HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1990-06-12
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6-11-90/6-12-90
be considered the number of units per acre where intensity
would tend to be the nature of the use, as an example
commercial would be considered more intense than residential
use. There being no further comments, Mayor Wilson declared
Oral Communications closed.
I
CLOSED SESSION
No additional Closed Session was held.
ADJOURNMENT
Laszlo moved, second by Forsythe, to adjourn the meeting
until Tuesday, June 12th at 1:00 p.m.
AYES:
NOES:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 2:07 a.m.
erk and ex-offJ.
of Seal Beach
of the
Approved:
~ -{ M1~)
Mayor
I
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
June 12, 1990
The city Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
adjourned session at 1:07 p.m. with Mayor Wilson calling the
meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Wilson
Councilmembers Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt,
Laszlo
Absent:
None
I
Also present: Mr. Nelson, city Manager
Mr. Thomas, Finance Director
Mr. Archibold, Assistant to the city Manager
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. Jue, Director of Public Works/
city Engineer
Chief Stearns, Police Department
Captain Garrett, Police Department
Captain Maiten, Police Department
Mr. osteen, Recreation Director
Chief Dorsey, Lifeguard Department
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION
The City Manager requested a Closed Session after the budget
workshop to discuss labor negotiations.
6-12-90
BUDGET WORKSHOP
The city Manager noted that the Council had been provided
with information that had been discussed at the previous
workshop, memorandums from the Police Department regarding
operational costs of the S.W.A.T. and Hostage Negotiation
teams, staffing of patrol force, vehicle inventory of the
Police Department as of February, 1990, and replacement
policy and cost of maintenance and repair for Police I
Department vehicles, also a rolling stock inventory by
department with description, estimated replacement year, and
value. He reviewed in some detail the salaries for
management, non-represented, and confidential employees,
which set forth in part the monthly base salary, bonuses,
pager compensation, PERS, FICA for employees hired after
1986, health insurance, bilingual pay, deferred
compensation, and auto allowance or vehicle. He noted the
current year factor to calculate PERS is 13.98 percent for
miscellaneous employees and 29.368 percent for safety
employees, which is Police and Lifeguards. The City Manager
provided a breakdown with regard to in-lieu parking, a total
of one hundred forty-nine spaces, $44,016.87 having been
collected to date, an outstanding balance of $9,200 for
Hennessey's where there is a misunderstanding as to whether
there was to have been credit for restriping the beach
parking lot. A suggestion was made to implement a penalty
for late payment of in-lieu parking fees. It was explained
that in order to include other existing businesses in the
in-lieu program it would be necessary to amend the Zoning
Code to make current parking requirements applicable to pre-
existing uses, a program that would allow an adequate period
of time to meet the current contribution level. Staff noted
that the Coastal commission is not supportive of the in-lieu I
program in the coastal zone and would prefer that there be
no application of the program until such time as there is a
change of use on a property. In response to Council, staff
noted the Watson building does meet current parking
requirements.
Mr. Archibold reported the fire services contract has
increased from $1,853,600 to $2,071.850, or 11.75 percent,
and that the issue of paramedic fees is yet unresolved. The
city Manager noted that the cost is based upon a formula
established by the 1982 contract, and that the contract is
reviewed in December of each year to determine if it is to
be renewed or terminated the following June 30th. He
reported the County has undergone a Master Plan for fire
services over the past two years, and related to that Plan
there was a 1988/89 comparison of services versus fees, Seal
Beach having paid slightly more than $1,700,000 and received
nearly $2,500,000 in services, to which the City Managers
argued that there should have been a five year comparison to
more accurately reflect the costs. He noted one concern is
that the City is subsidizing from one half to two percent of
the costs related to south County under the current formula,
the County's argument to that is that those resources are
available to the City. He said although he could recommend
the fire budget at this time, it is necessary to understand I
that the City must continue to monitor and participate in _
the studies of fees and costs of services. Councilman Hunt
noted that the County will no longer fund fire services as
they have in the past, therefore the shortfall is proposed
to be reconciled through increased rates, a paramedic
program, increased costs of fire inspections, etc., and
although Seal Beach is subsidizing added facilities in south
County, other cities are contributing a much greater amount.
He pointed out that by January, 1991 someone will most
likely need to assume the paramedic costs, even though
insurance will be responsible for a percentage of the total,
6-12-90
I
and although a paramedic subscription program may be viable,
the cost of collection could amount to fifty percent of the
total, therefore that fact may provide a means to negotiate
for paramedic services at the lesser cost. The City Manager
explained that the local fire stations serve all of
Battalion one, west Orange County, however Seal Beach
realizes about eighty-five percent of the services, and
confirmed that Station 48 does serve Rossmoor. with regard
to an opti-scan unit near station 48, the City Engineer said
it is believed that equipment has been included in the
County budget for next year, the cost to be approximately
$5,000 per intersection. Councilman Laszlo asked if
obtaining fire services from Huntington Beach or Long Beach
had been looked into. The city Manager responded that there
was a request within recent years to consider reinstating
the local Fire Department which consisted of a joint
proposal with Huntington Beach, the analysis of which showed
that the initial and on-going costs were not economically
justified, and noted the difficulty of crossing county
boundaries. He did mention that in connection with the
County Master Plan the city Manager's of Cypress, La Palma,
Los Alamitos and Seal Beach had given thought of
establishing a four-cities department, and based upon the
study that had been conducted for the City of Tustin, it was
determined there would not be a cost reduction or an
increase of service.
I
Captain Maiten explained that the part time position in the
Animal Control budget works twenty hours per week, and that
the last quote from the County for called-for field services
was $6,000 per month over current budget, not including use
of the County shelter. Councilmember Hastings mentioned the
cost savings realized through the number of volunteers at
the City's shelter. The Development Services Director
pointed out that the Planning Department budget includes a
request for one, additional entry level planner to assist
with current workload and update of the General Plan, also a
$25,000 request for a computer mapping program which will
allow tracking of the various approvals for each parcel of
property, and eventually add building plans and County Tax
Assessor information. He added that the Building Department
budget reflects a more accurate cost accounting system.
Councilman Hunt requested that consideration be given to
increasing the compensation of the Planning Commission,
possibly to $75 per meeting. Discussion followed. The
Director noted that one of the benefits of the computer
program will be to track staff time for each permit being
processed, and at some point consideration could be given to
charging actual staff time and material costs to a specific
project application, noting also that the capability would
also be present to track certain basic locations of
infrastructure. He reported recent quotes received to
update the Land Use Element and Local Coastal Plan ranged
from $80,000 to $300,000 as compared to the combined cost of
approximately $55,000 for the computer program and employee.
I
Hunt moved, second by wilson, to increase the compensation
of the Planning Commission to $60 per meeting.
AYES:
NOES:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
Councilman Laszlo requested a listing of the computers in
the city and their use. Hunt moved, second by Wilson, to
accept the Planning and Building Department budgets.
AYES:
NOES:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
6-12-90
The Public Works Director reported personnel and budgets of
the sixteen Public Works Divisions are basically the same
for fiscal year 1990/91, and proceeded to highlight the
minor changes. Account 42 increased by $4000 to accommodate
the new EPA requirement for each city to test storm water
discharge into federal waters, the Orange County cities
having joined together with the County as the lead agency
and to perform the actual tests, the City's share of the I
cost approximately $1700 for each $100,000 cost of the
program, a local investigation also required to insure there
are no illegal tie-ins to the sewer system. Account 45
increased by $10,630 this year to contract for trimming of
trees that are outside the capabilities of the city's tree
trimming operation. The City Manager noted several years
ago a fifty cent tree trimming fee was initiated which
offsets approximately $38,000 of the $63,000 cost, and at
some point it may be necessary to request an increase of
that fee, pointing out also that the City does realize
claims for falling limbs and damages to curbs and sidewalks.
With regard to curb and sidewalk damage, Mr. Jue explained
that trees are now planted in root boxes which forces the
root system downward. In response to a question regarding
rodents, the city Manager reported Orange County Vector
Control responds to those problems, that Animal Control
assists with live skunks, possums, and raccoons, and Public
Works in the case of a dead animal. The City Engineer
reported the street Lighting Assessment may be approximately
eight cents lower this year, and Account 47, Sanitation/
street Cleaning, was increased $3000 to cover increased
Orange County gate fees. With regard to the street sweeping
schedule, a member of the audience noted that certain
streets are swept more often as a result of tourist traffic
and increased litter. The City Manager explained that by I
law every property owner is responsible for cleaning the
fronting sidewalk and gutter, however has not been enforced
in this City. Mayor Wilson reported problems with the
condition of the Rossmoor Alley of which some may be
associated with the water meters, and suggested there be
discussions with the water company to determine the cause of
the problem and the cost to resolve it. She said she would
support including $75,000 in the budget to reconstruct a
portion of the Rossmoor Alley, pointing out that there is
substantial sales tax realized from the Center annually.
The City Manager explained that as part of the annexation of
Rossmoor Center there was a negotiated agreement that the
City would hold title of Rossmoor Center Drive and the
Rossmoor Alley, which is an on-going maintenance and
liability problem, serves only those persons utilizing the
Center, and although the City is to maintain the surface,
the subsurface infrastructure is under different ownership.
He noted there is a continuing problem with water in the
area, that several years past the city constructed a
concrete valley gutter to improve drainage, however has now
cracked as a result of heavy trucks. Mr. Jue advised the
alley reconstruction, which was initially proposed for this
budget, was estimated at $75,000 for the portion near
Bradbury Road, to be paid from the General Fund since the I
alley would not qualify for use of Gas Tax monies. The City
Manager said he has given thought to suggesting that the
alley be deeded back to Rossmoor, ,and Council discussion
followed regarding that possibility. He advised that
placing the $75,000 in the budget would cause it to be out
of balance. The Public Works Director explained that
Southern California Water Company serves the Rossmoor
center, most likely obtaining their water from Metropolitan
Water District, and pointed out that only minimal General
Fund monies have been spent for alley reconstruction in the
downtown area, most of that funding obtained through the
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I
Housing/Community Development Block Grant Program. General
discussion continued regarding additional sources of
revenue, specifically full cost recovery for services
provided, the need to maintain the $1 million General Fund
reserve, parking stickers, and how the various areas of the
city subsidize improvements in other areas. Councilmember
Hastings said she has requested a breakdown of the number of
parking citations written in the downtown area, the revenue
generated, and the actual costs involved.
Wilson moved, second by Hunt, to budget $75,000 for repair
of the Rossmoor Alley.
Councilman Laszlo moved a substitute motion that the staff
be directed to pursue discussions of returning the Alley to
the Rossmoor Center. Councilmember Forsythe seconded the
motion.
AYES:
NOES:
Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo
Hunt, Wilson
Motion carried
I
Councilmember Hunt expressed support for increased funding
of sidewalk repair, possibly $50,000 or more, also for alley
reconstruction. The city Engineer reported that with the
increase of Gas Tax through the passage of Proposition 111
the city could conceivably realize an additional $211,000
per year, explained that Gas Tax can be used for such things
as streets, sidewalks, median landscaping, storm drain and
street maintenance, etc., however that legislation also
requires that each county in California have a Congestion
Management Plan, Orange County having worked on that Plan
for the past four to five months, and will require approval
by fifty percent of the cities having fifty percent of the
population. In response to council, Mr. Jue explained that
certain programs that provide funding for improvements
require matching funds. He cited as an example the sizeable
amount of OCCUT Funds, meant to be spent for transit
facilities, that were not used and being held by Orange
County, which led to a request for legislation that allowed
the interest from those Funds to be used for repair of major
streets under the OCCUT Program administered by the Orange
County Transportation Commission, a program similar to AHFP,
and yet Seal Beach did not have the matching funds to
qualify under that program. It was noted that the
additional Gas Tax was not included in the budget pending
notification from the State as to when and how much may be
forthcoming, that improvements in College Park East and Old
Town would likely be highest priority for expenditure.
Councilman Hunt suggested that if Gas Tax could fund
sidewalk repair, the General Fund would be relieved a like
amount. Councilmember Forsythe asked staff to investigate
if any of the arterial funding sources could be used for
sound attenuation along Seal Beach Boulevard. The
Development Services Director reported that a Planning
Commission study, yet to be completed, is intended to
determine if higher walls would make a significant
difference with regard to sound attenuation. The city
Engineer confirmed that Bixby had completed all requirements
for their office park project based upon the Traffic Study.
The City Manager pointed out that as a result of the
potential new funding sources there are also additional
requirements, one being the Congestion Management Plan, and
tagged to the proposed County Sales Tax Measure on the
November ballot is the Growth Management Plan, yet there are
no resources to accomplish the requirements, and confirmed
that in the case of OCCUT and AHFP programs quite often
there are not sufficient monies to match the funding. .
Councilman Hunt inquired if the city is keeping up with
I
6-12-90
water main replacement, noting many areas of the city are
reaching twenty-five years or older, and that there are no
reserve funds for that purpose. The city Engineer responded
that he felt the replacement has been adequate to date in
Old Town, and the City Manager offered that when the need
arises bonds could be sold, another means would be to
evaluate the system, determine the replacement costs, then
establish a bond sinking fund over a period of years, I
another thought being to raise water rates ten percent each
year and place a percentage into a capital reserve account
for replacement purposes. Mr. Jue explained that presently
the monies realized from water service pays for water
operations and capital, as well as the water bonds, and Mr.
Thomas clarified that the College Park East water system had
been purchased. Staff reported the recent sewer main break
near Westminster Boulevard was within the responsibility of
the County. In response to Councilmember Forsythe, staff
advised that construction of the lifeguard towers are
proposed to be contracted, and cautioned that state law
provides that for any in-house construction over $5000 there
is a risk of legal action by the contractors and builders.
It was the consensus of the Council to declare a recess at
3:24 p.m. The Council reconvened at 3:33 p.m. with Mayor
Wilson calling the meeting to order.
It was the consensus of the Council to consider the parking
sticker matter, then continue the budget workshop until
Tuesday, June 19th at 10:00 a.m., commencing with Account
49.
The city Manager again reviewed the June 8th memorandum
regarding parking enforcement expenses and fees, and the I
recommendation that the annual residential parking permit be
increased from $10 to $15 and the visitor parking permit be
increased from $12 to $18. Discussion continued.
Councilmember Hastings suggested that a cost of living
increase be applied to in-lieu parking fees since 1984.
Councilman Hunt concurred, however recommended that be
considered by the Planning Commission, since it is likely
there is a realistic basis for the cost of a parking space.
The City Manager explained that pursuant to the boat landing
agreements, $1.14 per day is realized for each parking space
used by the oil company employees, and the spaces in the 8th
Street lot used be the merchants are $40 per year, the
eighty spaces oversold as one hundred twenty spaces.
Councilman Laszlo requested a report regarding the use of
parking spaces. It appeared to be the consensus of the
Council to not increase the annual fee for residential
parking permits.
The city Manager reported the Council had allocated $2750 to
the 75th Anniversary Committee from the current budget, and
the request for consideration is for $16,664. He explained
that the Committee budget estimates the sale of tee shirts,
sweatshirts, buttons, and posters should bring a profit of
about $8000, therefore the risk to the city would be $8664, I
noting that the Committee is also pursuing sponsorships and
other fund raising efforts. Councilman Hunt suggested that
the City allocate $5000 to the 75th Anniversary celebration,
with a loan of $11,500 to be offset by revenues generated by
the Committee. Staff clarified that the $5000 would come
from the Account 19 total budget of $14,000, which covers
special activities throughout the year, and that staff will
monitor the Committee expenditures to insure there are
sufficient revenues being generated to cover expenditures.
Council also indicated that should the revenues generated by
the Committee be insufficient, the city would assume those
6-12-90/6-19-90
costs. There was no objection to the allocation of funds as
recommended by Councilman Hunt. councilmember Hastings
suggested the Committee organize a wine promotion with
Walt's Wharf. It was suggested that the Committee take the
responsibility to develop the fund raising activities.
I
CLOSED SESSION
The City Manager announced the City Council would meet in
Closed Session to discuss employee negotiations. It was the
consensus of the Council to adjourn to Closed Session at
3:54 p.m. Councilman Hunt was excused from the meeting at
4:45 p.m. The Council reconvened at 5:00 p.m. with Mayor
Wilson calling the meeting to order. The City Manager
reported the Council had discussed the matter previously
announced and had given direction to staff.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Oral communications.
ADJOURNMENT
It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn until
Tuesday, June 19th at 10:00 a.m. It was the order of the
Chair, with consent of the Council, to adjourn the meeting
at 5:02 p.m.
C
C'
erk and ex-off~cJ. clerk of the
of Seal Beach
I
Approved:
-&iwJ 'i. ~~
Mayor
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
June 19, 1990
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
adjourned session at 10:04 a.m. with Mayor Wilson calling
the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Wilson
Councilmembers Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt,
Laszlo
I
Absent: None
Also present: Mr. Nelson, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, Assistant city Attorney
Mr. Thomas, Finance Director
Mr. Jue, Director of Public Works/
City Engineer
Mr. Archibold, Assistant to the City Manager
Chief Dorsey, Lifeguard Department
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk