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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-09-1987 Minutes City of San Bernardino, California February 9, 1987 This is the time and place heretofore set for an Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San Bernardino at their Regular Meeting held Monday, February 2, 1987, at 9:02 a.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California. The City Clerk has caused to be posted the Notice of Adjournment of said meeting held Monday, February 2, 1987, at 9:02 a.m., and has on file in the Office of the City Clerk an affidavit of said posting, together wi th a copy of said Notice which was posted on Tuesday, February 3, 1987, at 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California. The Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San Bernardino was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore Reilly at 9:04 a.m., Monday, February 9, 1987, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Richard Bennecke, Execu- tive Assistant to the Mayor. PLEDGE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Warren Knudson, Director, Finance Department. ROLL CALL Roll Call was taken by the City Clerk with the fol- lowing being present: Mayor Pro Tempore Reilly, Council Members Estrada, Reilly, Quiel, Strickler; Deputy City Attorney Sabourin, City Clerk Clark, City Administrator Schweitzer. Absent: Mayor Wilcox; Council Members Hernandez, Frazier. CONSIDERATION OF WAIVER - BUILDING PERMIT FEES - YWCA - CONTINUED FROM FEBRUARY 2, 1987 In a memorandum dated January 29, 1987, Glenda Saul, Executive Director, Redevelopment Agency, stated that staff had been negotiating with the representatives of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) for their pur- chase of the facility located at 566 North Lugo Avenue, San Bernardino, California. Prior to close of escrow, YWCA had applied for building permits to allow for a major rehabilitation of the existing structure now occupied by them. Ms. Saul explained that staff recommended that authorization be given to the Executive Director to sign on behalf of the Agency as owner/builder for the YWCA remodeling and also to obtain and pay for workers compen- sation coverage for building trades volunteers who will provide the majority of the labor. (2) On February 2, 1987, the Common Council, acting as the Community Development Commission, approved action to reimburse the YWCA for workers compensation insurance costs on volunteer workers in an amount not to exceed $2500.00, and to continue the matter to February 9, 1987, as a City item to consider the waiver of fees. Council Member Quiel made a motion, seconded by Council Member Strickler and unanimously carried, to ap- prove the waiver of building permit fees for the Redevel- opment Agency on the YWCA Project. (Motion later res- cinded, see page 2) Deputy City Attorney Sabourin stated it was the poli- cy of the City Attorney that the fees were not waiverable unless provided for by a resolution or ordinance. He stated that City Attorney Prince had recommended that the fees be paid and then be reimbursed. It was his under- standing from previous information that the Redevelopment Agency was not going to take out the permit. COUNCIL MEMBER FRAZIER ARRIVED At 9:10 a.m., Council Member Frazier arrived at the Council Meeting and took his place at the Council Table. The Council discussed whether or not this was a Councilor Redevelopment Agency item, and whether or not the Redevelopment Agency would be taking out the permit. It was determined that the Redevelopment Agency would take out the permit. MAYOR WILCOX ARRIVED At 9:12 a.m., Mayor Wilcox arrived at the Council Meeting and took her place at the Council Table. Glenda Saul, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Agency, answered questions, stating that it was her under- standing that this was to be a City action item only. Deputy City Attorney Sabourin stated that, given the circumstances, it was proper to proceed and recommended that the Redevelopment Agency indicate it is going to act as owner/builder and that the application would be filed on behalf of the Redevelopment Agency which would ask for waiver of fees. City Administrator Schweitzer answered questions, stating there is a pol icy that the ci ty does not charge the City or Agency any fees. COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ ARRIVED At 9:20 a.m., Council Member Hernandez arrived at the Council Meeting and took his place at the Council Table. Council Member Quiel made a motion, seconded by Council Member Reilly and unanimously carried, to recon- sider the previous motion. Council Member Hernandez de- clined to vote on this matter. Council Member Estrada made a motion, seconded by Council Member Reilly and unanimously carried, to rescind the original motion. Council Member Hernandez declined to vote on this matter. Council Member Quiel made a motion, seconded by Council Member Estrada and unanimously carried, to reaf- firm previous policy to waive fees as it relates to this specific RDA project only. Glenda Saul, Executive Director, Redevelopment Agency, stated she would withhold her signature until assurance is given that the YWCA is following through on the workers' compensation. DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY SABOURIN EXCUSED At 9:24 a.m., Deputy City Attorney Sabourin left the Council Meeting. MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW Warren Knudson, Director of Finance, 1986-87 Mid-Year Budget Analysis. presented the (1) 2 2/9/87 Revenue Mr. Knudson stated that figures indicate that there will be excessive revenue over the estimate, although the City is behind in sales tax at this time, which is the single largest source of revenue to the General Fund. An 8% increase was projected over last year, but there has been only a 5.1% increase at this time. The second quar- ter (October - December) receipts, which provides a large percentage of the total amount, will be finalized in mid- March, which will provide a more realistic figure. Finance Director Knudson answered questions, stating that there will no Revenue Sharing Funds in the City's Budget next year. The Mayor and Council discussed possible alternatives to providing additional income to the City. Finance Director Knudson answered questions, stating that it is anticipated there will be a favorable ending fund balance of between $700,000 to $900,000 at the end of the Fiscal Year. Animal Control Department Shortfall Finance Director Knudson reported a projected short- fall in the Animal Control Department. He stated it is anticipated that $110,000 will be necessary to supplement that activity by the end of the year. FAU Unexpended Balance Finance Director Knudson reported that notification was received from Caltrans showing an unexpended FAU bal- ance of $352,746 and recommended that plans be prepared for the bridge on South E Street and traffic signals on Del Rosa. Mr. Knudson stated that action items regarding the FAU funding would be brought back to the Council. Underground Fuel Tank Monitoring A discussion was held concerning the State require- ment that the City monitor underground fuel tanks and the fact that various other governmental agencies are doing the same job. City Administrator Schweitzer answered questions, stating this was a State mandated duty, and agreed to look into duplication of monitoring. Finance Director Knudson stated that the cost for monitoring this program is estimated at $30,000. Inoperable Vehicle Program City Administrator Schweitzer answered questions regarding the Inoperable Vehicle Program and explained why it was not included in the Code Compliance Officer duties. He stated that the Fire Department had been doing this job for quite a few years and has a civilian fire inspector in this position. The Mayor and Council discussed the background of why this program had been under the direction of the Fire Department. City Administrator Schweitzer agreed to look into this program and determine when the responsibilities were changed from the fire fighters to a civilian position. 3 2/9/87 Central City Area Traffic Signal Timing Plan Mr. Knudson stated there is a request for progressive traffic signal timing plans for the Central City Area, at an estimated cost of $8,950, which could be allocated from salary savings in Engineering. This item will be brought back to Council as an action item at a later meet- ing. Personnel - Personnel Clerk I Position Mr. Knudson stated that the Personnel Department had requested the reinstatement of an authorized but unfunded Personnel Clerk I position at the cost of approximately $7,000 for the remainder of the fiscal year. This request was brought about by the open and continuous hiring of Law Enforcement Trainees by the Police Department and addi- tional duties being assigned to the Personnel Department, such as finger printing of new employees and the 1986 Immigration Reform Act. Funding for the remainder of the fiscal year would be available from within the Personnel Department budget. City Administrator Schweitzer answered questions, stating there are approximately 90 persons hired each month due to a high turnover of temporary and part-time personnel. It was suggested that this matter be considered by the Personnel Committee. After School Playground Programs Finance Director Knudson stated that at the time of the budget adoption, staff was seeking to pursue after school playground programs in cooperation with the San Bernardino City Unified School District. The School Dis- trict is not interested or not able to provide any assis- tance in this area, so Parks and Recreation will provide what programs they can. The Mayor and Council discussed the need to be using the playgrounds after school hours even though there is possible liability. It was suggested that the State Leg- islature be contacted to determine if some legislation could be passed to address this issue. Parks - Wind Damage Finance Director Knudson spoke of wind damage in two City parks. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department will try to identify funding for repairs in the amount of approximately $20,000 from the department bud- get. If this is not possible, there will be a request for funds to repair the damage. The Mayor and Council discussed the use of Ward Park Funds to repair the damage in the park facilities, and suggested the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department contact Council Members of the involved Ward. wildwood Park, which suffered damage is located in the Fourth Ward, but Council Member Strickler, Seventh Ward, could be contacted, as his Ward is adjacent to Wildwood Park. Postal and Collection Center Finance Director Knudson stated that limited funds were allocated for the operation of the Postal and Collec- tion Center on Mt. Vernon in the 1986-87 budget. He stated that the City Treasurer has been attempting to find another location, but has not been successful in locating a City facility to house the operation. A report from the City Treasurer is being prepared and will be forwarded as soon as it is completed. 4 2/9/87 The Mayor and Council discussed the possibility of purchasing a mobile home and moving it to various loca- tions in the City to provide service for all the wards at various times. City Administrator Schweitzer stated the City Treas- urer has done an analysis on the possible mobile home solution and will have a report on this soon. Fire Department Staffing Finance Director Knudson stated that consideration for the 1987-88 budget includes a request for funding for addi tional personnel in the Fire Department to staff the new Fire Station which is scheduled to open in mid-fiscal year. City Administrator Schweitzer answered questions, stating that a report regarding the cost of the proposed new fire station will be provided to the Mayor and Counc i 1. Sturges Auditorium - Seccombe Lake Funding Finance Director Knudson stated that full year fund- ing for Sturges Auditorium and Seccombe Lake will be in the 1987-88 budget. The Mayor and Council discussed funding for Sturges Auditorium and previous indications that it was supposed to become self supporting. Mayor wilcox stated that the Foundation is in charge of Sturges Auditorium, with coordination handled through Thelma Press and Norm Baffrey in the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, and agreed that the Council needs a full report and up-date on Sturges auditorium. Public Services Department - Painting and Striping Projects Finance Director Knudson explained that the Public Services Department will be requesting monies for painting and striping projects. Garage Study and Budget Finance Director Knudson stated that while recommen- dations from the Hughes-Heiss Garage Study are not final- ized, it is estimated there will be costs of $100,000 to $150,000 for capital outlay items. City Administrator Schweitzer answered questions, stating the Hughes-Heiss Study is supposed to be completed in about two weeks, which will recommend changes in the Garage Department to improve efficiency and save money. However, there may also be recommendations for new equip- ment that will be necessary to implement the changes. COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ EXCUSED At 10:15 a.m., Council Member Hernandez left the Council Meeting. General Plan Update Workshop Finance Director Knudson stated there will be a work- shop on February 16, 1987, at noon in the MIC Room to discuss a General Plan update. The financial impact of the update will be between $125,000 to $150,000. Wage and Benefit Negotiations Finance Director Knudson explained benefit negotiations and charter-mandated have a major impact on the 1987-88 budget. that wage and increases will 5 2/9/87 Health Plan Finance Director Knudson stated that the Self-Insured Health Plan Fund has a deficit balance due to falling behind in payments from the previous year when Blue Cross was handling claims. The program was changed to John Hancock in January, 1986. City Administrator Schweitzer answered questions regarding the payment of insurance claims and explained why the City is behind in payments. He stated the new plan with John Hancock is in good shape, but the City is having to pay old claims out of current revenue. The Mayor and Council discussed the problem of the deficit payments in the Insurance Program and expressed concern as to the loss ratio. City Administrator Schweitzer stated there will be an analysis prepared in June, that actuarial studies have been done, and that the present program is satisfactory. He stated that City employees had chosen to subsidize retirees in the insurance program. Mr. Schweitzer stated he would work with Wyatt Company and prepare a report on the health insurance issue. Reserves - Operating Contingency Finance Director Knudson stated the reserves are not what they should be and the City will probably have less than $200,000 in operating contingencies at the end of the fiscal year. He stated that if the City were to maintain a 5% reserve level, there would be about 2.5 million dollars. The Mayor and Council discussed the importance of raising the amount of the contingency fund and possible ways to increase revenue, such as fee increases and util- ity tax. The Mayor and Common Council agreed that ser- vices should not be cut. Finance Director Knudson answered questions regarding the City computer service, which is not as yet providing all the information that is needed. vice and Narcotics Unexpended Balance The Mayor and Council discussed the Police Department Budget that reflected a 91% unexpended balance in the Vice-Narcotics Item and the possible appearance that the City is not doing enough to battle drug abuse. City Administrator Schweitzer answered questions, stating that action is being taken in this item, but paper work has not been done, so the proper balance is not re- flected. Utilities and Janitorial Services The Mayor and Council discussed utility and jani- torial services and costs. Finance Director Knudson answered questions, stating that the utility exemption program was working very well. He explained the various methods of publicizing the pro- gram so all eligible persons would be aware of this service. City Safety Program City Administrator Schweitzer answered questions, stating that the City has a good safety program and that there has been a dramatic decrease in claims. He stated he had a six-month report and will provide it for the Counc i 1. 6 2/9/87 Summary of Financial Picture to be Presented in March, 1987 The Mayor and Council discussed the importance of implementing cost savings without cutting back on ser- vices. Finance Director Knudson agreed to provide a summary of the City's financial condition at the end of March, 1987. ADJOURNMENT At 11:20 a.m., Council Member Strickler made a mo- tion, seconded by Council Member Estrada and unanimously carried, that the meeting be adjourned to Monday, February 16, 1987, at 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "0" Street, San Bernardino, California. ~//?,0p~ / City Clerk 7 2/9/87