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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-06-24MINUTES Council Chamber, Civic Center Huntington Beach, California Monday, June 24, 1974 Mayor Coen called the adjourned regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach to order at 5:30 P.M. ROLL CALL Present: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Wieder, Duke, Coen Absent: None , PUBLIC HEARING - 1974-75 CITY BUDGET - RES NO 3900 - ADOPTED - ADOPTION OF CITY BUDGET Mayor Coen announced that this was the day and hour set for the continuance from the June 10, 1974 meeting of public hearing on the 1974-75 City Budget. The City Clerk informed Council that she had received communications from Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. William F. McLaughlin, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel T. O'Connor, Council on Aging, American Association of University Women and the Huntington Beach -Fountain Valley Board of Realtors, regarding the proposed City Budget. Mrs. Pauline Moen, representing the Council on Sensible Taxation, addressed Council and read a resolution adopted by their organization entitled "Resolution in Favor of a Balance Budget and Relief From Oppressive Taxation." Mrs. Shirley Commons, representing the Huntington Beach -Fountain Valley Board of Realtors, addressed Council regarding their organization's opposition to the insti- tution of a property transfer tax. Mr. Jack Green, 6812 Auburn Drive, City, addressed Council regarding the past posi- tion of the Southern California Association of Governments favoring the establishment of a property transfer tax. The Deputy City Attorney addressed Council regarding the establishment of a property transfer .tax from a legal standpoint. Mr. H. W. Barnard, 6851 Via Carona Drive, City, addressed Council and questioned the necessity of acquiring additional city vehicles and equipment. Mrs. Jean Collins, addressed Council and gave reasons why she opposed a property transfer tax. Mr. Stan Hershberg, addressed Council and stated that he believed if a property transfer tax is imposed, it should be applicable to the seller only. Miss Donna Ryan, addressed Council regarding the difficulty she has encountered in the sale of her home which she believed to be due to city policies. Mr. Frank Sano addressed Council in opposition to a property transfer tax and requested that alternate means of revenue sources be considered. 6/24/74 Page #2 - Council Minutes - 6/24/74 A local resident addressed Council and gave reasons why he opposed a property trans- fer tax and suggested that the City attempt to obtain a proper balance of taxes. Mr. Don Watkins, 9051 Five Harbors Drive, City, addressed Council and requested that steps be taken to require tourists to share in the expenses 'incurred by the City for beach services. Mr. Watkins was informed by Councilman Matney that Assembly Bill 3611 providing for State contribution toward the maintenance and operation of the City beach, sponsored by Assemblyman Burke was presently in the House Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Rudy Lozano, 19121 Kipahula bane, City, City Recreation and Parks Commissioner, addressed Council and recommended that the Recreation and Parks tax be increased three cents and that a property transfer tax be established. Mrs. Grace Winchell, 6411 Weber Circle, representing the League of Women Voters, addressed Council regarding the report prepared by the Citizens Goals and Objec- tives Committee which had been adopted by the City. She urged that Council keep these goals in mind in their consideration of the proposed budget. Mr. Steve Rice, teacher, Huntington Beach Union High School District, addressed Council and urged that Council approve the employment of a park ranger in the Cen- tral City Park. Mr. Richard Altimari, 17072 Newquist Lane, City, addressed Council regarding the reasons why he believed there should be a coordinator at the Central City Park. Mr. Andy Studdert, Secretary, Huntington Beach Environmental Council addressed Council regarding a letter of support which would be forthcoming from the Environ- mental Council, urging the employment of a Central City Park Coordinator. Mr. David Diamond, President of the Home Council, addressed Council regarding the reasons why he did not believe the monies should be expended relative to the Civic Promotion Fund. He requested that every effort be made to reduce expendi- tures and recommended that the oil barrel tax be increased to 10 cents per barrel but that no increase be made in the utility tax. He stated that under these con- ditions their organization would not be opposed to the establishment of a property transfer tax. Mr. W. E. Foster, President of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, addressed Council regarding their position relative to a change in the business license tax and spoke regarding the reasons why he believed this would not be equitable. He also spoke regarding items which he believed could be reflected as revenue sharing items thereby reducing the budget and making an increase in the business license tax unnecessary as well as eliminating the need for other budget reductions. Mr. C. E. "Bill" Woods, 20152 Indigo Circle, City, representing Signal Oil and Gas Company, addressed Council and gave reasons why he did not believe the oil barrel tax should be increased, and spoke regarding the revenue derived by the City from this source. Mr. Richard Chenoweth, 15292 Nottingham Lane, City, addressed Council and suggested that Council investigate methods by which reductions can be made in City departments. Mr. William Goverman, 6471 Finer Drive, City, addressed Council regarding the problems involved in the establishment of a property transfer tax and suggested that alternate revenue sources be explored. 424 6/24/74 �- Page #3 - Council Minutes - 6/24/74 Mr. Jerry Evans, City Police Department member, addressed Council and urged the establishment of a property transfer tax. Mr. Sergio Martinez, City employee, 16331 Duchess Lane, City, addressed Council regarding the reasons why he believed Huntington Beach to be a very desirable community in which to live and spoke regarding the establishment of a property transfer tax. Mr. Clarence Eberwine, 21112 Indigo Circle, City, addressed Council and gave reasons why he was opposed to a property transfer tax and suggested that a residence tax be imposed or perhaps a long term borrowing plan from the government. Mr. Herbert Vaughn, 16612 Beach Boulevard, City, addressed Council and urged that the City budget reflect the needs of the Police Department. He stated that he would favor a trash collection tax. Mr. Robert Riedesel, 20081 Beaumont Circle, City, President of the Meredith Gardens Homeowner's Association, addressed Council and stated that their organization was opposed to a property transfer tax, however, if imposed, they would recommend that it be set at a lower percentage and balanced out with other revenue sources. Mr. James Curran, 917 Georgia Street, Recreation and Parks Commission member, addressed Council regarding tbeneed to maintain present city services. *, Paul Wall, 21061 Greenboro Lane, City, addressed Council in opposition to higher faxes. Mrs. Myrtle Stinson, Council on Aging member, addressed Council and stated that the Council on Aging had submitted a communication relative to the proposed .budget. She spoke regarding her hope that the community would remain a safe and desirable place to live for future generations. Mrs. Pat Suter, 17332 Avalon Lane, City, addressed Council in opposition to.an increase in the oil barrel tax or business license tax and urged that services be kept in line with existing revenue. There being no one further present to speak on the matter and there being no further protests filed, either oral or written, the hearing was closed by the Mayor. RECESS Mayor Coen called a recess of the Council at 8:55 P.M. RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 9:15 P.M. by the Mayor. The City Administrator spoke regarding the fact that the City is served by the lowest number of employees per capita in comparison with cities of comparable size. He commented on the Federal grants received by the City and the innovations made. He also reported on alternate sources of revenue for Council's consideration. The Council members each stated their position relative to the revenue sources which had been proposed. 6/24/74 .- Page #4 - Council Minutes - 6/24/74 The City Administrator spoke regarding various aspects of the proposed budget and discussion was held by Council. Discussion was held regarding expenditures for library needs. At the request of the Mayor, the Director of Harbors, Beaches and Development reported on the maintenance of the Davenport and Humboldt beaches. The Recreation and Parks Director reported on fees charged for certain recreational activities. Councilwoman Wieder introduced a motion to reduce the proposed City budget by four per cent, which failed to pass by the following vote: AYES: Wieder, Duke, Coen NOES: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney ABSENT: None Following discussion, a motion was made by Councilwoman Wieder that Council next consider whether there should be an increase in the property tax rate. The motion failed to pass by the following mote: AYES: Wieder NOES: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Duke, Coen ABSENT: None A motion was made by Mayor Coen that Council next consider whether there should be an increase in the per barrel oil tax. The motion was passed by the following vote: AYES: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Wieder, Duke, Coen NOES: None ABSENT: None A motion was made by Councilwoman Gibbs to increase the per barrel oil tax by six cents per barrel, and failed to pass by the following vote: AYES: Gibbs, Duke NOES: Shipley, Bartlett, Matney, Wieder, Coen ABSENT: None A motion was made by Councilwoman Gibbs to increase the per barrel oil tax by four cents per barrel and was passed by the following vote: AYES: Shipley, Gibbs, Matney, Duke NOES: Bartlett, Wieder, Coen ABSENT: None A motion was made by Mayor Coen that Council consider the establishment of a refuse collection charge. The motion failed to pass by the following vote: AYES: Gibbs, Wieder NOES: Shipley, Bartlett, Matney, Duke, Coen ABSENT: None The Council unanimously voted to consider whether a property transfer tax should be considered. A motion was then made by Councilman Duke that a one-half percent property transfer tax be established, and was passed by the following vote: AYES: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Duke NOES: Wieder, Coen 4MMT: None 6/24/74 1 Page #5 - Council Minutes 6/24/74 A motion was then made by Councilwoman Wieder that the remainder of the City budget deficit be derived from the General Fund, but was withdrawn before being voted upon. A motion was made by Councilwoman Wieder that the Water In Lieu Tax be increased three per cent. The motion was passed by the following vote: AYES: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Wieder, Duke, Coen NOES: None ABSENT: None A motion was made by Councilwoman Wieder that the remaining City budget deficit be derived from the General Fund. The motion failed to pass by the following vote: AXES: Wieder, Duke, Coen NOES: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney ABSENT: None A motion was made by Councilwoman Gibbs to increase the Utility Tax by one cent, and failed to pass by the following vote: AYES: Gibbs NOES: Shipley, Bartlett, Matney, Wieder, Duke, Coen ABSENT: None A motion was made by Councilwoman Wieder that the trash collection service be reduced to once a week pick-up to effect a $170,000 savings to the City. The motion failed to pass by the following vote: AYES: Shipley, Wieder NOES: Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Duke, Coen ABSENT: None A motion was made by Councilman Duke that the City Budget, as it now stands, be adopted, but was withdrawn before being voted upon. The approval of the establishment of a Civic Promotion Fund was voted upon and failed to pass by the following vote: AYES: Bartlett, Wieder, Coen NOES: Shipley, Gibbs, Duke, Matney ABSENT: None A motion was made by Mayor Coen to employ a park ranger at the Central City Park and was passed by the following vote: AYES: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Wieder, Duke NOES: Coen ABSENT: None Councilman Matney requested the Public Information Officer to submit a cost comparison relative to the conduct of Civic Promotion through his department or the Chamber of Commerce. 427 6/24/74 Page #b - Council. Minutes - 6/24/74 RESOLUTION NO 3900 - ADOPTED - 1974-75 CITY BUDGET The City Clerk was directed to read Resolution No. 3900 by title - "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HUNTINGTON BEACH ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE CITY FOR THE F IS CAL YEAR 19 74-19 75 . " On motion by Gibbs, Council waived further reading of Resolution No. 3900 and adopted same by the following roll call vote: AYES: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Wieder, Duke, Coen NOES: None ABSENT: None v ORD NO 1924 - FIRST READING - AMENDS CODE - OIL PRODUCTION BUSINESS LICENSE TAX The City Clerk was directed to give Ordinance No. 1924 a first reading by title - "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AMENDING THE HUNTINGTON BEACH ORDI- NANCE CODE BY AMENDING SECTIONS 2150.1, 2151, AND 2151.1 PERTAINING TO OIL PRODUC- TION BUSINESS LICENSE TAX." On motion by Gibbs, Council waived further reading of Ordinance No. 1924 by the following vote: AYES: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Wieder, Duke, Coen NOES: None ABSENT: None ORD NO 1925 - FIRST READING - REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AMENDING THE HUNTINGTON BEACH ORDI- NANCE CODE BY REPEALING ARTICLE 175 AND ADDING ARTICLE 175 PERTAINING TO REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX." On motion by Gibbs, Council waived further reading of Ordinance No. 1925 by the following vote: AYES: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Wieder, Duke, Coen NOES: None ABSENT: None RESOLUTION NO 3909-_ADOPTED - AGREEMENT - COUNTY OF ORANGE - RECREATIONAL TRAILS - PHASE II The City Clerk was directed to read Resolution No. 3909 by title - "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE PERTAINING TO HUNTINGTON BEACH RECREATIONAL TRAILS PHASE II." On motion by Duke, Council waived further reading of Resolution No. 3909 and adopted same by the following roll call vote: AYES: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Wieder, Duke, Coen NOES: None ABSENT: None 6/24/74 Page #7 - Council Minutes-.6/24/74 - ADOPTED - URGES RECOGNITION OF HB FOURTH OF JULY PARADE AS STATE' OFFICIAL B The City Clerk was directed to read Resolution No. 3908 by title - "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH URGING THE STATE BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION TO DEVELOP THE HUNTINGTON BEACH PARADE AS THE OFFICIAL STATE PARADE FOR JULY 4, 1976." On motion by Duke, Council waived further reading of Resolution No. 3908 and adopted same by the following roll call vote: AYES: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Wieder, Duke, Coen NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSENCE FROM STATE AUTHORIZED - COUNCILMAN SHIPLEY On motion by Bartlett, Council approved Councilman Shipley's absence from the forth- coming six regular Council meetings, by the following vote: AYES: Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Wieder, Duke, Coen NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Shipley ADJOURNMENT On motion by Bartlett, the adjourned regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach adjourned. The motion was passed by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Shipley, Bartlett, Gibbs, Matney, Wieder, Duke, Coen None None ATTEST: Alicia M. Wentworth City Clerk ,GGr�1 City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of the City -of Hun ington Beach, California A vin oe Mayor