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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-17-1997 Special City Council/User Group MeetingMINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCHJUSER GROUP MEETING CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1997 �VjKliffIXITMOTDC11 _ The Special City Council/User Group Meeting was called to order by Mayor Pape at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALONGI, KELLEY, METZE, PAPE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BRINLEY Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, Community Services Director Sapp and City Clerk Kasad. DISCUSSION User Group Discussion of Parks. (F:114.1) Mayor Pape noted that the outcome of this discussion will be dependent upon a new revenue source or reduction in expenses. He noted the potential that someone else would be taking over the expenses of the Diamond. He stressed that the intent of this meeting was to provide information and get input from the User Group on how to work with the resources available. City Manager Watenpaugh reiterated that any discussion is dependent upon coming up with a revenue stream. He noted that the public does not want to pay for parks, but the City is negotiating with TMC which could provide a way to cover the costs. He suggested that there will be discussion of taking half of the dollars saved on operating the Stadium or about $250,000 for a base line of maintenance on the parks. He explained that this would include daily water, etc. and noted the schedule of maintenance; he stressed that a basic level is less than the current level. He indicated that he feels the fences have to come down even with minimal maintenance. He stressed the need to find options, because the City does not have the money. He commented that there is a need for costs to be paid by the user groups or sponsors. He noted the cost of overseeding and detailed the field maintenance costs. A member of the audience questioned the services which would be available. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that the City is open to input. He clariled the liability potential, but indicated that staff will work with the User Groups to meet the standards. Mrs. Stafford suggested that it is critical to find ways to charge less. City Manager Watenpaugh stressed that this meeting is an effort to work with the user groups. He noted that staff is open to trade -offs and stressed that the City doesn't have the money and this is a new ballgame. He stressed that staff does not have all the answers. He noted the interest in talking to the Boards and User Groups, as the parks are beneficial for all. He stressed that the City is trying to accommodate the User Groups. Mayor Pape noted that it is important to add additional days of watering for the parks. PAGE TWO - SPECIAL COUNCIL GROUP MEETING - NOVEMBER 179 1997 A member of the audience noted that the parkways are being watered the day after it rains, and suggested efforts to conserve water now. City Manager Watenpaugh noted that the water on the parks has been off for two weeks. He Rather noted that Terra Cotta is being watered by the School District and will continue to do so at their own expense. He clarified that the parkways are still funded, but Prop. 218 precluded the funding for the parks. He stressed that staff will try to accommodate the groups within the budgetary constraints. A member of the audience noted the light bulb deposit and questioned if the bulbs will be replaced before the User Groups start fimding maintenance costs. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that they would not be replaced. The member of the audience stressed his concern for paying for something which is already not working. Mayor Pape questioned the number of bulbs which are burned out. Community Services Director Sapp indicated that there are 26 burned out bulbs at Terra Cotta. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that the bulb costs would be based on which field was being used. Chris Hyland questioned the ability to turn the lights on and off. Mr. Watenpaugh clarified the costs to replace the switches vs. the cost to replace the light bulbs. Mrs. Hyland questioned the bid process on this work. Mr. Watenpaugh stressed the efforts to cut costs. Bruce Atherton questioned when there was a time to have a User Group and get away from the Council Meeting format. He indicated that he was not present to listen to this discussion. Mayor Pape noted the bulbs out at the parks other than Terra Cotta. Mr. Sapp indicated that presently Terra Cotta is the worst. Mayor Pape indicated that it is a good point that the program should start with all of the lights working. A member of the audience questioned what Council was looking for from the User Groups; and the type of input requested. Mayor Pape indicated that the objective of this meeting is to gain input and start planning for next season. He indicated that the next meeting will be between the User Group Boards and City Staff. He noted interest in the cost of the water, ownership of the fields and buy -ins. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley noted the need to think about groups wanting to build snack bars and suggested the potential for trade -offs. Mr. Sapp noted that there is no plan to turn the water on until March, which will provide some savings of money; but stressed the need for a new money source. A member of the audience inquired if the City was open to the idea of being site specific for bargaining purposes; noting that the needs are different. Mr. Watenpaugh concurred but stressed that the costs are going to different as well. He stressed that the groups will need to look at a way to maintain the facilities. He further stressed the interest in listening and making it work for all, and noted the City°s willingness to negotiate. Joe Arriello noted the "pennies for the parks: effort and questioned the dollars available to address the lights to make them operational. Mr. Watenpaugh noted that there will be a report at the Meeting of November 25th and there will be a number on the funds available. PAGE THREE - SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING - NOVEMBER 17, 1997 Mrs. Hyland noted a report on October 30, 1997 and indicated that there was $3.5 million available. She noted that she was impressed with the comments by Senator Haynes at a recent meeting and indicated that with the elimination of about three positions the fences could be taken down; and detailed the salaries of those positions. A member of the audience stressed the importance of keeping an open mind to discuss the options. He stressed that everyone was present for the same reason,which is the City's children. Another member of the audience suggested discussion of the required items so the groups can review their budgets. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that if it is a rainy or wet season, and minimal maintenance there will be some type of overseeding required. He indicated that the key interest of this meeting was to see what the groups are willing or able to do. He stressed the effort to change the way things are done; and noted that two thirds of the residents said they don't want to pay for parks. He further stressed that the City is trying to supply a baseline for maintenance. A member of the audience noted the prior discussion of $250,000 and questioned what portion of the parks would be funded with that. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that this is looking at general dollars and that will be broken down into specific numbers. A member of the audience questioned Swick & Matich park and how much of the costs would be looked for from the users. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that the intent would be a cost for the baseline maintenance. A member of the audience questioned the inclusion of lights in the costs presented. Mr. Watenpaugh clarified the cost information. Mayor Pape questioned if the preference would be for a flat fee rather than "a -la- carte ". A member of the audience noted the unpredictability of the lighting costs and suggested that users fees be set to cover everyone. Mr. Watenpaugh expressed a willingness to discuss those options. Edith Stafford indicated that everyone has a right to use the parks, not just the Little Leagues. She indicated that they should be concerned about the overall cost of the parks. She stressed that the City is saying they don't have the money but there is money. She stressed that the balance in reserves is going up, and the City is not fooling her. She suggested that the Council use the reserves to address the parks and take the fences down. A member of the audience questioned the time frame to get something going. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that staff is working toward an agreement with TMC for the December 9th Council meeting, but there are no guarantees at this time. He clarified that there is presently $1.8 million in the reserves, as the balance of the funds are committed. Councilman Alongi questioned the costs for each park. Mr. Watenpaugh noted that water will be 401/o of the costs and dollars need to be attached to the maintenance factor for each park. Councilman Alongi stressed with a breakdown of costs it would be possible to plan for a specific number of games, which would be easier. PAGE FOUR - SPECIAL. COUNCIL MEETING - NOVEMBER 17, 1997 Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned implementation of a User Fee. Mr. Arreola suggested a User fee or different levels of maintenance. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that staff needs schedules, but nothing can happen tomorrow. He further indicated that staff can do the calculations, but there is a lot of staff time involved. Mr. Atherton, representing Girls Softball, noted comments about designated fields for each user group. He noted that the only conflicts would be with Little League at Tuscany Hills and Lakepoint. Community Services Manager Edelbrock noted the calculations for last year. Mr. Atherton noted that they use McVicker for practice two nights a week last year. Mr. Watenpaugh questioned the time frame to do the calculations based on last year's percentages, and whether it could be done within about 10 days. Ms. Edelbrock indicated it could be done in a week or so. Mr. Watenpaugh suggested this was a way to address the issue and look at the lighting costs, but further investigation would be needed. Mr. Atherton indicated that they are still very interested in putting in a snack bar at Tuscany Hills, but they would want some consideration for their effort. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that the City would be open to that because working together will be necessary to make it work. A member of the audience questioned the variation between Terra Cotta and a smaller park. He requested consideration of the ability to pay cost monthly rather than on a three month basis. Councilman Alongi suggested also considering if a fee is needed on applications to use the parks. He stressed the need for an application process. Mr. Atherton stressed that this is for Elsinore kids. City Manager Watenpaugh concurred, but stressed the importance of determining the baseline of service with the User Groups paying for any upgrades. There was general discussion of the baseline service levels, potential for funding of up to $250,000 toward parks and use of school facilities. A member of the audience encouraged the removal of the fences, noting that they are having an impact on the overall registration for youth sports, which in turn reduces their available funds. Mayor Pape noted that the mowing requirement may be reduced with the reduction in water usage. Mr. Sapp clarified that it is somewhat different in that it involves Rye grass. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that he would address the issue with staff further to determine the costs to make it work. Councilman Alongi stressed the maintenance costs and noted that while an agreement is being discussed with TMC, that agreement has not been reached. Mayor Pape stressed the efforts to obtain a good deal on the Stadium for the City. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley stressed that one reason negotiations are underway is to solve the park problem. She commented on the impact of Proposition 218 and expressed her interest PAGE FIVE - SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING - NOVEMBER 17, 1997 in getting the youth groups back on the fields to play. She stressed the need for assistance from the youth groups to make it work. Mr. Atherton questioned the belief with regard to basic fees for City residents and County residents. Mr. Watenpaugh indicated that there is discussion with regard to non - resident fees. He indicated that he would like to proceed based on last year's percentages to look at the dollar costs for the individual facilities. Mr. Metze suggested that further work be done directly with staff. Mr. Watenpaugh noted that he would share the findings and information with the User Groups. Mayor Pape expressed appreciation for the participation by the User Groups in this meeting. THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCHJUSER GROUP MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:20 P.M. ATTEST: 9 SAD, CITY CLERK CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE l VIN W. P ,MAYOR CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE U