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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1984-06-21 6-21-84 Seal Beach, California June 2l, 1984 The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular adjourned session at 2:00 o'clock p.m. with Mayor Brownell calling the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Brownell Counci1members Clift, Grgas, Risner, wilson I Absent: None Also present: Mr. Parker, City Manager Mr. Stepanicich, City Attorney Mr. Joseph, Assistant City Manager Mr. Thomas, Finance Director Chief Picascia, Police Department Capt. Chafe, Police Department Mr. Stickney, Assistant City Engineer Mr. Baucke, Principal Planner Mr. Osteen, Recreation Director Chief Dorsey, Lifeguard Department Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk 1984/85 BUDGET DISCUSSION The Assistant City Manager reported nine additional changes to the proposed 1984/85 fiscal year budget, resulting in a net fiscal impact of $83,620. Change #l, the revetment loan repayment to the Agency, due in January 1985, for additional revenue in the amount of $42,000; #2, $26,220 additional cost for County contract fire services, Account 2651, representing a 2.8 percent increase over 1983/84; #3, an additional cost of $6,120 in the Planning Department Account 3011 due to a calculation error; #4, a saving of $2,440 in Account 2311 with the reclassification of an Executive Secretary to Secretary in the Police Department; #5, an anticipated reduction in Business Inventory Tax of $49,020, 43 percent, pursuant to proposed legislation. He noted that the League of California Cities is seeking a reduction of that decrease to 10 percent. 16, $8,000 to cover the cost of a part-time Parking Control Officer, Police Department Account 2214. Members of the Council expressed their views regarding the need for this position, and the current practice of two PCO's accompanying the street sweeper. The City Manager noted that present law restricts parking for specific hours, therefore legal challenge of the City's citation policy is likely without proper enforcement. In addition, he stated the cost of this part-time position is anticipated to be more than offset by additional parking citation revenues, estimated at $750 per week. Chief picascia explained that the intent of the two PCO's accompanying the sweeper is that the officer observes the street sweeper and the vehicle in violation at the same time, therefore avoiding possible legal challenges, also, that as the law currently exists, any vehicle parked during the posted hours is in violation. The Chief also cited the need for more active parking enforcement on Main Street, noting that many of the merchants are violating the downtown parking restrictions. The City Manager mentioned that the City now has only one operational street sweeper, and it was suggested by Council that the staff consider placing the purchase of a new sweeper on the capital expenditure list for the near future. I I 6-2l-84 Council discussed policy for citing in the event the street sweeper is inoperable. At the conclusion of discussion, Council indicated agreement that the staff be directed to investigate alternatives for enforcement of street sweeping regulations, specifically the reduction of the hours for restricted parking. I CLOSED SESSION It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council, to adjourn to Closed Session at 2:34 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 2:45 p.m. with Mayor Brownell calling the meeting to order. The City Attorney reported that the Council had discussed potential litigation regarding completion of the pier restoration project, and directed the staff to make demand to the surety company to complete construction of the pier, the surety company to respond to the City's demand by next Wednesday, therefore the surety company should have a contractor on-site within three weeks to commence completion of the construction. I In response to Council, the City Attorney stated he has looked into the Gum Grove' Park lease as requested, reporting that the original lease expired in 1977, however has continued on a year to year basis under the same terms of the original lease, with lease payments being made and accepted by the Hellman Estate. The Mayor questioned the potential liability to the City due to the condition of the park and taking into account the minimal police patrol and the lack of supervisory personnel in the area. Mrs. Risner explained the background leading to the use of Gum Grove as a natural wildlife area, the acquisition of which was approved by the voters in 1970, however, relayed concerns of Hill residents as to the present condition of the park, suggesting that part-time personnel be retained for maintenance of the Park on a regular basis. The City Attorney noted that potential liability exists with any public facility, suggesting that if City improvements are thought to be in dangerous condition they should be repaired or removed, also that the natural conditions of the park would seem to be a less likely'liability. The Assistant City Manager continued with the budget changes: #7, addition of $6,000 in the Police Department Account 23 for O.E.S. training; #8, $25,000 reduction in revenue sharing funds; and #9, $7,500 for the replacement of the beachfront irrigation system, of which approximately $3400 is the City's cost, the remainder FEMA fundable. Risner moved, second by Wilson, to add $5,000 to the Public Works budget to cover the cost of part-time personnel to maintain Gum Grove Park on a regular basis. AYES: NOES: Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, wilson None Motion carried I Councilmember Risner referred to the sand sculpture monument in Eisenhower Park which had been donated by the Republican Womens Club, and reported that the protective covering for the sculpture has been destroyed, and requested consideration be given to replacing the protective covering or replacing the sculpture with a bronze plaque inscribed with the same wording. The City Manager stated he would look into the request. Mr. Parker also confirmed that funds for the Armed Forces Reserve Center Park will be encumbered. The Finance Director affirmed that the City will pursue the issuance of another'TRAN. 6-2l-84 The City Manager commenced individual departmental budget review with the Planning Department, noting two changes, the addition of an Administrative Aide to be shared with the Engineering Department, and funds in Account 5l, Contract Professional Services, for the retention of a consultant to assist in the preparation of the Downtown Specific Plan and the Seal Beach Boulevard Specific Plan. Councilmember Risner questioned the need for consultant services to develop the Downtown Specific Plan. It was estimated that the fee for preparation of the Downtown Specific Plan would be $20,000, which will include, in part, zone development for the downtown area, parking, signing, architectural standards, and landscaping. The Principal Planner stated that the staff will prepare the initial work program and conceptual plan which will then be submitted to the consultant for their input and finalization, and cited the lack of staff expertise for. certain areas of the Plan preparation, as well as limited staff time to devote to the project. In response to Councilmember Risner, the City Manager stated he had been unsuccessful in his attempt to obtain a copy of a previous Main Street Improvement Plan. With regard to the Police Department budget, the City Manager reported two personnel Changes, the addition of a Records Supervisor and elimination of one lieutenant position through attrition. Chief picascia explained the personnel deployment with reorganization of the Department, and noted certain budget increases over which there is no control, specifically utility costs, which are anticipated to be $20,000 higher this year. Councilman Grgas suggested that installation of a solar system be considered to reduce utility costs. It was reported that the sworn Police Department contingent will be thirty-eight for the upcoming budget year, with the Chief noting two retirements and three medical disabilities at the present time. Councilmember Risner expressed her concern with the number of sworn officers. Staff reported vehicle repair/maintenance is now shown in the Public Works Department budget, and the Chief expressed strong support for the continued retention of special legal counsel to the Police Department. with regard to the "no-B-turn" signs on Pacific Coast Highway, the Chief explained that. under the Vehicle Code, P.C.H. is not considered a business district since there is a residential area bordering the north side of the highway, therefore the signs are necessary in order to legally cite for violations. The Chief noted the speed and volume of traffic on P.C.H., stating that restriction of u-turns serves as a deterrant to traffic back-ups and accidents. Councilman Grgas commended the Police Department for recently reported arrests and resolution of large crimes. The City Manager reported no significant change in the Public Works budget, with the exception of the addition of $5,000 for Gum Grove Park maintenance. Councilman Grgas reported the appearance of street deterioration on the north side of Electric Avenue between 14th Street and Seal Beach Boulevard and suggested that staff may want to consider slurry seal of that area. The City Manager stated he had discussed sidewalk repair materials with the Engineering Department as requested by the Council, and was informed an epoxy material is available in lieu of asphalt, also that the epoxy cracks and breaks up faster than asphalt and that the cost is much greater. He also noted it is not feasible to use cement for patching' since I I I 6-21-84 I it will not adhere to the existing cement unless it is at least three inches thick. The Assistant City Engineer explained the present procedure for repair and/or replacement of demaged sidewalks, accomplished on a priority basis as funds become available. Mr. Stickney noted that the staff is preparing a new sidewalk priority list, as time permits, with special emphasis on highly traveled areas. Discussion continued, with the Council requesting a report from the City Manager setting forth a cost comparison of the asphalt versus epoxy materials. It was suggested that the report also address the manpower availability for sidewalk patching. Councilmember Risner requested that consideration be given to placing a cap on the Utility Users Tax, taking into account the rising cost of utility services. The City Manager asked that this matter be postponed until after the November election. I The Assistant City Manager presented a report setting forth the increased charges and assessments to the City for 1984/85 by the Metropolitan Water District and the Orange County Water District totalling $63,650, a $47,000 increase in utility costs, the net affect being a $92,740 increase in the cost of the maintenance and operation of the water department. Mr. Joseph stated that even with the deferment of the $80,000 water loan repayment, a 9.3 percent water rate increase is required to offset the increased cost of the water operation. He also pointed out that it is necessary to maintain $110,000 in reserve with the fiscal agent to cover the cost of the bond payments, therefore the difference between the 6 percent increase reflected in the proposed budget and the revised proposed 9.3 percent increase. The City Manager stated a resolution will be prepared reflecting the increase for consideration of the Council. I Mr. Joseph reported that the Lifeguard Department budget is basically the same as 1983/84, maintaining the same service level. Mr. Joseph Ribal, Seal Beach resident present in the audience, expressed-appreciation for recent Council action' authorizing a Moffatt & Nichol study of the beach sand erosion problems, however requested the Council to set aside emergency funds for beach protection and sand replenishment during the upcoming winter season. Council requested that the City staff pursue and make application for additional funds through the recently approved State recreation and parks bond issue, to be applied to beach nourishment. Discussion continued regarding the cost of dredging'versus trucking of sand, the estimated amount of sand necessary for annual replenishment, and the time frame to obtain permits necessary for this type of project. Councilman Grgas reported an Orange County study that is being conducted regarding erosion and tidal action, which may prove beneficial to the City. With regard to the 1976 Chevrolet Lifeguard vehicle, Chief Dorsey reported the intent is to replace the doors and hood and refurbish the truck bed sometime in the near future. The City Manager reported . the Coastal Commission hearing on this matter will be June 27th at 9:00 a.m., with five minutes allowed for presentation of opposing viewpoints. After discussion' it was decided that a member of the Council would present opening remarks at the Commission hearing with the City Manager making any rebuttal comments necessary. In response to Council, Chief Dorsey reported that two lifeguards will be on duty 6-21-84 / 6-25-84 on the Surfs ide beach starting July lst, however no towers will be in place. Mr. Grgas requested that the Chief communicate this information to the Surfs ide Board. Recreation Director, Mr. Osteen, reported no major changes in that departmental budget, however did report increased revenue resulting from fees required for the use of alcoholic beverages in the Community Centers, with other revenue sources remaining stable. Councilman Grgas requested that the staff look into some type of recreation facilities for small children residing in the eastern portion of the downtown area. The City Manager recommended that the Recreation and Parks Commission study the request. In response to Council, the Assistant City Manager reported that the Presley condominium in-lieu fees are in a special account and invested. The City Manager added that the presley in-lieu fees will be returned to whomever has fee title to the land at the end of five years. Councilman Clift referred to water and sewer services that are provided to the Sunset Aquatic Park, and inquired if the return to the City is cost effective for service and manpower required. The City Manager stated he would look into the matter and report back to Council I ADJOURNMENT Wilson moved, 4:29 p.m. second by Clift, to adjourn the meeting at AYES: NOES: Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson None Motion carried ?>>? and ex-offi io clerk of the City Council I Approved: ~t!:....v & -- ~~" - ~..eR Ma or Attest i!).....~ City CI k Seal Beach, California June 25, 1984 The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular session at 7:00 o'clock p.m. with Mayor Brownell calling the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag. I ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Brownell Councilmembers Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson Absent: None