Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-03-2002 City Council Study SessionMINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2002 CALLED TO ORDER Mayor Kelley called the City Council Study Session to order at 4 :06 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BUCKLEY, HICKMAN, SCHHIF'FNER, KELLEY ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BRINLEY Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, Assistant City Manager Best, Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Development Director Sapp, Community Services Director Sapp, Information/ Communications Manager Dennis, Building and safety Manager Russell and Deputy City Clerk Paredes DISCUSSION ITEMS I Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - 29'h Year. (F:84.2) City Manager Watenpaugh noted that the item was a review, for allocation of funds for FY 2003/04 for the CDBG. He indicated that the timeline was very short this year and the finial figures would be presented at the December I Oh City Council Meeting. Community Services Director Sapp noted that the City was anticipating an allocation of $200,000. He noted that the County was late sending out applications and allowed only 40 working days for the PAGE TWO — STUDY SESSION - DEC. 39 2002 various organizations in the Community to complete and return them. He noted that two agencies did submit and they were HOPE and the Assistance League of Temecula. He explained that there were four programs proposed by the City for funding through the CDBG and they were in the second phase of the Park Restoration Program; Code Enforcement; Dangerous Structure Abatement; and Senior Center Services. He indicated that should Council approve the City's applications there would be a balance of $5,000 and he recommended that HOPE receive $2,500 and the Assistance League of Temecula — Operation School Bell receive $2,500 and explained the mandate of 15% for public services that was allowed by the Community Development Block Grant. Councilman Hickman clarified that there was no chance of getting more money. Community Services Director Sapp explained the 15% allocation and noted that if the City of Temecula did not use the full 15 %, then staff could apply to the County for the remainder and expand the amount that could be used for public services. Karen Wood; Third Vice President of the Assistance League of Temecula presented an overview of their program and noted the amount of disadvantaged children that they clothe each year in the City of Lake Elsinore and Lake Elsinore area. She indicated last year they extended the program to Even Start and Head Start programs. She stated that their main source of funding was from their Thrift Store in Temecula and thanked Council for their consideration of funding. Councilman Hickman asked how much the other cities donate. Ms. Wood presented an overview of the donations received by their organization. Robert Fielding, Chairman of HOPE, presented an overview of their program and explained that they provided meals and clothing for the disadvantaged. PAGE THREE — STUDY SESSION — DEC. 39 2002 Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner noted that last year HOPE was going to start providing clothing for children in the Lake Elsinore area and asked if that program had been implemented. Mr. Fielding stated that they had a program called. Clothes for Kids and noted that his organization provides clothing to disadvantaged students as high as High School level and indicated that they worked in cooperation with Operation School Bell. He noted that they received referrals from Social Services and community connections. Councilman Buckley asked if HOPE and Operation School Bell were providing the same services. Mr.. Fielding explained that his organization provided clothing from October on and worked in :conjunction with Operation School Bell, which provided in September. Mayor Kelley asked if Mrs. Pupura was still in charge of the clothing. Mr. Fielding stated that she was. Councilman Buckley clarified the,amount.that the Senior Center had requested. He asked how much it took to demolish a house. Building and safety Manager Russell stated that for a 1,000 square foot house it cost approximately $6,000 to $8,000. Councilman Buckley clarified the amount available to the City. He questioned the amount of money used for. each building abatement action. Building and Safety Manager Russell stated that it cost $.6,000 to $8,000 per unit depending on size. He suggested allocating money from Structure Abatement to HOPE. Community Services Director explained the 15% allocation and noted that the money; could not be allocated from Structure Abatement. Councilman Buckley suggested less money be allocated from the Senior Center and more allocated to HOPE and Operation School Bell. Councilman Hickman clarified that money could not be allocated from Building Abatement to public services. Community Services Director PAGE FOUR — STUDY SESSION - DEC. 312002 Sapp confumed. He stated that he would like to see HOPE receive more money; however he did not want to deprive the Senior Center of much needed funds since they do feed the elderly. He stated that he would allocate an extra $2,500 to HOPE and take that money from the Senior Center since HOPE fed many people as well. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner stated that he did feel that HOPE provided a necessary service, however he felt that the City had a responsibility to the Senior Center and suggested leaving the funding as recommended. Mayor Kelley asked how much the County contributes to the Senior Center. Community Services Director Sapp stated that this Fiscal Year the City requested $25,000 and received $10,000'from "the County towards the Senior Center. Mayor Kelley questioned what would happen if the amount were reduced from the CDBG'funds. Community Services Director Sapp explained that as part of the budget process, if the amount were reduced from CDBG, then the General Fund would have to make up the deficit. Councilman Buckley noted that last year the City did allocate more money to HOPE from the General Fund at mid -year. City Manager Watenpaugh suggested that staff prepare a report to Council presenting the numbers and showing the impact of reducing the Senior Center to allocate more money to HOPE and Operation School Bell as well as the current recommendation. 2. Downtown Issues: (F :34.2) Mayor Kelley noted that there had been concern regarding street closures and Downtown Businesses. She noted that it would be difficult to make everyone happy and asked that each person should identify themselves, their business name, type of business and hours of operation. PAGE FIVE — STUDY SESSION— DEC. `3, 2002 City Manager Watenpaugh noted that he had provided a report for Council that outlined the concerns expressed by some of the local businesses in the downtown area. He noted that the concerns regarding the tree lights on Main Street had been resolved and would be turned on at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony; additional cleaning on Main Street had been addressed; and the availability of Economic Gardening for the Downtown Businesses. He noted that staff was working to' get a sign on the freeway and Parking on Main Street would be addressed at a later time. He listed the following options as Potential Alternatives: 1. Cancel permit and eliminate monthly street closures. 2. Do nothing. Allow events to continue. 3. Allow events to continue, and a. Assure sidewalks are clear for access to stores and shops. b. Assist businesses with Economic Gardening to increase business. c. Install freeway signs for Historic Downtown. d. Assist and encourage cross marketing with downtown business /Outlet Center stores /Stadium/campgrounds. 4. Relocate the Street Fair and Car Show. a. Main Street - Graham to City Park, including City Park. b. Outflow Channel. c. Out of Downtown. Roger Pollack, Lake Elsinore Tire and Auto, 420 N. Main Street, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Rose's Recollections, 122 & 124 N. Main Street, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, stated that he felt that the Street Fair, Car Show, and Rod Run were a positive exposure for the Downtown area. Gene Barber, End of Trail Trader, 102 S. Main, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week, and President of the Downtown Merchants Association; indicated that the proceeds from the Street Fair and Car Show were used to sponsor Students in Government, Safe Candy PAGE SIX — STUDY SESSION DEC. 3 2002 Night, COPS for Kids, and free fingerprinting, and pictures for the children of the community. He noted that the organization advertised the Historic Downtown Area with no help from City Hall. Councilman Buckley asked how much was collected from the Street Fair and the Car Show for the activities they support. Mr. Barber stated that it was approximately half. Donna Lucas, Collectors Corral, 133 N. Main Street, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week, stated that she was one of the founders of the Street Fair and noted the amount of people that attend the Fair and Car Show from all over the Southern California area. She noted improvements on Main Street due to the Street Fair. She stated that she felt that it promoted the City and stated that on Fair day it did not necessarily bring in business; however the people did come back to shop and it offered a view of Main Street that would not otherwise be seen. She stated her opposition to moving the location of the Fair or Car Show. Joe Mendoza, 169 N. Main Street; Enchanted Treasurers, next to the Cultural Center, 10:00 am. to 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week, spoke in favor of the Street Fair and Car Show. He stated that it brought pride to the Downtown area and allowed the opportunity for the Merchants to show how nice the Downtown area was. Bill Tucker, 200 S. Main Street, Whiskers Bait and Tackle, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 6 days a week, spoke in favor of the Street Fair and Car Show. He stated that he felt that it promoted the Downtown Area and offered the opportunity to:introduce the City to people that might not otherwise see what the City had to offer. Randy Hoffla, used to have a shop on Main Street, and stated that he supported the Car Show and Cruise Night and volunteered his time and money to promote the Downtown area. He noted his support for COPS for Kids and that people came'from all over for the Car Show PAGE SEVEN — STUDY SESSION — DEC. 39 2002 and it helps to keep Main Street clean and safe. He stated his support for the restaurants on Main Street. He stated his opposition to opening the streets or moving the event. He commented that it would defeat the purpose of maintaining the promotion of Main Street. Donna Morran, President of the Lake Elsinore Historical Society, 106 S. Main Street, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily, spoke in favor of the Street Fair and Cruise Night, She noted the amount of donations that the event generate for their organization and stated that people who attend were interested in the City and enjoyed coming. Ruth Atkins, Lake Elsinore Historical Society spoke in favor of the Street Fair and Car Show. Joe Torres, 110 S. Main Street, Stephanie's, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week, spoke in favor of the Street Fair and Car Show. He stated that if it wasn't broke, why fix it.. He noted that 40% of his income was generated from the Street Fair and Car Show. He noted the problem with parking, however he commented that it only one day _a month and was worth the exposure that it brought to the City. He stated that daily parking was an issue and should be addressed. Richardo Solano, 105 N. Main Street, Guadalajara Restaurant, Main Street, 10:00 a.m. to 10 :00 p.m., 7 days a week, commented that he did not have anything against the Car Show or the Street Fair; however he would like to see them moved up the street to allow access to regular customers on Main Street. Tahch Le, La Tre Restaurant, 123 N. Main Street, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 7 days a week, stated that he moved to Lake Elsinore because of the events and the people that it attracted. He stated that he felt the Street Fair and Car Show promoted pride in the area and noted that although the events affected some businesses, it brought exposure and people returned to the City. PAGE EIGHT — STUDY SESSION -DEC. 3,'2002 Fred Dominguez, Elsinore Barber Shop, 115 N. Main Street, 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; 6 days a week, stated that he would like to see Main Street kept open except for Special Events. He agreed that it was necessary to attract new customers; however it is also necessary to keep old customers as well. He commented that he was not opposed to the events; however he was opposed to the street closures. Mr. Mendoza noted a letter that had been submitted with approximately 35 signatures of local businesses that wish to keep the street open. Mayor Kelley questioned the time for the street closure for the Car Show. Mr. Barber stated that the streets were blocked off at 2:00 p.m. and the cars start arriving at 3:00 p,m. and ended at 8:00 p.m. He noted that in January, February and March the show will end earlier. Mayor Kelley asked if the committee would be willing to start the show earlier to allow the downtown to be opened for the dinner hour. Mr. Barber stated that he would take it up with the committee and get back to the Mayor. He noted that several of the people,that participated in the Car Show drove in from long distances and there was a possibility that it could hurt the show to start at an earlier time. City Manager stated that he would schedule a meeting with Mr; Haffla to discuss the impacts of different hours and bring a report back to Council. Mr. Barber noted the hours for the Street Fair. Mayor Pro -Tem Schffner stated that he would be interested in hearing the input regarding different hours. Councilman Hickman stated: that parking was a problem, however the City had two parking lots and he asked if they were utilized during the events. Mr. Barber stated that the parking lots were posted "and "people were encouraged to use them. PAGE NINE — STUDY SESSION - DEC. 39 2002 Councilman Buckley asked if any of the businesses developed a spread sheet to see what impact the Street Fair and Car Show had on their businesses. Mr. Barber stated that his business did well on some days and not so well in others; however people came back to the City to shop. Councilman Hickman stated that he was a businessman and he commented that if the events helped increase sales then they could thank the Downtown Merchants Association for the Street Fair and Car Show if it brought people back. He commented that parking was a problem and asked staff to make some alternate time suggestions' regarding the Car Show. Councilman Buckley stated that the issues he noted were the need to improve the quality of the vendors; keep the sidewalks fee and clear and provide better directional signs for parking. Mayor Kelley noted that the issues were a "no win" for Council; since not everyone would -be happy with Council's decisions. She commented that the intent of the Street Fair and Car Show were to bring people to the Downtown area to improve business and create repeat customers. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that the item would be brought back to Council on the first Regular City Council Meeting in January and encouraged anyone with a suggestion to contact him at City Hall. ADJOURNMENT THE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:25 P.M. PAGE TEN STUDY SESSION EC. ,312002 cy GENIE KELLEY, MAYOR CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE Respectfully submitted, dri L. Paredes „Deputy City Clerk i:SAD, CMC, CITY CLERK/ HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE