget analysis, budget in brief, and the audit. In 2001 the Council approved
a budget and fiscal policies, in the policies it was established that enterprise
funds are self-sufficient and should be run like a private sector business in that
direct and indirect costs should equal the rates, also the policy set up specific
reserves and reserve funding levels. When the funds are over and above the
reserve level staff will make recommendations for additional projects to be
funded for Council approval. In 2004 the priority set during the budget session
was street improvements and with the flooding in October there was a shift at the
mid-point budget review for storm drain improvements., The City Manager
pointed out that the City organization's salaries are in a downward spiral - not
including benefits the general fund salaries in 2002 was $5.4; 2003 was $5.3;
2004 was $5.2; and unaudited 2005 $4.9. The City employees' associations
have worked with the City and when the City was going through some financial
difficulties they did not take a salary increase and the staffing went from 99 to 78
employees and had to do some restructuring of departments.
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The Director of Administrative Services gave a brief report on the types of
revenue funds and the use of each fund, refering to the two-year budget, pages
28 through 31. The property tax, sales tax, utility tax, and other general
revenues can be used at Council discretion - most of those funds are used for
the day-to-day operation of the City. Special revenue funds can only be spent on
the things that the fund was set up for and cannot be transferred for other use,
these funds would be for street lighting, air quality, Measure M, etc.
Redevelopment Agency funds are separate from City funds and are used for
projects dealing with the RDA and 20% is earmarked for low and moderate
housing. Enterprise funds are generated partially from user fees and are used
for water and sewer. Public works projects are based on what is projected on a
monthly basis from the state. The Director gave the Council an updated analysis
report on the undesignated fund balance projection indicating that the City is
meeting their goals of the fiscal policy also pointing out the one-time revenues.
Future revenues have not been projected in the analysis report or the possibility
that the State initiates Proposition 1A which would allow the State to borrow from
the cities not knowing how or when the state would pay back the funds they
borrowed.
The Director of Public Works/City Engineer gave an updated Capital
Improvement Master Plans/Need Assessment Funding Status report explaining
what projects are fully funded, partially funded, and projects that are unfunded.
He gave the Council a list of projects that have been completed from 2001 to
present and gave them a progress report on current projects. He pointed out that
at the mid-point budget review is when Council can allocate any additional funds
towards any of the projects. The infrastructure deteriorates on a curve not a
straight line and as soon as it reaches a certain point the need is greater.
09-12-05
The City Manager gave an example that when the City was able to eliminate a
mechanic when it was approved to purchase newer equipment. When you make
an investment on capital improvements then the city can reallocate some of the
operations resources.
Council Comments:
. Need to keep in mind that Council cannot co-mingle the funds.
. Council had agreed that if the voters did not want to pay for tree trimming
and sidewalks then general fund monies would not be used to fund the
projects.
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. General fund money can be used at the discretion of the Council.
. Grant funds are for specific projects and if not used are returned.
. What percentage of the CIP projects is funded by grants - response: in
the past it would be almost 99% of the project costs but that is not the
case currently.
. What is the cost to the City to maintain the beach - City pays on average
$700,000 a year.
. Should consider giving the beach back to the State, give swimming pool
back to school district, and get rid of the dog park. The cost for running
these should be up for discussion during the budget sessions.
. The people of Seal Beach created five Council Districts for a specific
purpose. Consider every aspect of the budget for the best of the City.
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. The reports are understandable by the Council and the public, the Director
receives awards for the reports.
. The projected revenues and projected needs will need to be addressed so
that more general fund monies flow into the unfunded projects.
. Need to continue to stay on course and fix the priorities.
The City Manager interjected that Council needs to communicate with the
community what would generate more revenue when Council makes decisions
over land use. The policy discussion is very important.
. Future decisions on what is the best revenue source need to be
addressed.
. People in Seal Beach do not want big box stores or parking meters.
. Would be helpful and useful if the community was made aware of the
budget and needs forecast of the City.
. Do not create new taxes or raise taxes would be open to other forms of
revenue and get support from the residents.
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. Information is available and we have an open government and open
financial information but the community does not seem to understand.
The City Manager explained that you make an effort to get the message out one
person at a time. The Council is the first line of communication to the community
and can carry most information to the people.
· Budget hearings are held but people do not speak up.
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09-12-05
. Suggested that the two documents handed out by the finance and
public works departments be available to the community and put on
the City website also give to the newspapers.
. Should also include the salary comparisons with the county and
other cities.
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The City Manager reminded Council that in the shift of philosophy that police
officers should be out in the field and civilians should do paper work made a
tremendous change. Also the ten-year contract with Orange County Fire
Authority is coming due and there will be an increase in costs of services.
. Need a mechanism to help give staff direction as to what the priorities
would be at the next budget session.
. Would like to review the budget and make some cuts so when funds
become available can better allocate to unfunded projects.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Antos adjourned the meeting at 6:28 p.m.
~~ [~,
City Clerk and ex-o icio clerk of
the City of Seal Beach
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Approved:
~~
Mayor
Attest: ~1lq. 1J11U11>
ity Clerk
Seal Beach, California
September 12, 2005
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Mayor Antos called the Adjourned Joint Closed Session of the Seal Beach City
Council and Seal Beach Redevelopment Agency to order at 6:38 p.m. in the City
Council Chambers. .
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Antos
Council/Agency Members Levitt, Ybaben, Yost
Councilman Larson arrived at 6:44 p.m.
Mr. Bahorski, City Manager/Executive Director
Mr. Barrow, City Attorney/Legal Counsel
Mrs. Devine, City Clerk/Secretary
Absent:
Also present:
09-12-05
Mayor Antos advised that this would be the time for members. of the public to
comment on the items identified on the agenda. Ms. Joyce Parque, Seal Beach,
stated that the budget session at 5:00 was enlightening and would like to see the
information on the City's website and also she hopes the Council will do the right
thing for the citizens of Seal Beach in regards to the Zoeter issue. Ms. Sue
Corbin, Seal Beach, made statements not related to the agenda items and
stressed that she would like the Council to act as one city and not as five
separate districts. There being no other speakers oral communications was
declared closed by Mayor Antos.
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The City Attorney announced that pursuant to the Brown Act the Council/Agency
would meet in Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
to confer with legal counsel on existing litigation - Rodi Properties v. RDAlCity of
Seal Beach, OCSC Case No. 04 CC 10649 and to confer with legal counsel -
anticipated litigation, Government Code 54956.9(b).
CLOSED SESSION
The Council/Agency adjourned to Closed Session at 6:45 p.m. in the City
Manager's Conference Room and reconvened to the Council Chambers at 7:03
p.m.
The City Attorney announced that the City Council and Redevelopment Agency
met in Adjourned Joint Close Session to discuss the items on the agenda and no
reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Redevelopment Agency Chairman Ybaben, with consent of the Agency
adjourned the RDA joint closed session to 6:30 p.m. on September 26, 2005 if
deemed necessary.
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council/Agency to adjourn the
Adjourned Joint Closed Session at 7:03 p.m.
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Approved: ~~ ~
Mayor
Attest:
Jyy/)q ~Oj~/
City Clerk '
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Seal Beach, California
September 12, 2005
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular session at 7:04 p.m.
with Mayor Antos calling the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
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ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Antos
Council Members Larson, Levitt, Ybaben, Yost
Also present:
Mr. Bahorski, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development Services
Ms. Arends-King, Director of Administrative Services
Mr. Vukojevic, Director of Public Works
Sergeant Olson, Police Department
Mrs. Devine, City Clerk
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilman Yost requested item "J" be removed from consent calendar for
separate consideration. Mayor Antos stated that due to the large number of
people present to speak on item "N" he would like to reorder the agenda to place
item "N" before Council Items. Yost moved, second by Ybaben, to approve the
order of the agenda as revised.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Larson, Levitt, Ybaben, Yost
None
Motion carried
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PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION / STORM WATER 101
The Director of Public Works pointed out that the seven-minute video titled
"Storm water 101" would remind the audience (over 100 people in attendance)
what everyone can do to prevent pollution and that the ocean begins at your front
door. The video will be posted on the City website and will be played on SBTV
channel 3.
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ORAL COMMUNICATION
Mayor Antos declared Oral Communications open. Founder's Day Committee
members were present to highlight the events: Mrs. Carla Watson - parade, Mr.
Jim Derry - tennis tournament, Mr. Perry Watson - golf tournament, Ms. Emily
Frazier - dinner dance, Ms. Ann Tuler - greenbelt festival, Ms. Jo Dawson -
sidewalk sale, Mr. Eddie Montana - entertainment, and Mr. Vie Grgas - fund
raiser information. Speakers regarding item "N" - Grace Community Church
parking lease proposal - in support were: Pastor Shoemaker, Mr. Tom Merrill,
Mr. Travis Green, Ms. Kathy Berry, Mr. John Grant - oppose to proposal: Mr. Bill
Ayres, Ms. Reva Olson, Mr. Woody Woodruff, Mr. Roge~ West, Ms. Lisa
Woodruff, Mr. Mark Lupesco, Mrs. Gail Ayres. Other speakers: Ms. Seretta
Fielding - regarding storm drain projects, Ms. Sally Champlain - supporting item
"J" - ban smoking at beaches and parks - healthy lifestyle no smoking on beach,
Mr. Jim Walker representing S.TAM.P. supports item "J", and Ms. Joyce
Parque, spoke about the budget workshop, website information, property tax
revenue source, and urged Council to close down the RDA. There being no
other speakers, Mayor Antos declared Oral Communications closed.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
No report.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
The City Manager announced that the City's palm trees would be trimmed
starting on September 13th.
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09-12-05
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilman Ybaben announced that all the documents were signed to transfer
the trailer park from L1NC Housing to the Seal Beach Affordable Housing
Corporation (SBAHC) and escrow should close on September 15th. Councilman
Yost announced he would be holding a Town Hall meeting on October 13th at
7:00 p.m. in the Mary Wilson Library to discuss the RE;lgency Center (Pavilion)
and storm drain improvements in preparation for the rainy season. Mayor Antos
informed Council that he sent a letter to Orange County Supervisor Silva asking I
for his assistance in helping a Seal Beach resident with a county matter.
ITEM "N" / JOINT USE PARKING AGREEMENT / GRACE COMMUNITY
CHURCH
The Director of Development Services stated that the complete proposal is
included in the staff report along with the section of the Main Street Specific Plan
dealing with parking and traffic. He went over the major points of the offer: total
of 126 parking stalls in three separate city-owned parking lots; spaces used
exclusively for Grace Community Church on Sunday between 7:30 a.m. to 1 :00
p.m. and 60 spaces on 8th Street in the evenings between 5:00 p.m. to 1 0:00
p.m.; and one time payment of $300,000 for a term of 25 years with two options
of 5 year renewal. He stated that staff has listed in the staff report some
concerns that Council would need to address such as the commitment of public
parking spaces for private use for 25 years and the potential for other offers that
the City would get which would restrict more spaces in the beach areas.
Council comments: After having to deal with long-term commitments made by
past Councils, which at the time made sense fiscally would not want to make a
decision to accept the $300,000 for a 25-year commitment that could tie the
hands of future Councils. There are more pitfalls than benefits in accepting these
funds. Would be more likely to approve a one-year trial. The church should
have had community meetings and gotten their input before coming to the
Council. Not willing to make a 25-year commitment for future Councils. The
parking in the City is a first come first serve basis. Would have to offer the same
parking consideration to other organizations whether religious or not and would
be difficult to achieve equity. The Council needs to give the City Manager
direction to continue to negotiate with the church or not, 25 years or even 10
years is too long of a commitment. The other concern is the fire authority parking
in the lot the church would like to use, city employees use the lot, and the
merchants on Main Street purchase permits for their employees to park in that
lot. The City has a current agreement with the church for parking spaces.
Anyone can purchase a beach parking lot permit. The money offered was not
the important part of the decision.
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Council consensus was that the term of 25 years was not reasonable for future
Councils to deal with. Levitt moved, second by Larson to reject the proposal and
encouraged Grace Community Church to work with the community to resolve the
parking issue.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Larson, Levitt, Ybaben, Yost
None
Motion carried
With no objection, Mayor Antos declared a recess at 8:41 p.m. and reconvened. I
the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
COUNCIL ITEMS
SAVE OUR BEACH / BEACH AND RIVER CLEAN-UP (YOST)
Councilman Yost introduced Steve and Kim Masoner representing "Save Our
Beach", a non-profit 501 (c)3 corporation dedicated to improve the water quality
along the Southern California coastline. Steve gave a brief background on the
monthly beach clean-up activities and how this brings water quality awareness to
the community, it started in conjunction with the State's Coastal Clean-up Day in
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09-12-05
September 1998 with hundreds of volunteers participating over the years.
Students receive service hours and scouts receive points for their badges.
Yost moved, second by Larson, to authorize staff to provide support services for
the monthly beach clean up by the community group "Save Our Beach"
formalizing existing practice by the City.
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AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Larson, Levitt, Ybaben, Yost
None
Motion carried
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "E" thru "M"
Yost moved, second by Ybaben, to approve the recommended action for items
on the Consent Calendar except for item "J" removed for separate consideration.
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C. Approved the waiver of reading in full of all resolutions and
ordinances and that consent to the waiver of reading shall be
deemed to be given by all Council Members after the reading of the
title unless specific request is made at that time for the reading of
such resolutions and ordinances.
D. Approved the minutes of the City Council Adjourned and Regular
meeting of August 8, 2005.
E. Approved regular demands numbered 53119 through 53857 in the
amount of $3,087,286.09; payroll demands numbered 53009
through 53118, in the amount of $216,635.19, 53416 through
53507 in the amount of $222,641.67, and 53647 through 53735 in
the amount of $245,767.14; and authorized warrants to be drawn
on the Treasury for same.
F.
Received and filed Monthly Investment Report for July, 2005.
Adopted Resolution Number 5373 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE ON BEHALF OF THE CITY THE AGREEMENT FOR
REIMBURSEMENT OF CITY COSTS TO PREPARE
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND NECESSARY
DISCRETIONARY ACTION STAFF REPORTS FOR THE
REGENCY CENTER DEVELOPMENT PROJECT." By unanimous
consent, full reading of Resolution Number 5373 was waived.
G.
H. Adopted Resolution Number 5374 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH
APPROVING THE AMENDMENT TO JOINT POWERS
AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF SEAL BEACH AND WEST
ORANGE COUNTY WATER BOARD TO INCREASE BOARD
MEMBER COMPENSATION." By unanimous consent, full reading
of Resolution Number 5374 was waived.
I.
Adopted Resolution Number 5375 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH
APPROVING THE DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
(DBE) PROGRAM AND OVERALL ANNUAL GOAL OF FIVE
PERCENT (5.0%) FOR FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2005/2006, FOR
ADOPTION AND SUBMISSION TO THE CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CAL TRANS)." By
unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 5375 was
waived.
K. Adopted Resolution Number 5376 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH
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09-12-05
APPROVING THE AMENDED AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY AND DATANET SOLUTIONS FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
OF THE LASERFICHE SOFTWARE." By unanimous consent, full
reading of Resolution Number 5376 was waived.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Larson, Levitt, Ybaben, Yost
None
Motion carried
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
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ITEM "J" - ORDINANCE NUMBER 1538/ BEACH AND PARK SMOKING BAN
(YOST)
Yost moved, second by Larson, to adopt the introduction and first reading of
Ordinance Number 1538 entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL
BEACH ESTABLISHING TOBACCO-FREE AND SMOKE-FREE PARKS AND
BEACHES." By unanimous consent, full reading of Ordinance Number 1538 was
waived. The City Attorney read the title in full for the record and stated second
reading and adoption will be at the September 26th Council meeting. Council
concerns were the posting of signs regarding the non-smoking at the beach and
parks and have a dedicated smoking area and how this ordinance would be
enforced. The City Manager stated that this would be similar to enforcing the
dog park requirements; there will be a two-week period where violators will get
warnings then after that would receive an infraction - citations. The beach goers
and park users would tend to remind the violators of the ban.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Larson, Levitt, Ybaben, Yost
None
Motion carried
PUBLIC HEARING
ITEM "M" / 2005-2006 SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
FUND (SLESF) GRANT
Mayor Antos declared the public hearing open to consider acceptance of the
State COPS funds and the allocation thereof. The City Clerk certified that notice
of the public hearing had been advertised as required by law, and reported no
communications was received for or against. The City Manager stated that the
public hearing is a requirement for receiving the 2005/2006 SLESF grant of
approximately $100,000 to enhance law enforce such as community policing
efforts and training. Mayor Antos invited members of the audience wishing to
speak to this time to come to the microphone and identify themselves for the
record. There being no speakers, Mayor Antos declared the public hearing
closed.
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Yost moved, second by Larson, to accept the 2005/2006 Supplemental Law
enforcement (State COPS) funding of approximately $100,000; that the
established SLESF be authorized to accept such funds; and authorize the Chief
of Police to expend the funds for police personnel to enhance frontline
community policing and problem solving; related technology equipment, and
training exclusively dedicated to community policing efforts.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Larson, Levitt, Ybaben, Yost
None
Motion carried
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NEW BUSINESS
CITY HALL / HOURS OF OPERATION
Mayor Antos requested this item be placed on the agenda so that Council would
be able to discuss the concerns of customer service and hours of operation at
City Hall. The City Manager stated that currently City Hall is open 52 hours a
week, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. on Friday with employees working non-uniform schedules. The issue of
employee work schedules and customer service is not a new concern and said
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09-12-05
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that it was suggested by Interim City Manager Don Mcintyre back in 2001 that
City Hall hours be reduced to a 40-hour schedule citing scheduling problems and
inter-departmental communications as a primary reason for the change. In 2002
Council deliberated this issue during the budget session citing the advantages to
a traditional 40-hour work week: all employees would be working the same
schedule, reduced utility costs, and would address the community frustration of
customer service. The disadvantages discussed were: employee morale could
be impacted, eliminates early hours for contractors and those purchasing annual
parking permits, and could be disruptive to those community members
accustomed to the extended hours. The City Manager noted that the employee
morale is affected by other factors that are more important than flex schedules;
one suggestion for dealing with the issuing of the annual parking permits is to
open one Saturday. The perceptions about hours of operation, staffing, and
employee hours of work have existed for years.
Council consensus was to change the hours of operation to 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. Monday through Friday and all City Hall employees work the same schedule
for a trial period of time that the City Manager will be able to determine what
impacts this change would have on the community as well as overall customer
service.
Ybaben moved, second by Yost, to change the hours of City Hall operation to
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday for a trial period, length of trial period
would be determined by City Manager. The City Manager would provide Council
with a report on the impact of the change of City Hall operation hours, employee
40-hour workweek schedule, and customer service.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Larson, Levitt, Ybaben, Yost
None
Motion carried
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CITYWIDE MAIL BALLOT / CONSOLIDATION OF ELECTION
The City Clerk provided Council with information regarding how to cut the rising
cost of elections with some alternative options for running City elections. It was
pointed out that more of the voters in Seal Beach are moving toward voting by
mail and/or registering as permanent absentee voters. The state has moved the
2006 primary election to June making the City's March election a stand-alone
election and this means that the City would solely incur all the costs. Using a
citywide mail ballot election would cut costs and eliminate the need for polling
places and poll workers. It was also noted that more detailed information was
provided in the staff report. The City Clerk indicated that Seal Beach is the only
city in Orange County that has not consolidated with the county holding the
elections in November of even years. By consolidating future elections with the
county the city would share the costs of the elections with the other cities and the
county would be responsible to setting up polling places and poll workers. This
change would take some City Charter amendments to move the date of future
elections and to extend the term for the City Clerk and Council members in
Districts two and four by an additional eight months. Another cost saving
consideration would be to use a simple majority to declare the winner, if Council
would prefer to continue with the run-off process it was suggested to use mail
ballot elections for the run-off.
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Council comments: Would support consolidating the future elections to
November and to use a citywide mail ballot in the March 2006 election. The City
Clerk answered the question regarding run-off elections stating that one of the
three last run-off elections the top vote getter prevailed as the winner in the run-
off. There were a lot of problems in the last election using the new voting
machines. Not sure that the community would be ready to go to a citywide mail
ballot; they like to the polling place and get their sticker saying they voted. Make
one change at a time, consolidate with county first. There were problems with
the voting machines in the last election and caused confusion and long lines.
Commend the City Clerk for bringing new ideas to the Council for consideration.
09-12-05
Larson moved, second by Levitt, authorizing the City Clerk to prepare the
necessary documents to implement a citywide mail ballot election for the March
2006, place the necessary City Charter amendments on the March ballot to
consolidate future City elections with the County of Orange to be held in
November of even years extending of terms for Council representatives in
Districts Two and Four and the City Clerk by eight months, and retain the City
nun-off concept using mail ballot elections.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Larson, Levitt, Ybaben
Yost
Motion carried
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ADJOURNMENT
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council, to adjourn the meeting
to September 26, 2005 to meet at 5:00 p.m. for workshop on the City of Seal
Beach Emergency Operations Plan with training in what Council's role would be
during emergencies and to meet inClosed Session if deemed necessary at 6:30
p.m. By unanimous consent, the meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
Cit Clerk and ex-officio clerk of
the City of Seal Beach
Approved: 4..L 4~
Mayor
Attest: ~~kr fJJJ/ll/,n1
City Clerk
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