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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-1991 Minutes City of San Bernardino, California June 19, 1991 This is the time and place set for an Adjourned Regular meeting of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San Bernardino at their Regular meeting held at 8:30 a.m., Monday, June 17, 1991, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California. The City Clerk has caused to be posted the Order of Adjournment of said meeting held on June 17, 1991, 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 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, 1991, on the door of the place at which said meeting was held. The Adjourned Regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Holcomb at 7:02 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, 1991, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "D" 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 Attorney Penman, City Clerk Krasney, City Administrator Edwins. Absent: Council Member Pope-Ludlam. 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 Estrada. ANNOUNCEMENT - PUBLIC COMMENTS - SALE OF ANIMALS (1) Mayor Holcomb stated that although the item relating to the sale of animals for research purposes was removed from the Council Agenda at its meeting of June 17, 1991, he would allow public comments on the subject. He stated that public comments would be limited to three speakers, each having five minutes to express their comments. COUNCIL MEMBER POPE-LUDLAM ARRIVED Council Member pope-Ludlam arrived at the Council meeting and took her place at the council table. Mayor Holcomb stated that during a Council workshop session it was suggested that the Council consider as a possible revenue source the selling of animals for research purposes. He explained that after further consideration of the proposal, and a review of the City's policy on the sale of animals, it was 1 6/19/91 determined that the City had not been receiving significant revenue from the sale of animals for research. The policy of segregating pets from non-pets had been expensive and it cost the City approximately $9,000 during Fiscal Year 1990/91. He stated the a proposal would be forthcoming to change the City's policy to not sell animals for research. Margo Tannenbaum, a resident of the City, thanked the Mayor and Council and pledged to support the City on the proposal to change its policy on the sale of animals for research. Sandra Cross, Mayor for taking a research. a resident of San Bernardino, thanked the stance on the issue of selling animals for Rev. Whitewash, a resident of San Bernardino, also thanked the Council for proposing a change in its policy on the sale of animals for research. Chris De Rose of Los Angeles, representing an Animals Rights Organization, pledged support to residents of San Bernardino who do not want animals sold for research purposes. He stated that he and supporters of his organization would return on July 1, 1991, to encourage the Council to take action on the Mayor's proposal not to sell animals for research. He stated that if the proposed policy is not brought before the Council and voted upon on July 1, 1991, he and hundreds of others from throughout the State, would come to ensure that animals imprisoned in the animals shelters and pounds would not be sold for research. Mayor Holcomb maintained that the Council would not be intimidated by any threats, and stated that the Council, acting as a whole body, would vote on the facts as they are presented. Jack Ferrone, a non-resident of San Bernardino, expressed concern regarding the sale of animals and urged the Council and the community to work together to resolve this issue. Professor Susan Fenson, Cal State University, San Bernardino, applauded the Council for its commitment to not sell animals for research. She recognized and commended the Humane Society for an outstanding job in the operation of the City's animal shelter. Patti incidents community purposes. Schanker of Santa Monica felt that there would be more of animal thefts and distrust of citizens in the if animals are allowed to be sold for research 2 6/19/91 RECESS MEETING At 7:25 p.m., Mayor Holcomb declared a five-minute recess. RECONVENE MEETING At 7:35 p.m., the Adjourned Regular meeting of the Mayor and Common Council reconvened in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California. ROLL CALL Roll call was taken with the following being present: Mayor Holcomb; Council Members Estrada, Reilly, Hernandez, Maudsley, Minor, Pope-Ludlam, Miller. Senior Assistant City Attorney Barlow, City Clerk Krasney, City Administrator Edwins. Absent: None. DISCUSSION OF 1991-92 BUDGET SHORTFALL - CONSIDERATION OF NEW REVENUE SOURCES (2) In a memorandum dated June 19, 1991, Shauna Edwins, City Administrator, presented a report on revenue enhancements implemented during the last six months. A listing of those revenue enhancements are as follows: Street Lighting/Sweeping Assessment District; Licensing of Single Family Rentals; Emergency Medical Fees; Raising Minimum Business License Rates and Changing Classifications; Removal of Transient Occupancy Tax Thirty Day Resident Exemption; Audit of Business Licenses and Transient Occupancy Tax; False Alarm Fees; Mobile Home Park Fees. Fred Wilson, Assistant City Administrator, gave an overview of the City's budget for Fiscal Year 1991/92. He stated that the City is faced with a 1.1 million dollar deficit and has the option of either continuing with a hiring freeze or considering new revenue enhancements. Mayor Holcomb explained that the City's deficit was inherited from the previous administration and should be made up as quickly as possible. He stated that the City had already taken measures to help reduce the deficit, but indicated that more cuts or revenue enhancements are needed. He suggested the following revenue sources to reduce the City's 1991-92 budget shortfall: Increasing the Service Users Tax; Selling of the City operated cemetery; Imposing a franchise fee to refuse haulers; Establish a real property transfer tax; Utilizing the work release prisoners program; 3 6/19/91 Sale of Pioneer Cemeterv 211 E. 9th Street & City owned Prooertv on South "E" Street A discussion ensued regarding the sale of Pioneer Cemetery. Dan Ustation, regarding the costs local cemeteries. Cemetery Superintendent, answered questions for complete interment in comparison to other Jim Lynas, 1160 E. Sonora, San Bernardino, objected to the Ci ty' s proposal to sell the cemetery to generate more revenue. He also objected to the way in which the City conducted budget review meetings. He suggested that all budget hearings and any problems relating to the budget be brought before the citizens in open session so that the citizens can be made aware of the problems and possibly come forward with some suggestions. Mayor Holcomb also mentioned the possibility of selling City-owned property on South "E" Street to the Water district. According to the Mayor, the Water district is interested in buying the property and it could be a potential source of revenue. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO AMENDING CHAPTER 3.44 OF THE SAN BERNARDINO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE AMOUNT OF SERVICE USERS TAX. FIRST (2D) Valerie Holmes, owner of the Ice and Cold Storage, 340 N. "I" Street, San Bernardino, spoke against the proposal to increase the service users tax. She felt that increasing the utility users fee would discourage new businesses from coming into the City. She proposed that the City consider placing a cap on the utility users fee to entice new businesses into the area. No action was taken. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO AMENDING CHAPTER 3.48 OF THE SAN BERNARDINO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX. FIRST (2E) David Schulze, Chairman, San Bernardino Valley Board of Real tors, 1798 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, spoke against the City establishing a real property transfer tax. He stated that a property transfer tax would make it extremely difficult for citizens living on a fixed income to purchase a home or sell a home in the City. He felt that this proposed tax would cause an increase in the homeless population in the City. 4 6/19/91 Bob Hoebelheinrich, President of First Interstate Bank, 290 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, and Vice-President of the Economic Development Council, on behalf of the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce, objected to an increase in the utility users fee. He stated that an increase is regressive and repels new businesses from coming into San Bernardino. No action was taken. DEADLINE FOR ADOPTING FINAL BUDGET Andy Green, Finance Director, answered questions regarding the deadline for adopting the final version of the 1991/92 budget. He explained that there is no set time limit, due to the Council adopting the preliminary budget on June 17, 1991, authorizing expenditures at the 1990/91 level. SAME DAY DEPOSITS OF CHECKS - COMMENTS BY JIM LYNAS Jim Lynas stated that the City is losing a lot of money by not depositing checks in a timely manner. He suggested that the Mayor issue an executive order to the Planning and Building Services Department requiring same day deposits of all checks. City Administrator Edwins explained that an audit conducted in the Planning and Building Services Department revealed that checks were being held for periods of time and were not being deposited in a timely manner. However, as a result of the audit, new policies were implemented relating to the deposit of checks. RES. 91-267 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO AND COUNTY SERVICE AREA 38 AND IMPROVEMENT ZONES G AND L OF COUNTY SERVICE AREA 38 FOR FIRE PROTECTION, EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND RELATED SERVICES. (2F) Council Member Maudsley made a motion, seconded by Council Member Miller, that further reading of the resolution be waived and said resolution be adopted; and that the City Administrator and City Attorney be instructed to a prepare Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the County of San Bernardino which would delineate administrative guidelines and reimbursement procedures. Resolution No. 91-267 was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members Estrada, Reilly, Hernandez, Maudsley, Minor, Pope-Ludlam, Miller. Nays: None. Absent: None. RES. 91-268 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO AND GASKA, INC. FOR THE LEASE OF A COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICE FOR SAN BERNARDINO AT 334 WEST BASELINE. (3) 5 6/19/91 Council Member Minor made a motion, Member Reilly, that further reading of the and said resolution be adopted. Resolution No. 91-268 was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members Estrada, Reilly, Hernandez, Maudsley, Minor, Pope-Ludlam, Miller. Nays: None. Absent: None. seconded by Council resolution be waived URGENCY RESOLUTION REQUESTING ADJUSTMENT IN THE 1990 CENSUS (Urgency Item) Council Member Estrada made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pope-Ludlam, and unanimously carried, that the Council consider adopting, as an urgency item, a resolution concerning an undercount in the 1990 Census, as the matter arose subsequent to the posting of the Council agenda. In an undated letter, Arturo Vargas, Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, 634 South Sonno Street, 11th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014, urged the City to participate and respond to a request from the Department of Commerce on whether or not the 1990 Census should be adjusted. The deadline for submitting public comments is June 21, 1991. In his letter, Mr. Vargas explained that if an adjustment is not made, many Hispanics and minorities would not be fairly represented and the communities in which they live would not receive their fair share of public resources. RES. 91-269 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO EXPRESSING A CONCERN THAT AN UNDERCOUNT HAS OCCURRED IN THE 1990 CENSUS IN THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO AND REQUESTING AN ADJUSTMENT FOR THE CITY. (Urgency) Council Member Estrada made a motion, seconded by Council Member pope-Ludlam, that further reading of the resolution be waived and said resolution be adopted. Resolution No. 91-269 was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members Estrada, Reilly, Hernandez, Maudsley, Minor, pope-Ludlam, Miller. Nays: None. Absent: None. DISCUSSION OF 1991-92 BUDGET SHORTFALL A member of the Council expressed concern regarding the various programs and services which have been imposed on residents of the City. It was felt that another tax increase would be unbearable for many residents living on a fixed income. 6 6/19/91 After further discussion and consideration, Council Member Minor suggested the following sources as potential revenue enhancements: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6 . 7 . 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Fee Increases Franchise Fee Rates for cable TV; Southern Pacific Pipe Line franchise fee; Certificate of Occupancy fees; Sign Permit fees; Game Operators fees; Welding license fees; Fire Code Permit fees; Gun Permit fees; House moving fees; Street cut permit fees; Encroachment permit fees; parking citation fines; Election filing fees; Building moving fees; Variance and minor variance fees; Environmental Impact Report fees; Pistol range fees; Fingerprinting fees; Expeditious review fees; Street vacation filing fees; Fees for sale of photos; Fees for development a9reements; Aid from the County/City of Highland for administering crossing guard program; Aid from County for signal maintenance/energy; Aid from the City of Highland for maintenance/repair of lights; Impose commissions on vending machines and telephones. Mayor Holcomb explained that franchise fees are fixed and cannot be changed. Franchise fees can only be changed by the State Legislature. He stated that there is a bill before the State Legislature, sponsored by the cable TV industry, requesting a reduction in the cable television utility user fees, to a maximum of five-percent. SinGle Family Rental License PrOGram A discussion ensued regarding the license program and the differences in income and the actual income figures. single family the projected rental annual City Administrator Edwins explained that the Business License Division implemented an incentive program whereby property owners who volunteered to obtain a business license would receive the first year's license free. As a result of 7 6/19/91 this, the actual income received to date reflects only the first half of a two-year license amount. However, in subsequent years the full projected income will be realized. CLOSED SESSION There was no discussion of closed session Mayor and Common Council and Community Development (5) i terns for the Commission. ADJOURNMENT (5) At 9:09 p.m., Council Member Minor made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pope-Ludlam, to adjourn the Adjourned Regular Meeting to 9:00 a.m., Thursday, June 27, 1991, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California, to receive a report from the City's consultants on the feasibility of the City conducting nightly news that occurs in the City and throughout the Inland Empire. The Members Estrada, motion failed by the following vote: Reilly, Minor, Pope-Ludlam. Nays: Hernandez, Maudsley, Miller. Absent: Ayes: Council None. Council Members Mayor Holcomb indicated that he would hold the meeting and invited all interested parties to attend. Council Member Minor made a motion, seconded by Council Member Hernandez, and unanimously carried, to adjourn the Adjourned Regular meeting to 8:30 a.m., Monday, July 1, 1991, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California. Rachel Krasney City Clerk City Clerk No. of Items: 6 No. of Hours: 2 hours 9 minutes 8 6/19/91