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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-03-2002 City Council Minutes'w MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 200~, ~~~:~*~~:~~~~~~~:~~~~*~~~:~~~~~~~~*:~*~~*:~~~~~:~~~:~~**~**~~~*~~~~~*~~~~ CALL TO ORDER The City Council Study Session was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner at 3:35 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BUCKLEY, HICKMAN, SCHIFFNER ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BRINLEY, KELLEY (Mayor Kelley arrived at 3:37 p.m) Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, Assistant City Manager Best, Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Development Director Brady, Community Services Director Sapp, Information/Communications Manager Dennis and City Clerk/Human Resources Director Kasad. DISCUSSION ITEM 28th Year CDBG Allocation. City Manager Watenpaugh explained the City's status as a non-entitled City, based on the current population. He advised that based on the formula, the City was anticipating about $200,000, of which 15% could be used for public service programs and the balance for public works projects. He clarified the total requested dollar amount in the staff report should be $241,000, not $266,000. PAGE TWO - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 3, 2002 Mayor Kelley arrived at 337 p.m. City Manager Watenpaugh noted the funding requested and highlighted the projects, noting that $75,000 was proposed for dangerous structure abatement. He noted that the recommendations were subject to City Council modification. Community Services Director Sapp noted that six applications were received for funding in this year's program, and reiterated the 15% allocation for Public Service Programs. He advised that Public Service dollars were requested for the Senior Center ($25,000), HOPE for ongoing services and a new program ($6,000) and Assistance League of Temecula for Operation School Bell ($10,000). He introduced Jean Clower for an overview of Operation School Bell. Jean Clower, President, Assistance League of Temecula Valley, indicated that last year Operation School Bell clothed 1,041 students in four school districts. She advised that it cost about $75 per student for clothing and detailed the clothing typically provided. She noted that last year School Bell clothed 330 students from Lake Elsinore; and they would like to start serving the 3 and 4 year-old students in the Headstart Program. She advised that they requested tobacco funds from the County, but were denied. She commented that past funding from the City allowed them to clothe appro~mately 33 children in the past, but they requested more money this year. She indicated that they would appreciate any level of assistance. Councilman Buckley inquired whether the 330 students were from the School District or the City limits. Ms. Clower indicated that they were from the School District. She noted that they also provide health and emergency dental care; and stressed the increasing needs each year, based on population growth. ~ _ PAGE THREE - CITY GOUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 3, 2002 Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner clarified that the students were within the School District, but not necessarily in the City. Mayor Kelley noted that Operation School Bell was a wonderful program and noted her personal experience with tl~e program through students in her classes. Councilman Hickman questioned the clothing provided to each student for $75. Ms. Clower indicated that each studerit received three tops, three bottoms, underwear, etc., which were selected by the students from the Operation School Bell shop. She explained that they had buyers within their organization.and served 12 to 14 children per day. Councilman Buckley asked about other services they provided in the City. Ms. Clower indicated that they providedSProject Smile and Kids on the Block, and detailed the programs. Councilman Hickman inquired if they also provided food for the students. Ms. Clower indicated that they deferredto other agencies for that service. Mayor Kelley noted that this request was strictly for the clothing program. 1VIs. Clower explained their thrift store operation, which helped fund their efforts. . Councilman Buckley inquired whether they worked with other area charities. Ms. Clower indicated that they had just started a professional au~ciliary, which collaborated with Alternatives to Domestic Violence, to provide assistance. Councilman Buckley inquired whether the School District provided any grant money to the program. Ms. Clower indicated that they did not; however they request CDBG grant funds in four cities and tried for tobacco funds this year. She further indicated that they participated with the Californian newspaper on an aid fund-raising campaign. PAGE FOUR - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 3, 2002 Mayor Kelley thanked Ms. Glower for her attendance and participation in this meeting. Pastor pon Butensohn, representing HOPE, noted that he had distributed an amended copy of their categories of service, and stressed the 12`i' program which was proposed after the application was submitted. He suggested discontinuation of the support to Operation School Bell, and allow HOPE to provide the program. He noted that many children helped by the Temecula based Operation School Bell, came to HOPE to obtain food. He indicated that he had a long discussion with the School District; and they felt that they would welcome HOPE into this program'to supply the clothing and school supplies for the children. He further indicated that the School District had a meeting this date and endorsed HOPE to head up the program. He advised that they had met with the Walmart District stbre, which was in charge of seven Walmart stores and HOPE could contract with them for clothes, shoes and school supplies. He indicated that HOPE would like to incorporate the program into their system to help families that were homeless and came to HOPE for other assistance. He noted that within the Lake Elsinore Unified School District there were at least fifty homeless families on any given day. He indicated that they had been working with Headstart for several years. He suggested that HOPE could start the program immediately, although they would receive no funding until July 15`. He indicated that they had plenty of storage space for the clothing and supplies, noting that they would only be able to distribute new items. He indicated that Walmart would contract with several shoe items and obtain whatever HOPE requested. He explained that they would also provide credit certificates in the event proper sizes were not available at HOPE, to allow for direct purchase from a Walmart store. He noted that Walmart had worked with HOPE through the years and HOPE received a small grant every year from Walmart headquarters in Arkansas. He clarified that they would be working with the District store in Murrieta. He advised that the HOPE voting members were enthusiastic about adding this type of program, and stressed HOPE's ~. PAGE FIVE - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 3, 2002 tremendous relationship with the School District. He indicated that they would be meeting with Supervisor Buster to seek more funds. He noted that as of November 15` they had added a mentally ill program at the request of the County Department of Social Services. He stressed that they were already working hand-in-hand with the School District, Department of Public Social Services and quite a few other agencies. He encouraged the Council to allow them to provide the program, as they were already working with the families in need of the services. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner inquired if Pastor Butenshon was saying he was familiar with Operation School Bell and felt HOPE could provide the same services. Pastor Butenshon confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner noted the statement that they would be doing business with the Walmart in Murrieta and noted that he would be interested in having them work with the Lake Elsinore store. Pastor Butenshon indicated that they were not part of the same District, and indicated that they had found it difficult to work with the manager of the local store: Mayor Pro Tem Schiffiier stressed his interest in utilizing the local store. Pastor Butenshon indicated that if they were given this program he would make further attempts to work with the local manager. Councilman Hickman inquired if HOPE was feeding and clothing the entire family. Pastor Butenshon indicated that at least six times a year, families were provided with enough food for seven days. Councilman Hickman inquired how many families they were serving. Pastor Butenshon indicated that they provided 400 holiday baskets based on referrals from schools and churches. He further advised that last year they provided 70,000 family meals. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner inquired if there was a residency requirement to receive services by HOPE. Pastor Butenshon indicated that they required proper identification of the persons referred, and noted the types of identification required. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner inquired if there was a PAGE SIX - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 3, 2002 restriction on locations. Pastor Butenshon indicated that they served the entire Lake Elsinore Unified School District area. Councilman Buckley suggested that it would appear to be a more convenient approach to work through an agency, although Operation School Bell had done a very good job. He stressed the benefit of one-stop assistance. Mayor Kelley inquired if any communication had been received from the School District on this matter, and expressed surprise at the approach presented. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that this was new information. Councilman Hickman indicated that he would like a one stop office to provide everything at once. City Manager Watenpaugh reiterated that the proposed change was new information to the City. Mayor Kelley noted that the School District had worked closely with Operation School Bell and questioned their knowledge of the proposed change. City Manager Watenpaugh expressed concern with the costs of the transition. Ms. Glower clarified that it costs $25,000 to cloth 330 students, which is a third of their budget. Mayor Kelley questioned the addition of this program by HOPE, without an increased dollar request. Pastor Butenshon concurred, but indicated that he did not anticipate an increased budget requirement; although they would purchase additional items to address needs. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner indicated that he was fully in support of giving this program to HOPE, although School Bell had provided good assistance. He suggested that the funding and level of responsibility should be advantageous to both parties, but the proposal seemed that it would be win- win for both agencies. PAGE SEVEN - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 3, 2002 Councilman Buckley indicated that he did not want to offend Operation School Bell, but he was not sure HOPE was prepared to deal with the Dental issue. Ms. Glower indicated that the dental services were provided free by the area dentists, with each being asked to handle about two cases a year. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner indicated that the funds being discussed at this time were limited and it would not seem to be of much help to HOPE, but it would shift a large responsibility from one agency to the other. He suggested that in his opinion the two primary projects for the City should be HOPE and Cops for Kids. He stressed that he was not opposed to Operation School Bell, as they have provided a wonderful service; but indicated that he was in favor of lending the City's support to HOPE and allow them to take over the responsibility. Community Services Director Sapp clarified that both programs were "aggregate" programs that receive funding from various sources. He inquired if HOPE would receive more funding from the County for this program. Pastor Butenshon indicated that he would discuss the issue with the County, however this program had just come into focus for HOPE. He noted that several people had questioned the distribution of funds to a Temecula based agency, when so few funds are available. He expressed understanding of their assistance to area students, but stressed that they ultimately come to HOPE for food anyway, and it would be easy to provide the clothing they need. Ms. Clower stressed that the most important issue is the families and children. She indicated that she was not sure who within their organization would make the decision for them to stop providing the service. She suggested that the school sites referring students be involved in this discussion. She expressed concern that the new program was not yet in place. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner indicated that the City couldn't say whether they should provide the services or not, as they can only discuss the PAGE EIGHT - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 3, 2002 allocation of the funds. He suggested that the change sounded like a good deal for both agencies. " Mayor Kelley indicated that she would like additional information, before making a decision on the allocation. City Manager Watenpaugh commented that it was great to have multiple agencies willing to provide services, but concurred that there was not a lot of money available. He stressed that in the past only School Bell had provided the services and he had no new information from the School District. He suggested that based on the small amount of funding and the potential fluctuations, an automatic change might not be app~'opriate; and noted that it might be appropriate to commit future funds to HOPE for the program. He offered to obtain additional information from the School District by Tuesday's Council Meeting. Community Services Director Sapp requested Council direction on how they would see the allocation of this funding. He added that the allocation for continuation of the Dangerous Structure Abatement Program and Code Enforcement Services would be included as well. There was general discussion of structure abatement and code enforcement and clarification of the lien process to obtain reimbursement of the funds. Mayor Kelley inquired whether a portion of the code enforcement funding would assist with the NET Program. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that it would supplement salaries for the NET Program. Community Services Director Sapp advised that a project had also been proposed for Swick-Matich park restrooms and facilities to meet the ADA requirements. I-3e indicated that the entire project would be about $200,000, but staff was requesting half of the funding this year and half next year. He noted that Steve Slack, representing Little League, was present in support of the project. He indicated that the County had been PAGE NINE - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 3, 2002 very supportive of the two budget year approach in the past. Councilman Hickman questioned the location of the park; and staff clarified. Councilman Buckley inquired when work would begin on this project. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that plans and specifications would be prepared this year and construction would begin in approximately August of 2003. Councilman Hickman questioned the cost of the proposed project. Community Services Sapp clarified that the facilities would basically need to be replaced to meet the ADA requirements. Mayor Kelley inquired whether the Padres were still working with staff on the site. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that staff had moved forward with the work, but had not heard from the Padres again. Councilman Hickman inquired if the park was just for Elsinare residents. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that it was a joint City/County facility, due to the existing agreement. Councilman Hickman inquired if the County would be providing funds for the work. City Manager Watenpaugh clarified that grant funds were used in the past, and a tri-party agreement was established which required an allowance for everyone to use it through 2003, but after that it would revert back to the City. He noted that new homes pay a park fee, and on July 1 St there would be some park dollars which could be considered for use on this project. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that it would also be helpful if Proposition 40 passes in March, as it will provide additional funding. Councilman Hickxnan inquired whether the kids downtown used this park for sports. City Manager Watenpaugh clarified that the Community Services Department scheduled the facilities, but there were students from the entire community. Mayor Kelley noted that they also used City park a lot. Councilman Buckley questioned the use by the weekend soccer league. PAGE TEN - CITY COiTNCIL MINUTES - JAN [TARY 3, 2002 Community Services Director Sapp indicated that issue had been resolved, but noted it was somewhat of a rogue league. Councilman Hickman questioned the $200,000 anticipated from CDBG. Community Services Director Sapp clarified the allocation process. City Manager Watenpaugh reiterated that Lake Elsinore was a non-entitlement City, so funds were passed through the County after they took 20% for administration of the grant program. He advised that at a population of 50,000, the City would receive the money directly from the federal government. Councilman Buckley questioned the $25,000 for the Senior Center. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that it was used for salaries, with the County participation being used to off-set utility costs. Councilman Hickman inquired how much was funded for seniors. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that the total budget was about $85,000, and detailed the breakdown. He indicated that an increase in the County funding was being requested based on increased use by County residents. He expressed confidence in the ability to get more funding from the County this year. Mayor Kelley inquired how soon the amount of funding by the County would be known. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that it would be known when the Board of Supervisors approved the budget in March, 2002. Councilman Hickman inquired how important the $25,000 was to the Senior Center. Mayor Kelley indicated it was essential to their operation and stressed the magnitude of the services provided with about 175 people being served meals a day. Community Services Director Sapp inquired whether Council had changes to the proposal. Mayor Kelley indicated that she needed clarification from the School District on the issue of School Bell vs. HOPE. PAGE ELEVEN - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 3, 2002 ADJOilRN1VIENT MOVED BY SCHIFFNER, SECONDED BY BUCKLEY AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT TO ADJOURN THE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AT 4:27 P.M. ~ NIE KELLEY, MA R CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE ATT~ST: / ~~ `.~ : ~ VI~`~I KA AD, CMC, CITY CLERK/ HUME4N RESOURCES DIRECTOR CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE