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Home My WebLink AboutAGENDA REPORT 1997 0305 CC SPC ITEM 03Bv�canw�nr5t�'Z{ns li aub OJC .�c �91or �h 7/ y040 rw( uua CITY OF MOORPARY, CAL City Cognciil Mooting • of .1997 To: Moorpark Mosquito Abatement District_ ACTION: From: Chris Evans B iz Subject: Moorpark Mosquito Abatement District Transfer Proposal This proposal has been developed to address any concerns the public may have about the Moorpark Mosquito Abatement District (MMAD) and to offer a definitive resolution to those concerns. While I have not had any discussions with other Moorpark City Council Members regarding Moorpark Mosquito Abatement District, I have asked that discussion of the district be placed on the agenda so we Gan discuss the issue. With this in mind I have developed a scenario that I believe will address many of the concerns currently held by taxpayers and provide the MMAD leadership with an opportunity to correct any inequities in the current system, The current MMAD board has done an admirable job of fly and vector control within the district. They are to be commended for their fiscal responsibility and dedication to the protection of the Moorpark residents health and quality of life. As with the operation of any entity, there is a need to occasionally pause and adjust the procedures and goals of the organization. This proposal is designed to offer a logical transition for MMAD that will allow the taxpayers of the district to receive the maximum possible benefit while retaining some of the procedures of the current district that are working well. There are six major goals of this proposal. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) Preserve current level of service for MMAD customers. Provide sufficient financial reserves to be able to respond to an emergency infestation. Provide an adjustment to either the use, or amount of assessment taxpayers currently pay. Allow existing MMAD staff to remain employed Insure Moorparks residents receive a benefit in exchange for the $1,400,000.00+ investment they have already rnacte Maintain control of MMAD at local level (potentially retaining existing leadership). Moorpark Mosquito Abatement District Transfer Proposal Page 1 i" " From The Desk Of Chris Evans V 805- 532 -9092 8314197 (3 6,36 PM 3/5 Current areas of concern this proposal addresses; 1— fiaRpayersrrTan�ybeing used ineffectively. In effect $1,400,000.00+ of taxpayers dollars that are generating no definable benefit for the taxpayer. While there is no question the money is safe, there are ways the general public can receive more benefit than they are currently receiving from their investment, 2) Administrative procedures used by MMAD that, when established were necessary, can now be considered questionable. While no -one is suggesting any inappropriate behavior by any representatives of MMAD, This board has to be sensitive to the appearance of questionable procedures and respond accordingly to those questions. 3) The appearance that this boards leadership is intent upon explaining the reasons why things are the way they are and continuing as is, rather than searching for modifications that will eliminate the publics concerns. 4) MMAD is not being effective at delivering their product at a competitive price when compared to other service providers for other cities within this region. 5) MMAD has not adjusted it's procedures even though there has been a substantial decrease in the potential fly /vector problem generation points throughout the district. Moorpark Mosqulto Abatement Dlstrlct Transfer Proposal Page 2 ask Uf Chris Evans ' 9QG 7i ara -- ' -IAA y. � Proposed changes in MMAD Current MMAD board and Moorpark City '_ouncil meet to discuss how MADD can be brought under the authority and control ot the city The city is fully capable of administering mosquito and vect( r k-1k)WtV:, vdithin the city limits and into problem areas that may be outside the city but have, i dir(,�.t > impact upon city residents. Current MADD leadership would disband the district or vote control of (if legally possible) the district to the City of Moorpark. Legal advise should be sought to arrive at the most cost effective and timely way to transfer Uie district. Moorpark would (in the short term) form a Mosquito Abatement Commission, just like the Planning Commission or Parks Commission. The primary focus of the commission would be to insure that no reduction of service would result from the transfer of authority. The Commission would be directly accountable to the Moorpark City Council. Current MMAD Leadership would be encouraged to apply for commission positions. Current MADD employees would become city employees with insurance and entitlements like every other city employee thereby coming under the direct supervision of city staff. Current MADD facilities would be maintained but would become assets of city with the exception of records and accounting functions that would be transferred to City Hall. Current facilities may be condensed into existing City buildings should the city find they can eliminate the current facility and provide additional savings to the taxpayers. 91 % of reserve funds would be transferred to the city. 9% would be transferred to the county. The City will invest the moneys as determined appropriate but no matter how the funds are invested the city will underwrite any future emergencies even if more than the current reserve is needed to do it. Moorpark will assume the task of controlling any mosquito or vector problems within the current city limits (other than problem areas with direct impact upon the city). The county would be charged with maintaining county areas from their 9% share of the assessment. Problem areas in the county could receive spot checks by city staff to insure proper county administration of fly and vector control Until such time as this can be brought before the City Council for discussion MMAD should: A) Refrain from any expenditures other than those deemed vital to conduct the business of MMAD B) Schedule a televised session with City Staff and the City Council. C) Schedule a joint study session with legal council. Moorpark Mosquito Abatement District Transfer Proposal Page 3 From The Desk Of Chris Evans 4 805 - 532-9092 C1314197 36:37 PM E� 515 Benefits from proposed changes By incorporating MMAD under the City of Moorpark umbrella the general public will receive substantial benefits-, . f j There will be economies in purchasing supplies and equipment, as well as reserve funds available for capital improvements and emergencies. 2) Central management over all city functions will allow for a more cohesive application of services for the public and a more uniform presentation of those services. 3) While it may not possible to change the structure of the current funding, the general public would receive substantially higher return upon their ongoing investment by having any budget overage invested in programs of direct benefit to them... If it is deemed possible to reduce the assessment, the taxpayer would receive a substantial benefit from the lower assessment. 4) Taxpayers will have more of a direct voice in the administration of mosquito and vector abatement. 5) Members of the City Council are directly accountable to City Voters thereby decreasing the authority the County has over city decisions. 6) The city has a vested interest in delivering quality service to the residents. As an example, residents in the Mobile Home Park have registered a concern that service would be reduced if operations were transferred to the county. There would still be local accountability through city administration 7) Administration costs may be dramatically reduced allowing for additional savings to the taxpayer. 8) After an initial one year start -up period the Mosquito Abatement Commission would be eliminated thereby eliminating a layer of bureaucracy from the process. 9) Current MMAD staff would receive better employment benefits through city employment. Moorpark Mosquito Abatement District Transfer Proposal Page 4 -Fvm In*L)OStViCniiStvens 17 605- 532-9092 x$1314197 G 6,35 PM 21/5 Front the T'e l ePo rt o f : From The Desk Of Chris Evans Date: Tuesdav, March -, 1997 Number of Pages: To: Richard Hare, Moorpark C=itti Hall Fax Number: 805 531 -910 Memo: