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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-14-2002 City Council MinutesMINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2002 ~~:~:~~~~:~~*:~~~~~*~~~:~~**~~:~~:~~~:~~*~*~~~~*~*:~~*~~*~***~**~~~**~~~**~ CALL TO ORDER The Regular City Council Meeting was called to order by,Mayor Kelley at 7:01 p.m. CLOSED SESSION None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Information/Communications Manager Dennis. INVOCATION The Invocation was provided by Pastor Phillip Ruppe, representing Elsinore First Assembly of God Church. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COiTNCILMEMBERS: BUCKLEY, HICKMAN, SCHIFFNER, KELLEY ABSEN~: COUNCILMEMB~RS: BRINLEY Also present were: Assistant City Manager Best, City Attorney Leibold, Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Development Director Brady, Police Lieutenant Snodgrass, Information/Communications Manager PAGE TWO - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 Dennis, Recreation/Tourism Manager Edelbrock, Public Works Manager Payne City Treasurer Ferro and City C1erWHuman Resources Director Kasad. PRESENTATIONS A. Proclamation - Lake Elsinore Women's Club. (F:122.1) Mayor Kelley noted that this was a repeat of the presentation at the last meeting, and explained that the microphone had not been working and the presentation could not be heard. She read and presented the Proclamation to Sonja Matthies, who expressed thanks for this recognition and expressed appreciation for support from the City. B. Presentation - Business of the Ouarter - Winter, 2002. (F:56.1) This presentation was postponed. C. Proclamation - Mental Health Month. (F:122.1) Mayor Kelley read and presented the Mental Health Month Proclamation to a representative of the Department of Mental Health. The representative accepted the proclamation and stressed the availability of information to assist families with mental health issues. She highlighted her personal experience with the Department of Mental Health and noted the availability of speakers to address related topics for area organizations. D. Proclamation - Veteran's Appreciation Month. (F:122.1) Mayor Kelley read and presented the Veteran's Appreciation Month Proclamation to Rod Johnson, and noted the qualifications and skills provided by area Veterans. Mr. Johnson thanked the Council for this recognition. PAGE THREE - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 E. Proclamation - Public Works Week. (F:122.1) Mayor Kelley introduced Public Works Manager Payne for presentation. Mr. Payne showed a PowerPoint presentation on the tasks performed by the Public Works Staff as they relate to natural resources, lake, open space, transportation, planning, facility maintenance and safety issues. He stressed the quality of life issues and noted Public Works Week, May 20-24, 2002, inviting the public to visit the Public Works Yard. He commented that information was also available on the City website. Mayor Kelley read and presented the Proclamation recognizing Public Works Week to Mr. Payne on behalf of the Public Works Department. F. Proclamation - Older Americans Month. (F:122.1) Mayor Kelley recognized Senior Center Coordinator Gulbranson, and two senior representatives, Sally Coleman and Thelma Ball. Mayor Kelley read and presented the Older Americans Month Proclamation. Senior Center Coordinator Gulbranson detailed the involvement of Ms. Coleman and Ms. Ball at the Senior Center and stressed their dedication to the Center. Ms. Gulbransen detailed the Senior Center operations and accomplishments including the new Computer Lab, the nutrition program and other activities. She invited the public to visit the Center to see what they provide. G. Proclamation - Neighborhood Pride Awards. (F:122.1) Recreation & Tourism Manager Edelbrock noted the celebration of the winners of the Neighborhood Pride Awards and thanked the judges including Rod Kihara, Charlotte Fox and Cheryl Law. She detailed the sponsors including the Do It Center and Temecula Pipe & Supply. Mary Brown, representing EVMWD, noted that they were invited to participate in this program seven years ago to recognize the dedication of homeowners to set high standards for their landscaping. She detailed the categories of judging including hardscape, mixed use and water efficient. PAGE F'OUR - CITY COiJNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14; 2002 Ms. Brown indicated that EVMWD was proud to co-sponsor this program with the City. She thanked the judges and congratulated the winners, noting that there were 15 homes nominated in all areas of the City. Recreation & Tourism Manager Edelbrock presented the following awards: ls` Place - Steve & Shari Hernandez at 3433 Apple Blossom Lane 2"a place - Troy Bekker at 29200 Northpoint Street 3rd Place - Albert & Linda Compos at 228 South Spring Street Grand Prize - Lisa & Michael Gresham at 15011 Vista View She noted that the contest would be held again ne~ year and suggested that everyone start thinking about their yards and possible nominees. H. Presentation - Chamber of.Commerce Update. (F:108.4) Chris McColley, Executive Director, indicated that she had received requests from their business members that she address the anonymous flyers being distributed. She advised that the Chamber's position was that the flyers had no credibility or rnerit. She invited those with valid issues to contact the Chamber and discuss their matters of concern. She encouraged businesses to use common sense in dealing with the circumstances. She noted that the Chamber was in a state of transition trying to provide better benefits and services to the community. She noted that they were looking at credit union benefits, group health insurance, corporate rates for entertainment venues, member to member discount program, and resource directory. She stressed the Chamber's interest in assisting the business community in whatever way they could. She advised that they currently had a data base of 1,500 members and anticipated expanding to over 3,000 in the future. She further advised that they were undergoing a newsletter redesign and were in negotiations with the Press Enterprise for an all color format; with the first issue to appear in July. She noted their Lake Elsinore Magazine, which is published twice a year, with 20,000 copies distributed PAGE FIVE - CITY COLTNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 and indicated that it would be undergoing a name change. She further noted that the Chamber won the 2002 Golden Web Award for website excellence and commended Chamber President Jack McColley for this accomplishment; and noted that the site receiyed an average of 200,000 hits per month. She indicated that the Chamber participated on the Government Action Committee with members of the Temecula and Murrieta Chambers of Commerce and the City of Lake Elsinore. She advised that they had started a new Business of the Month Program as part of the monthly EDC Lunch, with the businesses being featured in the newsletter, magazine and on Froggy Radio. She congratulated the following Businesses of the Month: February - CDM Group, Inc.; March - NearCal; April - New Vision Financial Credit Union; May - Lake Elsinore Storm. She detailed the Student of the Month lunch and the upcoming Scholarship Recognition Night in which $6,000 in awards would be presented to High School Students. She noted that this was the only Chamber in Southwest Riverside County to accomplish this. She noted the business mixers on the 4th Thursday of every month, but noted that due to the Memorial Day Holiday, the mixer would be held on May 30r'' at EVMWD. She advised that EDC Committee lunches were held the 2°d Thursday at the Diamond Club and encouraged interested parties to contact the Chamber Office. She noted an upcoming fundraising event, the First Annual Reverse Drawing, to be held on July 18`~' at the Diamond Club, with tickets being $100 for two people. She advised that the Business Expo had been rescheduled to a Saturday in September at the Walmart Center, sponsored by NearCal and Froggy Radio. She explained that the event would include a business to business networking breakfast followed by the Business Expo; and encouraged participation. She noted the following upcoming events: EDC 5`~' . Anniversary on September 5'~'; and Mini Grand Prix on October 12'i'. CLOSEI2 S~SSION REl'ORT None. PAGE SIX - CITY COiTNCIL MINUTES`- MAY 14, 2002 PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDIZED ITEMS No Comments. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS The following item was pulled from the Consent Calendar for further discussion and consideration: Item No. 4. MOVED BY BUCKLEY, SECONDED BY SCHIFFNER AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED. . 1. The following Minutes were approved: a. Special City Council Meeting - April 16, 2002. (F:44.4) b. City Council/Redevelopment Agency Study Session - Apri123, 2002. c. Regular City Council Meeting - April 23, 2002. The following Minutes were received and ordered filed: d. Planning Commission Meeting - April 17, 2002. (F:603) 2. Ratified Warrant List for Apri130, 2002. (F:123) 3. Rejected and referred to Claims Administrator the Claim Against the City submitted on behalf of Sheila Laughlin & Danny Almodovar (CL #2002- 09). (F:52.2) 5. Approved Application by the Lake Elsinore Police Department for funds from the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant. (F:84.8) PAGE SEVEN - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 20, 2002 PUBLIC HEARING None. BUSINESS ITEMS 31. School Resource Officer/Grant. (F:127.2)(X:142.1) Assistant City Manager Best e~lained this item, and noted that additional details had been obtained late this afternoon. She explained that the City Council and the Lake Elsinore Unified School District had held a Study Session on issues of mutual concern, and the School Board had requested consideration of funding a Resource Officer through a matching fund to the grant. She detailed the grant and the required matching dollars and noted that it was learned this afternoon that the grant would require an additional year of funding. She detailed the grant and matching dollars required and noted that the additional allocation would be $94,000 to $95,000; with the total potential cost being $232,000 to $235,000. She noted that the School District has funded two officers and applied for an additional three officers in the coming year; so their funding will be for five officers to be used to reach all high school and middle school campuses and elementary students where possible. She explained that the agreement needs to be with the School Board, so an MOU would be processed if the Council so chooses. , She noted that Rick Wallace was present on behalf of the School District to respond to questions. ' Councilman Hickman asked if the City had done this before. Assistant City Manager Best indicated that it had not been done before. Councilman Hickman inquired if the School District had a shortfall and requested assistance. Assistant City Manager Best indicated that they were looking to provide additional services, by providing five officers themselves and looking to partner with the City for one more. PAGE EIGHT - CYTY COITNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 Councilman Buckley noted that in reading the staff report, there was no mention of urgency. Assistant City Manager Best indicated that the deadline was actually May 3`d. Councilman Buckley commented that this was looking at about $260,000 to $270,000 for four years, and inquired if the District had offered to split the costs. Assistant City Manager Best indicated that was not the form of the request. Councilman Buckley indicated that he would rather have the officers on the street. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner noted that the total cost was not known because it would require a vehicle for the officer and other equipment. Assistant City Manager Best confirmed that those costs were not certain at this time. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner commented that by applying the City would receive about $125,000 of outside money with the City being obligated for $230,000 to $260,000. He indicated that while this program might sound good, and he would hate to not support something that will assist the School District and the kids; but he could think of a number of other places to spend the money within the City. He stressed that the City had a smaller budget than the District. Assistant City Manager Best indicated that if the Council choose to do so, they could have staff investigate the funds for the next fiscal year. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner indicated that he would support having staff investigate the funds further. Mayor Kelley indicated that this was a worthwhile program to provide a safe environment for the children; but commented that for the dollars she would rather put an officer on the street. She requested that staff research the funds for possible future inclusion in the budget. 1VIOVED B3~ SCHIFFNER, SECONDED BY HICKMAN AND CARRIED BY UNAIVIMOUS VO'I'E OI+"~'~dOS~ PRESENT TO REJECT THE GRANT APP~,ICA'I'ION A1VV~ IDYREC'I' S~'AFF TO INVESTIGATE THE GRANT FOI2 FiJ'TYJRE ~TSE. PAGE NINE - CITY COiJNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR 4. Acceptance of Planning Commission Resi~nation - Robert Polk. (F:60.2) Councilman Buckley recognized the efforts of Commissioner Polk, and noted that he had already moved out of town. He commented that he had served the City well and was an asset to the City, however he had been hired by the FBI for work related to homeland security. He indicated that he was sure Mr. Polk would do a good job for the homeland security team and thanked him for his service to the City. Councilman Hickman also thanked Commissioner Polk for his service to the City, and questioned how he would be replaced. Mayor Kelley noted that she had sent a letter to Commissioner Polk thanking him for his service to the City and inviting him to receive recognition. She explained that applications were available for the now two vacant positions, which would have been up this year anyway. She advised that the application process was underway and would continue until May 29'~'; she further advised that this was a Mayor's appointment process and noted the possible scenarios far selection. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner noted that he was sorry to see Commission Polk leave, as he had done a good job. MOVED BY SCHIFFNER, SECONDED BY KELLEY AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRE5ENT TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF COMMISSIONER POLK. T~€E REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS RECESSED AT 7:59 P.1VI. THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECONVENED AT 8:11. PAGE TEN - CYTY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS Tim Fleming, 17970 Lakeshore Drive, eapressed concernwith a flyer distributed last week which included his name without his permission; and presenting information with which he did not concur. He expressed appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce for their comments, but stressed that he did not appreciate being included in documents that were untrue or incorrect. He advised that he had an issue with City Code Enforcement on their handling of lakefront private property owners who do things that do not benefit the City. He indicated that he went to the City two weeks ago to address his concern, and staff tended to blame the Council for not passing codes or ordinances for enforcement. He further indicated that he was a conscientious homeowner and showed a piece of styrofoam material which was flying around the community from floats on a dock. He commented that the dock was condemned in Canyon Lake in 1996 and moved to Lake Elsinore without a permit. He stressed the chunks of styrofoam being blown about and expressed concern that the City defended the property owners. He expressed concern that there was no place to obtain a day use pass on Friday through Sunday, and his difficulties in accommodating out of town guests. He suggested that the City investigate making the Lake user friendly. George Alongi, 649 Mill Street, indicated that he was present because some rumors were circulating via the local media that EVMWD was depositing dirty reclaimed water in the Lake. I~e stressed that was not the case and indicated that they were not discharging any water ~n to the Lake at this time. He indicated that it was unfair that people made this type of untrue statements and stressed that the use of reclaimed water would be an importanYpilot project. He suggested that the Mayor contact the Water Board President to form a Public Relations Committee to educate the people on Channel3 and stress that there was no danger to the public. Chris d-Iyland, 15191 Wavecrest, advised the public that if they wanted yard signs or flyers they could contact her. She expressed concern that she received a report PAGE ELEVEN - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 today that the ballot box was in the lobby, with the lid being simply pulled up and the ballot dropped in. She questioned why the ballot box was in the lobby and being opened to deposit the ballot; and indicated that she was not sure who to report it to, but she wanted the box locked until she was present to see the ballot count. Edith Stafford, 29700 Hursh Street, advised the City Council and the City Attorney that she was officially requesting a copy of the affidavit signed by Councilwoman Brinley that her grandchild was legally, economically dependent, as well as the enrollment plan with the child's name on it. She addressed the park assessment and indicated that the main concern expressed by the property owners was that there was no swimming pool for the kids, they want their maintenance payments taken over, and only property owners would pay when everyone can use the facilities. She noted that the Council was asking for approval of an assessment where the Council could increase the amount by 3% every year, open ended. She indicated that another concern, under the right to vote on taxes act, was the burden on the City to show the benefit for the public at large. She questioned whether the property owners received more benefit; and stressed the need to demonstrate the benefit, over and above that received by the general public. Barbara Anderson, 304 N. Lewis Street, noted a letter to the Friends of the Library regarding the borrowing of Library funds, which anticipated repayment in four years. She further noted that the repayment had been postponed, but stressed that the Library fund was a dedicated fund. She suggested that with the anticipated budget surplus it was time to begin to repay the loan. She commented that since the original borrowing, many homes had been built and more were anticipated; which should bring the fund to approximately 1/2 million dollars, enough to increase the size of the library. She noted that the library serves a population of over 30,000; and compared it to the facilities available in Wildomar. She further noted that the local library had no adult reading rooms, poor lighting, and staff had to cross the entire library to access the circulation desk. She noted the funding was provided by Friends of the Library to assist the library. She expressed concern that property PAGE TWELVE - CTTY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 owners were being asked to establish another fund, and suggested that it was another deep pocket. Mayor Kelley responded to Ms. Anderson, noting her past involvement with the Friends of the Library. She noted that the Council would be doing a workshop in a couple of weeks, and the library was always foremost on her mind. She further noted that she intended to request the $40,000 as in prior years for replacement of books. She also noted that the future library plans were not for an expansion, but instead a public school libraxy, which is slated for the new high school on Riverside Drive. She commented that it would be a second library for use by students and the public. Michael O'Neal, 1403 Heald, apologized for his manner, and questioned why the City Council had so much contempt for the people of Lake Elsinore; and why they would threaten to and ultimately close neighborhood parks. He suggested that the Council should admit that the creation of this District was a way to raise taxes for the general budget. He questioned who decided that some people get more votes than others; and why a condominium was different from a home owners. He also questioned who decided the benefit unit rate. He suggested that since Mayor Kelley was a renter, she should have abstained from vote on this matter. Mayor Kelley clarified that it was a weighted vote dueto State law. Jim Morris, 15220 Golden Sands, indicated that he bought in a Mello-Roos area, and one more tax is more than the City needs. He commented that the funds should come from the General Fund; but the parks should not have been built if the City could not afford to maintain them in the first place. He also commented that he wanted to get a copy of the Planning Commission Agenda, but expressed concern with the cost of being an informed citizen. He noted that getting copies of the Minutes would cost about $812 to know what was going on. He suggested printing enough copies for the interested residents, as the costs were too high. He concurred with recouping the costs, but he didn't want to see overcharges. Bill Tucker, 740 Acacia, noted a bad school bus accident this morning and PAGE THIRTEEN - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 indicated that he could not see why there was not a seatbelt requirement on school busses. He stressed that something should be done about that situation. He also addressed the stop sign he proposed for Main/Limited. He further noted trash and graffiti in the back yard of the neighbor behind his shop. He indicated that graffiti was getting out of hand. He commented that while he knows money is tight, he suggested extension of the launch ramp while the Lake was still down. He addressed parking on Main Street and questioned why there was no two hour parking limitation, noting complaints by the shop owners. He noted that he visited San Diego and saw their dog park and suggested that one be placed at the end of Main Street; and suggested that this might be a good project for Rotary Club or the Chamber of Commerce. Ken Howard, 17070 Shrier Street, addressed the findings of Proposition 13 and Proposition 62, and stressed that they did not say property owner vote. He expressed concern that the ballot box at City Hall was unlocked, and suggested that it was illegal. He indicated that he had owned his property for 21 years and his road looked like a creek bed. He suggested that he received no benefits, although the City said they cleaned his property; and it took two months to get his money back from the City. He indicated that the Council and the lawyers could not be trusted, and asked for an explanation of how he would benefit from the tax. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Assistant City Manager Best commented on the following: 1) Noted the benefit of public comments to the City and Country. 2) Congratulated the winners in the Neighborhood Pride Program, and expressed appreciation for their efforts. 3) Noted the Proclamation recipients and recognized their efforts. 4) Advised that Planning Commission applications were still available. PAGE FOURTEEN - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 5) Noted the West End Town Hall meeting held last week and thanked the community for the opportunity to discuss their concerns. 6) Advised that the City Manager was attending legislative meetings in Sacramento on behalf of the City. 7) Noted that many positive things were happening in the community, including the Chamber of Commerce activities, and noted that the City's golf team did very well. 8) Addressed Mr. Fleming regarding Lake use passes, and noted they were not available for private property owners to purchase on their own due to competition with other businesses. 9) Addressed Mr. Alongi regarding the issue of reclaimed water; and indicated that the City and Water District were working together and looking forward to putting water into the Lake. 10) Addressed parking on Main Street noting that the issue had been raised several times, and when it was raised the business owners had the same concerns referenced at this meeting regarding the allowance for more business traffic. 11) Addressed the Park Assessment Ballot and clarified that the ballot box was in the front of City Hall, but not the lobby; and stressed that it was behind the public counter. She further stressed that it was a locked drop box, and the only key was with the City Clerk's Office. 5he explained that there was in a slit in the top of the box, so no one could reach back into the box. She also explained that the City Clerk and staff opened the small ballot box nightly to transfer the ballots to the large locked ballot box from the Registrar of Voters office. She explained that the larger box was maintained in the City Clerk's office for increased security over the front office. She noted that there had PAGE FIFTEEN - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 been a lot of questions regarding Propositions 218 and 13, and explained that they mandated how taxes could be levied. She clarified that Proposition 218 allows for a property owners ballot, and not just something the City Council chose to do. She addressed the issue of facilities and concurred that there was no swimming pool, other than the one at the high school, noting that the City would love to see one, but it was not possible at this time. She commented on the letter from the Jarvis organization and noted that it validated the process the City was pursuing. She advised that the total park budget for next year was proposed at about $1.5 million for maintenance of the seventeen parks and recreational facilities. She explained that if the park assessment passes, the dollars would be balanced and the City was obligated to come up with 48.2% of the costs; so if the voters chose to approve the assessment, it would provide the balance. She clarified that the Council voted on the ability for votes to consider the assessment, and stressed that no Councilmember had threatened to close the parks. She stressed that this assessment would provide a guaranteed source of funds, as park and recreation services were not mandated, and the City was not obligated to provide them. She noted that at some point in the future, things might become tight and there would need to be a decision by the Council on how to use the dollars and mandated services need to come first. She noted that if there were further questions on the assessment, there was a public meeting scheduled for May 22"d at 7 p.m. in the Cultural Center, and encouraged attendance. She noted that there were two phone lines dedicated to this issue, extension 214 in English and extension 269 in Spanish; and advised that inforxnation was also available on the website. CITY A'Y"TORNEY COMMENTS No comments. PAGE SIXTEEN - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 COMMITTEE REPORTS None. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilman Buckley commented on the following: 1) Thanked Mr. Tucker for the idea of a dog park. 2) Addressed the Park T~, and reiterated that he was not in favor of it, as the timing was off and he was not a fan of the format. He indicated that it was necessary to make more cuts in the budget before asking the residents for more of their money. 3) Addressed the graffiti issue, and indicated that the only thing to increase in the budget should be to make the graffiti position full- time. 4) Announced that on Tuesdays, beginning on, May 21 S` he would be in City Hall from Noon to 4 p.m., in the City Council Office. He suggested calling the City Clerk's Office by Monday to set up an appointment to come in and talk. He stressed the importance of accessibility. 5) Commented that he wouldn't want to make copies of the whole packet, but suggested it would not be too much of a burden to produce the blue cover sheet and a copy of the staff report. He noted that the agenda was on the website. 6) Noted that Chris Collopy had moved and would no longer be participating on the Wildomar MAC. He congratulated him on his years of service. PAGE SEVENTEEN - CITY COiTNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 7) Commented on the TUIVIF fee discussions, and noted that the City might have its own. He advised the County TUMF fee would probably be $8,000 to $10,000 per house for new homes, and that would not include the $5,000 for the habitat issue. He commented that Lake Elsinore would not be put at a competitive disadvantage because every new house in the County would be paying the same fees; and noted that those people moving to Riverside County were already saving over Orange County, Los Angeles or San Diego. He stressed that this was not a big difference, and the new residents were creating the need. 8) Noted that the City's team in the golf tournament tied for third place, and commented that it didn't do as well as it could have, because Mr. Boone couldn't play. 9) Noted the State budget, and indicated that Governor Davis came out with about a$24 billion dollar deficit. He commented that the City and County levels needed to be very worried about the final outcome. 10) Noted the new Cigarette Tax of $5 per carton was a new source of income for the State. Councilman ~Iickman commented on the following: 1) Expressed pride in his son's graduation from basic training. 2) Noted that he was hoping the Animal Friends contract would be passed, but looked forward to its conclusion at another meeting. 3) Questioned the principles and trust of the City and questioned how the votes would be Counted; and requested a statement of activity from Ca1PERS. PAGE EIGHTEEN - CITY COiTNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 4) Addressed the budget and indicated that he was proactive, not reactive. He addressed the State budget deficit increase and expressed certainty it would hit the local level. He stressed his concerns and suggested a sharp pencil be used to finalize the budget. 5) Noted that when he left on vacation there were big places of steel on Railroad Canyon, but now there were big grooves. He indicated that he would like to see the work finished. 6) Noted problems with his phone and advised the public it should be fixed soon. 7) Advised that he went through Kansas City, Missouri, where he was born; and noted that they had created riverwalk in the downtown area, which made the area boom. He expressed hopes of moving forward on such a project. 8) Indicated that he was not wild about the tax assessment, but suggested that if iY was not passed, the City should increase the user fees to make them pay for the facilities. He suggested going back to Resolution No. 95-7 and increasing the user fees. 9) Indicated that his vacation was good, he ate a lot of seafood and was very glad to be back. He commented that there was no better place to be than Southern California, noting that the bugs, temperatures and humidity were difficult in other areas. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner commented on the following: 1) Noted that he had heard from several different groups including the Chamber of Commerce, Women's Club, etc. and all of the events mentioned were very positive things to be proud of. He fiirther noted that the Council had heard horrible things about the community as PAGE NINETEEN - CITY COi1NCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 well. He suggested that those saying a public official was not trustworthy should know that there are two sides to every picture. He stressed that many people were very happy and a few others were doing their best to run the City. 2) Indicated that voting signs were legal, but expressed concerns with those nailed to the palm trees in the right-of-way on Riverside Drive. He commented that it was illegal to do so and they would probably be torn down. He stressed that no matter what one's opinion was, they should be respectful and place their signs properly. He reminded the community to be aware of public vs. private property and suggested that the owners of several properties were probably never asked. 3) Noted questions regarding Councilwoman Brinley and indicated that everyone would like to know the answers, and they would be found. He indicated that the State had been contacted and assured the public it would be discussed until all were satisfied. 4) Expressed appreciation to Mr. Fleming far his comments, and expressed confidence that he was not involved in the flyers. He indicated that he would look into the dock issue and noted it was a touchy issue with him. He suggested that if regulations were not in place to prevent these concerns, he would look at ways to address them. 5) Addressed Councilman Alongi and the picture about sewage going into the Lake. He indicated that he knew it was not true, but it was a typical example ofgroups of people that use that kind of tactics to run down the City, Water District and Community. He noted that the water which would be placed in the Lake would be clear and free of bacteria and some would be obtained sooner or later when all regulations had been met. PAGE TWENTY - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 6) Commented with regard to closing the parks, it was repeated at the last meeting why the money was being requested, and it was made very clear that there was no threat of closing the parks, but it would free up general fund dollars for other uses. He stressed that this had been explained five or six times. He clarified that a Mello-Roos Assessment was not a tax, but rather a payment on the infrastructure around the property; otherwise the costs would be added on to the cost of the home. 7) Concurred that the school bus situation was terrible, but it was pursuant to State Law, with no City control on the matter. 8) Addressed the launch ramp, noting that the under water elevation of the Lake would not allow for the ramp to be extended; and it would be necessary to dig a trench across the Lake to make it work. He noted that the Lake was at its lowest possible level to allow for operation. 9) Commented that the parking on Main Street had been addressed many times before. 10) Noted that with regard to the t~ benefit, it had been explained by the assessment engineer, butevery property within three miles was considered to have benefit from the facilities. He commented that a lot of the property within three miles of the facilities was outside the City limits, and the City has to pay for that portion of the community. He noted that with regard to the tax benefit, he had five grandchildren who had never gone to a public school, but they have paid property taxes and school taxes anyway. He also commented that he was paying taxes now and had no children in school. 11) Complimented the Police I~epartment on their apprehension of the lady that killed the little boy on a bicycle. He noted that while he PAGE TWENTY-ONE - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 realized it was not her fault, but the problem was not that she did not stay at the scene. He commented that she was a neighbor of the boy. He also noted that the Police Department apprehended a burglar from the Lake Terrace area, and noted the meeting held in that area last week. He commended the Police Department on a job well done. Mayor Kelley commented on the following: 1) Detailed the upcoming events including Cruise Night, Household Hazardous Waste and the Kid's Fishing Derby. 2) Addressed Mr. Alongi's comment regarding reclaimed water and indicated that she would call the Water Board President and set up a meeting. She noted that they had been meeting for several months already, and were making a lot of progress. 3) Indicated that Mrs. Brinley would answer the related questions when she returns. 4) Addressed Councilman Buckley regarding questions at the Town Hall Meeting at Rice Car~yon, which she could not answer at the time. She indicated that she was going to make a personal phone call to answer it, but the flyers came up at this meeting. She indicated that the question was "5houldn't we be answering queries from the public?"; and the questions pertained to public safety and police response. She clarified that the Police Chief in Lake Elsinore answers to the Riverside County Sheriff and the City uses the City Manager form of government. She noted that a lot of people want to run for City Council to run the City, but suggested that they should check the job description, because the Council sets the policy for the City, acts as the visionary and appoints a professional, experienced manager to handle daily operations. She explained that this type of government keeps the City as stable as possible and provide continuity. She PAGE TWENTY-TWO - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 indicated that this form of government was established to do away with the motto, "To the winner, goes the spoils". She indicated that this was the danger of the thought process of a Councilmember thinking they run the City; and stressed that they do not and should not. She noted that there was no education requirement, and no knowledge of government required. She stressed that the only requirements were to live in the City and be a voter. She reiterated that Councilmembers were elected to set policy and direction, but they were present for a term or two, however the staff was here for the long haul. She stressed that staff was hired to provide services as the Council comes and goes. She further stressed the importance of a strong manager and noted that the Council and City get in trouble when they try to run the City and dictate the operation. She also stressed that a strong manager helps to balance the five elected Councilmembers while running the City. She clarified that it took three votes to make the manager do anything, and 'if anyone forages their own path and meets with others, it creates huge issues for the Council and the City; and causes problems when information is not properly shared. She stressed that the council should hire a strong manager and work to build consensus among the Councilmembers. She noted a flyer that attacked City Manager Watenpaugh and blamed him for everything from the Stadium to the drought. She indicated that it contained a lot of misstatements and half-truths, and did not warrant a nit-pickey response. She noted the emphasis in the flyer on his salary and noted that his was the third in the valley corridor, and 27`~' in the County. She clarified that he serves 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at the will of the Council. She noted that the City Manager has over 30 years of government experience doing what he was hired to do. She noted that one of the critical letters was from a person who had been dead for over 100 years. PAGE TWENTY-THREE - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MAY 14, 2002 ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY HICKMAN, SECONDED BY BUCKLEY AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 9:20 P.M. ~,~~//2GG ~ ~ E KELLEY, YOR OF LAKE ELSINORE AT EST: ~.~C.~,~~~`O~'~` . VICKI KASAD, CMC, CITY CLERK/ HUIVIAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE