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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-09-1992 Minutes MINUTES MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 9, 1992 COUNCIL CHAMBERS This is the time and place set for an adjourned regular meeting of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San Bernardino from the recessed regular meeting held at 9:00 a.m., on Tuesday, January 7, 1992, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "0" Street, San Bernardino, California. The City Clerk has caused to be posted the order of adjournment of said meeting held on January 7, 1992, 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 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 7, 1992, 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 Holcomb at 4:05 p.m., Thursday, January 9, 1992, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "0" Street, San Bernardino, California. ROLL CALL Roll call was taken by City Clerk Krasney with the following being present: Mayor Holcomb; Council Members Estrada, Reilly, Hernandez, Maudsley, Minor, Miller; City Administrator Clark, City Clerk Krasney. Absent: Council Member Pope-Ludlam, City Attorney Penman. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Phil Arvizo, Executive Assistant to the Council. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The pledge of allegiance was led by Council Member Miller. PROPOSED LEASE - 81 PARKING SPACES - DISTRICT PARKING LOT NO. ONE KAUFMAN-WALO INVESTMENT COMPANY- CONTINUED FROM JANUARY 7, 1992 (3) This is the time and place continued to for proposed lease of eighty-one parking spaces in Lot No. One by Kaufman-Wald Investment Company. discussion of a ~istrict Parking 1 1/9/92 Council Member Reilly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Miller, and unanimously carried, that staff be directed to re-negotiate an agreement with Kaufman-Wald Investment Company to lease eighty-one spaces in District Parking Lot No. One. PUBLIC HEARING - BUDGET REVIEW - CONTINUED FROM JANUARY 7, 1992 (2) This is the time and place continued to for a public hearing to review the City of San Bernardino's proposed budget reduction measures. Mayor Holcomb explained how the revenue shortfall occurred by stating that the State of California eliminated some of the City's revenue sources. Mayor Holcomb stated that the County of San Bernardino was now charging the City fees for the booking of prisoners; and that the anticipated sales tax revenue are below what had been predicted. CITY ATTORNEY PENMAN ARRIVED At 4:10 p.m., City Attorney Penman arrived at the Council meeting. Shauna Clark, City Administrator, explained that phone lines were open to receive calls from the public wishing to express concerns or ask questions. Ms. Clark stated that the alphabetical listing of all City programs with the estimated annual costs. Ms. Clark reviewed the information gathered in response to requests made at the last Council meeting. Animal Control Services in Other Cities Shauna Clark, City Administrator, stated that the cities of Col ton and Loma Linda have their own animal control officers; however, these cities contract with the County of San Bernardino for housing of stray animals, and these contracts each generate approximately $35,000 in annual revenue. The City of Redlands has its own animal control operation, and the City of Highland contracts with the City of Redlands for animal control services. The City of Fontana contracts with the Riverside Humane Society for animal control services. The City of Rialto has its own animal control officers, and contracts with the County of San Bernardino to shelter the stray animals. Ms. Clark stated that in 1987 the Council Ways and Means Committee discussed the possibility of contracting out animal control responsibilities. At that time, the Humane Society of 2 1/9/92 San Bernardino submitted a proposal that would have cost the City's general fund almost $300,000. The Ways and Means Committee determined that it would not be cost effective to contract out animal services. School Crossino Guards City Administrator Clark stated that the Police Department submitted a budget proposal recommending that crossing guards be eliminated. As a result of the research conducted by Captain Tom Maier, San Bernardino Police Department, it was concluded that complete elimination of the school crossing guard program by the Police Department was not possible. Ms. Clark pointed out that the State of California Transportation Traffic Manual establishes standards or conditions which assist cities in determining which intersections warrant crossing guards. There are currently eighty-three crossing guard locations, twelve in the County of San Bernardino, eleven in the City of Highland, and the remaining sixty are within City limits. Some of the locations in the County and Highland have shared the responsibility. The reimbursement San Bernardino receives from the County and Highland is such that there would be no advantage to eliminating those crossing guards. Shauna Clark stated that of the sixty crossing guards in the City of San Bernardino, it is estimated that 30 to 50% of the crossing guard locations could be eliminated without presenting a hazard to the students. Eliminating 30 crossing guard locations could save as much as $88,000. City Attorney Penman stated that State law indicates that the City is obligated to fund the crossing guards; however, there are alternatives, whereby the school district could agree to share the costs. Mr. Penman stated that Government Code Section 55530 permits the establishment of a crossing guard assessment district. Traffic Bureau Shauna Clark, City Administrator, presented a memorandum outlining information relative to the cost of safety equipment for motorcycle officers. In a memorandum dated January 8, 1992, Lt. Jack Griggs, San Bernardino Police Department, stated that there are currently twelve motorcycles in the Traffic Bureau, and the cost of the traffic unit is approximately $842,184 a year, which is broken down into personnel and miscellaneous costs. In addition to the citations a traffic officer issues, a random sampling of patrol officers showed they average 6.5 arrests per month. 3 1/9/92 Ms. Clark stated that a question was asked about motorcycle officer injuries and whether they were higher than injuries for other officers. Lt. Griggs reported that they are somewhat higher, but not significantly higher than patrol officers. Currently, the Department writes approximately 1,200 tickets per month. In 1990, traffic citations generated $182,000 in revenue, and the traffic unit's seven motor officers generated approximately 63% or $114,660 of that total. Fire Department Suppression City Administrator Clark explained that the Fire Department's budget cuts for the Suppression ~ivision included the elimination of a fire truck company. Ms. Clark stated that a consultant has been hired to conduct a study on emergency medical services, and that the study was still pending, but preliminary figures on that study indicate that there is a possibility that the City may go into the ambulance business. Ms. Clark recommended that the Council postpone any budget cuts for the Fire Department, for two weeks, until the study was completed. Entertainment Tax Shauna Clark, City Administrator, stated that the issue had been raised as to whether or not the City could legally impose an entertainment tax. City Attorney Penman explained that an amusement tax was constitutional, and outlined the types of businesses that could be included in the entertainment tax: baseball games, circuses, carnivals, amusement parks, roller skating, ice skating, exhibition shows such as car or boat shows, air shows, dog or cat shows, horse shows, card shows, coin and stamp shows, etc. Economic Development Aoencv - Charoebacks Shauna Clark, City Administrator, explained that the five Economic Development Agency recommended chargebacks are outlined as follows: Carousel Mall Maintenance Ms. Clark explained that maintenance service chargebacks can only be charged forward in time, and cannot be charged back for previous months. She stated that the annual savings of $785,339 calculated for maintenance of the mall was incorrect, and that the new figure would be approximately half that amount. Fire Station/Library Bond Payments Ms. Clark stated that because the payments are funded through the Joint Powers Financing Authority, they are not eligible for redevelopment funding. 4 1/9/92 Selling Assets City Administrator Clark stated that the sale of Pioneer Cemetery to the Economic Development Agency (EOA) was ineligible for assistance without imposing several conditions; however, the property could be sold for expansion. Patton Park Property Ms. Clark stated that if the Patton property was sold, that money would have to be used for parks and recreation purposes in that area, and could not be used to supplement the general fund. A discussion ensued regarding the park construction fund for development of Patton Park. Annie Ramos, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, explained that the funds for the development of Patton Park could only be used for developing the park; however, park construction funds can be used in the general vicinity of where those fees were collected. If the park were sold, the park construction fees could be spent on improvements or development of an urban regional park near the area. Sale of Police Station Ms. Clark stated that the sale of the Economic Development Agency was eligible amount of $3 million. Police Station to the for funding in the Tim Steinhaus, Agency Administrator, Economic Development Agency, explained the funds available to assist the City, and which redevelopment funds are restricted, and must be used within certain project areas. A discussion Development Agency have on the Agency. was held regarding the use of Economic funds and the long-range effects this would Mr. Steinhaus presented the following costs for items recommended for Economic Development Agency funding: Assume Convention & Visitor Bureau's Operating Costs $ 260,000 Purchase Pioneer Cemetery Expansion Property One-Time Cost Pay Cost of City Clerk Services Annual Cost $ 496,000 $ 6,697 Pay Cost of City Attorney Legal Services Annual Cost $ 61,039 5 1/9/92 Facilities Management Services Annual Cost $ 22,766 Purchase Police Department Building One-Time Cost $3,000,000 Mr. Steinhaus stated that the impact of these recommendations would decrease the bond proceeds from $l6 million to $12 million. He stated that as of December 1, 1991, a hiring freeze in the Agency had been imposed, and consequently there has been a salary savings of $400,000. This salary savings enables the Agency to assume the Convention and Visitors' Bureau, and the expenses for three department services. Mr. Steinhaus stated that in the future these expenses would be budgeted. Mr. Steinhaus stated that the pioneer Cemetery purchase had been eliminated, and had been replaced with the maintenance of the Carousel Mall. The maintenance cost for the Carousel Mall is approximately $1,107,986 annually. The impact is that the bond proceeds would decrease from $16 million to $13 million. Maintenance and security costs for the Carousel Mall would be paid from tax increment funds at an annual cost of approximately $1.1 million, and that in approximately five years the tax increment balance would be reduced to zero. A discussion was held regarding the Agency was currently working on, and necessary over the next five years. number of projects the the estimated funding Tim Steinhaus explained the annual tax increment flow received by the Agency for all the project areas, stating that it is approximately $15 million annually. Of that $15 million, the City receives 22 percent of that amount, which is approximately $3.4 million. Shauna Clark presented an update relative to the number of telephone calls received from the public voicing their concerns on proposed budget cuts. City Clerk Krasney stated that 34 protests had been received from business owners in the Baseline area expressing concern over crime in the area, and possible cuts in the library, fire and police departments. Mayor Holcomb opened the hearing. PUBLIC HEARING COMMENTS - GENERAL Bing Wong, a resident of San Bernardino, suggested that a community pride program be established, whereby citizens could voluntarily donate a pledge of ten cents a day to the program. 6 1/9/92 He explained that this would not be a tax, and the money received could supplement the City's general fund. John Tucker, representing the City of San Bernardino Employees Mid-Management Bargaining Unit, 9798 Beech, Fontana, CA, stated that the City needs to find more stable revenue sources. He expressed concern that if cuts are proposed, the cuts should be made equitably across the board, and urged the Mayor and Council to reassess City operations. James Penman, 872 W. 28th Street, San Bernardino, CA, spoke as a citizen of the City, and expressed opposition to the City closing any libraries or recreation centers. He recommended that before laying off city employees, or closing libraries and recreation centers, that city employees take a salary reduction. He suggested the following breakdown as possible pay cuts: over $60,000 in annual income take a 25% cut; between $35,000 to $60,000 in annual income take a 10% cut; and under $35,000 in annual income take a 5% cut. Mr. Penman stated that Police and Fire Safety employees would be exempt from these salary reductions. City Attorney Penman answered questions regarding Charter Section 186, which mandates the City to give annual pay increases to the safety employees. A discussion ensued regarding safety employees taking a voluntary reduction in pay, if the remaining City employees were to take a reduction in salary. PUBLIC COMMENTS - LIBRARY & PARKS AND RECREATION Shelby Obershaw, Board of Education, San Bernardino City Unified School District, 777 W. Seventh Street, San Bernardino, CA, spoke in opposition to closing any libraries, or eliminating after school recreation programs; however, recommended modifying the hours of operation at some of the libraries. Ms. Obershaw felt that the school district and City staff should discuss which crossing guard areas are in the greatest need of crossing guards. Dr. Hal Boring, Assistant Superintendent, San Bernardino City Unified School District, 777 W. Seventh Street, San Bernardino, CA, spoke regarding the crossing guards and stated that the school district was willing to assist in prioritizing which areas are in most need of crossing guards. Dr. Boring read a letter from E. Neal Roberts, Superintendent of Schools, expressing concern with the budget crisis. In the letter, Dr. Roberts voices support for the Telecommunications Division (Channel 3). 7 1/9/92 Vi Andon, 1415 N. to closing libraries programs. 9th Street, Colton, CA, voiced opposition and eliminating park and recreation Elisa Oiaz, 1804 Mesa Verde Drive, San Bernardino, CA, voiced opposition to closing any libraries, eliminating the crossing guards, and after-school recreation programs. John Stevens, 4097 Pershing, San Bernardino, CA, spoke against the closure of any libraries. Lenore Schon, 147 E. Palmyra Drive, San Bernardino, CA, suggested the following as possible alternatives to closing libraries, recreation centers, and after school programs: 1) that college students be used as volunteers to staff some of the recreation centers; these college students would receive credit for the work performed; 2) recruit volunteers from the public sectors to staff some of the libraries and recreation centers; and 3) have the facilities open on a part-time rotating schedule. Sue Nagel, 3280 N. Palm Drive, San Bernardino, CA, read a statement on behalf of the teachers of Marshall Elementary School, voicing opposition to the closure of Rowe Branch Library. This statement was signed by all twenty-one staff members and the principal. Mary Ann Stratton, 1438 Sheridan Road, San Bernardino, CA, spoke against the closure of any libraries, and cuts in crossing guards, police and fire departments. Nancy Thomas, 775 W. Marshall, San Bernardino, CA, spoke in opposition to the closure of the libraries, and encouraged students to volunteer time to work at the branch libraries. Joan Allen, 766 W. Marshall Boulevard, San Bernardino, CA, stated her opposition to closing the libraries, and suggested reducing the hours of operation at some of the branch libraries. Francine Wixen, 799 E. Avery, San Bernardino, CA, spoke in opposition to the closure of any libraries. Melinda Damron, 5151 Louise Street, San Bernardino, CA, expressed opposition to the closure of any libraries. Shauna Clark, City Administrator, clarified Library Board was not recommending the closure of libraries, only the Coddington Branch Library. that the all branch 8 1/9/92 Jack Hill, President, Library Board of Trustees, l033 w. 10th Street, San Bernardino, CA, stated that by Charter, the City was only obligated to provide $2,000 to the operation of libraries, and that the Library Board reluctantly supported the five percent budget reduction totaling $155,000. Kristie Hernandez, 1384 Walnut Street, San Bernardino, CA, spoke against the closure of any libraries, recreation centers and possible cuts in the police and fire departments budget. PUBLIC COMMENTS - CHANNEL 3 CLOSURE Walter Wylder, 279 E. 46th Street, San Bernardino, CA, spoke in support of Channel 3, stating that citizens need to be able to watch the televised Council meetings to keep informed. Stephanie Congdon, Chairman of the Cable Commission, 3678 Hemlock, San Bernardino, CA, voiced opposition to any cuts in the Channel 3 (Telecommunications) budget. Evelyn Bess, 1344 N. Idyllwild, Rialto, CA, spoke in favor of keeping Channel 3. Dr. Sherry Howie, 544 E. Ralston Avenue, San Bernardino, CA, spoke in support of Channel 3, and suggested that more volunteers be used to staff the operation of Channel 3. Mayor Holcomb stated that there are four full-time personnel; twelve part-time personnel and over thirty volunteers working for Channel 3. Lawrence Hebron, l124 E. Mirada Road, San Bernardino, CA, spoke against the elimination of Channel 3. He recommended transferring the administration of KCSB Channel 3 to an independent non-profit agency, which would continue to provide community service programs in San Bernardino. As a non-profit agency, KCSB would be in a position to solicit donations. Mr. Hebron also suggested leasing an access air time program as a possible revenue source. Nancy Davis, 301 Edgerton Drive, San Bernardino, CA, voiced support for continued airing of KCSB Channel 3. Craig Fiegener, Westcoast Magazine, Post Office Box 20375, Riverside, CA, spoke in support of Channel 3, and stated that Channel 3 could be self supporting by implementing leased access air time. Mary Robinson-Tryon, 2855 N. Wall, San Bernardino, CA, expressed support for Channel 3. 9 1/9/92 Fay Rodgers, 3396 Mt. View, San Bernardino, CA, spoke in support of park and recreation programs. Chris Gonzales, President of Local 122, urged the Council to explore other avenues of reducing the City's deficit, and requested that lay offs be postponed. COUNCIL MEMBER At 6:27 p.m., Council meeting and POPE-LUDLAM ARRIVED Council Member pope-Ludlam arrived took her place at the council table. at the Barbara Bernardino, contractors, receipts. Sky, JCS Welding, 1155 Harris Street, San CA, suggested raising business license fees for and basing contractor business license fees on gross Donald Henley, 1229 W. 5th Street, San Bernardino, CA, stated that he felt that citizens did not have enough information in order to make appropriate suggestions as to which programs should be cut. Mr. Henley questioned the assessment district which would have placed twenty-three additional sworn police officers and twenty-five additional non-sworn police officers in the Police Department. Shauna Clark, Ci ty Administrator, answered questions from the Council regarding the deadline for the proposed budget reduction measures. Ms. Clark stated that the longer the Council delayed action, more would have to be cut, and that January 15, 1992 was the date set for implementation of the five percent budget cuts submitted by each department. Richard Rodriguez, 1554 W. 15th Street, San Bernardino, CA, spoke against any cuts in the crossing guard program. Lynn Culpepper, 1355 N. Sepulveda, San Bernardino, CA, expressed opposition to any cuts in the crossing guard program. Mark Lehman, 1983 Universal Avenue, San Bernardino, CA, spoke against any cuts in the crossing guard program, Channel 3, and park and recreation programs. John Wyrough, AFSCME, Local 122, felt that not all alternatives had been explored, and stated that the City employees were not consulted, through their leadership, regarding the budget crisis and possible lay offs. He requested that the City Administrator be directed to meet with the employee organizations to discuss the financial situation and explore other alternatives. 10 1/9/92 Mayor Holcomb stated the City was open to any alternatives or suggestions other than lay offs. He explained that several employees have expressed a willingness to take a salary cut, and that employee organizations should take the initiative. John Wyrough answered questions from the Council regarding the time needed to meet with the City Administrator to discuss other alternatives. PUBLIC COMMENTS - POLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENTS Susan Johnson, 5088 Sundance Drive, San Bernardino, CA, expressed concern regarding any cuts in Police and Fire services. Ms. Johnson stated that the proposed 4/10 work plan and the change to bi-weekly pay periods are excellent ideas for revenue savings. Ms. Johnson suggested other possible cutbacks in programs and services that would not eliminate the whole service or program. James Lynas, 1160 E . Sonora Street, San Bernardino, CA, voiced opposition to any budget cuts in the Police Department or layoff of any city employees. Helen Hewett, 2739 N. Pershing Avenue, San Bernardino, CA, expressed opposition to any budget cuts in the Police and Fire Departments. Warren Cocke, 2875 Valencia Avenue, San Bernardino, CA, voiced opposition to any cuts in the Police Department. John Keeping, 1299 N. "E" Street, San Bernardino, CA, expressed opposition to any cuts in the Police Department. Allen Simpson, Secretary/Treasurer, Firefighters Local 891, 371 W. 14 th Street, San Bernardino, CA, urged the Mayor and Council to delay any cuts or layoffs in the Fire Department until the Emergency Medical Service study was completed. Leola Haynes, 1437 Arizona Avenue, San Bernardino, CA, spoke against any cuts in the Police Department. Jon Roberts, past President, San Bernardino City Management Association, stated that there are approximately 100 employees who occupy confidential/management positions, and that for the past two years, the Management Association has voluntarily elected to forego any cost-of-1iving increases, and to freeze salaries at the level of which they were two years ago. Last year members of the Association elected not to conduct a benefit survey; and therefore forego any pay increases which may have been recommended. The result of this voluntary salary freeze has been a savings to the City of over $1 million dollars. Mr. Roberts stated that a salary survey had been conducted in 11 1/9/92 December and revealed that the confidential/management employees are paid on an average 11% less than the sixteen surrounding cities surveyed. He stated that the management/confidential employees are committed to stand beside the Mayor and Council to face the challenge before them. John Emery Jones, 455 Caroline Street, San Bernardino, CA, stated that under the California Constitution, all public officers and employees shall take the Oath of affirmation of allegiance, and that this oath of affirmation must be available to the public. J. reported received. Lorraine that a Velarde, Executive Assistant to total of 54 citizen telephone the Mayor, calls were Shauna Clark, City Administrator, highlighted which programs were supported and the number of telephone calls received for the various programs/departments. CLOSED SESSION The Mayor and Common Council did not recess session during this meeting. (1) to closed It was the consensus of the Council that the public hearing to review the City of San Bernardino's proposed budget reduction measures be continued to 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 13, 1992, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "0" Street, San Bernardino, California. ADJOURNMENT (4) At 7:45 p.m., Council Member Estrada made a motion, seconded by Council Member Minor, and unanimously carried, that the adjourned regular meeting be adjourned to 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 13, 1992, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California. RACHEL KRASNEY City Clerk By dfMdttD7n[J[!t~ LU Sandra Medina Deputy City Clerk No. of Items: 4 No. of Hours: 3.5 hrs. 12 1/9/92