Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-1998 City Council Study SessionMINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA FRIDAY, JUNE 59 1998 The City Council Study Session was called to order by Mayor Pape at 9:42 a.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BRINLEY, KELLEY, METZE, PAPE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALONGI Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Development Director Brady, Community Services Director Sapp, Police Chief Walsh, Assistant to the City Manager Best, City Engineer O'Donnell, Recreation & Tourism Manager Edelbrock, Public Works Manager and City Clerk Kasad. A. Budget (F:30.1) Mayor Pape noted the intent of this meeting and initiated a page by page review of the proposed budget. He noted the addition of new positions and additional funding for economic development. He commented on information received yesterday in a meeting with staff regarding a proposed retail project, particularly noting the need for new demographic and traffic count data to facilitate projects. He stressed the need to update those numbers and prepare brochures to assist businesses interested in coming to the community. City Manager Watenpaugh concurred and noted that staff is working on interim numbers to assist the developers. Councilwoman Brinley stressed that the brochures are out of date. Mayor Pape noted a study paid for by the developer and stressed the need for accurate numbers. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned the status of the business survey being done in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and when results can be anticipated. Larry Regis, representing the Chamber indicated that the surveys are coming back in and follow -up work is proceeding. Assistant to the City Manager Best indicated that 25 surveys were returned yesterday alone. Mayor Pro Tern Kelley questioned the responses received so far. Ms. Best indicated that there has been only cursory review of the surveys, but a meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 8th to address them more thoroughly. She noted that the early responses appear to show a large amount of planned expansion of existing businesses, and indicated that they are hoping for at least a 10% response to the 1,200 surveys mailed out. PAGE TWO - CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION - JUNE 59 1998 Councilwoman Brinley noted that on the positive side there may be some RDA funds coming in for a positive return pending the results of a lawsuit; and noted that things are looking very good. Councilman Metze inquired whether funds were budgeted for sponsorship of the local EDC; and noted that the City has been approached by neighboring cities for regional efforts in connection with the economic gardening approach. He expressed support for the local EDC to participate with Temecula and Murrieta. Councilwoman Brinley indicated that we are presently on the verge of a joint effort with those cities to look at development in the I -15 corridor. City Manager Watenpaugh noted the employee count for the Police Department and advised that it includes the Chief, Lieutenants and all full time equivalents. He further noted that the City's violent crime statistics have dropped 56% in the last three years. Mayor Pape questioned "transfers in" on page 4. Administrative Services Director Boone clarified where those funds originate. Councilman Metze noted that those funds are specific to certain things. Mr. Boone confirmed that those funds are primarily directed to public works street maintenance. Mayor Pape noted the small projected sales tax increase and inquired whether it would include the impacts of the two new gas stations and Lake Chevrolet. Mr. Boone confirmed that those businesses were factored in for next year. Councilwoman Brinley inquired whether revenue figures had been received from Lake Chevrolet yet. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that those factors are not known yet, but from a sales perspective it has been better than anticipated. He advised that the Ford dealership is in the process of closing on its property adjacent to the Chevrolet site, and staff is working with them to facilitate opening by March of next year. Mayor Pro Tern Kelley questioned the "sale of property" on page 7. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that property is being accumulated in the Spyglass Ridge/Ramsgate projects and they have asked to purchase 4 acres from the City. Councilwoman Brinley questioned the changes on replacement page 8. City Manager Watenpaugh clarified that the projections for revenue have been corrected; and detailed the anticipated budget and adjustments. Mayor Pape noted that the Police Services portion is about 38% of the City's revenues. �( He also noted the elimination of the transfer to the Stadium Councilman Metze noted that the 38% figure does not include the Fire Services funding. Mayor Pape noted the estimates for 1997 -98 vs. 1998 -99, and questioned the changes in the City Council, City Clerk and City Manager budgets. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that those were a result of one time expenditures and the lack of an election in this budget year. Mr. Watenpaugh also noted that the Planning Commission has not done any travel this year, so the proposed allocation has been reduced. Councilman Metze noted that a lot of Planning Commission meetings did not occur in the last PAGE THREE - CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION - JUNE 59 1998 year. City Manager Watenpaugh noted some numerical corrections for Senior Center, and indicated that the final dollar amount will not match the replacement page. Mayor Pape addressed page 9, noting the controversial motor vehicle in -lieu fee and the projected revenue which could be lost. Councilman Metze noted that this legislation was moving forward, but that does not mean that the State will give back money. He noted the surplus amount at the State and the amount taken away from local governments in recent years; and stressed the need to find a means to backfill those funds. Councilwoman Brinley noted that she would like to know why the money is not returned from the surplus. City Manager Watenpaugh noted that there are ongoing discussions about backfilling, but no guarantees. Mayor Pape noted that he saw Assemblyman Rod Pacheco and discussed this matter; and there is an assembly bill that would make it a constitutional amendment to backfill the money for the cities. He stressed it was his intent to include that amendment with the other bill. Councilman Metze stressed if the backfill is not guaranteed, he would want them to explain to the constituents, why services have been cut. Mayor Pape indicated that he is working with Assemblyman Haynes to have him come to the City to provide information on a regional basis. Councilman Metze stressed that the City is constantly called on the carpet, in spite of the fact that other levels of government have impacted the City's finances. Councilwoman Brinley supported the open forum format with State elected officials. Councilman Metze stressed that residents don't interact with the State representatives like they do local elected officials. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley noted that there is nothing budgeted for the Juried Arts Show, but the Cultural Arts Commission proposal will be on the agenda for Tuesday. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley addressed page 14 of the budget relating to the City Attorney and commended the work she has done for the City. The other Councilmembers concurred and expressed their appreciation for the City Attorney's efforts. Councilwoman Brinley stressed the review of existing contracts which has been done in addition to the Stadium Lease agreement and ongoing litigation. City Manager Watenpaugh pointed out that a lot of the pending litigation is now in court and taking a substantial amount of time. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned the reduction in Community Promotions on page 15. Staff clarified that the reduction was due to the lack of elections this fiscal year. Administrative Services Director Boone noted that insurance on the Stadium is the biggest increase on page 21, and clarified the increased cost. Mayor Pape addressed page 23, regarding law enforcement; and inquired if the proposed budget was adequate to keep pace with the current efforts. PAGE FOUR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION - JUNE 59 1998 Police Chief Walsh confirmed. Councilman Metze questioned page 25 and questioned the increase for Community Development. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that the anticipated increase is because the Director's position will be filled for an entire year. Mayor Pape noted an increase in the Code Enforcement budget and questioned if it was for weekend coverage. City Manager Watenpaugh confirmed. Councilwoman Brinley indicated that it was a priority of the Council to have a Code Enforcement Officer available on weekends. Councilman Metze noted that he constantly heard more about Code Enforcement and Graffiti removal than any of the other services which have been cut. Mayor Pape concurred that these were highly visible programs. Councilwoman Brinley concurred that the graffiti program was sorely missed; and commended the Chamber of Commerce for their efforts to assist with graffiti removal. Councilman Metze suggested promoting the Chamber effort further, as several peop'_e have indicated a willingness to assist. Councilwoman Brinley indicated that some of the Code Enforcement problem areas are flower vendors at various locations and ice cream trucks. She stressed the need to be sure that the ice cream trucks are licensed. Mr. Boone indicated that there are three licensed in the City. Councilwoman Brinley questioned page 29 and funding for the web site. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that the web site is in transition. Councilman Metze expressed appreciation for the volunteer efforts going into the web site to get it up and running. He noted that this puts the City ahead of a number of larger cities. Councilwoman Brinley expressed appreciation for what is already in place and the access to information it provides. Mayor Pape questioned the ability to place the City Council Agendas on the web site. City Manager Watenpaugh confirmed that this would occur when the site is operational. City Manager Watenpaugh noted that page 30 includes the reinstitution of the engineer position. Mayor Pape questioned the public works increases on page 31. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that there are only standard increases on page 31, but page 32 shows he addition of the maintenance position. City Manager Watenpaugh noted that page 33 reflects reimplementation of the Park program at '/2 operations level. He clarified the level of maintenance and staff factors, and indicated that staff will try to increase the level of service during the hot summer months. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned how operations are working with the user groups. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that it is working well and they have been very cooperative. Councilwoman Brinley suggested that the Council publicly thank the groups for their assistance and work to keep the parks PAGE FIVE - CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION - JUNE 59 1998 looking nice. Councilman Metze indicated that even at a half service level, the City is in better shape than some cities. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned the arrangements for the Girls Softball concession stand. Mr. Sapp indicated that there has been preliminary discussion, but he is not certain of the present status. City Manager Watenpaugh pointed out that the one area of complaint relates to keys for use of the restrooms, when the designated key person does not get there to open them. Councilman Metze inquired whether the lighting situation has been taken care of. Mr. Sapp confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley inquired whether there were any big tournaments coming up. Mr. Sapp indicated he was not aware of any at this time. Mayor Pape noted the replacement for page 39. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned the increase in employee cost. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that the figure presented includes benefits. Councilman Metze noted that LEAF provides great service to the community, and indicated that it would be nice if the City could manage to fund more. Mayor Pape noted the reserve balance by next year as detailed on page 43. City Manager Watenpaugh clarified the figures for the end of this fiscal year and the 1999 fiscal year. He noted that the need for services outweighs the actual services at this time. Councilman Metze further questioned the figures. Administrative Services Director Boone further clarified the reserves. City Manager Watenpaugh reminded the Council of the $1.1 million payment due in the year 2000. City Manager Watenpaugh noted the goals and objectives for current fiscal year on page 44; and indicated that staff will return with new goals and objectives for next fiscal year. Councilman Metze commended the presentation of the goals and accomplishments. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley noted the success of the efforts to correct the RDA deficit. Councilman Metze noted that the City Attorney has already become familiar with existing contracts and is working to correct problems as they come up. Mayor Pape noted that the most exciting information on page 44 is the deficit reduction for the RDA; and suggested with the continuance of the current revenue trend in the next year it should balance out. Councilwoman Brinley thanked the RDA Board for the diligent efforts to solve the problems in the RDA. Councilman Metze pointed out that the numbers do not reflect the sales tax revenue increases generated by RDA projects, such as the car dealerships. He stressed that the RDA does generate sales tax. Mayor Pape inquired, with the projects coming on line next year, whether the account would be balanced out the next year. Mr. Boone indicated that he sees the RDA increment, as ready to jump. Councilman Metze noted that there is a lot of new construction in the RDA areas. Mr. Boone confirmed and noted that the number will be known for sure in August, and he will bring information to the Council. Councilwoman Brinley stressed the potential for positive changes to the RDA PAGE SIX - CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION JUNE 511998 in the coming year, noting that it is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Mr. Boone noted that the RDA had lost of $' /z million in tax increment, but expressed belief that it would come back. Mayor Pape suggested that it might be appropriate to do a mid -year budget review. Councilman Metze questioned whether increases in property tax and State transfers would impact the RDA, and stressed that he would not want to see the RDA take the hits. Administrative Services Director Boone indicated that the RDA did in the past, have to fund $1 million to the State. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that the budget might need to be reviewed earlier than mid -year, as Mr. Gunn is nearing completion on some of the funds. He noted that it will be necessary to look at the RDA rather than the bond pools. Councilwoman Brinley noted that the RDA inherited a big problem and is working through it. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned page 45 with regard to the management plan for the watershed and questioned the status. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that direction has not yet been given to proceed. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned the campground. City Manager Watenpaugh noted restructuring the bond debt using the lake as a funding mechanism to pay off bonds. He clarified the limitations and noted that the City could either pay a flat rate or run the campground itself. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned the lake concession issue for the slalom course. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that proposals were requested and two were received; Ms. Nanette indicated that it was not economically feasible, but Mr. Sacks is looking at a program to provide a slalom course. Councilman Metze expressed concern for shared use of the channel. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that sharing the channel is not a problem, but they must provide insurance to cover the City. He explained that as concessionaire, Mr. Sacks would cover the City for any liability on the slalom. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned efforts to get food concessions for the Lake. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that nothing is in place yet. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned the timing for opening of the levee for pedestrian access. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that staff is in the process of purchasing signs and looking at grants to fund improvements. He indicated that signs are needed every 300 feet to prevent trespassing on private property. Mrs. Kelley questioned compliance with the new laws for dust control. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that the Water District would be responsible for dust as they would be using vehicles to make access to the wells. He suggested that if a grant is obtained, staff might look at using Magnesium Chloride to bind the dust. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley inquired whether EVMWD would contribute to this effort. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that they have no interest in doing so. City Manager Watenpaugh noted the Economic Strategy, previously adopted by the Council and noted the support and assistance provided by the Chamber of Commerce in this area. He noted that the City of Chino and others are looking to develop a similar program. Councilman Metze noted that this PAGE SEVEN - CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION - JUNE 59 1998 effort is directly responsible for contacts by Murrieta and Temecula. Mr. Regis noted that the success is due to the tremendous cooperation between the City, the Chamber of Commerce and the business community. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned the "park ranger program". City Manager Watenpaugh noted that there was a desire to move forward on this program, but the budget was eliminated so it was difficult to proceed. Councilwoman Brinley suggested finther review of this program. Mr. Watenpaugh concurred and noted that it is generally good for graffiti prevention, etc. Mayor Pape questioned the "note" for which the RDA is responsible. Mr. Boone confirmed that this was a one time payment, and expressed hopes that the bonds could be redone prior to this note coming due. Councilwoman Brinley indicated that she believes it should be done in time. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned page 52 regarding the Outlet Center infrastructure payment of $107,000; and questioned how much the Outlet Center generates for the City coffers. Mr. Boone indicated that it generates about $800,000 per year in sales tax and $250,000 per year in property tax.. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned if the expansion was still planned. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that the expansion was shelved for assessment of the situation by the new owners. Mayor Pape questioned page 54 regarding lawsuit settlements, and whether any excesses would be used for future debts of the RDA or to reduce the City's contribution. Mr. Boone indicated that it would depend on the figures which are received in August and any possible offsets. City Manager Watenpaugh clarified the LLMD and Lake Park and Recreation Fund budgets. He noted that $200,000 was included for the campground. He clarified that with the LLMD, the account is a push, in that what comes in, goes out; but noted the potential for an increase in that fund with new residential units. Councilman Metze stressed that there would be no increase to existing homes.. Mayor Pape noted the reference to Mission Trail on page 68. Mr. Watenpaugh advised that Mission Trail is currently out to bid and should be awarded the first meeting in July, with work beginning about the end of July. Mayor Pape questioned the timing for Spring Street. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that it would probably begin in September. He noted that the City Engineer has spent a lot of time in court, so an additional engineer is being recruited to facilitate projects such as this. Mayor Pape questioned the potential for packaging multiple projects to obtain better prices. City Engineer O'Donnell confirmed that lower unit prices could be obtained, but because of separate funding sources there could be a problem with packaging them. He noted the potential for use of FEMA funds to improve Spring PAGE EIGHT - CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION - JUNE 59 1998 Street, and stressed the limitations of federal requirements and regulations. Mayor Pape questioned the start date for Spring Street. Mr. O'Donnell indicated that realistically is would be about October 1st, but noted the potential problems of the rainy season. City Manager Watenpaugh suggested that an updated schedule of projects be provided with the final budget approval. Mayor Pape stressed the importance of keeping the public advised of pending projects so they can avoid construction areas and keep advised that the problem areas will be corrected. Councilwoman Brinley inquired whether utilities would be advised of upcoming street projects so they can complete any of their projects prior to the improvements by the City. She indicated that she was tired of the City putting out good money for a job and the utilities coming through and damaging it. Mayor Pape questioned the status of ordinance revisions in this area. Mr. Watenpaugh noted that some problems were encountered in L.A. which are being reviewed, and noted that they are currently in court, but no decision has been made. Mayor Pape questioned whether it would be better to require curb to curb improvements. Mr. Watenpaugh stressed the requirement for establishment of a nexus for such requirements. Councilman Metze stressed his concern that within a couple of years the streets are a mess again. Mayor Pape questioned the timing for Chaney Street improvements. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that work is underway on the design now, and right -of- way review is proceeding. Mayor Pro Tem. Kelley questioned the Mission Trail status with the County. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that discussions for agreements are underway and staff is currently looking at design and right -of -way. Councilwoman Brinley questioned the Casino Drive Bridge and whether it impacts the proposed new car agency. Mr. O'Donnell indicated that the bridge might be down to one lane in each direction, but should not impact the dealership. Mayor Pape questioned the status of the Dexter Avenue traffic signal. City Engineer O'Donnell indicated that Caltrans approval is nearly complete to allow the design to move forward; but it is now necessary to work with Burger King to place the improvements concurrently. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley inquired if the Burger King project was moving forward. Mr. O'Donnell indicated that he was trying to set up a meeting with them to focus on how quickly the work can be done. Mayor Pape inquired if there was in fact a lack of water for construction. Mr. Watenpaugh clarified that they just need to pay for a booster pump to get the project going. Mayor Pro Tem. Kelley stressed the danger of that intersection. Mr. Watenpaugh stressed that the City has limited control of the project, as Caltrans is the lead agency. Mr. O'Donnell indicated that staff is nearing agreement on the project, but noted if the signal was installed today, it would need to be moved. Mayor PAGE NINE - CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION - JUNE B, 1998 Pape requested a memo updating the status. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned the plans for a four way stop at Collier /74. Mr. O'Donnell indicated that there are presently no plans. Mr. Watenpaugh noted that the new property owners are looking to move forward based on new demographics and traffic counts. Council discussion ensued with regard to traffic concerns at this location. Mr. Watenpaugh stressed the need for new demographics to proceed with development at that location. City Manager Watenpaugh noted the Measure A fund information on pages 69 and 70. Mayor Pape questioned the status of traffic signal planning for the intersection of Riverside Drive/Lincoln Street. Mr. O'Donnell indicated that he was not sure of the status, but there was a question about the entrance to the Campground, which varies the level of payment the City would be obligated for. Mayor Pape noted that this signal would be a huge benefit to that area. Mayor Pape noted the additional pages regarding the graffiti program and the Community Center. He inquired whether the roof was leaking at the Community Center. Staff confirmed that moisture was causing damage to the flooring and walls. Mayor Pape inquired if there was potential that additional damage would occur if the roof was not repaired this year. Staff concurred that this would be helpful in preventing further damage. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley noted that the air conditioning units are non - existent. Public Works Manager Payne indicated that if the roof are repaired the air conditioning units should be replaced at the same time. Community Services Director Sapp noted that part of the leakage problem is the way the air conditioning units are situated on the roof. Mr. Watenpaugh suggested removing the air conditioning units and replacing the roof to prevent further damage. Councilman Metze noted preliminary discussions with the Sheriff's Department and inquired if repairs to the Community Center would impact those plans. He expressed concern with spending the money and finding out that the Sheriffs Department is ready to proceed with their project. There was general Council discussion and consensus that the roof should be replaced to prevent further damage, and air conditioning replaced if adequate funds are available. . City Manager Watenpaugh noted the Main Street Program summary page and indicated that it was incorporated as part of the proposed budget. He noted that staff would be providing information on ongoing maintenance costs, aside from the slurry sealing which would be coming out of the annual program. Council questioned the tree lights and the estimated costs. Mr. Watenpaugh clarified the costs. Councilwoman Brinley noted the aesthetics of the lights and the enjoyment by people on Main Street; suggesting that the City work with local businesses on a fundraising effort with matching funds. There was general discussion of potential funding sources for the tree lights. Mayor Pape stressed the need to keep the investment in good repair. PAGE TEN - CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION -JUNE 5, 1998 Councilwoman Brinley noted the importance of replacing the parts of the package which were originally included. Mayor Pape stressed that this is work which has not been done for years. There was fir ther discussion of light replacement and funding sources. City Manager Watenpaugh noted the Campground budget and recommended an allocation of $200,000 and noted that volunteer groups are willing to assist with the park cleanup. Councilman Metze inquired what that allocation of funds would buy. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that it would restore 151 camp sites and two group areas. Mayor Pape questioned the requested $300,000 budget vs. the recommended $200,000 budget and what would be cut. City Manager Watenpaugh noted that the original request also considers requested CDBG funds. There was general Council discussion of the costs and advantages of opening the campground. Councilwoman Brinley inquired whether the pumping station was working and what repairs would cost. Mr. Sapp indicated that it has been repaired, permitted and approved. Councilman Metze indicated that an ADA bar- be -que is absolutely ridiculous, and expressed frustration with people who use handicapped placards and don't need them. Mayor Pape questioned the money for cleanup and the impact of volunteers on that cost. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that volunteers will not significantly reduce the cost of the cleanup but will help. Mayor Pape inquired when the campground could be open to the public. Staff indicated that with the approval of the budget they would try for the Labor Day weekend. Mayor Pro Tern Kelley questioned the tree trimming work and whether it was for interior or exterior trees. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that it would include interior and exterior trees. Mayor Pape noted that the budget should be formally adopted at the second meeting in June, and suggested that staff gear up for the work to begin upon approval, so it could be open by the long weekend. He also suggested that the volunteer groups start work in the meantime. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that he would be meeting with the scout troops next week. Councilman Metze indicated that he would see more interest in the campground than the Community Center. There was Council discussion of the funds which could be generated and general concurrence was reached that the campground should take priority over the Community Center. Mayor Pape noted a request to speak from Chris Hyland. Mrs. Hyland was not present for comment. Councilman Metze commended staff on the budget preparation and indicated they had done a good job of addressing the concerns and giving the most services possible. Councilwoman Brinley thanked the City Manager for his efforts to meet with the Council individually and include their requests for capital projects. City Manager Molendyk noted that the WRCOG membership of $3,400 is PAGE ELEVEN - CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION - JUNE 59 1998 anticipated to be increased by 20 %. Council questioned the value of this membership. MOVED BY BRINLEY, SECONDED BY METZE AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT A"1:26 P.M. gfv 4 VIN W. PAPE, MAYOR F L AKE ELSINORE ATTEST: VICKI KASAD, CITY CLERK CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE