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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-20-1999 City Council/RDA Joint Study SessionMINiJTES CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY JOINT STUDY SESSION 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA THURSDAY, MAY 20,1999 ........................................................................, CALL TO ORDER Mayor/Boardmember Kelley called the Joint Study Session to order at 3:10 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilwoman/Chairwoman Brinley led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBER/ BOARDMEMBER: BRINLEY, PAPE, SCHIFFNER, KELLEY ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER/ BOARDMEMBER METZE (Mayor Pro Tem Metze arrived at the Meeting at 3:25 p.m.) Also present were: City ManagerBxecutive Director Watenpaugh, Assistant City Manager Best, City Attorney/Legal Counsel Leibold Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Services Director Sapp, Community Development Director Brady, Lieutenant Horton Building and Safety Manager Russell, Public Works Manager Payne and City Clerk Kasad. PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDIZED ITEMS None DISCUSSION ITEM Proposed Fiscal Year 1999-2000 Budeet. (F:30.1) City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh reminded Council that they have an adopted Financial Plan and the benefits of the Plan are ' beginning to have an impact. He presented Proposed Budget and stated he attempted to adjust the funds to the areas that Council wished to have addressed and the items from last year's Budget that needed adjustment to continue services. He explained that he has presented a summary of the current and Proposed Budged of revenues and e~enses. He further explained that he is presenting a Capital Projects Budget, however it is not complete since there are projects PAGE TWO - JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY 20,1999 from this year that will be carried forward and new project that the City has committed itself to informally. He noted that this gives Council the opportunity to finalize those projects. He noted a project that the City is working on with RCTC and gaining advanced Measure "A" funds for One Million dollars that would allow the City to do three or four major projects. He noted that the projects could include the renovation of Machado Street; Lake Street improvements from Lakeshore to the Freeway; and renovation of Railroad Canyon Road. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that there is still some concern regarding the Lake Elsinore Recreation Authority Lease Payment due in August 2001, for a little over a million dollars. He further noted the expenses of the new Fire Station, which will create a need for new revenues. He noted that the reserve is looking better and the RDA is projected to be in the Black. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh noted the General Fund revenues and expenditures with a small surplus of $103,000 left at the end of this fiscal year, which added to the Reserve, would total $2,733,689. He presented an overview of the revenues and expenses from the General Fund; Redevelopment Agency; Lighting Landscape and Maintenance District; and Lake Operations Campground. Mayor Pro Tem/Boardmember Metze asked if the Budget reflected the potential future income from the Ford Dealership. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that it does. Councilman/Boardmember Pape asked if the apparent shortage should reflect a zero balance instead of -$118,205 since it will be balanced from the reserve. Administrative Services Director Boon stated that the City has always used the reserves to balance the budget for the last four years and this year is the lowest amount that has been presented. He stated that it could reflect that on the actual final budget. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that this report was intended to show Council where the City is short and long and can be balance with the reserve. He noted that staff is working to separate the Campground and the Lake Operations, however the Campground deficit is approximately $213,417, with a total deficit of $210,222. He stated that if revenues continue to increase, there would be additional monies. Mayor/Boardmember Kelley noted that there are several organizations interested in bringing in year-round events, which would generate income. She asked where the City is at this point. City Manager/ . Executive Director Watenpaugh explained that staff is warking with the different organizations and noted the time constraints that are being discussed. CouncilmanBoardmember Pape PAGE THREE - JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY 20,1999 noted some activities that were approved two City Council Meetings ago and asked if those were factored into the budget as potential revenue. Community Services Director Sapp stated that he has not since it is too hard to figure the total outcome. Councilman/ Boardmember Pape asked the status of the RFP for the Campground. City Manager/Executive Directar Watenpaugh stated that it is in place and is waiting for Council direction. Councilman/ Boardmember Pape stated that he felt that the staff should move forward with this. City Manager Watenpaugh/Executive Director explained that this would eliminate the deficit on the Campground by several Hundred Thousand dollars. Councilman/Boardmember Schiffner asked if the Lake Operations and the Campground were separated which deficit would that most reflect that action. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that the Campground is currently operating in a deficit because there is no launch facility and people go elsewhere. He noted that the Lake Operations would be nearly self-supporting at this point. Councilwoman/Chairwoman Brinley asked what revenue was generated by the Boat Launch for last fiscal year. Community Services Director Sapp stated that $50,000 was generated just for launches for the last fiscal year. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that the Boat Launch has generated $55,125 through April 1999 and Day Use Passes are $145,347 through April 1999. Administrative' Services Director Boone stated that it is being projected at $184,000 revenue for Day Use Passes for next year. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that the total revenues projected from the Lake and Campground together are $478,253. He noted the revenues by Major Categories for 1998-1999 and 1999-2000. Mayor Pro Tem/ Boardmember Metze commented that the numbers were very conservative. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that he is conservative and noted that in last year's budget we received one-time money and that reflects on the future budget. He noted that if the sales tax is larger or the Assessors Office increases property tax then it could be adjusted accordingly. Councilwoman/Chairwoman Brinley questioned the category of "Other Tax". Administrative Services Director Boone stated that this includes Franchise Tax, Business License Tax, Property Transfer Tax and Transit Occupancy Ta~c. CouncilmanBoardmember Pape commented that Sales Tax is the largest source of income. City ManagerBxecutive Director Watenpaugh stated that in a comparison most people think that their property tax is high and yet only a small portion of it comes to the City which amounts to appro~mately $870,000, however sales tax ' will generate approximately $3,300,000 which is only $500,000 short of covering the City's Public Safety budget. MayorBoardmember Kelley stated that she would like to review the dollars for the parks. She further stated that she would like to see the PAGE FOUR - JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY 20,1999 parks restored to their previous condition before the City takes on anything new. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh noted that the Park's Budget allowed $265,000 and this was not adequate to do even minimal maintenance and the actual amount that will be spent will be approximately $290,000. He noted that next year's budget is calling for $325,000. Mayor/Boardmember Kelley asked what impact that will ha~e on the parks. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated the $325,000 would return watering and fertilization to 95%. Mayor/Boardmember Kelley asked it that would include the over-seeding that was not done this year. City Manager/ Executive Director Watenpaugh explained that the parks have been watered at 100% for the last weelc and one-half to see how much of the turf would come back before the money is spent on fertilization and seeding. He noted that Public Warks now has a good idea of what the turf is going to look like and how each park will have to be addressed. He noted that this would restore the maintenance and operations of the parlcs back to 95%, however it will not restore the Parks Maintenance staff that the City had in the past and will have to remain under contract. Councilwoman/Chairwoman Brinley clarified the maintenance of the parks. Mayor Pro TemBoardmember Metze questioned the condition of the trees at the parks. City Manager/ Executive Director Watenpaugh explained that the City has lost at least twelve trees through a laclc of water, which does not include vandalism. He explained that staff has been working with Edison auditing all of the park facilities which include all of the lights which are monitored by timing devices. He noted that through their new billing system it would allow the City to save as much as 50% of our electrical cost. He noted that this would reduce the cost to the user groups for lighting. He explained that there is a down side to this action since the user groups have access to the storage facilities at the different parks and have utilized energy for ice machines and refrigeration as well as other things that require energy. He noted that in order to get the reductions they will have to cease using that energy. He suggested that they might be able to install their own meter box for the storage and by that action, allow the reduction in the lighting fees. Mayor Pro TemBoardmember Metze stated that the different user groups tend to be cooperative and should not mind using an alternate energy source. Councilwoman/Chairman Brinley stated that she has always found the user groups to be most cooperative. City Manager/ Executive Director Watenpaugh noted that staff turned the maintenance of the restrooms at the parks over to the user groups and this has had less than satisfactory results both for the user groups and the public. He noted that as a result staff has reshuffled dollars in the Parks budget to contract with Excel to do the maintenance. He noted that he feels that Excel has not done the job that is needed, therefore staff has readjusted the budget and took the money to hire part time PAGE FIVE - JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY 20, 1999 staff to have the bathrooms cleaned on a regular basis. Councilman/ Boardmember Pape noted that the majority of use is on the weekend and if someone should be assigned during that time and less time can be spent the rest of the week. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh explained that staff would eliminate the extra money from Excel contract and the money could be used to hire part time staff to clean on a regular basis. MayorBoardmember Kelley asked how much the user groups have paid in lighting fees. Community Services Director Sapp stated that they have paid approximately $8,000 for the entire year. MayorBoardmember Kelley asked if the City was still collecting the $10 fee for "out of City" residents and how much has been collected to date. Community Services Directar Sapp stated that it has been just a small amount and is approximately $1,500. MayorBoardmember Kelley asked if Ortega Trails Recreation and Park District ceases to exist what impact would this have on the City. Community Services Directar Sapp stated that he could not answer that at this time since the boundaries would have to be redone. There was general discussion regarding the use of park facilities and the disposition of services now provided by Ortega . Trails. MayorBoardmember Kelley asked that staff stay on top of the situation regarding Ortega Trails and keep Council appraised of the ongoing situation and possible solutions. MayorBoardmember Kelley asked if the figure in the budget reflected the increased cost for Police. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that it did. Mayor Pro Tem/ Boardmember Metze commented on the increase of cost far Police each year just to maintain the same level of service and is a major concern. City Manager/Executive Director explained the services that are received without extra cost. Councilwoman/Chairman Brinley stated that the City saves a considerable amount of money on Police benefits and facilities cost. Councilman/Boardmember Pape noted that if the cost of Fire and Police is added together it comes to $4.2 million, which is 42% of the entire General Fund budget. He commented that it is a significant part of the budget. Councilwoman/ Chairman Brinley noted for the Press is that almost half of the General Fund budget goes for Public Safety. Mayor Pro TemBoardmember Metze stressed that there has been a$350,000 increase from last year and it is for the same level of service. There was general discussion regarding Public Safety and its related costs. Lieutenant Horton noted that the primary reason for the increase was the contract negotiated by the Riverside County Sheriff's Association that includes a 20% increase over a three-year period. He explained that the first year is for 12% to 14% and then tapers off and the largest amount of the increase is in this Fiscal Year and then it will decrease. He noted that the raises were based upon benchmarks throughout the State of PAGE SIX - JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY 20,1999 California and explained that Riverside County has been one of the lowest paid Departments in Southern California for years and the raise has now put the Department in a competitive market. CouncilBoard concurred with the need to pay the officers a competitive wage. Administrative Services Director Boone explained that the Police contract is for $78.44 per, and if the price were based on Orange County it would be approximately $150 per, therefore the cost is more than reasonable. Councilwoman/Chairwoman Brinley stated that she felt that the raise is cost was reasonable. Lieutenant Horton gave an overview of the services provided and the number of officers. He noted the advantage of having the Sheriff's Station in the City and the visibility of the officers as they enter and leave the City. Councilwoman/Chairwoman Brinley commented that the crime rate is down in the City and the quality of Law Enforcement is directly responsible for that. There was general discussion regarding the new Sheriff's Facility behind the Community Center. Mayor/ Boardmember Kelley questioned the raise in Weed Abatement costs. Administrative Services Director Boone explained that there was a raise in the contract. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that staff has recently received news that the City's CDBG funds are going to be a little more than had been expected. He noted that staff has proposed to place an additional $5,000 in Structure Abatement and $9,000 in Code Enforcement which is over an above the money currently allocated to those items. He noted that the funds could be used for the demolition of the old Lions building to allow development of a parking lot. Mayor/Boardmember Kelley questioned the allocation of funds for the Community Center and asked if there were going to be new programs coming on line. Community Services Director Sapp eaplained that there are a few new programs as well as allowances for maintenance and operation of the building. Councilman/Boardmember Pape noted that the Travel and Meeting Expense does not include Policy Committee Meetings for himself and Mayor Kelley as well as trips to Sacramento and Washington D.C. regarding the Lake. He explained that there might be times when the Mayor and R.D.A. Chairwoman may have to go to Sacramento to work toward gaining funds from the State Water. Bond. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that he would look at past expenses to address this issue. There was general discussion regarding the merits of attending Conferences as well as having Planning Commission in attendance. Mayor/Boardmember Kelley asked that Council decides who would attend, then staff can budget accardingly. There was general discussion regarding travel. PAGE SEVEN - JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY 20,1999 Councilwoman/Chairwoman Brinley questioned the status of pool vehicles. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that no money has been budgeted for pool cars and the cars that the City currently owns are not satisfactory for long distance travel. Councilwoman/Chairman Brinley suggested that this item be addressed in next year's budget. Mayor Pro TemBoardmember Metze noted the condition of the buildings at Public Works and the fact that the Mechanic's building is in very bad shape. City Manager/ Executive Director Watenpaugh sated that it is a problem and eaplained that they have the mechanic come in early in the morning and leave at noontime since there is no air-conditioning in the building and it becomes too hot to work. There was general discussion regarding the revenue of the City. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh gave an overview of the Redevelopment Agency Budget. Mayor Pro TemBoardmember Metze asked for clarification of the reserve in the General Fund. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh clarified the amount that will be in the reserve in the next budget year. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh gave an overview of the Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District Budget. He noted that the Assessment Engineer would be presenting a letter of intention at the City Council Meeting June 21, with the public hearing to be held July 13. He explained that this is a revenue in and revenue out budget. City ManagerBxecutive Director Watenpaugh explained that the Lake Park and Recreation Enterprise Fund is being presented to give the City Council a better grasp on how the funds are handled in that department. He stressed that the fact that they are in the process of separating the budgets for the Lake and the Campground and that ~vill be brought back for City Council consideration at a latter time. Councilman Metze commended staff for a job well done and stated that there was really nothing that could be changed since staff is following the financial plan. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that several items in the Capital Projects budget are still being evaluated. He further stated that that staff is trying to get an advance on the Measure "" funds to add three or four more major project. He explained that staff is still trying to ascertain the costs of the different project. He clarified the exact location of the Main Street project. PAGE EIGHT - JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY 20,1999 Councilwoman/Chairwoman Brinley asked if staff has been in contact with EVMWD, so that when they have to do a major project the City is not paving streets and then ha~ing to go back and repair them after EVMWD has completed their projects. She stated that the roadways should be repaved from centerline to curb when the street is opened which has not been done. There was general discussion regarding the encroachment of the streets by EVMWD and the pa~ing closure that was done. Mayor Pro tem/Boardmember Metze stated that he was under the impression that the final was to be brought back before Council and was not. Councilwoman/Chairwoman Brinley stated that if the City is going to repave the streets, then a policy should be set so that a contractor does not come behind and tear up the streets that were just paved. She noted that when that has happened, the contractor does not go back and do the best job and the streets are less than acceptable. Councilman/Boardmember Schiffner stated that opening the streets after paving is a universal problem and can only be addressed through a long-range program, and even then it doesn't work because of different budgets and a~ailable funding periods. He noted that the problem is the quality and that is the currentproblem that this Council faces. City ManagerBxecutive Director Watenpaugh eaplained that he met with the different utility compa~y representatives this morning and encroachment was discussed. He pointed out that Bob Stover our Public Works inspector has been implementing full intersection being paved and the current projects are being required to do half streets. Councilwoman/Chairwoman Brinley stated that staff might need to implement an ordinance that would require half paving of streets and the engineering designs of the different contractors would include that in their specifications. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that he could bring back the cost for a study to implement an ordinance to address that issue. Mayor Pro Tem/Boardmember Metze concurred. Jody Crawford stated that she lives near Gunnerson and Riverside Drive and explained that after the flooding and the raising of Riverside Drive, Gunnerson became a dirt street and this has caused serious traffic problems. She aslced that Council consider making the pa~ing of Gunnerson and the other streets that were washed out in the flood a priority on list. Councilwoman/Chairwoman Brinley stated that she was aware of Gunnerson and Shrier having asphalt streets, however most of the streets in that area were done in D.G. Mayor Pro Tem/Boardmember Metze stated that noted the priorities that Council must consider such as Mission Trail which is heavily traveled. He is aware of Gunnerson Street and its condition. He noted that Riverside Drive is a State Highway. __ _ _ _ __ _ - PAGE NINE - JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY 20,1999 Ms. Crawford stated that at the Planning Commission Meeting when the proposed Day Care was discussed, it was stated that it is the City's responsibility to pave Gunnerson and noted that the street is now grated and all that does is create mare dust and does not address the problem. Mr. Ray presented a map of the area and a petition for the paving of Richard Street, Shrier Street and Gunnerson. He presented pictures of the streets from 1987 showing that they were paved and current pictures showing the old paving and dirt that now exists. He noted that when the City annexed the area in 1966, the streets were dedicated and should continue to be maintained by the City in the same condition as when they were annexed. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that the Governor has set aside $850 million dollars for storm damaged roads and the City is trying to get funding from that source to repair a number of streets that have been damaged by flooding. Mayor/Boardmember Kelley asked how the streets are selected for paving. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh explained that what has been done over the last few years are that the City is trying to preserve those streets that are still paved. He noted that over the last few years the funds for Street Maintenance have been funneled into other projects. He noted that the City has readopted a slurry seal program and for the last two years staff has expanded the areas to overlay and slurry seal those streets that are in good shape, so that they will continue to stay in good shape. He explained that they add areas each year. He stressed that due to the current budgef problems, if the City had gone in and repaved areas, the streets that were in good repair would have deteriorated and it would cost even more to bring the roadway up to its former standard. He noted that Public Works staff tlu~ough concerns and complaints from the citizens selects the streets. There was general discussion regarding the selection of streets for paving. Councilwoman/Chairman Brinley stressed that the City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh and City staff will continue to pursue the funds from the State for storm damaged roads and this can address the concems of the two pervious speakers. She did feel that Shrier should be address by those funds. Councilman/Boardmember Schiffner noted that the important thing is how the street was improved in the first place. He noted that the quality of the pavement and how it was done should be considered. He noted that no government just goes out and builds streets for PAGE TEN - JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY 20,1999 people that don't have them since the responsibility is with the property owner to develop the streets, however if the streets have been dedicated, then it is the City's responsibility to maintain them. He stressed that staff should research the streets to ascertain which are the City's responsibility and which are not. Community Services Director Sapp stated the side streets off of Chaney Street were done on a grant program. Mr. Ray stated that he has been in touch with Cal-Trans and they told him over the phone that if the City were to pave the streets adj acent to Riverside Drive they would cooperate with the City and assist in the improvements. Ms. Crawford stressed the danger of turning off of Riverside Drive onto the dirt streets and further stressed the need for pa~ing. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that Council could consider using some of the money from Measure "A" to develop a program and if the City gets the money from the State for storm damaged roads, then the funds can be reimbursed to Measure "A" funds. Councilman/Boardmember Pape asked how long it would take to find out if the City is going to receive the grant money. Administrative Services Director Boone stated that the City could apply in the new budget year. Mayor Pro TemBoardmember Metze stated that Council must look at the whole community and Lake Street must be a priority, which has been in bad repair for a very long time. He noted the amount of people that travel on that roadway. He commented that he has been in several different cities in the last few months, and all of those communities are considered to be more affluent then our City and their roads are no better than ours are. He expressed his frustration with people who think that Lake Elsinore has such terrible streets when other cities ha~e just as many problem areas. Councilman/Boardmember Schiffner stated that it is a universal problem. Councilwoman/Chairwoman Brinley asked if there was anyway that the City could do Lake Street and Shrier. City Manager/Executive Directar Watenpaugh stated that the City is going to request an advance of Measure "A" funds far the next five years for this type of program and the other half for the annual slurry seal program. He stressed that the City will try to get some of the monies for storm damaged streets as well. There was discussion regarding the distribution of the grindings left from the major renovation of Spring Street. MayorBoardmember Kelley stated that she would like to see some of the money that is not allocated being used on some of the streets that people have complained about. She noted that it is the PAGE ELEVEN - JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY 20,1999 smaller streets that have been left the longest and really need the attention. She noted that she realized that the more heavily traveled streets need attention, however she would like to see some of the small side streets addressed as well. Councilwoman/Chairwoman Brinley stated that she understands the speaker's concerns since they have been waiting quite a while and Shrier and Gunnerson are used as detour streets. She stressed using grindings from the major projects for these streets. Councilman/Boardmember Pape stated that staff needs to find out if the City is going to receive grant money prior to taking any action so that the area is not done twice. He noted that the grant money would make it possible to create a new street rather than using the grindings. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that they would get the time frame and bring it back to Council. Administrative Services Director Boone stated that the City must go through an application process and then we will know better what we will receive. Councilman/Boardmember Schiffner asked if the City has an inventory of streets that tell the condition of the streets or just a complaint list. City Manager Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that staff has been looking at the City of Vista has a software package _ that inventories all of their streets. He noted that the company goes through the city and does a complete inventory and then gives a cost and time frame for deterioration. He explained that staff has a general list of some of our streets and a five year plan, however it does not get into pa~ing new streets. Public-Works Manager Payne stated that the GIS has an inventory of all of the streets, however it does not address the condition of the streets. Councilman/Boardmember Pape stressed the need to apply for the grant money prior to allocating money to other streets. Mayor Pro Tem/Boardmember Metze concurred with Councilman/ Boardmember Schiffner and stated that if someone is not on a paved street, it does not necessarily mean that they are entitled to one. He noted that the property owner must pay for the street, however if it is a paved street and needs to be maintained, that is a separate situation. MayorBoardmember Kelley questioned the item of the I-15/Diamond Drive Study. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that is the study that Cal-Trans requires before any change can be made to the interchange. He stated that if Cal-Trans does not approve of the study, then the City must come up with the $5 or $6 million dollars to fund the project. MayorBoardmember Kelley questioned the Collier Avenue Improvements and asked if that included the median. City Manager/Executive Director Watenpaugh stated that the PAGE TWELVE - JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY 20,1999 item is the OPA with Decon. He explained that the RDA has an agreement with the property owner that the RDA will improve Collier Avenue when Decon gets ready to develop. He noted that it is appro~mately 160 feet of street that will require improvements. Mayor/Boardmember Kelley questioned the addition of the median on Collier in front of the Outlet Center since it is dirt at this time and needs attention. She asked if this could be added into the budget. Mayor Pro TemBoardmember Metze noted that he has seen landscaping on that type of inedian where palm trees are used with rocks set in concrete between are used and it is inexpensive and low maintenance as well as attractive. City Manger/Executive Director Watenpaugh clarified that it is the consensus of the Council that staff put together some of the additional items that Council has asked for and incorporate them into the budget and the other items as recommendations that will be returned to another Council Meeting. . ADJOURNMENT The Joint Study Session was adjoumed at 4:49 p.m. ATTEST: VICHI KASAD, CITY CLERK/ CLERK OF THE BOARD