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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1987-06-18 6-15~87 / 6-18-87 $38,000 mlnlmum rent payment with a six and seven percent of the gross, thereafter the rent would be adjusted every three years based upon a three year average of the actual rent paid during the prior three year period, or ninety percent of the average for that period. Mr. Nelson stated that the draft lease would be forwarded to the City Attorney and interested State agencies the following day, and that it is hoped the lease will be presented to Council by the May 23rd adjourned meeting. I APPOINTMENT - DWP ADVISORY COMMITTEE Councilman Grgas nominated Mrs. Barbara Rountree, 315 - 13th Street, to fill the vacancy on the Department of Water and Power Advisory Committee representing District One. Clift moved, second by Hunt, to approve the appointment. AYES: NOES: Clift, Grgas, Hunt, Risner, Wilson None Motion carried ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were no Oral Communications. CLOSED SESSION The City Attorney reported the City Council would meet in Closed Session to discuss personnel matters. By unanimous consent, the Council adjourned to Closed Session at 10:OS p.m. The Council reconvened at 11:28 p.m. with Mayor Wilson calling the meeting to order. The City Attorney reported the Council had met in Closed Session and had discussed matters previously reported. I ADJOURNMENT Hunt moved, second by Risner, to adjourn the meeting until Thursday, June 18th at 6:30 p.m. AYES: NOES: Clift, Grgas, Hunt, Risner, Wilson None Motion carried The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at Il:29 p.m. and ex-offlcio City Council the Clty Seal --~ l~a./ Approved:__ 4I'"'t> _.L--V .,:'OJ ~ .A~ Mayor Attest: I Seal Beach, California June 18, 1987 The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular adjourned session at 6:30 p.m. with Mayor Wilson calling the meeting to order. Councilman Clift led the Salute to the Flag. 6-18-87 ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Wilson Councilmembers Clift, Hunt, Risner Absent: Councilman Grgas Councilman Grgas arrived at the meeting at 6:50 p.m. Also present: Mr. Nelson, City Manager Mr. Joseph, Assistant City Manager I Mr. Thomas, Finance Director Mr. Knight, Director of Development Services Mr. Osteen, Recreation Director Chief Dorsey, Lifeguard Department Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk WAIVER OF FULL READING There being no legislative items on the agenda requ1r1ng action, no action was taken on the waiver of reading. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING/BUDGET WORKSHOP Mayor Wilson announced the continuation of the public hearing on the proposed 1987/88 budget, noting thirty minutes alloted for public comments. The City Manager reported the Council had been provided with a packet containing nine supplemental budget requests and a proposed capital improvement program. He announced that individuals were present in the audience to discuss fire services, and further, that there had been a request that an adjournment time of 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. be established. There was some discussion as to whether or not the fire service proposal should be heard at this time in conjunction with the budget workshop. Mrs. Mary Bolton, 1701 Bayou Way, volunteer member/chairman I of the American Cancer Society Seal Beach Committee, and current chairman of the ACS 10K Run, presented their request for City assistance in the area of Public Works and Police Department services for the 1987 Run, the cost estimated between $1600 to $2000, other expenses funded through specific sponsorships, and noted that more than one hundred volunteers lend their support of this activity. She pointed out the success of this annual event, the proceeds on behalf of the American Cancer Society approximating $16,000. In response to Council, Mr. Joseph advised $14,OOO was placed in the budget to cover labor costs relating to community activities. Councilman Grgas arrived at 6:50 p.m. Chief Larry Holms, Director of Orange County Fire Services, clarified that there is a six month cancellation clause on the part of the City and a twelve month cancellation clause on the part of the County in the City/County fire service contract. Chief Holms concurred with the figures set forth in the proposed budget for fire services, reviewed the percentage cost increases since 1982/83, averaging between four to five percent in line with growth, with a 1987/88 projected seven percent increase. The Assistant City I Manager advised that the increase is approximately eleven percent, that sixteen percent of the eleven percent is attributed to the Fair Labor Standards Act rather than a direct increase of costs. Chief Holms explained that with the inception of the Orange County Fire Department a standard formula was established to distribute the cost of fire protection on a reasonable basis, taking into consideration assessed valuation, not land value, population, size and number of alarms, which results in the 6-18-87 I city's share of the load of the entire system, fire service costs for Seal Beach having been relatively consistent under this formula. With regard to volunteers, Chief Holms noted that with the City Fire Department the volunteers staffed the truck company from the downtown station, however under the County contract a captain was placed on that truck for a period of time to insure that County standards were achieved, and as had been previously discussed, the County has since turned the truck back to the volunteers for operation, and explained that that would have no impact on the cost of the fire contract as the City is receiving the same basic fire protection and sharing the proportionate cost. Chief Holms advised that County Fire is a self-funded unit receiving no County General Fund monies, their funds derived directly from property taxes, cash contracts, other sources, and some from the augmentation pool, noting that from discussions with Board of Supervisors and their staffs, the County recognizes that the augmentation funds are a continuing component of the fire system in serving Seal Beach, nine other cities, and the unincorporated areas, stating that it is not anticipated that those funds would be looked to as a source of funds to the County. With regard to response time, he advised that although he could not be specific, he would anticipate that response is consistent with that of the City Fire Department since the same equipment and dispatch system are utilized. He explained also that one of the two stations in the City acts as a primary backup, and if a station is unmanned for a period of approximately twenty minutes another company would automatically move to that station or into the immediate response area, and should an incident appear to be significant there is no delay in moving in a backup company. He cited as an example of the County's coverage ability the significant fires of 198s statewide, where fifty engine companies were dispatched from Orange County cities and the County, twenty-five from County Fire, and even in that situation there were no unmanned stations due to their depth of personnel, volunteers and rescue equipment. With regard to taking a position on the proposal to re-establish the City fire department, Chief Holms stated they would like to continue to serve Seal Beach, that he did not feel it was realistic for the City to start up again, particularly with regard to personnel matters. Chief Holms advised that the County does not use sleep time deductions, that it has been determined to be of greater benefit to follow the federal standards of an average fifty-three hour work week, noting that the national trend is to reduce the number of hours, and from an economic standpoint, taking into consideration the intent of the FLSA to generate jobs and create more positions, he stated that the County is taking an agressive and progressive stance for cost reductions by hiring part- time trained firefighters, computerizing personnel, etc., as well as operating on a straight overtime versus time and a half basis in most instances. Chief Holms reported the County provides full fire service to ten cities, partial service to three cities, noting also that the City of Stanton has just decided to contract with the County for fire protection. With regard to participation by Orange County Fire in other City matters, the City Manager advised that they are participating in the development of the Disaster Plan and in other City business matters just as if they were a City department. Mr. Bill Knight, 1035 Catalina Avenue, stated that as a resident of the community concerned with the financial stability of the City and a sixteen year fire service member, he wished to present a proposal for reorganization of the Seal Beach Fire Department. He stated for the record I I 6-18-87 that he had made no use of his present employer, the Orange County Fire Department, in preparing the proposal nor did he have a complaint as to the fire service provided to the City. Mr. Knight presented a review of a three year budget projection for the proposed reorganized department to consist of twenty-seven regular employees and twelve part- time employees, and reported a potential for revenue generated to the City of $175,000 annually. He explained that the City would have a number of options to obtain emergency apparatus and equipment, that a contract could be I obtained to purchase the equipment over a ten year period, a capital investment for the City, another option would be to purchase from the County the equipment that presently exists in the Seal Beach stations, noting that he had spoken with lending institutions that would be willing to finance such purchase. He continued with a review of a proposed operating budget. Mr. Knight suggested such revenue generating sources as a negligent accident response fee with a potential to generate up to $ls,ooO per year, non- resident paramedic service fees with a potential revenue up to $65,000 annually, $2,500 for fire system plan checks, $12,000 from various fees for hazardous materials stored within the City, the potential for a paramedic service fee which could generate up to $35,000 annually, and the possibility to provide fire and paramedic services to two hundred Naval housing residences, the revenue potential unknown at this time. Mr. Knight introduced Mr. Richard Kaump, Huntington Beach City employee, who presented an overview of an Ambulance Subscription Plan which would provide an upgraded pre-hospital care/transportation system for the community at a cost of $12.oo per household per year with a revenue potential of $84,000 through participation by fifty percent of the households. Mr. Kaump noted that the Leisure World area was not included in the proposal figures I' as they are currently covered by an ambulance plan, however Leisure World residents would be eligible to subscribe to the program. Mr. Kaump acknowledged that he was the author of the Plan, noted his experience as an independent ambulance operator for seven years, and stated that this Plan has been submitted to and is presently under consideration in the City of Huntington Beach. Mr. Knight added that the return of the local fire service would allow greater control over expenditures and personnel, increased levels of service, specifically in the case of disaster, fire prevention needs, hazardous material control, public education programs, and cooperation between City departments. Chief Ray Picard addressed the Council on behalf of Net 6, stating that Seal Beach would be welcomed back to the Net should it be determined that City fire service is to be re-established, however deployment of manpower and service, and backup is provided by the Net in any event. He did note that the County has determined to terminate the agreement with Net 6 by July lst. Chief Picard added that the Net 6 Fire Chiefs are neutral as to the City's decision on this matter. Mr. Knight concluded that Seal Beach is capable of maintaining its separate Fire Department, which is symbolic to community identity, would enhance City and inter-city communications, offer greater control over fire services, while affording significant cost I savings and revenue generating opportunities to the City. Chief Holms clarified that the fire service contract that will be coming before the Council is a five year contract, however requires that a cost estimate be provided to the City annually, and once finalized, the cost to the City remains unchanged even though costs may exceed the estimate. He noted that with the addition of the City of Stanton, the cost to Seal Beach may decrease somewhat. Staff advised they would review the budget figures as it was felt that 6-18-87 there was an error in the proposed Fire Services budget. The Council indicated that a workshop relating to fire services would be in order in the future, preferrably after July lst, with a suggestion that staff look into the fees that had been proposed. I The Council, by unanimous consent, declared a recess at 8:28 p.m., and reconvened at 8:39 p.m. with Mayor Wilson calling the meeting to order. Mr. Art Boyinton, 1111-1/2 Seal Way, referred to the 1984 Moffat & Nichol report and recommendations relating beach erosion and protection measures, and urged that the Council establish a fund, or loan the money from emergency reserves, towards repair of the existing groin, and eventually, it's extension. The City Manager advised that the estimated cost of repairs to the groin is $17s,000, extension of the groin, $600,000, and $1,500,000 to widen the east beach by one hundred feet. Councilman Grgas noted the City's attempt to maintain reserves and to be creative with it's monies, and pointed out that the pier is going to generate revenue and that the groin falls within the boundaries of the State Wildlife Agreement, therefore funds could be loaned from pier revenues for the groin repair and repaid with interest. Councilmember Risner spoke in support of establishing a separate pier fund, or a special groin repair fund, however cautioned against allowing reserves to diminish, also that there would be a need to obtain State approval for expenditure of pier generated revenues. The City Manager noted that there is a problem of making a loan where there is not a revenue source for repayment, and clarified that sales tax generated from the pier goes to the General Fund. Ms. Susan Mendez, Catalina Avenue, stated she had provided additional information to the Council on behalf of the Friends of the Seal Beach Animal Care Center regarding the number of animals transported to Orange County. Mr. Charles Antos, 148 - 14th Street, read a letter authored by Marie Antos suggesting that sufficient funds could be realized by deleting the positions of Assistant City Manager and Administrative Assistant, with those monies used to fund one police officer, the animal shelter and other worthwhile causes. I I Councilmember Risner reviewed her memorandum to Council regarding potential additional revenues, recommending, in summary, projected property tax be increased by a minimum of five percent, State In-Lieu Homeowners revenue be increased by $10,000, $6,000 be added in anticipation of revised fees, a new fee for Police emergency response caused by negligent or wrongful conduct, a fee for Police response for disorderly conduct at private parties/assemblages, a fee for street sweeping and tree trimming, that fees for the rental of community buildings be reevaluated, and stated that through these budget revisions and a reduction of Police overtime by $90,000, $236,750 additional revenue could be realized and used for tree trimming, one additional employee in Public Works, funding of the Leisure World bus, four police officers, and $10,000 towards the animal shelter. With regard to revised revenues, the Finance Director explained that most projections are based upon data from the previOUS year or on a three to five year projection, noting specifically a declining revenue trend of the Homeowners Exemption. The Assistant City Manager noted that the Cable Foundation had denied the City's request for reimbursement of $36,000 however had approved $4,000 for administrative costs. The City Manager advised that an ordinance addressing disturbances requiring Police Department response 6-18-87 may be forthcoming to the Council upon resolution of any foreseeable legal problems, and that the staff is looking into the street sweeping and tree trimming fees, also clarifying that certain programs that had been denied due to lack of insurance are being reinstated which will in turn generate some revenue. He noted also that the Chief has been requested to look into establishing a separate holiday pay account for the Police Department. Discussion continued. The Finance Director reported $6400 had been inadvertently deleted from the Department's Account sl, compensation for a part-time seasonal employee, and requested that it be reinstated. He also explained that the Account Clerks are proposed to be upgraded to Senior Account Clerks to reflect their more complex, unsupervised duties as a result of their computer capabilities. In reviewing the Lifeguard Department budget, Councilman Hunt stated his intent to request a reduction of the part-time personnel hours by up to thirteen percent. Chief Dorsey advised of his need to be aware of the level of service established by Council, noting that personnel has been increased due to the increase of beach population, stating that Surfside would most likely be the first area of reduced service, and noted the Department's goal to alleviate potential liability from the beach. with regard to reduction of hours, the Assistant City Manager cautioned that there is a presumption by the public that there are lifeguard services during certain hours of the day, also that the City is required to provide lifeguard services as a result of requiring payment for beach parking, and noted that some beach areas are being posted rather than providing lifeguard services due to liability concerns. Chief Dorsey added that the budgeted overtime funds are for emergency call-out under the provisions of FLSA. Staff advised that the Development Services/Planning budget reflects reclassification of a Secretary to Executive Secretary and the Building budget reflects an Account Clerk position that was previously a part-time clerical employee reflected in Planning Account sl. Councilman Grgas noted that the budget did not reflect funds for consultant services to conduct a downtown parking analysis. The City Manager reported that the consultant request as reflected in Council minutes had been inadvertently overlooked and the budget should reflect approximately $25,000 for that service if Council so directs. He pointed out that although the downtown studies have been done, they did not address the fiscal feasibility of additional parking, and that the Task Force can not go forward until further study is completed, and also, that the workload of the Development Services Department makes it infeasible for staff to undertake this project. After further discussion, Councilman Grgas suggested that if the consultant is not funded this year, perhaps the Council should consider postponing further issuance of in-lieu parking until the parking issue is resolved. Mr. Grgas also noted that building permit revenue may be a low projection, and that there may also be revenue forthcoming from the Hellman development. Councilman Clift pointed out that a potential revenue source was passed up by not employing a code enforcement officer, which in turn would resolve numerous building problems throughout the City. Councilman Grgas reported that some cities are establishing code enforcement programs that are triggered upon the sale of a property, allowing a non-conforming use to continue, if it is not a health and safety hazard, until its sale at which time it is inspected and required to be converted to its legal use, suggesting the City may wish to look into such program. I I I 6-18-87 I Mr. Osteen presented the Recreation budget and responded to questions posed by the Council. There was considerable discussion of how recreation program instructors, sports officials and volunteers should be reflected in the budget document, with Councilmember Risner recalling her request that these special recreation programs be noted, however in the budget commentary, not as a revenue/expense or trust fund item. Staff responded they would clarify and amend the Recreation budget accordingly. Councilman Hunt recommended that Recreation Account 82 be reduced by the amount paid to the Hellman Estate for Gum Grove Park property taxes, since the lease for the property expired in 1976. Discussion continued. Councilmember Risner noted that it will be necessary to do something in the near future with the more than one hundred eucalyptus trees in Gum Grove Park that are infected with the long horned bore. Councilman Clift suggested that members of the Council having specific questions or recommendations regarding budget submit them for review prior to the next meeting. CONSENT CALENDAR Grgas moved, second by Risner, to receive and file the communication from Mr. Frank Hale regarding pier operations. AYES: NOES: Clift, Grgas, Hunt, Risner, Wilson None Motion carried CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Councilman Grgas reported it had been brought to his attention that Lark vehicles, a battery powered vehicle often used by disabled persons, are prohibited by Code from operating on sidewalks, and asked that the staff investigate same. I ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were no Oral Communications. ADJOURNMENT Grgas moved, second by Hunt, to adjourn the meeting until Tuesday, June 23rd at 6:30 p.m. AYES: NOES: Clift, Grgas, Hunt, Risner, Wilson None Motion carried The meeting adjourned at 10:31 p.m. Approved: -cf~ R,~ -J Mayor I I Attest: