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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-2000 City Council/RDA Study SessionMINUTES CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY STUDY SESSION CITY OF LAKE ELSIN032E 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, AUGUST S, 2000 *~~*~********~*~~~***+*~~~*~~*~~****+*~*~**~~*~***+*******~*~*~*~*~ CALL TO ORDER The City Council Study Session was called to order by Mayor Brinley at 4:00 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: KELLEY, SCHIFFNER, BRINLEY ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: METZE, PAPE Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, Assistant City Manager Best, City Attorney Leibold, Community Development Director Brady, Information/Communications Director Dennis and City Clerk/Human Resources Directar Kasad. DISCUSSION a. A~enda Review. (F:44.3) Presentations City Manager Watenpaugh noted that the normal procedure is to notice a public hearing two weeks before the hearing, and noted that the Outlet Center Public Hearing would be in two weeks, based on their willingness to proceed at that time. Mayor Brinley inquired if former Planning Commissioner Sands would be present for recognition. City Clerk Kasad indicated that he would not be present. Mayor Brinley indicated that she would offer thanks, even in his absence and have his plaque delivered to him. Mayor Brinley noted that Jeanie Corral would be present to discuss the Unity in the Community parade. Mayor Brinley requested details on the Economic Development Corporation award. City Manager Watenpaugh explained that Ken Seumalo, Rich Hess, Robin Chipman and Duane Morita played on the City team against the cities of Murrieta and Temecula and the County of Riverside; and won the tournament. City Manager Watenpaugh noted that Ken Seumalo would be leaeing the City for a better opportunity. Mayor Brinley indicated she was sorry to receive this information and requested that his personnel file reflect the City°s appreciation of his efforts. PAGE TWO - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - AUGUST 8, 2000 Consent Calendar City Manager Watenpaugh noted that there might be someone from the community present to discuss the plaque for the fire station; and noted a conversation with a Code Enforcement Officer over the public. Mayor Brinley indicated that the fire station had already been named and the plaque information determined. She stressed that this had been in the works for three or four months, so she would recommend listening and moving on. Councilwoman Kelley questioned Item #3 regarding the Restroom Renovation Contract for the Community Center. Councilman Schiffner noted the wide spread of prices. Councilwoman Kelley noted that the new acoustic walls had been done and inquired if it was an improvement. City Manager Watenpaugh confirmed that it was an improvement. Councilwoman Kelley questioned the source of the grant funds. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that they were Community Development Block Grant Funds. Councilwoman Kelley inquired if the green awnings were being replaced. Staff confirmed. Mayor Brinley questioned Item # 5 regarding Needle Cricothyroidotomy. City Manager Watenpaugh explained the procedure. Councilwoman Kelley questioned why the procedure was not being done. Councilman Schiffner noted that 'the County does not permit the procedure. City Manager Watenpaugh clarified that Riverside County is not the only area to not allow the procedures; and noted that EMS personnel in San Diego County are not allowed to use it either. He further clarified that Riverside County has not allowed the procedure to date, but indicated that it was possible to ask them to consider it as an option. He stressed that the County has the authority to make that decision. Councilman Schiffner suggested that this item be pulled for explanations. Mayor Brinley stressed that it was just offering another alternative treatment. Councilwoman Brinley stressed that this was an alternative procedure. Councilwoman Kelley noted that this request was prompted by a fatality in Temecula. City Manager Watenpaugh clarified that he was not certain this would have saved the person. Mayor Brinley questioned Item #6. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that it was ratification of the funding for the Senior Center, which has already been approved, but now requires ratification. Mayor Brinley indicated that she would like to pull Item #8 for an update and noted a conversation over the weekend with a Wildomar resident, who suggested that the City was holding up the project. She indicated that she would like to emphasize the City's willingness to cooperate. City Attorney Leibold indicated that, as she remembered, the County's time frame was for the project to start the end of September; and indicated that she believed that the properties would be acquired in time to prevent delays in the County plans. Councilman Schiffner suggested that any opportunity to explain what PAGE THREE - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - AUGUST 8, 2000 was happening on the project would be worthwhile. Councilwoman Kelley noted that this issue was mentioned in an article on Saturday. Councilman Schiffner indicated that he met with NIr. Bowen from the top of the hill and he had questions about a variety of issues, including his understanding of the palm tree removal issue. He noted that much misunderstanding was coming from the articles in the newspapers. Mayor Brinley indicated that she would pull items 5 and 8, to allow City Manager Watenpaugh and City Attorney Leibold address and clarify them. Mayor Brinley indicated that she felt there would be significant discussion of Item #31 regarding Animal Control Services. She expressed particular concern with determining the requirement for canvassing. City Attomey Leibold indicated that she was unfamiliar with such a mandate; and commented that she wished that this information had been shared in advance of the meeting. She expressed hopes that she could clarify the issue before the meeting. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that staff had requested that they bring the legal documentation on this issue. Councilman Schiffner noted the cost analysis which shows that the City receives more services than it pays for. He suggested that it might be appropriate to approve the increase in funding, but require that they come back ne~ year with better documentation. Mayor Brinley indicated that she would like to see them go to a fiscal year system, so the mid-year budget review could address increased funding needs; and the Council could plan ahead better without going into the - reserves. She e~ressed concern with the mileage factors for a new van and noted that the City Manager's car far exceeds that mileage factor. Councilman Schiffner stressed that the costs are exceeding what the City pays; and noted that he felt the City intended to pay its fair share, but wanted to be assured of what was occurring. Mayor Brinley stressed the need for a fiscal year budget. City Manager Watenpaugh added that one of the things that would be helpful and appropriate based on the size of the agency would be an annual certified audit. Mayor Brinley indicated that she had no problem with the $10,000 increase for everything they provide, but they are becoming a major operation in the valley. She stressed the importance of getting a good idea of what each city was paying. There was general discussion of funding issues. City Manager Watenpaugh noted the proposed actions, but suggested that Council could propose another motion as well. Mayor Brinley noted that she spoke with a woman who had an indoor cat and was approached at her door; and noted that this was to occur in other cities as well, but the Councils did not agree. Councilman Schiffner suggested that it might be appropriate to wait for a bigger objection before taking action. He indicated that he supported licensing as it appears to save the lives of pets. Councilwoman Kelley suggested not revisiting this issue. Mayor Brinley indicated that she would not have an issue with it, except that it was pushed PAGE FOUR - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - AUGUST 8, 2000 ' harder in the City of Lake Elsinore, than in other cities. Councilman Schiffner questioned the need to open that issue at the Council meeting. City Manager Watenpaugh clarified that the Council would need to make a motion to encompass everything they want done. Councilman Schiffner suggested that if the issue of cat licensing comes up, it should be directed to a study session to go through it again. Councilwoman Kelley indicated that she didn't feel that there was a direction on cat licensing at this time. She further indicated that she didn't mind the $10,000, but would like to look at the canvassing issue. Mayor Brinley stressed the need far an official audit, and indicated that she does not like going back into the reserves. Councilwoman Kelley suggested that cat licensing was effective. Councilman Schiffner indicated that unless a lot of people get up and make heavy requests, the cat licensing issue should be left alone as much as possible. City Manager Watenpaugh requested clarification that the Council was looking at the contract as it is proposed, the $10,000 increase and a review of the canvassing process. Councilman Schiffner concurred and suggested revisiting the agreement ne~ year based on new accounting procedures and a certified audit. City Manager Watenpaugh requested clarification on the canvassing issue. Councilman Schiffner indicated that he would like justification for this process. Councilwoman Kelley indicated that she would prefer that they didn't canvass. City Manager Watenpaugh suggested that canvassing could be limited to seeing a stray dog in the field, and allowing them to check it out; but not allow them to go door to door for canvassing. City Attorney Leibold noted that they were charging the City personnel costs for canvassing as well. Mayor Brinley noted that the City Attorney was not aware of the canvassing requirements, and indicated that she would like that issue clarified. She suggested that they might have been over zealous in pursuing this issue. Councilman Schiffner stressed the need for justification, and suggested that otherwise it might be a fund-raising issue. Mayor Brinley stressed that the law had been requested and not yet received; and indicated at this time she could not justify the canvassing. Councilman Schiffner indicated that his biggest concern with canvassing was how it reflected on the overall costs; and stressed the need for more information next year. Mayor Brinley indicated that she did not have a problem with cat licensing at this time, but stressed the need for an audit and budgetary information. City Attorney Leibold clarified that there was an existing ordinance for cat licensing, and any action would need to include direction far staff to bring back appropriate documentation. City Manager Watenpaugh stressed that the contract being discussed was with the Council and reiterated that the Council had the authority to provide direction to staff. Councilwoman Kelley inquired if cat licensing was a hot button for anyone else on the Council. Councilman Schiffner indicated that he would like to PAGE FIVE - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - AUGUST S, 2000 hear more discussion of the benefits of cat licensing in order to address it; but noted that those paying fees would not like it either way. Mayor Brinley noted that Item #32 dealt with designating the voting delegate and the flag carrier for the League Annual Conference. Mayor Brinley indicated that she had discussed Item #33 with the City Attorney and found that it was possible to appoint two Nuisance Abatement Hearing Officers at the Gouncil Meeting. She suggested George Rivera and David Cheney, noting that they both applied for Planning Commission and did very well, and are very interested in working with the City. Mayor Brinley noted that the selection of three people would require a xevision of the Municipal Code. Councilwoman Kelley suggested appointment of Tim Crawford as an alternate officer. Community Development Director Brady clarified the Code, noting that it reads Planning Commissioners or other persons as appointed by the City Manager. City Attorney Leibold indicated that she would like to look at the Code prior to the meeting to be sure of the requirements. Mayor Brinley questioned the ability to appoint an alternate. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that it was not included in the Code, but indicated that there shouldn't be a problem for him to serve as an alternate. Councilman Schiffner noted that it might be appropriate to consider changing the Ordinance in some manner to allow for three representatives; and suggested that the manner of appointment should be changed when possible. Mayor Brinley inquired if this appointment was for a period of four years. Community Development Director Brady indicated that there was no set term. Mayor Brinley suggested a two year service period. Councilman = Schiffner suggested that the term could be included when the ordinance is revised. Mayor Brinley suggested that the term be set at two years, with a review prior to continuing for additional time. City Attorney Leibold indicated that she would review this issue further and advise the Council of any problems prior to the Council meeting. Mayor Brinley indicated that Item #34 regarding the Statement of Cooperation with EVMWD was a great door of opportunity to build a bridge. Councilman Schiffner noted that upon review of the proposed statement, there should be nothing to offend anyone. City Manager Watenpaugh noted • that staff and Council had reviewed the document and the press was provided a copy earlier today, due to the sensitivity of issues with EVMWD. He noted that EVMWD would be considering the same statement on August 9`~'. Mayor Brinley noted that Item #35 regarding the towing ordinance was proposed for continuance for resolution of outstanding issues. Councilman Schiffner questioned the problems with the ordinance. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that staff went back and met with the towing companies and they had an issue with the franchise fee. He further indicated that they wanted to see a complete franchise agreement, which had now been prepared, but another meeting was pending. City Attorney Leibold indicated that the documents had been prepared and reviewed, but Chief Walsh was trying to assure that everyone had a chance to comment. She indicated that it PAGE SIX - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - AUGUST 8, 2000 would come back to Council as soon as possible. Committee Reports Councilwoman Kelley noted that she had been attending the Chamber meetings and could comment on their activities. Councilwoman Kelley indicated that she was not aware of the Joint Powers Insurance Authority meetings. Staff clarified that they are quarterly and Administrative Services Director Boone had been attending on behalf of the Council. Councilman Schiffner requested that Assistant City Manager Best comment on the Economic Development Corporation. Assistant City Manager Best indicated that she did receive their annual report and could provide an update. Mayor Brinley noted that the ne~ Crime free multi-housing seminar was scheduled for Thursday, August 10'i'; and nine property managers were pre- registered. Councilwoman Kelley indicated that the Satisfy 2020 Meeting would be on August 11~'. Councilman Schiffner noted that he received a copy of the agenda for' that meeting, but he was not on the distribution list. Councilwoman Kelley noted that Community Development Director Brady also attended these meetings. Councilman Schiffner noted a meeting at WRCOG yesterday on the multi- species issue. City Attorney Leibold noted some of the City Attorneys met last week with County Counsel to address CEQA issues raised by John McClendon. She advised that Murrieta, Temecula, the County and Lake Elsinore were present at the meeting; and the legal consensus was that the regional fee constitutes a project so the CEQA requirements will need to be satisfied. Councilman Schiffner noted that WRCOG has a variety of committees with a variety of ineetings. Councilwoman Kelley noted that her committee had not met in six months, but the technical committee had been meeting regularly. Councilman Schiffner commented that it seemed a number of groups were studying the Integrated Plan and Multi-species issues. City Manager Watenpaugh concurred that the County, cities and WRCOG were all addressing it. Closed Session City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that the Closed Session discussion this evening would be quite long. City Attorney Leibold highlighted the items for discussion; and noted that the Cleveland Ridge item would be postponed, unless a ruling was received this afternoon. Mayor Brinley thanked staff for their participation in the agenda review. PAGE SEVEN - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - AUGUST 8, 2000 ADJOURNMENT The Study Session was adjourned at 4:46 p.m. / ~~~ ' ~ '' -~ PAMELA B EY, MAYa CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE ATTEST: ~ VICHI KASAD, MC, CITY CLERK CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE