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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-13-1996 Minutes MINUTES MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING MAY 13, 1996 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD ROOM 201 NORTH "E" STREET SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA This is the time and place meeting of the Mayor and Common Bernardino from the regular meeting 6, 1996, in the Council Chambers Street, San Bernardino, California. set for an adj ourned regular Council of the City of' San held at 8:00 a.m., Monday, May of City Hall, 300 North "D" The City Clerk has caused to be posted the order of the adjournment of said meeting held on Monday, May 6, 1996, and has on file in the Office of the City Clerk an affidavit of said posting together with a copy of said order which was posted at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 7, 1996, on the door of the place at which said meeting was held. The adjourned regular meeting of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San Bernardino was called to order by Mayor Minor at 1:05 p.m., Monday, May 13, 1996, in the Board Room of the Economic Development Agency, 201 North "E" Street, San Bernardino, California. ROLL CALL Roll call was taken by Deputy City Clerk Hartzel with the following being present: Mayor Minor; Council Members Negrete, Arias, Oberhelman, Devlin, Anderson, Miller; Senior Assistant City Attorney Barlow, Deputy City Clerk Hartzel, City AdministJ'ator Shauna Clark. Absent: Council Member Curlin. BUDGET WORKSHOP - FY 1996/97 - DISCUSS & TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION - BUDGET REDUCTIONS & REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS (1) Assistant City Administrator Wilson stated that the City was facing an estimated $2 million budget shortfall for FY 1996/97, and staff had been asked by the Ways and Means Committee to identify certain budget reductions and revenue enhancements to close this deficit. He stated that staff was considering program reductions as opposed to asking departments to make incremental reductions, as done in the past. Mr. Wilson distributed a three-page report entitled, "Costing for Alternatives Occupational Health Programs," and a one-page report prepared by Director of Finance Pachon entitled, "City of San Bernardino Projected General Fund Balance Report Fiscal Year 1996-1997." 1 5/13/1996 Barbara Pachon, Director of Finance, presented an itemized review of said report, which outlined estimated revenues and operating transfers in versus expenditures and transfers out for FY 95-96, FY 96-97, and FY 97-98; and answered questions rega)'ding same. COUNCIL MEMBER CURLIN ARRIVED At 1:19 p.m., Council Member Curlin arrived at the Council meeting and took his place at the conference table. Assistant City Administrator Wilson noted that even if Council approved every recommendation presented to them today, the City would still experience a budget shortfall due to additional funds requested by the City Attorney's Office in the amount of $308,400 (hiring of legal counsel for unanticipated litigation) and the Police Department in the amount of $317,500. Fred Wilson, Assistant City Administrator, submitted a memorandum dated May 9, 1996, outlining proposed budget reductions and revenue enhancements for Council consideration. REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS Sell pioneer Memorial Cemetery Administrator Wilson began by discussing the sale of pioneer Memorial Cemetery to a private operator for a minimum acceptable bid of $926,000. He noted that the City has readvertised the sale of the cemetery, and staff expects to open bids by the end of the month, with a recommendation presented to the Council at their meeting of June 3, 1996. Discussion ensued regarding the City's cash pool, the current operation of the cemetery, and whether any monies above and beyond the sale price of the cemetery would be realized by selling the cemetery. RECESS MEETING At 1:27 p.m., Mayor Minor declared a five-minute recess. RECONVENE MEETING At 1: 32 p. m., Mayor Minor reconvened the adj ourned regular meeting of the Mayor and Common Council in the Board Room of the Economic Development Agency, 201 North "E" Street, San Bernardino, California. ROLL CALL Roll call was taken by Deputy City Clerk Hartzel with the following being present: Mayor Minor; Council Members Neg)'ete, Curlin, Arias, Oberhelman, Devlin, Anderson, Miller; Senior Assistant City Attorney Barlow, Deputy City Clerk Hartzel, City Administrator Shauna Clark. Absent: None. 2 5/13/1996 Other Revenue Enhancements Increase parking citation penalties $ 15,000 Modify Municipal Code to allow for citations of vehicles not displaying current registration tags 60,000 Increase Clerk's Office administrative fees for abatements 6,400 Impose new fees for lien process items 1,600 Change business registration fee for vending machines 32,400 Change business registration fee for pool halls 4,700 Increase weed abatement administrative fee to reflect costs 20,000 Charge for Operator's Permits 9,000 Raise the towing administrative fee from $25 to $50 34,000 Issue a citation for illegal burn calls rather than a warning 5,000 Charge a fee for the third and fourth fire inspection (when a continued violation requires these additional inspections) 100.000 TOTAL $234,100 Council expressed concern regarding modification of the Municipal Code to allow for citation of vehicles not displaying current registration and questioned whether this would include vehicles parked on private property. It was suggested that no citation be written unless the tags had been expired in excess of 90 days. Council expressed concern that changing the business registration fees for vending machines and pool halls would. hurt these small business owners and questioned the charge for Operator's Permits. 3 5/13/1996 City Administrator Shauna Clark stated that the City currently cites vehicles without current tags and staff is now recomme~ding imposing an administrative fee to cover associated costs. Ms. Clark explained that the charge for Operator's Permits involved background checks on operators of hotels, motels, liquor stores, etc. and would not be charged each year when the owner renews his business license, but only when there is a change in ownership. Council Member Anderson made a motion, seconded by Council Member Oberhelman, to approve all revenue enhancements. (Note: There was no vote taken.) Discussion continued regarding various concerns of the Council. It was suggested that Council give conceptual approval only to the revenue enhancement recommendations, until more information could be obtained. Council questioned how San Bernardino would compare to surrounding cities if they approved these proposals, and whether any of the recommendations would stifle business in San Bernardino. Helen Kopczynski, 8150 Cable Canyon Road, San Bernardino, CA, stated that the revenue enhancement recommendations should be brought before the public prior to final approval. Council Member Anderson amended her motion, seconded Council Member Oberhelman, and unanimously carried, that proposed revenue enhancements submitted by Assistant Administrator Fred Wilson be approved, in concept; and reference to the sale of pioneer Cemetery be deleted, since matter had already been approved by Council. by the City that this OTHER REVENUE IDEAS Police-Operated Towinq Service Wayne Harp, Assistant Chief of Police, outlined a revenue enhancement proposal regarding implementation of a police-operated tow service for towing police impounds, with a potential first-year net revenue of $600,000. Implementation would necessitate obtaining a storage facility and at least one truck, and utilization of three employees. He noted that Long Beach is currently operating such a service, and they now have 13 tow trucks. It would cost approximately $200,000 to get the program started, which would include one truck, maintenance of the truck for one year, personnel, and liability insurance. Discussion ensued regarding the prudency of starting wit~ one truck, the effect on local towing companies and possible contractual disputes with same, and the income that could be realized from lien sale of the vehicles. Assistant Chief Harp noted that Long Beach is forced to lien sale approximately 50 percent of the vehicles they tow. 4 5/13/1996 Mayor Minor suggested that the City Administrator's Office and the Police Department research this proposal further. Council Member Devlin made a motion, seconded by Council Member Anderson, that a police-operated towing service for towing police impounds, be approved in concept and researched as a viable revenue enhancement measure. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members Curlin, Arias, Oberhelman, Devlin, Anderson, Miller. Nays: Council Member Negrete. Absent: None. Impose Fines for Truancv & Curfew Violations of Minors Discussion ensued regarding possible revenue which could be realized by fining the parents and guardians of minors who are detained for curfew and truancy violatlons. Council Member Curlin made a motion, seconded by Council Member Anderson, that the feasibility of fining parents and guardians for truancy and curfew violations of minors, be approved in concept. It was noted that an ordinance had received its first reading on May 6, 1996, and would receive its final reading on May 20, 1996, which included reimbursement for costs associated with curfew violations. Council Member Curlin withdrew his motion. Council Member Anderson withdrew her second. City-Operated Ambulance Service Council briefly discussed the viability of a City-operated ambulance service and the revenue which could be realized from such an operation. Some projections estimate a first-year revenue of $600,000 (which includes all hard costs for start-up) and $1 million the second year. It was noted that if the City plans to consider a City-operated ambulance service, it must notify the current provider of emergency medical transport services at least 90 days prior to the expiration of their contract with the City, which would be in May 1997. Privatization of Refuse Service Council discussed the possibility of privatization of the refuse collection service as a viable revenue enhancement measure. City Administrator Shauna Clark stated she would recommend that an independent third party be hired to do a feasibility study relati ve to privatization of the refuse service, and suggested 5 5/13/1996 issuing a Request for Proposal to determine what the charge would be to conduct such a study. Council Member Oberhelman made a motion, seconded by Council Member Devlin, that the City Administ~ator be directed to obtain the cost for an independent consultant to perform a feasibility study relative to privatization of the refuse service. The motion carried by the following vote: Members Curlin, Oberhelman, Devlin, Anderson, Council Members Negrete, Arias. Absent: None. Ayes: Miller. Council Nays: Assistant City Administrator Wilson continued by reviewing his memorandum of May 9, 1996, regarding proposed budget reductions amounting to $895,400. It was noted that the proposal to eliminate the Assistant to the City Administrator position and create a Senior Administrative Analyst position in the City Administrator's Office had already been accomplished for a savings of $17,800. COUNCIL MEMBER CURLIN EXCUSED At 3:06 p.m., Council Member Curlin left the Council meeting. BUDGET REDUCTIONS Budaet Reduction Summary - Paae 3 - Close/Eliminate Central Stores - Finance Barbara pachon, Director of Finance, explained the proposal to close/eliminate Central Stores, which would eliminate one position and reassign three other positions for a potential cost savings of $81,000. Council Member Miller made a motion, seconded by Council Member Anderson, that the budget reduction recommendation to close/eliminate Central Stores, be approved. (Note: The motion was subsequently amended.) Michael Lynd, Labor Relations Representative, San Bernardino Public Employees Association, 433 N. Sierra Way, San Bernardino, CA, requested that the Council delay acting on the proposed budget reductions, as the Association had a proposed recommendation for reorganization and downsizing that would save the City $1 million without cutting any positions. Discussion ensued regarding the need to act on these recommendations in a timely manner, the difficulty of eliminating positions, and the need to be proactive rather than reactive in administering the budget process. 6 5/13/1996 Council Member Miller amended her motion, seconded by Council Member Anderson, and unanimously carried, that the budget reduction recommendation to close/eliminate Central Stores, be approved in concept. COUNCIL MEMBER CURLIN RETURNED At 3:25 p.m., Council Member Curlin returned to the Council meeting and took his place at the conference table. Budaet Reduction Summary Paaes 4 & 5 Battalion (Reducina Number of Battalion Chiefs from Eliminate Overtime for Battalion Chiefs - Fire Eliminate One Six to Three) - Assistant City Administrator Wilson introduced an information sheet dated May 13, 1996, regarding the elimination of one battalion in the Fire Department, which would reduce the number of battalion chiefs from six to three, for a potential savings of $292,300; and a second undated information sheet regarding elimination of overtime for battalion chiefs for a savings of $77,300. Fire Chief will Wright answered questions elimination of one battalion, pointing out that argument against taking such action would be concern and preservation of human life. regarding the the strongest for the safety Mayor Minor stated that on-scene fire management comprises only 7 percent of a battalion chief's total 24-hour, on-duty time, and expressed his belief that the safety factor would not be significantly impacted. He pointed out that there would be no impact on personnel, such as downgrade or layoff, as there are currently two vacant battalion chief positions, with two other vacancies anticipated in May. Skip Kulikoff, President, San Bernardino/Rialto Fire Fighters Local 891, 371 W. 14th Street, San Bernardino, CA, expressed opposition to elimination of one battalion, stating that it would affect not only the safety of the public but the safety of the fire fighters as well. Discussion ensued regarding safety issues, overtime for battalion chiefs, and various contained in the recent Fire Audit Report. span of control, recommendations Council Member Anderson suggested approving the recommended elimination of one battalion, with the provision to reinstate these positions if and when the City adopts a plan for a City-operated emergency medical transport business. 7 5/13/1996 Council Member Miller made a motion, seconded by Council Member Anderson, that the elimination of one battalion (reducing the number of battalion chiefs from six to three), be approved in concept. The motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members Curlin, Anderson, Miller. Nays: Council Members Negrete, Arias, Oberhelman, Devlin. Absent: None. Council Member Anderson made a motion, seconded by Council Member Devlin, that elimination of overtime for battalion chiefs, be approved in concept. Richard Lewis, San Bernardino/Rialto Fire Fighters Local 891, 371 W. 14th Street, San Bernardino, CA, expressed opposition to elimination of overtime for battalion chiefs, stating that this also is a safety issue. City Administrator Shauna Clark stated that staff is only asking that when a battalion chief is on vacation, rather than calling in another battalion chief at the overtime rate, that the battalion chief on duty cover two positions; and asserted that she did not believe this was a safety issue. Council Member Devlin withdrew his second. The motion failed for lack of a second. COUNCIL MEMBER At 4:13 p.m., meeting. OBERHELMAN EXCUSED Council Member Oberhelman left the Council Budaet Reduction Summary - Paae 6 - Eliminate Some Park Tree Trimmina - Parks. Recreation & Community Services Annie Ramos, Director, Parks, Recreation and Community Services, explained the proposal to eliminate some tree trimming within City parks for a potential savings of $10,000, noting that the only drawback would be potential liability since some of the trees are very old. Council Member Miller made a motion, seconded by Council Member Negrete, that the budget reduction recommendation to reduce park tree trimming to only those trees that pose a potential hazard, be approved in concept. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Members Arias, Devlin, Anderson, Miller. Nays: Council Negrete, Curlin. Absent: Council Member Oberhelman. Council Members 8 5/13/1996 COUNCIL MEMBER At 4:15 p.m., Council meeting and OBERHELMAN RETURNED Council Member Oberhelman returned to took his place at the conference table. the Budqet Reduction Summary - Paqe 7 - Eliminate Utility Payment and Postal Seryice Center at the Westside Community Service Center - Parks. Recreation & Community Services Staff explained the rationale for closing the Utility Payment and Postal Service Center at the Westside Community Service Center for a savings of $65,800; noting that one employee has bumping rights and the other would be laid off. Connie Garrett, President, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, 1505 W. Highland Avenue, Suite 11, San Bernardino, CA, expressed opposition to closing the Utility Payment and Postal Service Center. Cheryl Brown expressed opposition to Center and suggested retaining at least one implementation of a small surcharge. closing the Service employee and possible Council Member Oberhelman made a motion, seconded by Council Member Devlin, that the budget reduction recommendation to eliminate the Utility Payment and Postal Service Center at the Westside Community Service Center, be approved in concept. (Note: The vote was taken after discussion and failure of a substitute motion. ) Council Member Negrete made a substitute motion, seconded by Council Member Miller, that the City investigate what could be done to maintain the operation of the Utility Payment and Postal Service Center by retaining one employee and imposing a surcharge Discussion ensued regarding the amount of the surcharge, the need for at least two employees to ensure the checks and balances necessary when handling money, and the critical need for this facility by the people in the Westside Area of San Bernardino. Council Member Miller withdrew her second on the substitute motion. The substitute motion failed for lack of a second. The original motion carried Council Members Arias, Oberhelman, Members Negrete, Curlin, Anderson. by the following vote: Devlin, Miller. Nays: Absent: None. Ayes: Council COUNCIL MEMBER NEGRETE EXCUSED At 4:36 p.m., Council Member Negrete left the Council meeting. 9 5/13/1996 Budqet Reduction Summary - Paqe 8 - Close the Ceramics Studio - Parks, Recreation & Community Services Discussion ensued regarding closure of the ceramics studio located behind perris Hill Swim Center for a potential cost savings of $4,200, realized by savings in gas charges that are required to operate the kiln used to fire the students' work. Council Member Oberhelman made a motion, seconded by Council Member Arias, and unanimously carried, that the budget reduction recommendation to close the ceramics studio, be approved in concept. COUNCIL MEMBER CURLIN EXCUSED At 4:40 p.m., Council Member Curlin left the Council meeting. Budqet Reduction Summary Paqe 16 Eliminate One Video Production Coordinator - Telecommunications City Administrator Shauna Clark explained that Telephone Support had recently been transferred from the Telecommunications Department to Facilities Management, enabling the Telecommunications Director to absorb the duties currently performed by the video Production Coordinator. Ms. Clark noted that by eliminating the Video Production Coordinator position the City would realize a potential savings of $46,900. . Mansie Booker, Video Production Coordinator, Telecommunications Department, read a prepared statement detailing the duties of his position, including those responsibilities he has assumed above and beyond what is required of his position. He also submitted a counter proposal whereby three currently-vacant, part- time positions within the Telecommunications Department would remain unfilled during the 1996/97 fiscal year, for a savings of over $18,000. COUNCIL MEMBER NEGRETE RETURNED At 4:42 p.m., Council Member Negrete returned to the Council meeting and took his place at the conference table. The following individuals spoke in support of Mansie Booker and the retention of his position: Connie Garrett, speaking as a Home Economist with the University of California Cooperative Extension, who produced a food safety video with the assistance of Mansie Booker, urged Council to consider "across the board" budget reduction measures, rather than focusing on a select few. Diane Abbott, Co-Host, Inland Empire Alive!, 12056 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Grand Terrace, CA, who also submitted a letter dated May 13, 1996, on behalf of Mr. Booker. 10 5/13/1996 Cheryl Brown, hostess of the now-defunct Winners Circle program. Margaret Hill, San Bernardino City Unified School District. Eugenia Moore, resident, San Bernardino, CA. John Moore, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, San Bernardino Branch. Larry Banks, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, San Bernardino City Unified School District. Alonzo Thompson, Assistant Director, Pal Program. Brian Bost, President, Easter Seal Society of the Inland Counties, 241 E. 9th Street, San Bernardino, CA, who also submitted a letter dated May 10, 1996, on Mr. Booker's behalf. The following individuals submitted letters on behalf of Mansie Booker and the retention of his position: Congressman George E. Brown, Jr., 657 N. La Cadena Drive, Colton, CA, dated May 13, 1996. Michelle D. Carter, 5280 Little Mountain Drive, Apt. M-16, San Bernardino, CA, dated May 13, 1996. Rosalyn M. Kraut, President, San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation, P.O. Box 7288, San Bernardino, CA, dated May 13, 1996. COUNCIL MEMBER ARIAS EXCUSED At 5:19 p.m., Council Member Arias left the Council meeting. Mayor Minor pointed out that "across the board" cuts could not be imposed on City Fire and Police personnel due to Charter directives regarding their compensation, and also noted that furloughs were being done away with by San Bernardino County. Stephani Congdon, Commission, stated that regarding their position Chairperson, the Commission on this matter. Community Television had written a letter Frank Keller, CATV Manager, Telecommunications Department, explained his rationale for elimination of the Video production Coordinator position. Council Member Anderson made a motion, seconded by Council Member Devlin, and unanimously carried, that the budget reduction recommendation to eliminate one Video production Coordinator, be removed from the list of recommended budget cuts. 11 5/13/1996 ADJOURNMENT (2) At 5:29 p.m., the adjourned regular meeting adjourned to 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 16,1996, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California. RACHEL CLARK City Clerk By ~.~t-. I~I inda Hartz Deputy City Clerk No. of Items: 2 No. of Hours: 4.5 12 5/13/1996