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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-1997 Adjourned City Council MinuesMINUTES ADJOURNED REGULAR CTl'Y COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNTA THURSDAY, MARCH 6,1997 •flf~*~!f!f!**rtflil~ItRYkflYeRRYkYlR~lfkY[R~!leR~!!~~l~!!tle~lR~l~lR~lftft~lftf~~l~tftRRftR~l~lftR~l~tft7~R~lfl/tR*~lRR*Rftf~~l~tf!* CALL TO ORDER The Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting was called to order by Mayor Pape at 3:05 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pape. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALONGI, BRINLEY, KELLEY, METZE, PAPE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Also Present were: City Manager Molendyk, City Attorney Harper, Assistant to the City Manager Best, Public Works Manager Payne, Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Services Director Sapp, Community Development Director Leslie, City Engineer O Donnell and City Clerk Kasad. PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDIZED ITEMS Requests were received to address Item No. 1 and defened to that discussion. BUSINESS 1TEMS Ballot Measure Proposals. A. Revenue & Services Task Force Re~prt - Resolution No. 97-11. Mayor Pape suggested the order of proceedings for this meeting and requested courtesy for other speakers. City Manager Molendyk noted concerns that this information be more public; so the meeting is being videotaped for replay later. He explained that as a result of the passage of Proposition 2181ast November, it is required that any t~ other than the one percent property tax be approved by the voters. He further explained the various ways to apply a ta~c under Proposit:on 218. He noted the establishment of the Citizen s Committee and explained the ways to assess for various improvements. He further noted the budget developed by the Citizen s Committee as a minimum standazd. City Manager Molendyk noted the loss of revenue to the State and the revaluation of property in the community. He detailed the funds suggested by the Citizen s Committee as follows: $1,000,000 for pazks and Lake; $400,000 for the Services/Senruor Center; $40,000 for Youth Diversion Programs; $100,000 for libraries; $200,000 for Capital Repairs and Rep:acement; $760,000 for Service Retention; $300,000 for Police Services; for a total of $2,800,000. He explained that this would be appro~cimately $3.85 per moath increase on property t~ bills and explained the emergency effort to place it on the ballot for June 3rd, which requires a unaiumous vote of the Cot ncil. He noted that the City will loose its funding for parks as of July 1. He stated that the Citizen s Committee asked that he point out the costs for closure of the parks as follows: To put the pazks in PAGE TWO - ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL:MINUTES - MARCH 6,1997 mothballs wouid cost approximately $100,000; requuements of the SC7PIA (insurance company) for removal of some of the equipment which is yet to be determined; and if closed for one yeaz the cost to restore the parks, would be $1.5 million. He noted that there is the opportunity to look at an election in 7une, but if this measure does not pass it could be considered agaui In November. He explained the time lag for collection of revenues following a November election; and noted that it is the intent of this discussion to keep a revenue flow to maintain the pazks starting this 7uly. Chris McColley, 29072 Palm View, as Vice Chair of the Task Force and concerned resident and parent, commented on the presentation at the last City Council Meeting which was a unanimous recommendation from the Committee. She explained that their recommendation would ma3ntain basic service levels and detailed the services to be provided. She further explained that since the last City Council Meeting the Committee has reaffirmed its recommendation as the best solution to maintain the quality of life in Lake Elsinore. She noted that the Committee has worked hard to consider ali issues carefully and pointed out that they did not receive a unanimous vote. Ms. McColley further noted that by not receiving a unanimourvote the Voters have been denied their right to vote on the issues to consider what is in the best interests of the community. She stressed the intent of Proposition 218 which is to allow the voters to vote on local taxes, assessments and fees. She explained that the Task Force s recommendation was based on a general ta~c which requires a 50% vote pius one, however the Committee has proceeded with the intention of being a part of the solution process. She further noted that the Task Force has formed an alternative solution for the Council today and this was based on further input from the citizens ofthe community. On behalf of the Task Force Committee she proposed a resolution for a ballot measure on a special tax and declare an emergency with $2.8 million allocated to the following: Lake & Pazk $1,000,000 Capital Repairs and Replacemen4 200,000 Community Services/5enior Center 400,000 Youth Diversion Programs 50,000 Structure Abatement 50,000 Service Retention (Community Development, Public Works and Recreation) 760 000 ~ Police Services 300 000 Total $2,80Q000 Ms: McColley stressed the fact that the fate of the community is at stake. Councilman Alongi questioned removal of libraries. Ms. McColley stated that they reallocated the $100,000 from libraries to $50,000 for Structure Abatement and $50,000 for Youth Diversion Programs. Denise Tompkins, 320 Chaney Street, resident and parent who has lived in Lake Elsinore for 13 years. She directed her question to Councilman Along- and asked why he does not want the public to have the right to vote on this issue and further questioned why anyone would not want to mainta~n the pazks. She stressed the benefits of the parks and the progress of the community and noted she would hate to see the parks close. She stated that she does not understand why Councilman Alongi is taking this attitude. Shannon Akins, 21023 Rolando Road, homeowner for eight years urged unanimous approval of the first proposal and noted the difficulty in obtaining a 2/3rds vote. She stated that $7 a month is a small price to pay for the benefits that PAGE THi2EE.- ADJOURNED C1TY COUNCIL MINUTES - MARCH 6,1997 the community receives. She requested Councilman Alongi change his vote and allow the process set by Proposition 218 to work. She stated that she has four children who benefit from the pazks and she cannot nnagine the City without them. She again urged Councilman Alongi to change his vote and allow the democratic process prevail. Councilman Alongi called for a Point of Order and noted that the next person who addresses Council and sing(es him out, he will leave the meeting. He stated that they are not supposed to address him directly. Iie further stated that they can express their views and go on from there. Mayor Pape stated that the speakers can address the entire Council. Councilman Alongi concurred. Vincent Sosa, 29068 Tangerine Way, Boardmember for Litde League for five years, noted that he usually stays out of politics but when it came to kids he drew the line. He stated that he has lived in Lake Elsinore for 13 years and there has been a lot of progress, but these parks should not be taken away from the kids. He stated that at first he thought this was a bluff, but he is not willing to take that risk and encouraged a unanimous decision. _ 7erry Runalls, 15161 Wavecrest Drive, representing the Lake Elsinore Little League and 7unior Tri-Lakes Football, noted that his members are upset with this meeting time since they must be at work and cannot attend. He explained that he has been with the League for seven years and noted the number of players in youth sports and asked what all the children that are cunently involved in youth sports going to do if there are no puks. He stressed the importance of structured youth sports and requested consideration of this issue; and asked that Council try to Snd some way to work all these issues out. Dick Knapp, City Treasurer, stated that he did not have too much to say, but he did not appreciate $2.8 million being shoved down his throat and using the threat of closing parks to gain approval, He noted that only $650,000 of the LLMD money was lost by Proposition 218 which is a one-third loss, and stated that it is much more palatable to take the $84 per year and cut it down to $20 or $30 rather than the $2.8 million. He noted that even if this issue went to a vote in November considering the time it takes to turn it azound, he is sure Council could arrange four months of charges sent out to see the City through until the funds aze received from the County. He stated that he doesn t like to be threatened with shutting off street lights, closing the parks, and tearing out the baseball diamonds. He stated that there is enough to keep the lights on and the parks maintained. 7ohn Seepe, 15631 Half Moon Drive, concurred with much of what the City Treasurer said and noted comments made by Council in 1991 which stressed their concem for the community. He further noted comments made in an articie from a newspaper in San Francisco in 1991, about Lake Elsinore and the bond debt in the amount of $67 million dollars. He stated that the reason that he was bringing this up because the City is putting the kids up on the auction block because someone decided to go down the road of greed and long term debt. He further stated that this sucks the life out of the City and now it is the children that are going to pay. He noted concern with the promises of major development that haue not come to pass. He detailed the finances of the City and pointed out that there is reason for concern and stressed the need for a common solution. City Manager Molendyk stated to the community that the bndgets the staff administers are in three specific funds which aze Public Finance Authority, Redevelopment Agency, and City General Funds which are used to operate the PAGE FOUR - ADJOURNED CiTY COiTNCIL-MINUTES - MARCH 6,1997- City. He stated that he felt that it was unfair to present the information presented at the podium. He stated that the Bonds are through the Public Finance Authority and Redevelopment Agency and that is not what is being discussed, but rather what is being addressed aze the items which come directly from the General Fund and not Bonds. LLMD is the revenue source used to maintain the parks and he stressed that the City cannot use bond money or RDA money to maintain the pazks. He e~cplained that he would be happy to answer any questions regazding the three sepazate budgets. Nta Van Heest, 33146 Shoreline Drive, believed the dissenting voices heard today were not present to take anything away from the community or the children. She asked Council to follow the law and stated that the taxpayers in this State passed Proposition 218 and she asked that Council not skirt or circumvent the law. She stated that she felt that there was no one member of Council who wished to take anyone s right to vote away, however it should be done right. She noted that the City just got embroiled in a$7 million federal lawsuit and stated that she felt that it would be won. She stressed that the City do this legally and bring the measure to the ballot the right way. City Attomey Harper stated that he has no knowledge of a$7 million federal lawsurt and possibly Ms. Van Heest is referring to the Watkins claim which was rejected at the last Council Meeting and is neither a lawsuit nor has it been filed in Federal Court. Dan Uiliry, 150 E. Lakeshore Drive, noted that in listening to the meeting today he he felt that there were two matters before Council and that is the Committee s proposal and Alongi s proposal. He felt that it was a detriment to the audience to discuss these items one at a time and suggested that both be presented together to allow proper judgement. He stated that Councilman Alongi s proposal states definite designation for funds and indicated that the entire community was led astray by past Councils. He commented on the School District s sports programs and the City s programs from the past. He stressed that Council move on a 2/3rds vote so that the City does not take a chance on loosing out on a future for the chiidren and grandchildren of the community. Mr. Ulhry stated that politics has traded votes for over 200 years and cited the deais that have been worked out in politics for yeazs. Edith Stafford, 54 Elm Street, addressed the denial of the right to vote and stated that the City could have done a ballot measure last November. She noted the figures and the need and indicated that even then there was a need to do something. She questioned why the City waited until now. She pointed out that Proposition 13 gave the right to present a ballot measure to the taxpayers for general obligation bonds and that could have been done last November, or even present the measure under Proposition 62. She commented thaf this is using blackmail tactics when Council talks about denying the right to vote since the taxpayer was denied the right to vote on the Stadium. Ms. Stafford stated that it is this kind of bias tactic that causes skepticism and as a result causes the citizens of the City to oppose your efforts. She stated that she makes her decisions based upon how it affects her and she is opposed to children being used when Council is trying to get what they want, because the children should not be used and this should be handled without involving the chiidren. She stated that she felt that this whole situation was a distasteful tactic and Council should not point fingers at others, rather they should start looking at themselves. She suggested that the Council start listening more and talking less. PAGE FIVE - ADJOURNED CTTY COUNCIL MIlVUTES - MARCH 6,1997 Rod Clark, 581 Birch Street, youth leader and local business owner, stated that this issue needs to be addressed and stressed the importance of the right to vote. He explained that a 2/3rds vote istough to pass and a majority plus one would be much easier to obtain. He stated as a community this is a decision based on what is best for the childreq not how they think, but what is best for them. He noted that if the parks close down and the money is not available for a yeaz, the children will loose a whole year of sports and this will reduce the opportunities for the children to be diverted from other things. Mr. Clark stated that from a business standpoint, his and other businesses revolve around the youth and without basebail or softball in the City the business will leave the City. Fie noted that Lake Elsinore has been asked to host a National Baseball Tournament which will host 45 teams and that will be lost with the closure of the pazks. He stressed the loss of revenue and hoped that the Council wouid give the voters the chance to vote and suggested it would be best to be on the 50% plus one ballot. He stressed that the bottom line is what is best for the youth and if they are abandoned the question is what they will do. Chris Hyland, 15191 Wauecrest, stressed that people have the right to vote and indicated that was what Proposition 218 was all about. She stated that she felt that it was ludicrous to push the children on the public and noted that she has children, grandchildreq but the City also needs fire and police. She further stated that the pazks will not be closed down. She commented that she would support a bond measure before the voters based on a 2/3rds vote relative to Proposition 218 with no circumventing, no money to the General Fund, no money to the Stadium and no money to the library because it is already funded. She made not of the Task Force and questioned who authorized the formation and further questioned the approval of the $29,000 for this effort. She noted previous programs that were for the children and removed from the City program; and yet the children are used to push this measure. She asked by who s authority were non-taxpaying persons placed on this committee. Ms: Hyland noted the City employee on the Committee and again questioned how they were selected. She questioned the area that the persons live that were selected for the committee and noted that it should have been a wider spread to obtain a 2/3rds vote. Leroy Tucker, 3527 Cherry Blossom, noted that he was once a kid with not too many places to go and in 1941 tutes were put into effect for World War II and since then there have been two other wars. He stated that he was not in favor of paying more tases, however he suggested that the City established an assessment for three years and then get back to the standard budget. He thanked the task force for their work and indicated he is sure that if other ta~cpayers had the same information , they would feel the same way. He stated that when the person who was doing the survey called he asked him if it was in regazd to the LLMD and told the man that he did not want to answer the questions. He stated that he has been in Lake Elsinore a long time and intends to die here and when the people vote in a tax it never goes away and asked if anyone had ever heard government say they were going to cut taaces. He noted that the funds for the fire station should have been used to build it and even if it just sat there, at least rt showed that the City was doing something. He noted the need for a fire station and suggested that it should be built before the prices go up. Bruce Holland, 1166 Lake Vista Drive, 14 year resident, stated that if Councit voYed against this measure today, he would like those individuals who vote no to go to opening ceremonies and explain why they said no. He expressed concern with the negativism of the people who address the Council at the Council Meetings and noted the children are the silent majority as well as their parents and the reason that they don t attend the Council Meetings is because they work hard and spend PAGE SIX - ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MARCH 6,1997 time with their children. He noted there are 3,000 children involved in youth sports which means there are 6,000 pazents who will be angered,by the wrong vote and stressed that the children are our fixture. He stressed the need to find a solution for the 7une election and noted that through youth sports the children are taught communrty pride and he is not sure what they should be proud of if there are no parks because they had to be closed. David Walsh, 33129 Windward Way, referred to the comment about non-residents on the Task Force and noted that Proposition 218, under some circumstances, to vote even though they do not reside in the City and it was conect to include those people. He noted that he was a member of the Task Force and he questioned City Manager Molendyk regazding the closures of the parks and stated that the Task Force would advise City Manager Molendyk to follow through and close the parks. He cited the incident of Temescal High School withxhe failure of the third School Bond measure and funding was found for the completion and the perception that we could squeeze the fat out of govemment, however this is not possible for the City and people need to realize that fact. He noted a discussion that he was involved in after the meeting regarding Proposition 218, and City Attorney Harper explained that if the measure causes a violation of a contract in place prior to the passage of the propositioq then it should be upheld. He made note of City Pazk and asked if that clause would protect it. He asked what would happen to pazks not yet turned over to the City. Vicki Buck, 15214 Laguna, introduced her daughter and stated that she lives in the County and noted that they would not have the opportunity to vote on this issue and yet her daughter has been involved in sports in this community since they moved here. She explained that she has taught her children that if you uivolve yourself in things that are important to you; if you put yourself in good places good things will happen for you and sports is what is good for her children. She noted that sports keeps her children out of trouble and keeps them active in the community and that is why she brought her daughter to the Meeting to see how the community is run: Ms. Buck stated that if her daughter looses the parks she looses her chances for a better life. She cited the children in Juvenile Detention and the fact that they were not involved due to cuts in programs and parks. She stated that she does not want this for children or other children in this community. She stressed the involvement in youth sports and hoped that her children would put their children in organized sports. She noted that the parks mean everything to her family and asked that the Council give a unanimous vote for the ballot measure. Councilwoman Brinley noted that this item is calling for a reconsideration of the 50% plus one majority vote. She requested that Council give a positive vote on the issue smce it is something people would like to see on the ballot. She noted that Proposition 218 was passed by a sunple majority vote and stressed fair is fair. MOVED BY BRINLEY, SECONDED BY KELLEY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION F012 ?~ PROPOSED BALLOT MEASURE RELATING TO THE IMPOSTITON OF A GENERAL EXCISE TAX AND DECLARE AN EMERGENCY RELATED THERETO WITH A SINIPLE MAJORITY VOTE OF 50% PLUS 1; APPROVED A TOTAL GENERAL TAX OF $2.8 MILLION TO BE COLLECTED IN A FAIIi AND EQUITABLE MANNER; APPROVED AN ONGOING METHOD OF CITTZENS COMMUDTICATION AND NOTIFICATION BE ESTABLISH TO MONTTOR AND OVERSEE THE FUNDS COLLECTED WTI'H A STATEMENT EVERY OCTOBER PRESENTED TO EVERY C117ZEN TO SHOW WHERE THE MONEY HAS BEEN SPENT AND TO INCLUDE CUT PERSONNEL, MATERIAL AND SUPPLIES TO SUPPORT THEM. PAGE SEVEN - ADJOURNED C1TY COUNCII. MINUTES - MARCH 6, 1997 Councilman Metze asked if they might add an inclusion of service retention is the 11 employee members on City staff. City Manager Molendyk explained the presented measure would include the employees as well as the material and suppliesto support them. Councilwoman Brinley called for a reverse roll call vote. THE FOREGOING MOTION FAILED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE.: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: PAPE, METZE, KELLEY, BRINLEY NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALONGI B, Councilman Alongi s Proposed Ballot Measure. Councilman Alongi noted the many comments regarding closing parks and not loving children and noted that he has been here for 32 years. He stated that he has seen this City go from no crime to what it is today; he has seen this City haue great reserves and now the credit is in jeopardy because of the financing that went on prior to this Council and well as what this Council has done. He further stated that the survey is misleading as it asked if the public wouid support a$7 a month tax and the answer received a 52% yes with a 5% either way and the fact is that it is $10 and not $7. He explained that there were probably 52% that would vote for the $2.8 million taac, but not for the General Fund. He noted that there is a lot at stake when the City spends $29,000 and then the cost of a special election with the possibility of the election being challenged. Councilman Alongi stated that he would not support any taxes that would go into the General Fund, but that he would support a tax that would be designated for special accounts. He noted that the only emergency is the pazks which lost $650,000, but the other items are not in jeopardy. He proposed that if the Council wished to go to a special election with parks only, then they have his vote, but otherwise no. He suggested that the distribution be as follows: Lake & Park $ 650,000 .: Capital Repairs and Replacement 350,000 Community Services/Senior Center Senior Center 50,000 7uly 4th Special Event 105,000 Winter Fest 25,000 Kids On Track 68,000 Miscellaneous Special Events 25,000 Recreation Staff (Balance to come from Generat Fund) 127,000 Youth Diversion Programs 40,000 Code Enforcement 100,000 Police Services 300,000 Community Services/ Public Works Staff (6 positions) 298,252 Total $2,338,252 PAGE EIGHT - ADJOURNED CTTY COUNCIL 1~IINUTES - MARCH 6, 1997 Councilman Alongi stated that if the City must eliminate employees that is what it takes and in his budget he choose to eliminate half of the projected lay-off. He stressed that when people aze being taxed, everyone should have an interest in those ta~ces and if there is something for everyone in the proposed taac then it makes it easier to pass. He noted that there are a lot of people in the community that do not have an interest in Little League or Soccer, but do support other things. He explained that to compaze the School Bond Issue to the City Measure is unfair because there were several districts involved in that and if the facts were checked with the Registraz of Voters, then you would find that the City of Lake Elsinore supported the School Bond. He stated that he has confidence in this community and feels that they will vote a 2/3rds measure and this way the funds are designated. Councilman Alongi explained that the City could have a new City Council in November with different ideas and noted that what he is trying to do is protect the ta~cpayer s dollazs and adhere to Proposition 218. He stated that the 50% plus 1 is the law in a general election and is not the same issue at all. He addressed the small number of calls and letters that he received in regazd to this issue and stated that he is giving the public the right to vote according to Proposition 218. He noted that in the survey the parks aze not even mentioned and even a 50% plus 1 vote would be difficult to get for a Generai Fund Tax. He stated that with due respect to the City Attorney, he is not willing to take a chance on a 50% plus 1 vote. Councilman Alongi stated that the people know what we need and will support those tlungs if it goes in special accounts, but if it is put in the General Fund someone with different priorities will come along and the funds aze not protected. He noted that with a 2/3rds vote and an assignment of the tax dollars, the people.would be able to support the measure with confidence. He stated that the there will be a Little League opening regardless of the vote. City Manager Molendyk indicated this was not a Proposition 218 Committee it was a Revenue Task'Force and they were looking foriong and short term solutions. He stated that fhe Task Force came into being last April and were asked to balance the budget on the information avaitable and Proposition 218 was not even addressed. He explained that Proposition 218 was passed in November which caused a further revenue loss of $650,000 from the LLMD and this was addressed by the Task Force after it had occurred, however the Task Force went further and reviewed the annual loss to State takeaways which amount to over $4 million ia the last five years. He explained the reassessment by the County and prior cuts made by the City to balance the budget. He further explained that in 1997-98 the City looses an additional $650,000 from LLMD for total budget reductions of $848,000 or eleven full time positions by July 1. He noted that if all the dollazs aTe added up it totals $2:8 million. He stated that the committee felt this would maintain the level of services the community would like to have and a General T~ has nothing to do with Proposition 218, and asked the City Attorney if he was correct. City'Attoiney Harper stated that current law allows for General or Special T~. City Manager Molendyk stressed that if the discussion is about the LLMD, then it would be addreased under Proposition 218, but a General Tax can be done through a general election at any time. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned Councilman Alongi s proposal and requested clarification of $3 not accounted for in the $7, therefore it should be $10. Assistant City Manager Watenpaugh noted the e~tisting assessment which will stay in place and detailed the portion that will go away. He explained that with the new assessment of $7 total or $3.85 more than the resident is currenfly paying. Councilwoman Brinley yuestioned the total. Assistant City Manager Watenpaugh further clarified what stays in place plus the new assessment. PAGE NINE - ADJOURNED C1TY COUNCIL MIlVUTES - MARCH 6, 1997 Mayor Pro Tem Kelley inqu'ved if 7uly 4th, Winterfest, Kids on Track, Special Events and the Senior Center excluded total to $173,000. Councilman Metze corrected the amount and stated that it is $182,000 for Special Events. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned the elimination of the library. Councilman Atongi stated that he eliminated the library and replaced it with Code Enforcement. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley quesrioned if this includes laying off 5 people. Councilman Alongi concurred. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley stated that she has a hard time justifying that to provide fireworks and Winterfest means laying off 5 people and not providing services to the library does not seem like an option. She noted that Special Event items would be a frill when looking at five positions and their families as well as the library being open 28 hours a week. Councilwoman Brinley questioned which five would be laid off and from which department. Councilman Alongi stated that he did not see this Council and the previous Council complain when they took all the services and gave the funds to the ball field for the debt, as well as what was lost when money was loaned to the CFD s or the elimination of Kids on Track. He stated that this is giving the opportunity to decide if people want to pay for the services. He stressed that the parks are the only emergency. He noted that the City has thrown money all over the place only to end up in debt and he is surprised that the City Manager is getting involved in this. He further stressed that the meetings were not about the General Fund, but about combating Proposition 218 and he felt that it is the peoples taxes and if they want to pay those taxes then let them decide if they will pay. He stated his concem with regard to excluding the County on these issues since they use the facilities and they should be responsible as well. He noted that when 30,000 to 40,000 people show up for a July 4th celebration, no one asked who paid for it and the City paid for it just the same. He noted that we aze asking people to put up money to bring the services back. He suessed his position on his proposal. Councilman Alongi noted that the library is cunently &nded and the City has time to deal with that issue and the library is not affected by this issue, but Code Enforcement is and explained the need for Code Enforcement. He explained that it is very difficuk to lay someone off, but the taa~payers have to pay the taxes for the employees and this was not addressed by previous Councils when they spent all the City s money and placed us in debt. He noted that this Council was not at the podium objecting to their actions; and now today we are faced with the decision to make lay offs to balance the budget. He stated that if the City is going to go for a special tax, then it should be to replace those items that aze not funded. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley stated that we are not speaking to what the previous Council has done. She explained that according to the long term and short term goals, Council made a commitment to stick to the plan and not dip into the reserves for any reason. She addressed the library and stated that the County will be laying off another 150 employees in the system; and the library is in danger. She further stated that the library is a reinstatement since it was open 48 hours and now it is only open 28 hours. She further explained that she still has a problem with laying off people for fireworks. MOVED BY METZE, SECONDED BY BRINLEY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR A SPECIAL TAX WITH 2/3RDS VOTE TO BE ALLOCATED AS PER THE TASK FORCE RECOMII~NDATIONS WiTH THE CHANGES TO SERVICE RETENTION WHICH WOULD BREAK OUT INTO PERCENTAGES WITH FUNDS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED, OF THE $2.8 MII.LION. PAGE TEN - ADJOURNED CITY GOUNCIL 1kIINUTES - MARCH 6, 1997 Councilman Alongi questioned using the funds for whatever any upcoming Council , !, wanted and questioned the $2.8 million axid if any of it will go to Special Events for designated purposes which cannot be changed. 'City 9tforney Harper ' confirmed. Councilwoman Brinley wmmented that it will be a tough battle with the 2/3rds effort and hoped to see everyone supporting and working on it. She questioned charges for children who want to play and confirmed that the youth progams do not chazge children who cannot afford to pay. Councilman Metze questioned the vote required. Mayor Pape clariSed the alternative presented by the Committee and explained the designation of funds. He stressed the importance ofbeing informed and helping inform others; and noted that this is an opportunity to save the lifestyle in Lake Elsinore. He noted the level of involvement sports plays in the community and stressed that it is a lifestyle. He stressed the need to talk to neighbors and encourage them to go out and vote. Mayor Pape explained thatthe people do not understand whathas occurred for the last three or four years in the City and the revenue cuts that we ve experienced with service cuts and a large reduction in staff. He explained that we are at a point where the public will begin to see those things, such as the closure of the parks because the City is beyond being able to lay off internal people, and the public will begin to see another reduction in revenue if this doesn t pass. He asked that as soon as possible the staff assemble exact information on what will occur if the measure does not pass. He outlined the information that should appear on the report to allow the public the opportunity to see specific results of the revenue loss and what it will mean if there is no more money. Mayor Pape explained that the Committee was formed with a diverse group of people from the City to make recommendations; and it would be remiss of Councii if they do not follow the recommendations. He noted that they came up with an alternative plan which is before the Council and has now been moved on. He stressed that Council needs to give the rest of the community the right to vote on the recommendations; and further stressed the dramatic effect on the residents of the community if they choose not to support the ballot measure. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley asked if there was a chance for questions at the end. She stated that she would be remiss not fighting for the library instead of Building Abatement. She stressed that she is not against Building Abatement, but rather she is for literacy and stated that the library hours were cut from 48 to 28 hours and with $95,000 the hours could add 16 hours a week. She stressed the amount of people served by the library; and now the County has announced another lay off and this will directly impact the City. She indicated that $50,000 would abate no more than 10 homes and stressed the priority as well as the need for literacy. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley stressed the benefits of the library and noted that it is our only public resource for information. Sfie requested a reinstatement of funds to the library. Councilman Alongi stated that Council was gefting closer 1dIOVED BY ALONGI TO REDUCE COMMUNITY SERVICE TO $300,000; ADD 550,000 TO MAKE TT$100,000 STRUCTURE ABATEMENT; ONE MILLION FOR LAI~S AND PARKS; $200,000 FOR CAPTTAL REPAIRS; $90,000 YOUTH HIVE1tSION PROGRAMS; $100,000 FOR LIBRARIES. NIOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned the figures that Councilman Alongi just suggested. PAGE ELEVEN - ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MIlVUTES - MARCH 6, 1997 Councilman Alongi indicated that what is recommended is good, but he has a problem with some of the Sgures. He stated that if taking away the fireworks is not important, then you are taking the celebrations away from the community and they are important. He stated that he is trying to meet half way on these issues. City Manager Molendyk stated that in response to why the City Manager is getting involved is because he feels he has a responsibility to point out certain issues. He stated that in 1991 the City had 69 employees plus fire and police for a total of approximately 200 employees; he reminded the Council that out of the 11 employees that will have to be laid off, 8 are full time positions. He noted that there are 12 people in Public Works and if any more staff aze cut there is a real problem. He pointed out that if there is an emergency such as flood, Sre or earthquake these people play an important role and if we loose them there will be no fietd service and stressed the responsibility to the community. He stated that at this time the City could not hand(e a disaster. Councilwoman Brinley asked if this included materials as well. City Manager Molendyk stated that about $206,000 is for supplies. Counciiman Alongi quesuoned how many City Engineer s we have. City Manager Molendyk stated that we have two. Councilman Alongi stated that the City could get along with one and suggested starting from the top and working down. Councilman Metze called for the question. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley stated that she does not want a lay off. Councilman Alongi questioned if they want to go with the Committee s recommendation, and stressed that if this issue fails it is not his fault. Mayor Pape stated that this motion only needs a 2/3rds vote and not unanimous the other requ'ved. THE FOREGOING MOTION WAS APPROVE BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALONGI, BRINLEY, KELLEY, METZE, PAPE NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ~UBLIC COMMENTS Chris McColley thanked the Council for their consideration of the first proposal; but under the circumstances she will give the 2/3rds a shot and hope for the best. She thanked Council for their support of the recommendation today and noted the hazdships of the library. Chris Hyland thanked the Council for the vote and stated that she was sure that everyone would get out and vote in the manner that will pay off for the City. She stated that she would work to support the measure. Councilman Metze commented on the following: 1) Thanked Ms. Hyland for her support. 2) Stated that he always felt that 50% majority vote was the way it should be, but at this point 2/3rds is the way we have to go. PAG~ TWELVE - ADJOURNED C1TY COUNCIL MIlVUTES - MARCH 6, 1997 3) He noted thatProposition 218 would not have passed on a 2/3rds vote. Councilman Alongi commented on the following: 1) Made note of the 2/3rds vote and indicatedhe is happy with this and does not especially like the division of the money, but he will work hand for the measure because it is important to the community. 2) Noted that what the people of the State of California want is a 2/3rds vote and he may disagree with it, and does agree that 50% is right, but times have changed. 3) Thanked the Committee and noted that it has been a tough job and as a citizen of this community he realizes the importance of the services that the committee worked for. Councilwoman Brinley comroented on t6e following: 1) Stated that she is glad that the measure will be on the ballot and that everyone will have to pitch in and work together. She stressed that this is not a bond measure and indicated she is sorry that we could not go by the first plan because of the difficulty in getting a 2/3rds vote. 2) Stressed the importance of the youth programs and noted her son s participation and how it has benefited him. 3) Apologized to Mayor Pro Tem Kelley regazding the Library and noted the importance of this issue and stated that it will have to be addressed at a later date. 4) Thanked Cottunittee for their hard work and stated that the Committee was from a good cross section ofthe community. 5) Stressed the amount of work required to have the baliot measure pass. 6) Noted the good that the Kids on Track program did and stated that she was sorry that it could not be kept. She noted that past programs that were done by the schools, but they can no longer afford to do them either. She stressed that it is a sign of the times. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley commented on the following: 1) Stated that there are many issues before Council today and each is equally important. She further stated that Lake Elsinore has the Snest pazks in the County and we need to assure that they don t ciose. She pointed out how many people use the parks as well as the number of youth groups and organizations that use the parks. She outlined the benefits of parks and the way it affects people lives. She addressed the economics of closing the parks and how expensive it would be to restore them. 2) Addressed opening the parks during daylight hours only for use. She noted that the fields are currently booked until 10:00 p.m. and there are not enough parks to use in day light hours only. 3) Addressed the 2/3rds rule and the difficulty to obtain this number. She noted the voter apathy and encouraged everyone to get out and vote. 4) She cautioned the voters to be sure and understand the people we aze electing and the Propositions that we aze considering: She stated that her integrity was put on the line this week and she does not sell her vote to anyone and will vote for what is best for the City. She noted that this is not an I win, you loose situation. PAGE THIIiTEEN - ADJOURNED CTTY COUNCIL MINUTES - MARCH 6,1997 5) Stressed everyone should be concerned about what is right for the community. Mayor Pape commented on the following: 1) Stressed that what is important is that the people are given the opportunity to vote. Something is better than nothing and the alternative that would occur without having some say. 2) Noted that every weekend there are people moving to Lake Elsinore and most of them look at what the community can provide. He stated that the majority like the area, feel safe, feel they can talk to their neighbors and like the environment. IIe questioned what would happen if those conditions were not the same and how it would impact property values. 3) Stressed that the ballot measure provides basic services that most people have come to expect in the community and if there are other things that are desired they can be added in the future in the same manner. He stated that Council and the Committee stuck with the basics to provide proper service to the community. ADJOiTRNMENT T'HE MEETING WAS ATiJOURNED AT 5:05 P.M. W. PAPE,.'4IAYOR ~.T7iN .~'-"_': '.nrJi_ ~.;~ASAD, CiTY CLERK