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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 2004 0526 CC SPCMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL Moorpark, California May 26, 2004 A Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Moorpark was held on May 26, 2004, in the Community Center of said City located at 799 Moorpark Avenue, Moorpark, California. 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Hunter called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Harper (arrived 7:03), Mikos, Millhouse, Parvin, and Mayor Hunter. Staff Present: Steven Kueny, City Manager; Hugh Riley, Assistant City Manager; Ken Gilbert, Public Works Director; Mary Lindley, Community Services Director; Barry Hogan, Community Development Director; Cynthia Borchard, Administrative Services Director; Brad Miller, City Engineer; Captain Richard Diaz, Sheriff's Department; Johnny Ea, Budget and Finance Manager; John Hartnett, Recreation Manager; John Brand, Senior Management Analyst; Laura Stringer, Senior Management Analyst; Deborah Traffenstedt, Assistant to City Manager /City Clerk; and Maureen Benson, Deputy City Clerk. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. 4. PRESENTATION /ACTION /DISCUSSION: AT THIS POINT in the meeting, Mr. Kueny recommended hearing Item 4.C. prior to Item 4.A. CONSENSUS: It was the consensus of the Council to hear Item 4.�-. nexz. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Paae 2 Mav 26, 2004 4. C. Consider Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Concerning Designation of Critical Habitat for the Riverside Fairy Shrimp. Staff Recommendation: Direct staff as deemed appropriate. Councilmember Mikos stated she asked for this item to be on the agenda to encourage the Council to send a letter of support before the deadline of May 27, 2004. In response to Mayor Hunter, Councilmember Mikos stated the City is not on record for being in support of this particular species of shrimp. In response to Councilmember Millhouse's concern that supporting this endangered species would have serious consequences for the residents of the Carlsberg development who are negotiating to increase the fire break clearance around their homes, Mr. Hogan stated the shrimp are already protected in the vernal pool, which has been designated a critical habitat. Mr. Hogan stated that in dealing with the issue of the fuel modification zone in the Carlsberg development area, staff has met with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC) the Carlsberg Homeowners Association, and the Ventura County Fire Protection District to discuss thinning the vegetation, creating less of a plant palette, and making it look more ornamental. He continued by stating the SMMC is not receptive to much change. MOTION: Councilmember Mikos moved and Councilmember Harper seconded a motion to send a letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supporting the designation of a critical habitat for the Riverside Fairy Shrimp. The motion carried by voice vote 3 -2, with Councilmembers Millhouse and Parvin dissenting. AT THIS POINT in the meeting, Item 4.A. on the Redevelopment Agency agenda was heard concurrently with Item 4.A. on the City Council agenda. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 3 May 26, 2004 A. Consider Proposed Operating and Capital Improvements Budgets for the Fiscal Year 2004/2005. Staff Recommendation: Discuss proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2004/2005. Mr. Kueny gave an overview of the Budget Message; summarized continued action by the State to take money from the City; and described the beginning cuts implemented by the County in regard to services to the City for law enforcement, animal control, and the senior nutrition program. He continued by stating General Fund revenues are keeping up with inflation; however, future unknown State impacts are cause for consideration; three vacant staff positions for a Secretary for the Redevelopment Agency, and Secretary and Associate Planner in the Community Development Department have been eliminated from the budget; and finally the focus of the meeting will be on the approximate $150,000 budget deficit. Discussion followed regarding the major sources of revenues for the City and mention was made that projected fund balances include revenues from new fee increases. Discussion followed regarding the draft expenditures budget for: Community Development, City Council, City Manager, City Clerk, City Attorney, Administrative Services, Community Services, Public Works, Moorpark Police Services, Redevelopment Agency, and Capital Improvement Projects. In regard to the Community Development Department, Mr. Kueny stated Council's recent appropriations will complete the electronic imaging of all Building and Safety records within a few months. Mr. Hogan stated all Building and Safety plans and permits of record, including what was acquired from the County of Ventura, will be accessible through Questys. Ms. Traffenstedt stated these records are backed -up regularly onsite, as well as a twice a year backup copy that is stored in an out -of -state location. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Paqe 4 Mav 26, 2004 In regard to Building and Safety, and Planning, Mr. Kueny commented there will be much higher levels of activity due to Pardee, SunCal and William Lyon developments. In response to Mayor /Chair Hunter, Mr. Hogan stated the source of funds for the Master Trail will be exclusively Transportation Systems Management money. Mr. Kueny stated this is a transition year for Engineering, as the intent, a year from now, is for Engineering and Public Works to be a combined department. AT THIS POINT in the meeting, Mr. Hogan and Ms. Stringer left the meeting. The time was 7:51 p.m. In regard to Community Services, a discussion followed clarifying the purpose of the Park Master Plan as a component of the OSCAR Element, which identifies all of the parks and the amenities needed. Council /Agency Member Harper reminded staff the allocation for the Moorpark Symphony should be $5,000. A discussion followed among the Council /Agency Members regarding the importance of funding the Park Master Plan at this time and focused on referring the possibility of having North Park fund the preparation of the Park Master Plan, as formulated in future discussions of the Ad Hoc Committee for North Park. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council /Redevelopment Agency determined to remove the $15,000 budgeted for the Park Master Plan and add in the allocation of $5,000 for the Moorpark Symphony. In regard to Animal /Vector Control, Mr. Kueny stated focus will be on increasing revenues through collection of more dog license fees. Ms. Lindley stated Animal /Vector Control staff will begin using their new facility at the former Fire Station No. 42. on Moorpark Avenue, and will terminate the lease at their current location. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark. California Paae 5 Mav 26. 2004 Mayor /Chair Hunter suggested Animal /Vector Control could use an existing digital camera rather than purchase another. In regard to the Active Adult Center, Ms. Lindley reported staff has been successful in obtaining grant funds to purchase a shuffle board. Mr. Kueny confirmed that $5,000 in part -time staffing for the Active Adult Center comes from the General Fund pursuant to prior Council direction. In regard to Recreation, Ms. Lindley stated $1,200 in expense for Santa Visits should be removed from the budget. A discussion followed regarding the elimination of the Apricot Festival due to the 40o decline in attendance this year and the cost of staff time to produce the event, for a savings of $11,000 and a corresponding savings of approximately $12,000 in police services. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council determined to eliminate funding for the Apricot Festival for a savings of $11,000 for Community Services, as well as a reduction in revenue of $12,000, and a corresponding savings for the Sheriff's Department of $11,600 for policing the event. In regard to Parks, Mr. Kueny stated a coin - operated timer will be installed at the basketball courts at College View Park to control costs; and there is a need to add to the budget to cover increased costs for landscaping services at Arroyo Vista Community Park. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council determined to include additional funding in the amount of $33,144 for landscape services at Arroyo Vista Community Park. AT THIS POINT in the meeting, a recess was declared. The time was 8:29. The Council /Agency reconvened at 8:44 p.m. In regard to Public Works, and in response to Council /Agency Member Millhouse, Mr. Gilbert stated there is not enough in the Underground Assessment fund to underground the utilities along Tierra Rejada Road, Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 6 May 26, 2004 which is estimated to cost $2 million. Mr. Kueny stated an evaluation of all overhead utilities for potential for undergrounding, prioritization of the locations, and source of funding is being added as a proposed objective. In regard to the City Engineer position, Mr. Kueny stated the entire personnel cost will be transferred to the Los Angeles Area of Contribution Fund and the General Fund Reserve, consistent with Council action when the in -house position was established. In regard to Public Safety, Mr. Kueny stated the City is paying 100% of the D.A.R.E. officer position and the Moorpark Unified School District is paying 75% for the High School Resource officer. In response to Mayor /Chair Hunter, Mr. Ea stated the revenue from towing and storage of vehicles is $14,000. Mayor /Chair Hunter requested staff revisit this category to make sure the City is recovering the full cost. In response to Council /Agency Member Millhouse, Mayor /Chair Hunter stated spending $150,000 on a D.A.R.E. officer is the City's responsibility to provide early intervention; and it is cheaper to prevent abuse now, rather than deal with the ramifications later. AT THIS POINT in the meeting, Captain Diaz left the meeting. The time was 9:27 p.m. In regard to Capital Expenditures, a discussion followed focusing on making sure the shade structure at Tierra Rejada Park is constructed and benches are installed this year; the obstacles involved for obtaining a design for the gazebo; and the staff time involved for this project. In response to Mayor /Chair Hunter, Mr. Riley stated the design contract for the new Civic Center /City Hall will be awarded this year. In response to Council /Agency Member Parvin, Ms. Lindley stated staff would look at an appropriate Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 7 May 26, 2004 location for the restroom facility to be installed at Glenwood Park and whether this is a necessary improvement. In response to Council /Agency Member Millhouse, Mr. Kueny stated marquee signs are funded from the General Fund. A discussion followed regarding whether there is a need for four new signs; their effectiveness and cost at $110,000; and a requirement to address public use of these signs in a new Sign Ordinance. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council determined to eliminate funding for two of the four park marquee signs at a savings of $50,000. In response to Mayor /Chair Hunter, Mr. Kueny concurred the budgeted amount for Foreclosure Prevention should be removed from the budget as a property for purchase has not been identified; and staff would return at a later date to request an appropriation if a property is located. CONSENSUS: By consensus, the Council /Redevelopment Agency determined to eliminate $200,000 from the Redevelopment Agency budget for Foreclosure_ Prevention. In regard to the Redevelopment Agency, and in response to Mayor /Chair Hunter, Mr. Gilbert stated the Spring Road Widening Project will begin in a year once the City has acquired all of the rights -of -way along Spring Road and Los Angeles Avenue and the Environmental Impact Report is completed. In response to Council /Agency Member Mikos, Mr. Gilbert stated the widening of the eastern portion of Los Angeles Avenue (Princeton Avenue Widening) will begin in a month with the start of right -of -way acquisition. AT THIS POINT in the meeting, Ms. Lindley and Mr. Gilbert left the meeting. The time was 9:55 p.m. Ms. Borchard summarized the actions taken by the Council /Agency thus far to include: 1) the addition of $33,144 for landscaping services at Arroyo Vista II; 2) the addition of $5,000 for the Moorpark Symphony; Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 8 May 26, 2004 3) the deduction of $15,000 by eliminating the Park Master Plan; 4) a savings of $11,600 for law enforcement cost by eliminating the Apricot Festival; 5) $151,079 for the City Engineer's salary transferring to the General Fund Reserve and /or the LA AOC; and 6) eliminating $50,000 for two marquee signs resulting in a net surplus of $38,300. Mr. Kueny stated $3,000 contained in the Community Services budget for purchasing video monitoring equipment for the gym should be added back into the budget as this funding will be completed in this fiscal year as approved by the Council on May 19, 2004. In regard to the City Council budget section, there were no changes. In regard to the City Manager budget and in response to Mayor /Chair Hunter, Mr. Riley explained the concept for using $15,000 for the day laborer services is for hiring a consultant to engage the labor leaders in communicating needs and to promote identification with the new Human Service Complex. A discussion followed as to whether this cost should be assigned to the Redevelopment Agency budget and whether it is premature to begin communication without a concrete design in place. CONSENSUS: By consensus of the Council /Redevelopment Agency it was determined to remove $15,000 from the City Manager's budget for day laborer services pending further study. In regard to Public Information, and in response to Mayor /Chair Hunter, Mr. Riley explained the $18,000 for New Annual City Event Coverage is allocated to create video footage to be used on the City's website and on the Government Channel. In regard to Emergency Management, Mr. Riley explained a new photo identification system for the Emergency Response Team. Mayor /Chair Hunter stated it was an excellent plan, which will make the whole facility more secure. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Paqe 9 May 26, 2004 In regard to Economic Development, Council /Agency Member Parvin stated the Chamber needs more assistance than $6,000. A discussion followed regarding the merits of increasing the contribution to $20,000 along with a review of the contract to ascertain if there are additional services the Chamber can render to the City. MOTION: Council /Agency Member Parvin moved and Council/ Agency Member Millhouse seconded a motion to budget $20,000 for the Chamber. The motion carried by voice vote 4 -0, with Council /Agency Member Mikos abstaining. A discussion followed regarding benefits of continued membership in the Regional Economic Development Activities (EDC -VC), Regional Defense Partnership -21, and the BRAC 2005 Task Force. Mr. Kueny recommended these remain in the budget; however staff would be directed not to make any payments until the Economic Development Committee meets to discuss membership and brings forward a recommendation. In regard to the City Clerk's Department, Ms. Traffenstedt stated there are no substantive changes from last year other than the upcoming election in November. In regard to City Attorney, there were no changes. Mr. Kueny stated wherever applicable, attorney fees are charged to developers and others who necessitate use of these services. In regard to Administrative Services, Council /Agency Member Harper stated finance reports are easy to read and he is pleased he can now view live meetings online. Mayor /Chair Hunter commended Ms. Borchard and Mr. Ea on a job well done. CONSENSUS: It was the consensus of the Council/ Redevelopment Agency to schedule Budget Adoption for June 16, 2004, with the changes, as directed, to be incorporated. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Paqe 10 May 26, 2004 AT THIS POINT in the meeting the Redevelopment Agency meeting was adjourned. The time was 10:35 p.m. B. Consider Mission Statement, Priorities, Goals and Objectives for Fiscal Year 2004/2005. Consider the priorities, goals and objectives with recommended budget. CONSENSUS: It was the consensus of the Council to defer this item to the meeting of June 16, 2004. 5. CLOSED SESSION: Mr. Kueny announced that the City Council would be going into closed session for discussion of Items 5.E. and 5.F. on the agenda. The time was 10:37 p.m. MOTION: Councilmember Harper moved and Councilmember Millhouse seconded a motion to adjourn to closed session for a discussion of Items 5.E. and 5.F. on the agenda. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. E. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Pursuant to Section 54957.6 of the Government Code) Agency Designated Representative: Steven Kueny Employee Organization: Service Employees International Union, AFL -CIO, CLC, Local 998 F. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Pursuant to Section 54957.6 of the Government Code) Agency Designated Representative: Steven Kueny Unrepresented employees: Accountant I, Administrative Services Director, Assistant City Manager, Assistant to City Manager /City Clerk, Budget and Finance Manager, City Engineer, Community Development Director, Community Services Director, Information Systems Manager, Planning Manager, Principal Planner, Public Works Director, Public Works Supervisor; Recreation Manager, and Senior Management Analyst Present in closed session were Councilmembers Harper, Mikos, Millhouse, Parvin, and Mayor Hunter; Steven Kueny, City Manager; Hugh Riley, Assistant City Manager; and Deborah Traffenstedt, Assistant to City Manager /City Clerk. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 11 May 26, 2004 The Council reconvened into open session at 10:57 p.m. Mr. Kueny stated that Items 5.E. and 5.F. were discussed and that there was no action to report. 6. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Hunter adjourned t: ATTEST: Deborah S. Traffenste t City Clerk