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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-23-1997 City Council MinutesMINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 �•: • The Regular City Council Meeting was called to order by Mayor Pape at 7:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Community Services Director Sapp. I�i�il:ID PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BRINLEY, KELLEY, METZE, PAPE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALONGI Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, City Attorney Leibold, Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Development Director Leslie, Community Services Director Sapp, City Engineer O'Donnell, Police Chief Walsh, Assistant to the City Manager Best and City Clerk Kasad. PRESENTATION A. Proclamation - CR & R (F:122.1) Mayor read the proclamation & presented it to Ed Campos, representing CR & R. Mr. Campos thanked the City Council for this recognition. • . ,�, �= Mayor Pape detailed the events and services available for Second Chance Week, October 18th thru 26th, 1997. N C. Presentation - F.I.T. Committee.(17:64.1) Mayor Pape noted that the F.I.T. Committee is an off -shoot of the CAP Conference and noted the efforts by the FIT Committee. Steve Wallace, representing the Fix It Together Committee, detailed the F.I.T. Program and explained their efforts further. He stressed their interest in improvement of the Lake Elsinore Valley, using efforts by all age groups. PAGE TWO - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 He noted that last year they completed two major projects and got approximately 100 kids involved in the projects. He detailed the student groups involved, and noted the increased committee and area of service. He advised that they are planning eight major projects for this year. He detailed the types of work which will be completed and stressed their concern for correction of safety issues. He noted that this year they will also involve students from Ortega High and Elsinore High. He further noted the need for support from area service organizations and the need for supplies. He detailed last year's sponsors for donated materials and suggested anyone with questions contact him at (909) 244 -3253. He advised that applications will be available at City Hall, the Senior Center, and Canyon Lake City Hall. Mayor Pape commented on the 100% volunteer efforts of this committee. Mr. Wallace indicated that applicants should be senior citizens, low income or disabled; and explained the review process for selection. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley noted that the work with this group has been a lot of fun. PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDIZED ITEMS Requests were received to address the following items and deferred to those discussions: Items Nos. 3, 5 and 32. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS The following items were pulled from the Consent Calendar for further discussion and consideration: Item Nos. 3 and 5. MOVED BY BRINLEY, SECONDED BY KELLEY AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED. 1. The following Minutes were approved: a. Regular City Council Meeting - September 9, 1997. (F:44.4) The following Minutes were received and filed: b. Planning Commission Minutes - August 20, 1997 C. Planning Commission Minutes - September 3, 1997. (F:60.3) d. Design Review Committee Minutes - August 20, 1997. e. Design Review Committee Minutes - Sept. 3, 1997. (F:60.4) 2. Ratified Warrant List for September 16, 1997. (F:12.3) PAGE THREE - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 4. Issued Written Report in Compliance with the requirements of Section 65858 of the Government Code, Describing Measures Being Taken Relative to the Adoption of Urgency Ordinance No. 1021 and 1022 which Temporarily Prohibits Residential Projects at a Density Greater than Twelve (12) Dwelling Units Per Acre Pending Contemplated General Plan and Zoning Studies; and set a public hearing for October 28, 1997 for extension of Ordinance No. 1022. (F:78.1) 6. Approved Public Hearing Date of October 28, 1997 for the following: a. General Plan Amendment 97 -3 and Zone Change 97 -2 - Scott McDaniel (F:83.2)(X:172.2) .BUSINESS ITEMS 31. Appointment of Voting Delegate /Alternate -League of California Cities Annual Conference. (F:108.8) Mayor Pape introduced this item. MOVED BY BRINLEY, SECONDED BY METZE AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT TO APPOINT MAYOR PAPE AS THE DELEGATE AND MAYOR PRO TEM KELLEY AS THE ALTERNATE VOTING DELEGATE FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE. City Manager Watenpaugh explained this item, and noted the presence of Task Force Members in the audience. Mayor Pape invited the Task Force forward for recognition. He noted the time spent considering reclaimed water for a variety of uses in the valley; and presented Certificates of Appreciation to those Task Force Members in attendance as follow: Pete Dawson, Gene Frick, Chris Hyland, Mark Dennis, Jimmy Flores, John Gonzales, Tom Hundshamer, Bob Schiffner, Edith Stafford, Bill Thomas, and Phil Williams. Phil Williams, Chairman of the Task Force, noted the diversity of this large group of Task Force Members and the variety of opinions and attitudes. He noted the findings of the report and the infeasibility of buying drinkable water to put in the Lake. He explained that reclaimed water is a new and upcoming source and stressed the inavailability of water from Eastern Municipal Water District in the near future. He noted that there are two major issues in this discussion being public perception, and health and safety. He indicated that Health & Safety the easiest part, noting the ability make reclaimed water drinkable and useable. He commented that the second issue was the PAGE FOUR —CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1997_: acceptability of putting reclaimed water in the Lake. He indicated that Nitrogen and Phosphorous are big issues, and stressed the impact of those nutrients on the Lake. He further stressed that any reclaimed water will need to meet the current quality of water in the Lake. He noted the potential impact of El Nino on the Lake this year and requested Council concurrence to allow the Task Force to proceed. Dr. Moid Ahmad, hydrologist and resident of Lake Elsinore, noted the fish kills at the Lake and the smell of the lake. He addressed a report by Black and Veatch regarding what the water contains, and indicated that reclaimed water will not change anything or correct the smell. He indicated if something is to be achieved it is important to start with the watershed area; and expressed concern with the watershed area. He further indicated that people should visit the Lake every day and see the impact raf the water on the fish on a daily basis. He also indicated that spending money on the Lake will not accomplish anything, and detailed the phosphorous levels of ground water and Lake water. He commented that he does not believe that El Nino will have any impact on the Lake. Mayor Pape suggested that Dr. Ahmad share his findings with Community Services Director Sapp. Mayor Pro Tern Kelley thanked the Reclaimed Water Task Force and her appointee, Mr. John Gonzales for their investment of time and energy over the last several months. She noted the discussion of the watershed issues and stressed the need to find innovative ways to save this most precious resource. Councilwoman Brinley thanked the Task Force for their hard work and time spent on reclaimed water issues. She thanked Mr. Williams for his leadership role on the Task Force. She indicated that her problem is still the watershed issue and until that is addressed, it seems we would be throwing good money after good money. She encouraged the Task Force to promote and educate area residents on the facts about reclaimed water. She stressed the importance of an educational program with workshops, study sessions, etc., to gain public input and support. She expressed concurrence that any water going into the Lake should be up to the quality of drinking water, so everyone can feel safe. She again thanked the Task Force for their time and efforts. Councilman Metze thanked the Task Force for their work and noted that their efforts saved time for the Council and the Water Board. Mayor Pape noted that this year has been unique with Citizen's Committees for both Measure BB and the Reclaimed Water Issue. He noted that there is much more involvement by local residents; and suggested that will be increasingly important in the future. He noted a recent news article regarding waste water and the picture "waste water" conjures for most people; and comments by Jay Leno on the topic. He stressed the need to think long and hard as to whether it will benefit or impact the Lake and its PAGE FIVE:- CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 usage. He noted that the Lake is a commodity and competes for people to come to Lake Elsinore over Lake Perris, etc. He also noted that Eastern will not have water available for many years, so the water will need to come from E. V.M. W.D., but even they have only a small fraction of what would be needed for the annual evaporation from the Lake. He indicated that what is available could not increase the water level, and stressed the need to pursue all resources to assure that the water does not go too low and impact the recreational usage of the Lake. He further stressed the need to educate people so they understand what is involved and make the negative perceptions go away. He noted that it does not look like more water will be needed this winter. He again thanked the Task Force for their efforts and the opportunity to recognize them publicly. MOVED BY KELLEY, SECONDED BY METZE AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 97-63: RESOLUTION NO. 97-63 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE ACKNOWLEDGING THE "WHITE PAPER" ENTITLED RECYCLED WATER FOR LAKE ELSINORE: PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS, PREPARED BY THE RECYCLED WATER TASK FORCE. ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALEND City Manager Watenpaugh noted that this item is being presented upon the ending of a four year contract and the firm has proposed a•contract for the next four years for the City of Lake Elsinore, Lake Elsinore Redevelopment Agency, Lake Elsinore Public Finance Authority and Lake Elsinore Recreation Authority. He indicated that the current year fee is $32,700 and they are proposing that next year the contract would be $35,450 and up in increments as stated in the report. He noted the impact of CFD's and bond issues which create increased paperwork for the auditors and would require staff to produce many documents which have already been provided. He noted that the City has received annual awards for Financial reporting from the State. He recommended an extension of the contract as proposed. John Seepe, 15631 Half Moon Drive, inquired if a representative of the auditing firm was present. Staff indicated they were not. Mr. Seepe noted an announcement by a City employee who said the ending balance for 1996 would be available in December. He questioned if Council was aware of the date of the final statement in prior years and suggested he was receiving conflicting reports from the City and would like to be able to vote responsibly in November. He expressed hopes that there would be a report available PAGE SIX CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 239 1997 for review prior to the election and looked to the Council for enlightenment and assurance that this documentation will be available. City Manager Watenpaugh responded to Mr. Seepe, and indicated that staff could provide unaudited numbers, but the final report will be available about the first of December. He offered to provide the unaudited report and go through and explain them to him. He provided a press release and detailed the ending balances for June 30, 1997. He explained that an annual budget is an estimate and clarified the July 1st cash available for use. He noted the cuts made this year, the money allocated from the reserves and the lost tax increment. He noted that there was an improvement in the numbers as the ending balance was up from the project $1.3 million to $1.7 million. He stressed that the budget estimates were on target and recommended that the Council continue to work toward maintaining a $2 million general fund reserve. He also noted pending reimbursements to the park fund and library fund. He stressed that the numbers are unaudited at this time. Mayor Pape clarified that the issue before the Council is for the Contract approval, not to address the audited numbers. MOVED BY BRINLEY, SECONDED BY KELLEY AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT TO AUTHORIZE THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR TO EXTEND THE AUDIT CONTRACT WITH THOMAS, BIGBIE & SMITH FOR FOUR YEARS AT THE RATES SPECIFIED IN THE LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 11, 1997. 5. Wasson Canyon Discharge M.O.U. (F:164.1) City Manager Watenpaugh noted the study session on this issue and explained the issues of the requested agreement and the route of the waterline project. He explained the enhancements of the project and the long range benefits to the City. He suggested that the Council consider approval of this agreement subject to City Attorney approval. City Attorney Leibold noted that she will be providing proposed language, as the City needs to be relieved of liability from pending litigation. She indicated that she believes it is a good agreement in concept, but will need to provide additional language. City Ma -tiger Watenpaugh noted concerns for the International Outlet Center and rot-.d the potential need for assurance that the parties will be continuing to wor - with Mr. Chen on the project. Dick Knapp, City Treasurer, noted that h-. is leery about this as there will be no water until 2012. He indicated that h-1 has followed the project for about a year, and is curious as to why they are dumping their water on City property. He questioned whether the line will continue on or go into a processing plant. He expressed objection to the whole project and noted the Least Bells Vireo habitat and the International Outlet Channel He detailed his discussions with PAGE SEVEN - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 other agencies and noted the need for Mr Chen to have a lot of money to mitigate. He suggested that this project looks good just before election time. Mayor Pape noted the recent study session at which those concerns were explained by Eastern Municipal Water District. He indicated that it is not an issue for the City as much as the Water District, but an issue of cooperation. Mayor Pape stressed not going into the Lake, but going on down the stream. Noted meeting with Congressman yesterday in an attempt to get this project off the ground. noted the developer has spent a lot of resources to get to this point and move forward. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley added that Eastern would be releasing water during their winter months, only in the event of heavy rains. She indicated that everyone is very well aware of the environmental concerns. Mr. Chen presented a rendering of his proposed project and noted that the site was formerly a junk yard. He stressed that the property used to look very bad and he has worked hard to find the best use for the property. He noted the money spent by the City for Collier Road and stressed the City intent to gain the best use of that road. He indicated that he would appreciate City staff giving him advise on his latest proposed project. He noted the potential benefits of his project to the City, and indicated that as he understands this pipeline project, has its own drainage problems. He advised that he has been discussing his project with the County for three months and they are now working to realign the flood line. He thanked the City Council for their support. Councilwoman Brinley concurred that Mr. Chen is working with the Corps of Engineers on the project and with Congressman Calvert on the situation. She requested the inclusion of a caveat that they work with Mr. Chen regarding his current project and keep the Council abreast of the progress. MOVED BY BRINLEY, SECONDED BY METZE TO APPROVE THE MOU, PENDING CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW AND APPROVAL; AND WORK WITH MR. CHEN ON HIS EXISTING PROJECT. Councilman Metze noted that this document is only a MOU, and there are still many hoops to jump through for permitting, mitigation, land acquisition, etc. Mayor Pape noted that the Water District is in an enviable position to be able to plan that far ahead for future needs. THE FOREGOING MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE. THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS RECESSED AT 7:59 P.M. THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECONVENED AT 8:06 P.M. PAGE EIGHT - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 Helen Moore, representing the Elsinore Valley Artist's Society, thanked Mayor Pape for his appearance at their Art Show. She noted that the rest of the City Council and staff were also invited. She indicated that they had a good show and noted the difficult decision for the Mayor's Choice Award. She further indicated that there were artists from various other areas from Bellflower to San Diego and one from Tucson, AZ. She thanked the Mayor for his attendance, and noted that the local press did not give them what they wanted. She thanked staff for the coverage they received on the Union 76 sign, and for their assistance. Nita Van Heest, presented a hypothetical comparison of herself as a developer to TMC. She expressed concern with the track record of TMC on other projects. Chris Hyland, 15191 Wavecrest, noted that she received phone calls on Sunday, during a door to door campaign advising that a document is false. She noted that the document is a memorandum from Administrative Services Director Boone to City Manager Watenpaugh and questioned whether it was a false document. She indicated that according to the Finance Director these were the balances on hand at the end of the fiscal year. She requested an accounting for $1.8 million, and quesitoned further whether the information was false. She also questioned whether there was not in fact $3.l million in reserves on the day the parks were closed. She noted that she is running for the same office and stressed that it is paramount that the people be given the truth. She suggested that City Manager Watenpaugh threw figures around to fool the people. James Gray, 15159 Mimosa Drive, commented that the Council needs to instruct r law enforcement personnel not to automatically come to the podium at the three minute bell, but only when directed to do so by the Mayor. He suggested that this type of action should be on a case by case basis. = He noted that disruption of City business is against the law and suggested that speakers with longer comments, invite a neighbor to read the balance of their comments. He further noted that the Council should tell TMC to take a hike; and advertise in the surrounding area for professional management companies with proven experience in managing a facility such as the Diamond. He indicated that the next focus should be the Lake, which has started with the work of the Reclaimed Water Task Force. He thanked Pete Dawson for repeatedly proving that the Lake is safe. Dick Knapp, City Treasurer, noted that he picked up a memorandum from City Manager Watenpaugh to himself with copies to Council and staff. He detailed the packet regarding the July 31st balances, and indicated that they follow with the June 30th balances. He noted that Mr. Watenpaugh tried to explain the difference, but it has taken three months to come up with that information. He further noted that everything will not be accounted for because of the mid -year review. He suggested that the balance which is shown as $1.3 million is really $3.1 million, and stressed that the parks should have never been closed. He reiterated that the parks could have been kept open. He further' questioned why the information he requested took PAGE NINE - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 so long to produce. He indicated that a disservice was done when the parks were closed, and stressed the need for fiscal responsibility. He encouraged voters to support he and Chris Hyland. John Seepe, 15631 Half Moon Drive, noted that he has spoken about what he feels about RDA, taxes and the press; and indicated that he speaks because he believes in what he is saying and is not willing to compromise on those issues. He questioned if his personal beliefs should cause him to receive threats. He indicated that threats have been made upon his family and reported to the police; and now he is speaking out about it. He indicated that this type of activity should not be tolerated in the community; and everyone needs to grow up and grasp reality. He further suggested that when we grasp reality, then maybe we can begin to grasp the problems of the community. He stressed that there are things in the community worth standing up for; and expressed hopes that more people like Mariana will exercise that right. Rick Zwiefel, 101 South Main Street, noted that he would be making comments he believes are true. He indicated that Gary Washburn was previous mayor, voted yes on all TMC items, voted on spending $8 million for the ball field, and voted in support of all the overage costs. He further indicated that Mr. Washburn is a consultant to TMC and the Council is drafting a contract with TMC and Mr. Washburn to take over the ball field; and suggested that this arrangement sounds fishy. He questioned if these factors are true and requested that the Council let the community know what is being considered; and suggested that Mr. Washburn is still running the show. John Del Regno, 161 S. Main Street, commented on the Dolphins football efforts to play a game for the parks fund. He indicated that Walmart, Albertsons, Food Smarts and Denny's are marketing tickets for the event and noted their efforts to obtain sponsorships from area businesses. He advised that those persons interested in volunteering to assist with their efforts can call (909) 678 - 8000. He noted that the team currently has five wins and no losses and they believe they can raise a lot of money with the assistance of the public. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley thanked Mr. Del Regno for the sign at the City campground. Mariana Mohylyn, 305 W. Sumner, indicated that City officials and the Mayor are governed by un- American policies, including arm twisting. She further indicated that land is being permitted to be confiscated and people are being abused. She questioned how many people come before the Council to speak and noted that it is generally only five to eight people who are granted only three minutes each. She further noted that the police are ready to remove those people like Stalin and Lenin. She quesitoned if that is what Lake Elsinore should be, and noted her efforts toward freedom of speech. She indicated that the people are maturing and expressed hopes that the Council will mature with them. She reiterated her concerns for freedom of speech without police brutality. Lee Allen, 270 Avenue 9, indicated that he generally stays away from City Council Meetings because they were going down hill when he came here. He suggested that PAGE TEN - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 239 1997 the City has been tax and spend, but it is time to clean house. He expressed concern with the Council's administration of the City and reiterated that he would like people to wake up and clean house for the betterment of Lake Elsinore. He noted that he previously suggested removal of the sand and silt from the Lake and noted the dangerous conditions. He stressed that the Council should do something constructive and there would be no competition with other areas. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS City Manager Watenpaugh commented on the following: 1) Noted that staff did try to clarify the pooled cash at the end of the fiscal year; and advised that the press release would be available. 2) Addressed Item No. 5 regarding Reclaimed Water and stressed that there is not necessarily any water available at this time, and there will not be any for the Lake for quite some time. He noted comments at the last Study Session that the only time there would be a surplus of water would be in the winter months in the study session that they would have surplus in winter months when it could not be placed into the Lake. 3) Addressed Ms. Hyland regarding the accuracy of the memo being circulated. He indicated that it was accurate, however it was used publicly to indicated that those dollars are available cash to be spent, which is not the case. He stressed that those were the dollars at the end of the year and noted the final balance variance was not bad; and reiterated the increase due to onetime non - recurring money. 4) Addressed Mr. Gray's concerns regarding organizations with whom there are agreements, specifically with knowing they have adequate financial resources, who are they and whether they are experienced to say what they can do. He indicated that he was not sure at this time, but will be prior to the agreement being signed. 5) Confirmed that the City did allocate general fund dollars to the stadium, they are not hidden but are in the budget and they were in the budget last year. He noted that there is only one more year on that contract. 6) Confirmed that the RDA has obligations and funds are being allocated to address them; and stressed that the bills are all being paid. 7) Addressed freedom of speech, and stressed that they are not precluding comments but guaranteeing them their three minutes. He stressed that there are others who want to speak, and the City is requesting compliance, rather than dealing with it legally. PAGE ELEVEN - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 8) Noted that staff has been meeting with GFLRacing regarding the Grand Prix to assure that the race and events are as smooth as last year. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS City Attorney Leibold commented that part of her charge was to review, negotiate and prepare legally enforceable agreements. She indicated that with regard to the identity of TMC, staff has requested organizational documents and financials from TMC, just as would be done with any other developer, to assure the financial backing and expertise to perform the obligations of the contract. She noted the need to discuss Closed Session items. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilwoman Brinley commented on the following: 1) Thanked John Del Regno for the football game for the parks effort. 2) Noted that she keeps hearing the parks are closed, but they are not closed, they are open and being used. She clarified that they are not being used for organized sports, due to the level of maintenance. 3) Noted that the ballot in November provides residents with the opportunity to vote on the level of services the City will provide. 4) Addressed the RDA, and concurred that it was a complex entity which takes a lot of time, efforts and studying to understand its intent. She indicated that it is there to help businesses and not create blighted areas. She noted that she has discussed the matter with the City Attorney and suggested that people with questions call the City for clarification. She commented that the professional staff has give the answers openly and honestly and taken the time to explain the information; but some refuse to accept the answers, or try to understand the truth. 5) Commented on the TMC negotiations, and noted that it is not possible to discuss much, but the professional staff and consultants are working diligently on the matter to assure that the important issues are addressed. She stressed the City effort to give the people a well maintained Stadium at a lower cost. 6) Addressed El Nino and noted that City staff is on top of the situation, and meetings are occurring with the County Emergency Services office and the fire department. She noted the upcoming meetings and training for all full time staff. She stressed that the City will be in a state of total preparedness. She fiuther stressed that this is another reason for - U PAGE TWELVE - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 maintaining the reserves. She noted that it could be necessary to use up the reserves to protect the community. 7) Addressed the Art Show, and noted that she missed the event due to the birth of her fifth grandchild. She announced that her new granddaughter Erynn is a welcome addition to the family. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley commented on the following: 1) Noted her attendance at the soccer field on Saturday and the questions she has received regarding the new Albertson's Market. She noted that she heard comments that the project was denied, but reassured the public that the project was moving forward. She commented that the Council can only correct the rumors, which are most likely to occur during an election. She stressed that it is important to call City Hall for clarification and answers. 2) Announced the Friends of the Library autumn book sale on October 3rd and 4th at Chuckles Java Junction on Main Street, and detailed the hours of the event. She noted that there would be live entertainment by "Echo" on Friday evening. She advised that donations of books can be delivered to the Library. Councilman Metze commented on the following: 1) Congratulated Rita Wilsey on her Kansas City win of a National title for Women's Corvette Racing; and noted that it is her third consecutive win. He fin ther noted that she also set a course record for speed for ladies corvettes. 2) Noted that there are two Dolphins games in October before the next City Council meeting, on October 4th and 18th. 3) Clarified that this City has received the California State Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting; and stressed the high level of quality in annual financial statements. 4) Apologized to staff, and indicated that with the number of hours spent with Mr. Knapp, and stressed that there are two sides to a ledger. He indicated that citizens need to be kept advised, and noted that efforts were made to pass a park funding measure by a 50% vote, but were stopped. He stressed that the people who made an issue of that vote campaigned against Measure BB and now against Measure RR. He noted that one current candidate has previously stated that this City is further in debt and headed for bankruptcy court and at two meetings stated that the City is broke. He noted that those comments were as late as August 15th of this year, when she said the ".....have to break th e chain of a clique that has too long dominated the City and placed it on the verge of bankruptcy, but now we have the money to do what they say we can ...." He stressed the need to decipher who is telling the truth, and noted the earlier mention of fiscal responsibility. He noted that when people are signing recall petitions, they are saying they have read the petition, and stressed that it says nothing about parks. He noted that it costs about $35,000 for a special election with enough signatures, and questioned the fiscal responsibility of that or suing the City. He quesitoned who paid for the attorney in a recent lawsuit. He indicated that he does not believe they have listened to the people in the last three elections and noted the vote counts received by Councilmembers Brinley and Kelley. He expressed concern that neither has been allowed to govern from day one. He stressed that the Councilwomen were elected and are not being listened to; and questioned what makes people think that the other group will listen to the people. He noted that Councilman Alongi recently testified against the City to keep a bar open and quesitoned what people really want. He expressed hopes that the citizens could decipher the situation, and reiterated the fluctuations on money comments. He questioned who has been straightforward with the facts. Mayor Pape commented on the following: 1) Requested that staff look at the potential need for a stop sign in the area of Mill Street near Avenues 9 and 10. He stressed that there is a lot of traffic moving at a high rate of speed. He further stressed that there are a lot of small children and it is important to slow the traffic down. 2) Thanked the Art Society for their event, and indicated that he had a pleasant time. He confirmed that it was a challenge to pick out the Mayor's Choice Award, and commented on the amount of talent in the valley. 3) Noted some good news with regard to the persistent problem areas for potholes. He noted that work will be done on Grand Avenue, Machado/Lakeshore, Riverside Drive /Gunnerson, Summerhill at Canyon Estates Drive and Spring Street near the Alamo Market by a week from Friday. 4) Indicated that the City Council Meeting is not the forum for campaigning, but a place to conduct City Business. He stressed the importance of acting in a professional manner and keeping campaigning outside the facility. He noted efforts to provide rumor control, in cases which are obvious efforts to mislead people. He noted a Letter to the Editor regarding City reserves, suggestingthat there is more and noted that a basic accounting course is needed, to understand the situation. He stressed the cash flow issues and noted it is no different than in 1994, 1995 and 96. He reiterated that every year tile'. PAGE FOURTEEN - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 revenues have gone down, staff has been cut and the reserves have gone down. He noted that the good news is that the recession is over, and projects are starting to move forward. He stressed that people should avoid being misled. 5) Noted the next airing of the Visions and Views program on Monday, noted the water ski racing over the weekend and announced that the next show would include a skydiving jump. WKIRIAMI o� a. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - 2 cases. b. Conference with Real Property Negotiator - 80.43 Acres - AP #365- 020 -026, 365- 020 -021, 365- 007 -026, 365- 020 -027 and portion of 370- 020 -002 - TMC/LEA Settlement Agreement - Discussion of Terms of the Agreement.. C. Conference with Real Property Negotiator - Mamie Miller Property - AP# 374 - 301 -008 & 374 - 302 -002 - Discussion of Terms of Agreement/Price. City Attorney Leibold noted the closed session items pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9b and 54956.8. THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 9:05 P.M. THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECONVENED AT 9:31 P.M. WITH THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Attorney Leibold announced that the City Council present unanimously directed staff to proceed with negotiations on both real property items, but no final agreement has been reached on either. She further announced with regard to anticipated litigation, those City Councilmembers present unanimously gave direction to Legal Counsel to respond and address those issues. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY PAPE, SECONDED BY METZE AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 9:35 A� est VIN W. PA_ E, MAYOR (��' ��' Y ITY OF LAKE ELSINORE J CITY CLERK VITF CF T:.EM' ELSINORE