HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-01-13MINUTES
Rooms B-6 & B-7, Civic Center
Huntington Beach, California
Saturday, January 13, 1979
A tape recording of this meeting is
on file in the City Clerk's Office
Mayor Pattinson called the adjourned regular meeting of the City Council of
the City of Huntington Beach to order at 9:00 A.M. in Rooms B-6 and B-7.
ROLL CALL
Present: MacAllister, Bailey, Siebert, Pattinson
Mandic (arrived 9:20)
Absent: Thomas
RETREAT OVERVIEW - ADMINISTRATOR '/
The City Administrator gave an overview of the Goals and Objectives as prepared
by Department Heads. He presented various topics suggested for discussion and
a list of all Boards, Committees and Commissions and the purposes therefor, for
study.
BOARDS, COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES
Allied Arts Commission
Walter Johnson discussed the various functions of the Allied Arts Commission,
such as displays and exhibits placed in the Library and Huntington Center from
time to time. A discussion was held regarding the Library Board duties and a
possible consolidation of'the two. Mr. Johnson recommended that this not be
done.
Committee on the Handicapped - Human Resources Council
A recommendation was made by Councilwoman Bailey relative to the possible consoli-
dation of the Committee on the Handicapped with the Human Resources Council.
Considerable discussion was held and Council decided to pursue this matter at a
later date, after presenting the idea to both groups through their liaison.
Council on Aging
Norman Worthy commented on the uniqueness of the group and the power generated
by the senior citizens in the community. Discussion was held by Council.
Recreation and Parks Commission
Worthy presented background information regarding the Commission and Director
Moorhouse commented that he felt that Council should check all committees and
commissions in light of Proposition 13. He emphasized that Council must control
and set policy direction. Councilman MacAllister concurred and considerable
discussion was held.
?%38
Page #2 - Council Minutes - 1/13/79
Board of Appeals
Due to the retirement of the Development Services Director, Fire Chief Picard
commented on the functions of the Board of Appeals, especially his concern
regarding the Uniform Fire Code. He stated that a vacancy does exist on the
five member board and recommended that Council consider appointing an architect.
The Mayor appointed Councilmen MacAllister and Siebert to screen applications.
In response to a question by Council, Picard informed Council that the Board meets
upon need.
Design Review Board - Board of Zoning Adjustments
Much Council discussion was held on the necessity of the Design Review Board,
which meets only as needed. It was suggested that the Board of Zoning Adjustments
absorb the DRB functions. The BZA meets weekly.
A motion made by MacAllister requesting the consolidation of the DRB and BZA, with
staff to report on the pros and cons, failed for lack of a second.
The Mayor requested Jim Palin to prepare a report on the matter.
Environmental Council
The Acting Planning Director requested policy direction from Council for the
Environmental Council, stating that of the 21 authorized members, approximately 10
were left, due to 'resignations. Council discussed reducing the size of the Environ-
mental Council and narrowing the scope of their duties. The Environmental Council
will be asked to report on what they think their duties should be.
Redevelopment Commission
Councilman Siebert stated that he felt that the Redevelopment Commission dovetails
the Planning Commission and was unnecessary. Discussion was held on its functions
in relationship to the Redevelopment Agency (Council). Councilman MacAllister
preferred the use of Revitalization to the word Redevelopment. The City Attorney
reminded Council that the Commission is advisory to the Agency. The City Administra-
tor stated that the Commission was not necessary and was directed to report back to
Council on the matter.
Local Coastal Program Citizens Advisory Committee
The Acting Planning Director informed Council that at such time as the City Council
assumes the Coastal Permitting Processing, the Citizens Advisory Committee will
become defunct.
Equal Employment 02portunity Commission
The Personnel Director stated that the primary function of the Board was the Annual
Job Fair, which had been highly successful. Councilman Siebert has served as
liaison_ Council discussion indicated the need for combining the EEOC with another
Board or Commission and that it appeared to be compatible with the Personnel Board
or the Human Resources Council.
Personnel Board
The Personnel Director stated that the Board consisted of five members and served
as a hearing board for grievances. He stated that as of February 1, 7979, the
State Administrative Law Judges would no longer hear employee grievances.
39
Page #3 - Council Minutes - 1/13/79
Meadowlark Airport Committee
Administrative Analyst Jeri Chenelle informed Council that the Committee had been
highly successful and recommended that it continue. She stated that MacAllister
and Bailey both serve as Council liaison.
Special Events Committee
Public Information Officer Bill Reed informed Council that the Fourth of July
Parade was the basic function of the Special Events Committee and the future of the
parade would determine the future of the Committee.
Transportation Committee - DISSOLVED
On motion by MacAllister, second Siebert, Council dissolved the Transportation
Committee inasmuch as Traffic Engineering and the Planning Department are capable
of handling the functions. The motion carried unanimously.
Housing & Community Development Citizens' Advisory_Committee
Discussion was held on the main function of the Committee, that of reviewing requests
for HCD funding. Mr. Palin informed Council that the Committee meets on an as
needed basis.
CONCLUSION - Boards, Commissions & Committees
In conclusion, Council determined that Council direction was necessary, that the
boards, commissions and committees were advisory to Council and not decision making
bodies.
RECESS - RECONVENE
Mayor Pattinson called a ten minute recess of the Council. Council was reconvened
at 11:14 A.M. by the Mayor.
COUNCIL - DEPARTMENT HEAD - STAFF - DISCUSSION SESSION
Em Io er-Em to ee Relationships
Discussion was held between Council and staff on employer -employee problems.
It was concluded by all that standard personnel procedures must be followed by
the employee prior to discussing problems with Councilpersons and the City
Administrator.
It was determined that the personnel rules and regulations were in need of updating.
On motion by MacAllister, second Mandic, Council directed the City Administrator
to work with the Department Pleads, Personnel Department and employee organizations
in reviewing and updating the Personnel Rules and Regulations. Motion carried.
Council Procedures - Suggestions
Council discussed and explained their action in attending various meetings held by
employees in the City. They stated that their attendance was not meant to intimidate,
40
Page #4 - Council Minutes - 1/13/79
but was one of concern. Means of improving apparent communication problems were
suggested and discussed. Included in the suggestions were the reinstituting of
the Employees Newsletter and/or The Sands, the City picnic, need for a closer
rapport between staff and Councilpersons, and a suggestion box incentive program.
The City Administrator was.directed to report back to Council on these suggestions.
RECESS - RECONVENE
The Mayor called a recess of the Council for lunch. The meeting was reconvened
at 12:45 P.M. by the Mayor.
Budget Direction
Following discussion, Council decided to proceed with Zero Base Budgeting with
line item back-up. ,
CETA - NEW RESTRICTIONS
Bob Cunningham, Manpower Director, addressed the Council and explained the new `
CETA restrictions under Title II.D and Title VI. He stated that 12 or 13 could
be hired this year under the new restricted Titles with current CETA employees
being grandfathered in through September 30, 1979.
Chief Robitaille discussed the fact that all crossing guards will be permanently
out of the CETA program as of 6/30/79. Council agreed that crossing guards should
be the responsibility of the school district.
Moorhouse - Newly Combined Departments
Vince Moorhouse, Director of the newly combined Department of Harbors, Beaches,
Recreation and Parks, discussed parks and the General Plan. Following discussion,
Councilman MacAllister cited the need for long-range planning in the future.
Miscellaneous Discussion - Staff/Council 9
The City Administrator commented on the report distributed to Council and Staff
written by Dr. Tom Ashley. It was entitled "Impact of the Socioeconomy on the
Financial Condition of a City," and prepared for the International City Management
Association under the auspices of a National Science Foundation Grant, September,
1978. Mr. Belsito informed Council that Dr. Ashley would like to meet with them to
present his study and possibly include Huntington Beach in a pilot study to prove
the long range value of his report.
Chief Robitaille discussed the problems involved with the heliport site at Orange
County Airport.
Considerable discussion was held relative to Reserve Programs, both in the Police
and Fire Departments. Picard discussed preliminary volunteer plans.
Management Report follow-up was discussed. New physical exams with psychiatric
testing was supported by Council for -stress related jobs, such as police and fire,
due to the number of stress related early retirements.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ADOPTED
On motion by MacAllister, second Siebert, Council adopted the following 1979 Goals
4 and Objectives for the City, as modified. Motion carried.
Page #5 - Council Minutes - 1/13/79
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
ADOPTED GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
JANUARY 13, 1979
Major Goal Categories
I. Community Development
II. Economics/Financial Planning
III. Public Safety
IV. Human Services
V. Public Works
1. Community Development - To provide a balanced community development
posture on maintaining an active development
program as identified in the existing general plan.
A. Residential - Continue to support development of housing units.
B. Commercial - Continue to support development of commercial units.
C. Industrial - Continue to support development of light industry.
D. Oil - Continue to support oil production where compatible.
E. Annexation - Actively pursue in all areas of influence beneficial to the
City.
II. Economics/Financial Planning - Maintain City's fiscal integrity.
A. Maintain current property tax rate.
B. Increase revenue if needed - may be derived from user fees.
C. Current revenue sources should be maintained.
D. Operating budget shall not increase at a rate greater than 7% for
existing level of service.
I. Cost of increased development service costs will call for increased
operating budget over adjusted base.
E. Capital Improvement Budget (equipment and improvements) shall be
provided which supports the needs dictated by the operating budget. No
capital improvements shall be provided unless funds are guaranteed for
operations and maintenance.
Page #6 - Council Minutes - 1/13/79
F. Outside funding sources (grants) shall be acquired to support only existing
service level programs.
G. No new programs shall be approved without a reduction of an existing
program and/or the creation of new revenue sources.
1. New programs w;lI not be approved without a long range fiscal
analysis.
Ill. Public Safety - Maintain the current level of public safety services in
Police, Fire, Emergency Field Medical and. Lifeguard, and
increase the level of service in Building Safety to an
appropriate level.
A. Provide only basic services plus those required by State and Federal Law.
B. Emphasis shal I be placed on direct field related safety service.
C. A partial volunteer/reserve system shall be utilized as a basic component
of the safety system.
D. Develop a Public Safety Element to the General Plan.
E. No public safety facility shall be provided unless funds are guaranteed
for maintenance and operations.
IV. Human Services - Maintain current level of Recreation, Cultural. Activities,
Library, Information, Parks and Beaches and Human
Services.
A. Parks and beaches shall be considered recreational facilities.
B. A partial volunteer system shall be utilized as a basic component of the
system.
C. Promote civic pride and identification.
D. Shall all recreational facilities equal. 4 acres per 1000 population?
* E. Shall credit be given for private open space?
F. The library system shall consist of a central library and library
extensions.
G. Develop a Human Services Element of the General Plan.
?43
Page #7 - Council Minutes - 1/13/79
H. No recreational facility shall be provided unless funds are guaranteed for
operations and maintenance.
I. The community schools and colleges shall be utilized to the greatest
possible extent as regards cultural activities and sports.
V. Public Works - Develop and maintain a Public Works Program to provide
basic public safety, streets, public facilities, sewers, flood
control, water and landscaping services.
A. Develop a Community Facilities Element of the City's General Plan to
include a master plan for sewers, flood control, water, public facilities,
and landscaping.
B. Utilize contractual services wherever cost effective.
C. Local flood control facilities shall be provided at a 25 year storm level.
D. No Public Works facility shall be provided unless funds are guaranteed
for operations and maintenance.
E. Emphasis shall be placed on direct field related traffic safety services.
* Issues need further consideration.
COUNCIL CLOSING COMMENTS
General discussion was held on additional revenue sources, user fees and others.
Siebert stated that Council should take a hard look, get tough and add user fees,
either before or after budget preparation. He suggested a possible list of user
fees be prepared.
He suggested use of interaction between departments and other cities for use of
equipment (e.i. sign shop at municipal yard), on a contract basis.
Councilman Siebert requested a report from the City Administrator of staff time
and total costs caused by the continuing of Agenda items by people other than
Council.
He discussed the problems caused due to the aging of the City, relating to
Capital Improvement Programs.
MacAllister commented on the need for a long-range budget to relate to the mainte-
nance of an aging City and the cost of government rising with the aging of a City.
He felt that Council should adopt a budget and then find the required revenue, and
also, that there should be no expansion of City departments, with contracting in
lieu thereof.
BaLill1ex stated that she would be gone February 8, 9 and 10. She commented briefly
on her desire to see the League of California Cities and SCAG included in the
budget.
.`?44
Page #8 - Council Minutes - 1 /13/79
A brief discussion was held concerning the procedure to be used in the appointment
of the seventh Councilperson, and it was concluded that they would start with
Finley and Bauer and that it would be done under New Business on the next agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pattinson adjourned the adjourned regular meeting of the Council to Monday,
January 15, 1979 at 6:30 P.M.
ATTEST:
r
City Clerk
City C erk ana ex -of fcio Clerk
of the City Council of the City
of Huntington Beach, California
f'
;050 s .Mayor
1
24