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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-08-25MINUTES CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH 5:00 PM - Council Chamber Huntington Beach, California Monday, August 25, 1997 A video tape recording of this meeting is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. CALL TO ORDER May -or Bauer called the adjourned regular meetings of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach to order at 5:20 p.m. in the Council Chamber. CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ROLL CALL Present: Julien, Harman, Bauer, Sullivan, Green, Garofalo Absent: Dettloff FLAG CEREMONY AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The flag ceremony and Pledge of Allegiance were led by Councilmember Garofalo. LATE COMMUNICATIONS ANNOUNCED BY THE CITY CLERK Pursuant to the Brown (Open Meetings) Act, the City Clerk announced the following late communications regarding Agenda Items which had been received following distribution of the agenda: Communication from Mayor Bauer, dated August 22, 1997 requesting additional issues for discussion at the upcoming budget session Administrative Services Department Slide Report - Budget Study Session - dated August 25, 1997 Public Works Department Report titled Streets, Sidewalks and Underground Storage Tanks dated August 8, 1997 Public Works Department Storm Drain Master Plan Document dated February, 1996 Public Works Department Map - Projected Slurry Seal Program - dated August 25, 1997 US Page 2 - Council/Agency Minutes - 08/25/97 PUBLIC COMMENTS MIKE GREEN, representing Save Our Kids, requested an increase in the youth sports infrastructure budget for needed renovation of sports field sites. He requested that funds be budgeted every year ahead of time for planning purposes. He spoke regarding the benefits of youth sports. CHUCK BEAUREGARD, chairman of Save Our Kids, requested Council to listen to the voters who last November had voted to increase their tax burden for youth sports. He spoke regarding the shortage of youth sports facilities and the closure of school sites. Mr. Beauregard presented recommendations to Council including that the Public Works Department should be a partner in renovating sports fields. He requested that the city stop wasting money on special interest groups which do not serve as many people. (CITY COUNCIL) STUDY SESSION - PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997198 AND 1998199 - CITY ADMINISTRATOR - STRAW VOTES TAKEN The City Council considered a memorandum from City Administrator Uberuaga dated August 22, 1997 entitled Budget Study Session. The memorandum and associated material from City Administrator Uberuaga covered subjects as follows: City Council Priorities, Service Areas, and Goals and Objectives - Memorandum from the City Administrator dated August 22, 1997 entitled FYI - City Council Priorities, Service Areas, and Goals and Objectives Fee Changes, Schedule - Administrative Services - Memorandum from the Deputy City Administrator/Administrative Services to the City Administrator dated August 15, 1997 entitled Fee Changes: Schedule 1997198 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Fund - Staff Recommendations - Memorandum from the Deputy City Administrator/Administrative Services dated August 15, 1997 entitled Staff Recommendations: 1997198 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Fund Street Maintenance Report - Street Maintenance Report from the Public Works Director dated August 21, 1997 Sidewalk Maintenance Report - Sidewalk Maintenance Report from the Public Works Director dated August 21, 1997 Sunday Opening at the Central Library and Cultural Center - Memorandum from the Library Services Director dated August 22, 1997 entitled Sunday Opening Hours - Central Library and Cultural Center Youth Sports Grant - Huntington Central Park Sports Complex - Memorandum from Community Services Deputy Director Engle dated August 21, 1997 entitled Status Report: Youth Sports Grant - Huntington Central Park Sports Complex Huntington Central Park Urban Forest - Memorandum from Community Services Deputy Director Engle dated August 21, 1997 entitled Huntington Central Park Urban Forest im 08/25/97 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 3 Preliminary Design for Relocating Fire Station 8 - Heil Avenue - Memorandum from the Fire Chief dated August 21, 1997 entitled Capital Outlay Carryover Project FY 1997198 Preliminary Design for Relocating Fire Station 8 - Heil Downtown Hardscape (Sidewalk) Cleaning - Memorandum from Mayor Pro Tempore Dettloff dated August 18, 1997 entitled Downtown Hardscape Cleaning Refuse Collection Service Costs and Revenue - Memorandum from the Deputy City Administrator/Administrative Services to the City Administrator dated August 12, 1997 entitled Refuse Collection Service Costs and Revenue Residential Alarm Renewal Fee - Memorandum from the Police Chief dated August 21, 1997 entitled Residential Alarm Renewal Fee Funded and Unfunded Equipment Replacement Needs - Memorandum from the Deputy City Administrator/Administrative Services to the City Administrator dated August 15, 1997 entitled Fu►aded and Unfunded Equipment Replacement !Needs (CITY COUNCIL) DISCUSSION REGARDING ITEMS IN PROPOSED CITY BUDGET City Administrator Uberuaga presented a slide report on what he stated is the city's first two-year budget. The slide report covered subjects including General Fund Budgets Per Capita; Projected Revenue increases; Major Revenues Are Less Than Public Safety Cost; General Fund Expense Increases - $5,165,600; General Fund Increases - One -Time Costs; General Fund Increases Offset By New Revenue; General Fund Increases Internal Service Funds; General Fund Increases - Other; Self -Insurance Funds - Cash Reserve Projections; Equipment Replacement Funds - Cash Reserve Projections; Recommended Allocation of $1.8 Million for Capital Projects; Unfunded Needs - A Sample; State Budget; Infrastructure; City Growth 1960 to 1990; Historical Perspective - Infrastructure; 20-Year Infrastructure Fund Needs; Immediate Unfunded Needs $111 Million; Unfunded Sewer System Needs Are Highest Priority; City Approach - Addressing Unfunded Infrastructure Needs; Overview of City Services; Workload Indicators in the Community Development Department, Community Services Department, Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works Department, Library; Number of Budgeted, Full -Time Positions; Overview of City Services; and a summary of the slide presentation. Earlier in the meeting, City Clerk Brockway had announced that the following communication on this item had been provided to the City Council: Communication from Mayor Bauer dated August 22, 1997 requesting additional issues for discussion at the upcoming budget session. Councilmember Harman asked why (on Slide No. 4) the total budget line is reduced from $207 million to $193 million, a reduction of $14 million. Deputy City Administrator Franz referred to a chart on Page No. 15, a summary of expenditures by major category. He explained that the amounts vary from year to year in the Capital Projects Funds which include transportation and street projects depending on the federal funding accumulated and the scheduled projects. Discussion was held between Council and staff regarding the slide presentation and the city budget document. The topics of discussion included format of budget and additional information needed. Page 4 - Council/Agency Minutes - 08/25/97 City Administrator Uberuaga stated that the Council has been provided with MSI Report fees. He spoke regarding state law which requires that fees be charged only to cover the cost of the city service. He stated that the budget has been prepared without new fees or increases and is a balanced budget. Police Department Report Police Chief Lowenberg, at the request of Council, reported on the statistics which showed an increase in juvenile arrests. At the request of Councilmember Harman, Police Chief Lowenberg reported on the Police Department's crime lab and why he recommends the city retain its full -service crime lab. Police Chief Lowenberg stated that evidence is processed in a very timely fashion and the service by the county would take much longer. He also spoke regarding the importance of the DNA capability. Police Chief Lowenberg stated that because of the caliber of the Huntington Beach police laboratory, the city had been asked to participate in the DNA Crime Lab Consortium. Public Works Director Jones, using slides, reviewed the document titled Streets, Sidewalks and Underground Storage Tanks - Report - August 25, 199T Mayor Bauer informed Public Works Director Jones of a discussion with an attorney from the firm of Rutan and Tucker regarding the possibility of joining in with 31 cities to adopt simultaneous ordinances to charge a franchise fee to the companies which utilize new technology that impacts street conditions and then, if necessary, joining in a mutual lawsuit defense. Earlier in the meeting, the City Clerk had announced that the following communication on this item had been provided to the City Council: Public Works Department Map - Projected Slurry Seal Program dated August 25, 1997. Letter For Mayor's Signature To Be Prepared Regarding AHFP (Arterial Highway Financing Program) and Flood Control Funding Discussion was held regarding the report including the fact that the city anticipates not receiving AHFP (Arterial Highway Financing Program) monies for the next three years. Mayor Bauer requested that a letter be prepared for his signature requesting the county re-establish the program. City Administrator Uberuaga stated thatAHFP funding and flood control funding have been curtailed by the county due to the bankruptcy. Discussion Regarding Slurry Seal Program/Street-Conditions/Sidewalk Maintenance/Sidewalk Replacement A report was made on the city's Slurry Seal Program: Councilmember Sullivan stated that he believes the city's arterial conditions should be prioritized as it is a safety problem and hard on the citizens' automobiles. Councilmember Julien questioned why some private street areas were not colored on the maps. Public Works Director Jones stated that the maps would be corrected. 191 08/25/97 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 5 Councilmember Garofalo requested that it be checked if we are charging back other departments for use of public streets relative to wear and tear. Public Works Director Jones stated he would investigate this issue. Public Works Director Jones responded to Councilmember Garofalo's question regarding the grid sectioning which determines the different segments of the same street to be repaired. Public Works Director Jones using slides reviewed the sidewalk maintenance report and sidewalk replacement program. He responded to Councilmember Harman's question regarding balancing funds between potholes in streets and tripping hazards on sidewalks. Inclusion of Sunday Library Half -Day Openings In City Budget - Straw Vote Approved Library Services Director Hayden reported on the feasibility of Sunday Central Library opening. He reported that instead of $21,000, it would be $47,244 for the Sunday opening. He reported on procedures that are available to staff the library on Sundays including going through the meet and confer process or hiring recurrent employees. A straw motion was made by Sullivan, second Green to instruct the City Administrator to include the cost of opening the library half -days on Sunday in the proposed budget. The straw motion carried by the fallowing roll call straw vote: AYES: Julien, Harman, Bauer, Sullivan, Green, Garofalo NOES: None ABSENT: Dettloff Community Services Director's Report Regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements and Youth Sports Grant - Huntington Central Park Sports Complex Community Services Director Hagan presented a report on Youth Sports Grant —Huntington Central Park Sports Complex and referred Council to the city budget document. He reviewed the recommendations of the Community Services Commission. Community Services Director Hagan spoke regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Consumer Product Safety Standard needs for the tot lots and the ADA requirements at the Rodgers Senior Center. He reported on the progress of the plans for a youth sports complex at Huntington Central Park. Discussion was held regarding field refurbishment. Councilmember Julien stated that she believes the city must ensure that "pay-as-you-go" youth sports do not occur which could cause those children without funds to be in need. In response to Councilmember Julien, Community Services Director Hagan stated that by having the youth groups find a contractor rather than the city, it results in the money going further. City Administrator To Investigate Funding Sources For Increased Youth Sports Funding A straw motion was made by Harman, second Bauer to increase funding to $150,000 as requested by the Save Our Kids organization and that it not be taken out of the Park 192 Page 6 - Council/Agency Minutes - 08/25/97 Acquisition and Development Fund and directed the City Administrator to investigate possible funding sources. Following discussion between the Council and the Community Services Director, the straw motion carried by the following straw vote: AYES: Julien, Harman, Bauer, Sullivan, Green, Garofalo NOES: None ABSENT: Dettloff Huntington Central Park Urban Forest - Report Requested Community Services Director Hagan reported on the agenda item regarding the Huntington Central Park Urban Forest and explained the concept of an urban forest which would be located north of Ellis Avenue between Edwards Street and Goldenwest Street. He informed Council that to develop an urban forest, completion of encyclopedia lots, oil well cleanup, an Environmental Impact Report and an archaeological review as well as acquisition of the corner property when the oil leases run out would have to be accomplished. He stated that for these reasons he would recommend delay. Councilmember Harman stated the importance to him of the urban forest. He requested that City Administrator Uberuaga return with a plan to expedite the development of the urban forest. Fire Station No. 8 - Heil Avenue Fire Chief Dolder reported on the preliminary design for relocating Fire Station 8—Heil Avenue. Discussion was held regarding the timing of the funding for the design of the Heil Fire Station in the budget. Downtown Hardscape (Sidewalk) Cleaning Daryl Smith, Superintendent of Park, Tree and Landscape Division, presented a report on downtown hardscape (sidewalk) cleaning. A motion was made by Garofalo, second Green to direct the City Administrator to put on the September 2, 1997 agenda an item regarding the appropriation of additional funds of $1,110 assuming the first cleaning occurs on September 1, 1997 for a total cost of $4,195. Councilmember Julien stated that the parking structure must be looked at as it is very dirty. Daryl Smith, Superintendent of Park, Tree and Landscape Division, reported on the business persons' obligations under their license agreements with the city. Councilmembers Garofalo and Green withdrew their motion. Councilmember Garofalo clarified that the sidewalk areas with which he is concerned are not covered by the license agreements. Further discussion was held between the Council and Daryl Smith, Superintendent of Park, Tree and Landscape Division. Council determined to include in the budget for next year the sidewalks that the city is obligated to clean. 193 08/25/97 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 7 A motion was made by Julien to request the City Administrator to investigate a quote for bid to see if an $18,000 expenditure is appropriate and to determine if sources of funding such as parking meters can be utilized for sidewalk cleaning. Following discussion, Councilmember Julien withdrew her motion. City Administrator Uberuaga stated that he would investigate whether a charge of $18,000 is appropriate and would prepare a map to show what is being done and what is not according to the city's obligation and those of the business persons and bring back during budget deliberations. Also he will prepare a Request for Council Action for the September 2, 1997 agenda to consider increasing the 1996-97 budget by $4,195 for cleaning and sealing the areas noted in Mayor Pro Tem Dettloff s report. Refuse Service Report To Be Presented Councilmember Sullivan spoke regarding Item No. 12--Refuse Collection Service Costs and Revenue. He reported on refuse figures he had obtained from the City of Fountain Valley. In response to Councilmember Sullivan, Public Works Director Jones stated that the MSI Report reflects that 30% of his salary is devoted to refuse issues. Councilmember Sullivan presented reasons why he questions this figure. Councilmember Harman stated his agreement with Councilmember Sullivan's concerns. Councilmember Garofalo stated he believed a report should be made as to the reasons for the difference between how the City of Huntington Beach does accounting on refuse as opposed to the method used by other cities. City Administrator Uberuaga stated that he would bring this issue back during the MSI budget presentation. Mayor Bauer stated that Public Works Director Jones inherited the MSI Report statistics. Residential Alarm Fees - False Alarm Fees - Program To Be Considered Regarding Reduced Fees For Low -Income Persons/Senior Citizens Police Captain Gildea presented an extensive report on the residential alarm renewal fee. Councilmember Garofalo stated that he believes some of the cost burden from false alarms should be put on the alarm company. Discussion was held between Council and Captain Gildea regarding aspects of the issue. Police Chief Lowenberg clarified that not all false alarms are charged; that some free responses are given prior to a charge being incurred. Councilmember Sullivan suggested that a program to address senior citizens' renewal fees be studied. Police Chief Lowenberg reported on Councilmember Garofalo's request regarding the possibility of the city taking over administration of false alarms, stating that as it is now the financial burden is on the Police Department. A motion was made by Sullivan, second Garofalo for the Police Department to check with the Public Works Department and return with a program for low-income persons and seniors as it pertains to the false alarm permit fee. The straw motion carried by unanimous straw vote with Mayor Pro Tem Dettloff absent. Equipment Replacement/Leasing City Administrator Uberuaga reported on funded and unfunded equipment replacement needs. Discussion was held regarding equipment leasing. 194 Page 8 - Council/Agency Minutes - 08/25/97 Discussion Held Regarding Mayor's Late Communication Titled Budget Issues For 1997198 Discussion was held by Council regarding the following issues in Mayor Bauer's August 22, 1997 communication titled Budget Issues 1997198: 1. Short-term flood control. 2. Technology Enhancement. 3. South Beach Improvements and Pier Maintenance. 4. Landscaping Plans to Hide Ugliness in Key Areas, i.e., Southern California Edison Plant, industrial zones, selected Beach Boulevard locations, Caltrans land on Pacific Coast Highway between Newland Avenue and Beach Boulevard. Request For Report Regarding Short -Term Flood Control Measures - Approved A motion was made by Bauer, second Garofalo to instruct the staff to return with information regarding short-term flood control measures for this coming rainy season. The motion carried unanimously with Mayor Pro Tern Dettloff absent. Discussion Held Regarding Emergency Preparedness - Request For Flood Control Program To Be On HBTV-3 At the request of Councilmember Garofalo, Fire Chief Folder reported relative to emergency preparedness. Public Works Director Jones reported on the Storm Drain Master Plan - Critical Areas dated February, 1996 which had been announced earlier in the meeting by City Clerk Brockway. The Public Works Director reported on a symposium on El Nino staff had attended at Scripps Institute in La Jolla. He reported on steps that the Public Works Department is taking and that a further report will be made. Councilmember Sullivan requested that a program be put on HBTV-3 for the information of the public. A motion was made by Bauer, second Sullivan to have the City Administrator return with a plan for Item No. 4 on Mayor Bauer's list: Landscaping Plans to Hide Ugliness in Key Areas, i.e., Southern California Edison Plant, industrial zones, selected Beach Boulevard locations, Caltrans land on Pacific Coast Highway between !Newland Avenue and Beach Boulevard. The motion carried by unanimous straw vote with Mayor Pro Tern Dettloff absent. Possible Need For New Police Helicopter City Administrator Uberuaga spoke regarding the possibility that a new police helicopter may be needed and that he would report further on the matter at a future date. Budget Process - Procedure In response to Councilmember Harman, City Administrator Uberuaga spoke regarding the procedure that will be followed relative to how the straw vote actions will be presented in the future as well as the items that were not acted upon. 195 08/25/97 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 9 ADJOURNMENT - CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOP MENT AGENCY The Mayor adjourned the adjourned regular meetings of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach to the regular meetings to be held on Tuesday, September 2, 1997 at 5:00 p.m. in Room B-8, Civic Center, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California. ATTEST: City C rc an ex-officio Clerk o9he City Council of the City of Huntington Beach and Clerk of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach, California City Clerk/Clerk Mayor/Chairman 196