Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1988-06-16 6-6-88 / 6-16-88 I was prepared by Mola Development and an Orange County Citizens Group, funded by persons outside the community, and questioned the Council's knowledge of the use of their names in that literature. Mr. Bruce Stark, 204 Ocean Avenue, compared the campaign literature and discussion of Measure F with that of Measure A that was recently voted upon, questioned a reference in the literature to plans for improvements to local roads and the estimated expenditure of 3.8 million dollars to meet the Initiative traffic standards. He referred to a congressional candidate's stated desire to make Los Alamitos a commercial airport, spoke of rerouting Lampson Avenue, removal of eucalyptus trees, and the lack of parks and schools in the original development of College Park East. There being no further comment, Mayor Hunt declared Oral Communications closed. CLOSED SESSION The City Manager reported the Council would meet in Closed Session to discuss a personnel related matter. The Council adjourned to Closed Session at 10:55 p.m. and reconvened at 11:03 p.m. with the City Manager reporting the Council had discussed a personnel matter and that no action was taken. ADJOURNMENT Grgas moved, second by Risner, to adjourn the meeting at 11:04 p.m. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Grgas, Hunt, Risner, Wilson None Laszlo Motion carried I ~ttp.st: Approven: Seal Beach, California June 16, 1988 The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular adjourned session at 5:02 p.m. with Mayor Hunt calling the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Hunt Councilmembers Laszlo, Wilson I Absent: Councilmembers Grgas and Risner Wilson moved, second by Hunt, to excuse the absence of Mrs. Risner from this meeting. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Hunt, Laszlo, Wilson None Grgas, Risner Motion carried Councilman Grgas arrived at the meeting at 5:08 p.m. 6-16-88 Also present: Mr. Nelson, City Manager Mr. Thomas, Finance Director Mr. Knight, Director of Development Services Mr. Jue, Director of Public Works/ City Engineer Captain Garrett, Police Department Captain Maiten, Police Department Mr. Osteen, Recreation Director Chief Dorsey, Lifeguard Department Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk WAIVER OF FULL READING Wilson moved, second by Laszlo, to waive the reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions and that consent to the waiver of reading shall be deemed to be given by all Councilmembers after reading of the title unless specific request is made at that time for the reading of such ordinance or resolution. I AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Hunt, Laszlo, Wilson None Grgas, Risner Motion carried BUDGET STUDY SESSION The City Manager pointed out that revenues from the pier restaurant have been revised by $25,000 based upon the operator's estimate, making the total projected 1988/89 revenues $14,452,730, and that expenditures have be amended to reflect an additional $136,000 for contract fire service, $280,000 for negotiated employee compensation adjustments, $27,000 added to the pier groin fund, the Council having directed that the first $30,000 of revenue from the pier restaurant over the $38,000 needed to pay the pier restaurant loan would be placed in that fund, and a $6700 five year, no interest loan to the Friends of the Animal I Care Center. Mr. Nelson reported that negotiations for funding of the Leisure World/Rossmoor bus resulted in the - City and Rossmoor Center each paying forty percent, Bixby Office Park paying twenty percent, and should any future funding of additional stops be realized, that amount would be deducted from the City's share. He also presented a report to Council setting forth three alternative proposals to adjust the business license tax that would generate up to $40,000, which is reflected in the proposed budget. With regard to the Pier Groin Fund, the City Manager confirmed that the $27,000 is in addition to the current balance of approximately $10,000, which was established for the intended purpose to repair and/or extend the groin, the extension estimated at $165,000. Council continued their review of the budget starting with Account 31, Building. The Director explained that the auto allowance is reimbursement to the building inspectors for use of their personal vehicles on City business. with regard to City vehicles, the City Manager reported there is one vehicle for general City business most often used by the Engineering and Development Services departments, that the Recreation Department has a small truck, the remaining I vehicles being in the POlice, Public Works and Lifeguard Departments. The Director explained that strong motion payments are included in the building permit fee, that the two budgeted building inspectors are currently adequate, noting however that the City contracts for plan check, which is paid for through plan check fees, and that additional building inspection services can be provided by that contractor if it is deemed necessary. The Council 6-16-8R tentatively approved the Planning and Building budgets as presented. I Discussion of the individual accounts continued with staff responding to various questions posed regarding specific line items, personnel deployment, equipment, etc. The Public Works Director commenced review of the Public Works budgets, explaining that a supervisor in the Public Works Department acts as the Department safety officer and attends meetings relating to State requirements for hazardous materials, and explained the education and experience requirements of the Assistant Civil Engineer and the Principal Engineering Aide. There was tentative approval of the Public Works Administration and Engineering Accounts 40 and 42. Mr. Jue noted that the Storm Drain budget includes the overhaul of the west end pump station engine, and explained that the distribution of street maintenance personnel now more accurately reflects the operation of that division, also that capital improvements have been placed in a separate account. Council gave tentative approval to Storm Drain Account 43, Street Maintenance Account 44, and Tree Trimming Account 45. . I The Public Works Director explained that Account 46 pays for all street lighting, including maintenance, noting that the Edison Company is contacted by the City when maintenance is required. The City Manager added that the fee the City pays for street lighting includes the pole and fixture, the energy, the bulbs and any required maintenance. Street Lighting, Account 46, received tentative approval. Mr. Jue stated that the largest percentage of Sanitation and Street Cleaning is for contract refuse collection. The City Manager reported that at such time as the County determines the actual increase in gate fees at the landfill sites, which is expected to be effective January lst, that information will be provided to the Council to consider passing the increase on to the consumer. Sanitation and Street Cleaning received tentative approval. Discussion continued with Captial Projects, Account 48. The Public Works Director reported that an amount is budgeted each year for sidewalk reconstruction, the last sidewalk survey showing about nine hundred locations that are raised, and that last year $30,000 repaired approximately one hundred eighty locations. He added that when a sidewalk is replaced the roots of the trees are pruned to curtail further damage and in some instances a tree is required to be removed. He stated that a report will be forthcoming to the Council regarding tree replacement policies. The City Manager reported that all vehicle replacement is included in this account, and explained the financing plan to purchase these vehicles through the League of Cities financing . program, pointing out the City's inability in recent years to set aside funds necessary to purchase vehicles outright. Mr. Jue stated that the Electric Avenue Alley project will be from lOth to 12th Streets, that the four inch water main will be replaced with a six inch main, and after replacement of the water and sewer mains the alley will be repaved with concrete, the funding for the project coming from water, sewer, and a/CD funds. Councilman Grgas asked that if revenues will be forthcoming from the lease of the jail facility, that consideration be given to using some of those revenues to paint and recarpet the Police building, and that the surf rake for Beach Maintenance be considered. The Capital Projects budget received tentative approval. With regard to Account 49, the City Manager pointed out that I 6-16-R8 no personnel have been added however the Landscape Maintenance workload continually increases, with requests ongoing for more landscaped areas. Mr. Jue noted that a rotary mower is proposed to be purchased under the 48 Account, also that the lease purchase payment for the street sweeper is included in Account 50. Landscape Maintenance and Auto Maintenance were tentatively approved. Mr. Jue reported that the Building Maintenance budget includes a new master clock for City Hall which is less I expensive than had been previously proposed for replacement parts. With regard to the remodel of public facility restrooms for handicapped accessibility, the staff explained that Marina Community Center has not been remodeled as yet, that the pier restrooms are accessible however do not meet State standards, and that the Administration Building restrooms pose the greatest problem for compliance. Councilman Grgas asked that the City Engineer prepare a tentative schedule of water line/alley replacement for future years in the downtown area. Mr. Jue explained that the overtime account in the Sanitary Sewer budget is to cover personnel costs when it is necessary for an employee to respond to an emergency. Building Maintenance, Account 52, and Sanitary Sewers, Acco~nt 60, received tentative approval. With regard to Signal Maintenance, the Public Works Director reported that all of the controllers and loops have been installed on Seal Beach Boulevard, that Los Alamitos has contracted an engineer to perform the timing from Katella to the freeway, and it is understood they have not completed the fine tuning of coordinating the signals. He added that the City will need to obtain CalTrans approval to time the signals they I maintain, which is from the freeway to Westminster. Mr. Jue explained that a percentage of the Superintendent's time is reflected in the various Public Works budgets, and that the bulk of operating expense under Signal Maintenance is for the utility to operate the traffic signals. Signal Maintenance was given tentative approval. The Director noted that the Water Department overtime figure covers daily checks of the system, including weekends, and emergency callouts, that the storage shed is budgeted to securely house replacement water meters and hydrants, and that the gate valve is for the facility located at Seal Beach Boulevard/Bolsa Avenue. The Water Account 62 was tentatively approved. Mr. Jue explained that beach maintenance includes cleaning the beach, daily raking and sanitizing during summer months, cleaning the public restrooms, emptying the trash cans, cleaning the parking lots, etc. He reported the beach crew works from 4:00 a.m. until noon, consists of three full time employees and supplemented with part time in the summer months. Mayor Hunt expressed his desire that there will be some flexibility in the amount budgeted for sand replenishment in the event additional sand is required, making reference to areas where breakthroughs occurred last I year. The City Manager reported that sand replenishment consists basically of the movement of sand from the west to the east beach, the available sand moved to necessary locations in the event of storms, stating that there is a plan to place the sand on the beach in a different manner in the upcoming year, also that the amount of sand that can be puchased for a given price varies from year to year. With regard to the unfunded request for a surfrake, Mr. Jue explained that the piece of equipment that was being 6-16-88 I considered would accomplish the raking and sanitizing in one operation. The City Manager pointed out that purchase of this equipment would not reduce manpower but it would allow reallocation of personnel time, noting that at the present the crew is unable to keep up with the amount of trash and the hand picking or raking that is necessary, that the only potential for reducing personnel would be in the off season. Councilman Grgas asked that the staff prepare a brief report on the purchase of a beach surfrake and give some consideration to related cost reductions. Mr. Jue added that the contract professional services account includes funds for the rental of equipment to construct and remove the beach berm. Account 63, Beach Maintenance, received tentative approval. Public Transportation, Account 64, received tentative approval as amended to include Councilmember Wilson's request to reinstate the City's percentage share of the Leisure World/Rossmoor bus, $17,510. I The City Manager distributed a pier income and expense statement estimated for years ending June 1988 and 1989, pointing out however that an annual depreciation figure is not included and there has been some discussion as to whether or not off-street parking should be credited to the pier or divided between the pier and the beach. Staff explained that the debt service reflects the loan repayment to the Coastal Conservancy for the pier restaurant. The City Manager suggested that when the $300,000 for the pier reconstruction is received from FEMA he would recommend those monies, as a one time repayment, be used for capital improvements. Councilman Grgas stated he felt that one of the advantages of the Coastal Conservancy loan was that it was relatively short term and once paid all of the revenue that will be forthcoming from the restaurant will come to the City, therefore at this time he would prefer that funds be set aside for the groin on an incremental basis and not reserved for pier replacement, which could be addressed in future years, nor did he feel there should be a reallocation of beach parking lot revenue. The Public Works Director stated the only significant change in Pier Maintenance is the addition of one tram operator due to the extended hours of operation, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Pier Maintenance received tentative approval. By unanimous consent, the Council declared a recess at 6:34 p.m. and reconvened at 6:48 p.m. with Mayor Hunt calling the meeting to order. Discussion continued with the Recreation budgets. Mr. Osteen explained that part time employees work approximately nine hours per week in the winter, more in the summer, and conduct recreation programs in the City's parks, beach, etc. Mr. Osteen clarified that the Swimming Pool budget includes replastering of the pool bottom and sides, where a severe algae problem currently exists that could pose a health problem, explaining however that the small pool has been coated with a rubberized pool paint to test its effect on this problem as an experiment over the summer. He also explained that since the City will be maintaining the pool a replacement pool cover is proposed which will effectively reduce heating costs and maintenance. The City Manager reported that pursuant to a prior agreement with the School District, it has been found that $44,000 is owing to the I District for maintenance and costs over the past ten years, this item to be presented to Council for consideration. Recreation Administration, Account 70, Recreation Programs, 6-16-88 Account 72, and Swimming Pool, Account 73, were given tentative approval. The City Manager stated that current policy is that no alcoholic beverages are allowed in the community centers, and advised that a recommendation will soon be presented to the Council to allow alcohol for wedding receptions which will increase the rental of those facilities, he also reported that the City now has the ability to sell riders through the City's umbrella insurance coverage, therefore a I condition of a permit for alcohol would require that either - insurance be provided or the rider be obtained. Council continued with a discussion of the Police Department budget. Captain Garrett reported that currently there are forty-one budgeted sworn positions, of that there are twenty-nine police officers, seven sergeants, two lieutenants, two captains, and the chief, that the upper staff and twenty-three police officers are currently on active duty, two are on medical light duty, and one is off on an injury on duty status. He confirmed that the intent is to hire six additional officers, currently a number of applicants are in various stages of the recruitment/hiring process. Captain Garrett stated the Department has recently contracted with an outside firm to conduct background investigations in order to expedite the process, and the goal is to have four officers on board by mid-July since there are four field officers available for training and orientation, noting that if the employee has no law enforcement experience it takes approximately three months for training. Councilman Laszlo asked for an organizational chart for the Police Department, showing specific responsibilities. Captain Garrett reported that the Department currently has a full dispatch staff, one - supervisor and six dispatchers, the supervisor performing I regular dispatch duties when necessary, with overtime compensation if additional hours or shift is worked. Captain Maiten pointed out there is no contingency for reserve officers in this budget, however acknowledged the $2100 unfunded request that would have covered the costs of the current three reserves, one being a field reserve, another a retired medical doctor who acts as a consultant to various departmental physical fitness functions, another being a senior female who works in the property room and performs various administrative functions. Captain Garrett reported a reserve is required to work sixteen hours per month, and dependent upon the level of the reserve they are provided some compensation for uniform care, etc. The Captain confirmed that prior reserves are no longer with the Department, stating that they were an asset, the difficulty now is in recruiting persons that are required to be trained to current standards, a problem also lying with having a volunteer versus a paid reserve program. Captain Garrett noted that when police services are required for special events there is a cost involved if the event is City sponsored otherwise the services are paid for by the sponsor. Councilman Grgas stated he felt the Police Department report on overtime charges was comprehensive and detailed, and points out the fact that there is a buy-down I provision of the Police Memorandum of Understanding to reduce compensatory time that a police officer can accumulate, which he stated is a good provision, and that there has been an obvious increase in overtime due to the reduced number of officers, which in turn results in somewhat of a salary savings. He noted that overtime may be higher as the result of training new officers, and further due to extended shifts or hours worked resulting from less than a full complement of personnel. He stated his 6-]6-R8 satisfaction with the information provided and felt there is an effort by the Department to reduce overtime, which is a variable. Discussion continued. I With regard to the jail lease, the City Manager suggested that a presentation by the Probation Department could be scheduled for the July 5th meeting. Councilman Grgas read a letter from a local resident suggesting that the City request a study of contracting for police services with the County Sheriff's Department. Mr. Grgas stated for the record that he initally supported contracting for fire services, however in this case he felt that the residents would be strongly in favor of maintaining the local Police Department and if this matter is ever seriously considered that it be placed on the ballot. The Police Department budget was tentatively approved. With regard to the Redevelopment Agency budget, the City Manager noted that a couple of years ago the Agency issued new bonds at a lower interest, paid off the previous bonds, repaid a large portion of the debt to the City and from those monies certain reserve funds were created, and that approximately $81,000 remains unpaid at this time. Council tentatively approved the Agency budget. Mrs. Lillian Siefert, 1420 Northwood Road, objected to the printing in the recently distributed recreation brochure, and suggested that in the future it be printed in black and white for ease of reading. The Recreation Director informed Council that a portion of the brochure cost is paid by the City however the majority of the cost is paid from revenues generated through contract classes. I CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Councilman Laszlo stated that in view of the recent election, the results thereof, and comments prior to the election, he would ask that the Mayor join residents of the City, the proponents of the Initiative, to compile a similar measure specific to this City, and requested that this be placed on the Council agenda for discussion. Mayor Hunt responded that he would support the suggestion, stating he felt the objectives of the initiative, growth and traffic control, could be supported. The City Manager suggested the matter be placed on the July 5th agenda. Councilman Grgas inquired as to discussion of fee revisions, and the City Manager stated the fee schedule would also be a subject of discussion on July 5th. Councilman Grgas in turn recommended that parking stickers continue to be issued until an action is taken on the proposed adjustment of that fee. Mayor Hunt suggested that any further changes to the budget be considered and acted upon at the next regular meeting. The City Manager advised that any subsequent change in revenues can be handled through a budget amendment. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were no Oral Communications. I CLOSED SESSION The City Manager stated the Council would meet in Closed Session to discuss personnel matters. The Council adjourned to Closed Session at 7:41 p.m. and reconvened at 8:07 p.m. with Mayor Hunt calling the meeting to order. The City Manager reported the Council met to receive an update on the status of negotiations with employee organizations. 6-16-88 I 6-20~88 ADJOURNMENT Wilson moved, second by Hunt, to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 p.m. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Wilson None Risner Motion carried I of the Approved: ~~.r t:1' ayor Attest: Seal Beach, California June 20, 1988 The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular session at 7:01 p.m. with Mayor Hunt calling the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Present: I Mayor Hunt Councilmembers Grgas, Laszlo, Wilson Absent: Councilmember Risner It was the consensus of the Council to excuse the absence of Councilmember Risner from this meeting as she was out of the City. WAIVER OF FULL READING Wilson moved, second by Laszlo, to waive the reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions and that consent to the waiver of reading shall be deemed to be given by all Councilmembers after reading of the title unless specific request is made at that time for the reading of such ordinance or resolution. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Wilson None Risner Motion carried I