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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-21-2001 Minutes MINUTES MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO JOINT ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JUNE 21,2001 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARDROOM This is the time and place set for a joint adjourned regular meeting of the Mayor and Common Council and Community Development Commission of the City of San Bernardino from the joint regular meeting held at 8:10 a.m., Monday, June 18,2001, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California. The joint adjourned regular meeting of the Mayor and Common Council and Community Development Commission was called to order by Mayor Valles at 2:11 p.m., Thursday, June 21, 2001, in the Economic Development Agency Boardroom, 201 North "E" Street, San Bernardino, California. ROLL CALL Roll call was taken by City Clerk Clark with the following being present: Mayor Valles; Council Members Estrada, Lien, McGinnis, Schuetz, Suarez, Anderson, McCammack; City Attorney Penman, City Clerk Clark, City Administrator Wilson. Absent: None. CITY ATTORNEY PENMAN EXCUSED At 2:14 p.m., City Attorney Penman left the Council meeting and was replaced by Senior Assistant City Attorney Carlyle. BUDGET DELIBERATIONS - FISCAL YEAR 2001/02 - DISCUSS & TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION - CITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (EDA) BUDGETS (1) Mayor Valles advised that the last few meetings had basically consisted of budget presentations by staff, with an overwhelming amount of information for the Council. She thanked the Council members for studying the budget, asking questions, and even going on field trips to obtain a real grasp of the recommendations being made. She stated that she wanted to clarify the importance of protecting the City's reserves, stating that she had identified at least five big budget items that this money might have to be used for in future years, as follows: 1) Utility Users Tax and the 1 6/21/2001 long-term plan to reduce this tax; 2) Vehicle License Fee and the fact that it may be taken away from municipalities by the State; 3) Senate Bill 910 (housing bill) has not been resolved and there are penalties assigned to it; 4) the City's PERS rate will increase by $1.5 million next year; and 5) road and sidewalk improvements that we need to protect. The Mayor pointed out that overall the budget process has changed over the years. She noted that at one time departments or special interest groups would just ask for a sum of money and then figure out what they were going to do with it, without any real plans or goals in mind. Today, however, if you really want to plan a budget, it must be tied to very specific long- and short-term goals. Mayor Valles also shared the following information with the Council. She noted that a new Wal-Mart store is being planned for the north end of the city, which is a good thing. However, she recently watched a PBS program regarding Wal-Mart, where it was noted that there is a tendency for these big establishments to start offering a lot of food products. She stated that it became clear to her that in planning for this Wal-Mart, the City must ensure that it does not take away from other existing businesses, especially other markets and food establishments--we have to protect these businesses and make sure that no economic damage is done to them. The Mayor noted that there are many needs in our city and we must look at the city as a whole. She noted that a commitment had been made to the libraries; however, there is a process which must be followed when considering any kind of amendment to the budget. She concluded her comments by stating that the job before the Council is a tough one. She stated that the purpose of the meeting today was to give the Council members an opportunity to ask very specific questions and to get clarification on those matters they were unclear about. Review of New Materials City Administrator Wilson reviewed the handouts distributed to the Council, which included the following: . Attachment A: Summary of Mayor's Recommended Program Change Requests (Updated 06/21/2001) . Additional Recommended Items (Memo from Fred Wilson to Mayor and Council dated June 21,2001) . Follow-up Information Re: 50/50 Sewer Lateral and Sidewalk/Driveway Repair Programs (Memo from Fred Wilson to Mayor and Council dated June 21, 2001) . Document titled Vacant Lot Beautification (Pocket Parks) 2 6/21/2001 · Timeline for New Animal Control Program (Memo from Jon Cicirelli to Fred Wilson dated June 18, 2001) · Humane Society Budget Request (Memo from Jon Cicirelli to Fred Wilson dated June 20, 2001) · Maps depicting 1995-2001 Sidewalk Repairs, 1995-2002 Tree Trimming, and Proposed Parking Lots for C.Y.S.A. Soccer Facility Discussion - Fire Department Issues Council Member Suarez stated that in all the materials he had been given he saw no mention of the most vital need in his ward--a new fire station in the Verdemont area. He advised that Fire Chief Pitzer had done as much as he could in getting this project off the ground, and it was now necessary for the Council to identify money to get the fire station built. He added that it would take over one million dollars to build the station, and at least one million dollars each year thereafter to manage it. Fire Chief Pitzer advised that approximately two and one-half years ago the Mayor established an ad hoc committee to review fire issues, and this committee had defined some long-range goals and plans. Subsequently, about one year ago, the Council had adopted a plan/goal of having a five-minute drive response time to all emergency incidents, 90 percent of the time. To meet this goal they also adopted a plan for construction of a new fire station in the Verdemont area and relocation of four existing stations that would be consistent with the five-minute drive time goal. At this time public comments were taken from one of the Fire Commissioners who needed to leave the meeting due to other commitments. Larry Veres, 3184 N. Broadmoor, San Bernardino, CA, Seventh Ward fire commissioner and chairman of the Fire Commission, spoke regarding a free smoke detector program put together by the Fire Commission, which will go into effect in October. He advised that the Commission would be offering smoke detectors to everyone who needs one, which will be installed by Fire Department personnel. In addition, 9-volt batteries will be given to those who need them. Mr. Veres stated that the Commission also wants to see a new fire station in the Verdemont area, and they would like to see it included as part of the master plan for the budget. They want to move forward on this and want to know how they can obtain funding to do so. Discussion ensued regarding possible ways to finance the new fire station, including taking a bond and formation of an assessment district. Mayor Valles pointed out that there are many creative ways for financing to be accomplished. Several of the Council members expressed their support for the new fire station, stating that they believed it to be a high priority item. 3 6/21/2001 Chief Pitzer advised that if the Council gave the green light, construction could begin in this fiscal year (2001-02); however, it would be January 2003 before it would be ready to be staffed. He advised that it would cost approximately $2.1 million for the station to be turnkey ready. There was also discussion regarding the location. Chief Pitzer advised that there is a five-acre parcel at Kendall and Little League Drive that the City currently owns and was originally identified for this purpose; however, the proper location is at the corner of Palm and Kendall. Council Member Estrada stated that she would like staff to perform an analysis between now and the next budget session and come back with some financing alternatives or mechanisms which would enable the Council to decide what they are going to do to finance this project by the time they are through with the budget process. Discussion ensued regarding whether they wanted information for the fire station only, or for the complete fire master plan; and also whether the information should be presented separately or as a whole. Mayor Valles stated that she thought the master plan should be separate from the Verdemont fire station, and expressed concern that there might not be enough time to gather all the information before the next budget meeting. Council Member Estrada noted that it was possible for the Council to continue operating at existing budget levels until the new fiscal year budget is approved. Therefore, even if it took an additional week to gather all the information, the City could continue to function within the existing budget. It was noted that the fire station alone would be $2.1 million, with the remaining elements of the fire master plan amounting to approximately $7 million. It seemed to be the consensus of the Mayor and Council that information on the master plan should be separate from the Verdemont fire station. Council Member Suarez made a motion, seconded by Council Member Estrada, and unanimously carried, that staff be directed to prepare separate analyses and come back with recommendations for financing options for both the new Verdemont fire station and the fire master plan. Public Comments Kelvin Simmons, 1441 "D" Street, San Bernardino, CA, representing Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC), thanked the Mayor and Council for their support of the homework centers last year. He noted that last year the City contributed $50,000 and requested an additional $50,000 for a total of $100,000 this year. 4 6/21/2001 Pat Tyler, 7480 Sterling Avenue, San Bernardino, CA, Book of Acts Church, spoke regarding the homework center at her church and provided an overview of the eight homework centers which are up and running throughout the city. She advised that she recently met with representatives from Congressman Lewis' office, and they were so impressed to see how the City, community, school district, and churches are working together that a representative is coming to San Bernardino on August 6 and 7 to check out the program. Dr. Dorothy Garcia, a member of the Library Board of Trustees, advised that due to the bottom line budget recommendation for the library, the book budget had to be cut $12,000. She stated that the Board was asking for an additional $50,000 for the book budget and an additional $19,200 to continue the electronic database subscription fees. She advised that the book budget in 1994-95 was $225,000 and now, seven years later, the book budget is $185,000. She also spoke regarding the need for additional staff at the Villasenor and Inghram branch libraries. Council Member McGinnis suggested the possibility of off-shifting the hours at the branches to better serve the needs of the community, such as closing during certain hours of the day and then remaining open later in the evening; however, it appeared that staffing constraints would not allow this. Mr. McGinnis also suggested the use of student volunteers, who need a certain number of volunteer hours to fulfill the requirements of their educational programs. It was noted that the library currently uses close to 150 volunteers; however, there are a few minor problems with volunteers. They cannot always work the hours they are needed. and in some cases, if their tenure is going to be very short it may not be worth the staff time to train them. Ruth Mercer, 1934 N. Kenwood Avenue. San Bernardino, CA, a library volunteer, spoke regarding the California Room in the library. She advised that it was temperature controlled, contains a marvelous collection on the history of both San Bernardino and California, and is staffed entirely by volunteers. Ed Keller, 1696 Mesa Verde, San Bernardino, CA, stated that the number of full-time library employees ten years ago was 37--today it is 27; and if you count half- time employees, ten years ago there was a total of 64 employees; today there are 43. He advised that the book budget amounts to $1.03 per citizen of San Bernardino--well below the national average. He also noted that although the library has been able to secure several grants, there are no state, federal agency, or corporation grants which cover operating expenses. (Note: Later in the meeting, City Administrator Wilson advised that his staff had run some quick numbers and staffing levels in Public Services had declined from 61 employees to 39, Parks and Recreation was down 37 percent, Facilities Management was down 54 percent, and Planning was down 71 percent.) 5 6/21/2001 Betty Simpson, 3883 Fremontia, San Bernardino, CA, a docent in the California Room, advised that this room is only open when there is a volunteer to staff it. She noted that volunteers are a dying breed, with an average age of 65-70 years. Susan Dawson, 3716 Hemlock Drive, San Bernardino, CA, speaking on behalf of the Animal Control Commission, urged the Council to adopt the Animal Control budget as recommended by Animal Control Director Jon CicireIli, which would include additional staffing for the department. Speaking as the Special Projects Director for the Humane Society, Ms. Dawson stated that she was pleased to see that the City was considering their request for $30,000 to help defray the expenses for the new mobile spay/neuter clinic. Council Members McCammack and McGinnis expressed their support of the investment for the mobile spay/neuter clinic and a desire to see the City do more in partnership with the Humane Society. Discussion - Librarv Issues Ophelia Roop, Library Director, submitted a document titled, "Library Needs for Additional Funding for FY 2001/2002." She first spoke to the Mayor and Council regarding the library book budget, the electronic database subscription fees, and the need for additional personnel at the Villasenor and Inghram branch libraries, which would enable them to extend their hours of operation. Additionally, Ms. Roop expounded on the need to purchase and install library specific filters to meet the requirements of The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIP A) and firewall protection. She also stressed the need for detection gates and detection strips for books to protect library property from theft. It was noted that the City's Information Services (IS) Department could possibly help resolve these needs. Mayor Valles advised that making these requests for additional funding at this time in the budget process places the Council in a very awkward position because other departments had not been given the opportunity to present similar information. She stated that she knew there were meetings and workshops held on a regular basis where current departmental needs are discussed. 6 6/21/2001 Discussion ensued regarding the software needs specific to the library and whether the IS Department could supply the requisite software and accommodate the requests made by Ms. Roop. Mayor Valles suggested that Ms. Roop meet with Janis Ingels, Director of IS, as there appeared to be a lack of understanding regarding this matter. Ms. Roop also advised that one of the things the Library Board has concerns about is the autonomy of the library in terms of mixing library resources with City resources. Citizen/Council Budget Issues As the foregoing discussions took place, staff began to compile two separate lists--the first being those items/issues brought forth by the citizens of the city for inclusion in the budget; and the second, a list of those items/issues that the Council members individually felt were important to them and should be retained and/or included in the budget. There was a short discussion on several of the items as they were brought forward, as follows: Citizen Issues . After-school programs . Library materials & books . Library staffing . Animal Control staffing . Humane Society grant request (mobile spay/neuter clinic) Council Issues . Verdemont fire station - construction funding . Fire station relocations - funding issues . Increase Library hours - add two hours per day and Saturdays at Inghram and V iIlasenor branch libraries . IS/Library to meet regarding filtering issues . Additional funding for pocket parks/mural projects . Second Ward tree trimming . Increase senior center capacities . Skateboard park/youth crime . Dog complaints . Long-term Utility Tax reduction program . Demolition funding . Phase out the use of Economic Development Agency (EDA) money to augment City departments . City Yard and Animal Shelter - continue work . Plan checker for minor plans . Soccer parking - look at City retaining fees 7 6/21/2001 . Seventh Ward trees/streets/sidewalks/curbs/gutters - maintain . Slurry seal issues - possible discontinuance of the slurry seal program . More funding for infrastructure . Sixth Ward curbs/gutters/sidewalks/trees - new . Study options for improving code enforcement - what is hampering better blight control? The Council expressed general approval of the budget as a whole. There was no further discussion or action taken regarding the budget at this time. RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO APPROVING PREPAYMENT UNDER THE FOURTH AMENDMENT TO MUTUAL RELEASE AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO AND DR. IRVING FELDKAMP, APPROVING A STAY OF THE FOURTH AMENDMENT IN THE EVENT OF FORECLOSURE BY UPLAND BANK AND EXTENDING THE RECORDING DATE FOR TRACT MAP NO 14193. (Continued from June 18, 2001) (Item was not included on the agenda, as it was continued after the agenda was posted.) (2) City Clerk Clark advised that staff was not prepared to discuss this item and inquired whether the Council wanted to continue the matter to the next meeting. Senior Assistant City Attorney Carlyle advised that there was nothing to present today and he did not foresee that there would be anything new by next week; therefore, the matter could be tabled at this time. Council Member Schuetz stated that too much time, effort, and money had been invested in this matter, and he did not want to see it just blow up and go away. Council Member Anderson made a motion, seconded by Council Member Suarez, and unanimously carried, that the matter be continued to the Mayor and Council meeting of June 25, 2001. CLOSED SESSION (Continued from June 18, 2001) (Item was not included on the agenda, as it was continued after the agenda was posted.) (3) At 4:30 p.m., the Mayor and Common Council and Community Development Commission recessed to closed session for the following: 8 6/21/2001 Pursuant to Government Code Section(s): A. Conference with legal counsel - eXlstmg litigation - pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a): Christooher Palazuelos v. San Bernardino Stamoede. et al. - San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. SCVSS 67428; Peoole of the State of California v. Dennis Fridav - San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. MSB 52222. B. Conference with legal counsel - anticipated litigation - significant exposure to litigation - pursuant to subdivision (b) (1), (2), (3) (A-F) of Government Code Section 54956.9. C. Conference with legal counsel - anticipated litigation - initiation of litigation - pursuant to subdivision (c) of Government Code Section 54956.9. D. Closed Session - personnel - pursuant to Government Code Section 54957. E. Closed session with Chief of Police on matters posing a threat to the security of public buildings or threal to the public's right of access to public services or public facilities - pursuant to Government Code Section 54957. F. Conference with labor negotiator Section 54957.6. pursuant to Government Code G. Conference with real property negotiator - pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8. CLOSED SESSION At 4:39 p.m., Mayor Valles called the closed session to order in a conference room of the Economic Development Agency. ROLL CALL Roll call was taken by City Clerk Clark with the following being present: Mayor Valles; Council Members Estrada, Lien, McGinnis, Schnetz, Suarez, Anderson, McCammack; Senior Assistant City Attorney Carlyle, City Clerk Clark, City Administrator Wilson. Absent: None. 9 6/21/2001 Also present: Economic Development Agency Executive Director Van Osdel and Special Counsel Sabo, and Water Department General Manager Kersey. CITY ATTORNEY PENMAN ARRIVED At 4:45 p.m., City Attorney Penman arrived at the closed session. ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION/MEETING (4) At 6:23 p.m., the meeting was adjourned to 11 a.m., Monday, June 25,2001, for closed session in the Council Chambers of City Hall, followed by a joint meeting with the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District Board of Directors at 12 noon in the Economic Development Agency Boardroom, 201 North "E" Street, San Bernardino, California. RACHEL G. CLARK, CMC City Clerk By u ~ Jk4f Linda E. Hartzel Deputy City Clerk No. of Items: 4 No. of Hours: 4.5 10 612112001