HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-17-2003 City Council Study SessionMiNUTES
STUDY SESSION
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
130 S. MAIN STREET
LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2003
..............................................................................,
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council Study Session was called to order by Mayor Brinley at 5:22 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: HICKMAN, KELLEY,
SCHIFFNER, BRIlVLEY
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BUCKLEY
(Councilman Buckley arrived
at 5:25 p.m.)
Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, Assistant City Manager Best, City
Attorney Leibold, Community Development Director Brady, Community Services
Director Sapp, Police Chief Walsh, Finance Manager Magee, Information/
Communications Manager Dennis, Lake Operations Manager Kilroy, Planning
Manager Villa, Public Warks Manager Payne, Recreation/Tourism Manager
Fazzio, City Treasurer Judziewicz and City Clerk/Human Resources Director
Kasad.
DISCUSSION ITEM
Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Annual Budget. (F:30.1)
City Manager Watenpaugh noted that at the last Study Session regarding the
budget, the Council had requested a breakout of all City staffing and benefit costs;
particularly in relation to the conversion of Contracts to full time staff. He also
noted that the Council requested a breakout of "Professional, Technical Services".
He indicated that this information would be included in the final budget draft. He
Page Two - Study Session Minutes - June 17, 2003
commented on additional items presented for consideration in the original
discussion.
Councilman Buckley joined the meeting at 5:25 p.m.
City Manager Watenpaugh presented the detail of regular employees, part-time
employees and benefits, broken out by departments. He clarified that this did not
include Police and Fire Staff as they were contract employees, and the hourly rate
paid by the City included their benefit package. He noted that staffing costs were
42.5% of the total budget, excluding Police and Fire. He clarified the proposed
new positions in light of the Hayhurst Study and other discussions; and noted that
the new Economic Development position was proposed as a Technician, instead of
a Manager.
Councilman Hickman questioned the Maintenance Workers. City Manager
Watenpaugh advised that they represented the conversion of the Landscape
Contract and shifting of Weed Abatement services. He advised that the conversion
would cover the Executive Assistant, Equipment Operatars and Maintenance
Workers. He clarified that during non-weed abatement times, they would provide
other services; and noted the savings between this arrangement and the contract.
Councilman Hickman inquired if the benefit package was also covered. City
Manager Watenpaugh clarified what was funded for this fiscal year. He noted the
impact of Workers Compensation benefits on the total benefit package.
Councilman Hickman questioned the cost to bring the work in house. City
Manager Watenpaugh clarified the conversion of the weed abatement program.
Councilman Buckley noted the discussion that replacement of the contract would
be a push, but it appeared to be costing an extra $100,000 to bring the program in
house. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that staff attempted to make it very
close, but he was not sure it was a push. There was discussion of the cost of the
Williams contract and the Weed Abatement program. City Manager Watenpaugh
indicated that the program would be a push without the Executive Assistant, but
that position was necessary to do the paperwark. Councilman Buckley questioned
Page Three - Study Session Minutes - June 17, 2003
who did the paperwork before. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that the
paperwork was done by Code Enfarcement. Community Services Director Sapp
noted that half of the Administrative Assistant would be funded by the
Environmental Account for Waste Management. Mayor Brinley requested
clarification that this portion was not coming from the General Fund. Community
Services Director Sapp indicated that it would be reimbursed. Councilman
Buckley noted that with that adjustment it came within a couple of thousand dollars
of being a push. There was general discussion of the two services being provided
at once, with weed abatement staff available to address other needs. It was
suggested that this would allow for some concentration on illegal dumping,
shoulder work, picking up shopping carts, etc.
Councilman Buckley questioned the potential difference with reopening of
negotiations, since there was already a commitment to paying the 2.5% at 55
retirement. City Manager Watenpaugh clarified.
Councilman Buckley inquired if John Husing was consulting for the City on a
regular basis. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that he had done one study and
an additional survey was proposed for the next year. Assistant City Manager Best
noted that a different consultant could be used next year, via a Request for
Proposals. Councilman Buckley questioned "SBDC support". Staff clarified that
this was for the Small Business Development Council.
Mayor Brinley questioned the Animal Control costs. City Manager Watenpaugh
indicated that staff was investigating County costs and the willingness of Animal
Friends to meet in a future study session. Mayor Brinley noted that there were real
issues with their services, and indicated that the complaints she received were with
regard to cat licensing fees. She stressed the need to find out what they were doing
and the processes being implemented. She expressed concern that she was hearing
that people were being fined at their doors, so she would like to hear some
clarification from them.
Councilman Hickman inquired if the City had ever been shown the plans for the
Page Four - Study Session Minutes - June 17, 2003
proposed "Taj Majal".
COUNCILMAN KELLEY LEFT THE MEETING AT 5:45 P.M. TO RECEIVE
THE TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD.
Councilman Buckley suggested making sure that Animal Friends were present at
the 4 p.m. Agenda Review next week: Mayor Brinley concurred that would be
helpfuL
City Manager Watenpaugh noted the material presented for this meeting, and
suggested that the Council contact him if they had concerns with the proposed
budget.
Councilman Hickman questioned the availability of a funds to participate with the
County on Police. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that he did not believe the
City was eligible to participate in the program. Police Chief Walsh confirmed that
the City was not eligible.
Mayor Brinley suggested that the Council contact City Manager Watnepaugh with
any changes in the budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner questioned if the costs would be included to add medics,
etc. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that Medics would cost about $88,500
for the first year, which would allow for firemen to trade out for fire medics. He
advised that the first year costs would also include equipping the engines, but after
that it would be an annual cost of $24,000. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner questioned
the inclusion of other position which were considered. City Manager Watenpaugh
indicated that he believed they had all been included. There was general discussion
of the budget wish list.
Councilman Buckley indicated that paramedics and money for beach property
acquisition was fine, but questioned the proposed street banners and whether they
would be seasonal or conceptual. Mayor Brinley indicated that they were normally
Page Five - Study Session Minutes - June 17, 2003
seasonal. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that the City already had
Christmas, Patriotic and Stadium banners. Councilman Buckley questioned if this
would be for new banners or replacement banners. Community Services Director
Sapp indicated that it could be either. Mayor Brinley commented that mot cities
had street banners and they were nice for providing a holiday feel for the
community.
City Manager Watenpaugh noted staff's proposal to set aside an extra million in
reserves, so these item would come from the additional unallocated funds.
Councilman Hickman inquired if the $300,000 would still leave and extra million
in reserves, and stressed the possible State budget impacts.
Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner expressed his support for including the Medics in the
budget, and questioned if the City would have to wait for people to be trained.
City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that it would be a combination of people
transferring in or lateral transfers. Councilman Buckley noted that the Fire
Department was hoping to train as many Medics as possible. Mayar Pro Tem
Schiffner suggested getting people trained as quickly as possible. City Manager
Watenpaugh inquired if the Medics were supported by consensus, and if it would
be appropriate to submit a letter requesting those positions, suggesting it could gain
two weeks. Mayor Brinley indicated that she was willing to sign the letter
requesting more Police and the Medics. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that
he would draft letters to Chief Doyle and Chief Tisdale to advance the processes.
Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner inquired if there were Sheriff Deputies trained as
Paramedics. Police Chief Walsh indicated that was rare. Mayor Pro Tem
Schiffner noted that the Highway Patrol had trained paramedics. Police Chief
Walsh indicated that some such deputies came trained that way.
Mayor Brinley reiterated that the Council should contact City Manager
Watenpaugh with concerns on the proposed budget.
Page Six - Study Session Minutes - June 17, 2003
ADJOiTRNMENT
THE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:55 P.M.
CITY OF ~,AKE ELSINORE
ATTEST:
~,~t~:~.,, ~~~'"~C/~ l
CHI' KASAD, C1VIC, CITY CLERK/
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE