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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-1996 City Council Study SessionMINU~ES CTTY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET CONFERENCE ROOM "A 8c B" LAI~ ELSINORE, CALIFORN7A THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 1996 wx**~x**xxx*sx***~rc**x*x*z*****a*zxxxxxxre*xx*~x*~zx*x**xxx**rc*zx~*z*xx*zx~*xr* CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Pape called the City Council Study 5ession to order at 8:40 a.m. DISCUSSION: C~ Goals and obiectives. (F:30.1) City Manager Molendyk gave an overview of short term ( 1-2 years) goals of the City as follows: A. Develop a financial plan that will provide for a stable City Budget. - Determine desired levels of service. - Develop the necessary funding strategy. - Buy-in by all of the Council. - Present and educate the community. B. Diamond Stadium. Re-negotiate agreements to be more favorable to the City. Consider elimination of Spectrum as a Management Furn. Development operation and maintenance program to preserve City investment. C. City Campground. Re-negotiate agreements to be more favorable to the City. Development strategy for site improvements to be more competitive with other sites. Develop funding strategy for site improvements. There was general discussion in regard to the condition of the campground and what action is being taken. D. Lake Elsinore. Continue to secure the $3.5 million from the State. Secure Funding for aeration system. Complete Boat Launch Facility. City Manager Molendyk explained that they were directed to approach the Department ofBoats and Waterways to acquire the funding for the aeration system and ifthe City came up with a program for $1,500,000 that they could facilitate the funding because of a different funding mechanism which can allocate $500,000 a yeaz over a three year period and this allows the City the ability to ask for the funds since it is more feasible to allocate in that manner. There was discussion regarding the $3.5 million from the State. PAGE TWO - 5TUDY SESSION - AUGUST 8,1996 Assistant City Manager Watenpaugh gave an overview of the status of the Boat Launch facility and stated that they will start on site in the next ten days. He noted that they will have 100 days to complete the project once they receive their notice to proceed. Councilman Alongi asked if there were change orders to the Boat Launch would the City have to pay for them. Assistant City Manager Watenpaugh stated that if there were any change orders, then yes the City would have to pay for them, but he is not expecting any since it was made clear to the contractor that the project would go as written. He further explained that soil bores that were taken. E. Tourism Strategy. Develop a strategy for increasing tourism. - Promotion - Marketing - Cooperation - Implementation - Develop funding strategy. City Manager Molendyk explained that a video has been made as well as a brochure on lodging facilities. He noted the Farmers Market, Lake Elsinore Crrand Priac, Car Show at the Stadium, boat races, Elsinore Classic and boat shows. Special Projects Manager Best explained that due to the Boat Shows that the City has participated in, it has brought people to Lake Elsinore to utilize our Lake and community. She made note of a Boat Show in October in Long Beach that we will participate in to encourage tourism. F. Intergovernmental Relations. - Deternune levels of involvement for City Council. - Establish strategy for meeting with organizations and agencies. - Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District - Lake Elsinore Unified School District - Riverside County Board of Supervisors - Local Agency Formation Commission - Western Riverside Council of Governments - Any others City Manger Molendyk gave an overview of the different activities that the City has participated in to support intergovernmental relations. City Manager Molendyk then explained the Mid Term (3-5 years) goals and objectives as follows: A. West End fire station. Construct facility. Through City's budget strategy, develop funding source for staffing and operations. PAGE THREE - STUDY SE55ION - AUGUST 8, 1996 B. City Campground. Secure funding for Boat Launch and Marina facilities. C. Tourism Strategy. Implement expanded promotion and marketing plan for City and sunounding azea. - Air Thermals - Water sports - Baseball - Racing D. Increase City's Reserves to 30% of the City's Budget. City Manager Molendyk noted Proposition No. 218, Voter's Approval for Local Government Taaces which will affect ta~ces and assessments and property related fees and charges. He explained that as far as taxes, if the Council wished to impose a utIlity tax to continue services it would be subject to a vote of the people which would spread the cost to renters as well as property owners. He noted that the City Wide Street Lighting and Maintenance District would be affected and this would include streets, storm drains, signals and things related to streets, and if it was taken to a vote of the people, would no longer include parks. He noted that in our Assessment District it has included Parks, Beaches and public areas are in our Lighting and Landscaping District. If it were to go to the ballot, streets and lighting would be separate from pazks. He noted that under the new law ifthere is an assessment passed, all property owners would be liable for their fair share which would include School Districts, Water Districts or any public entity. He pointed out that it would still be tax payers money and the School District would have to take money out of their budget which might have been allocated for another teacher or a program for the school. City Manager Molendyk explained that the people get the right to vote, but it also impacts services that they are used to and creates a more restrictive environment. He pointed out that this will end up being more expensive to the public since some of the items that the General Fund absorbs will no longer be funded in that manner. He noted Yhat the General Fund will shrink and there will be no funding for the current services provided. City Manager Molendyk presented a scenario of the possible projected budget and explained that the City has and will continue to meet their debt obligations. He noted that the General Fund after public services ,would be $3,028,500. He stated that this would mean no pazk service, no tree trimrning, no landscape beautification maintenance, no sports facilities or lighting for youth leagues, no community service, Senior Center, or Cultural Center. He explained that the Council and staff need to start disseminating information to the public regazding the effect Proposition 218 will have on the City. He further explained that the Lake and Stadium need to be looked at as an enterprise account. City Manager Molendyk explained that there will have to be a list of the things that will be af£ected, such as the Senior Center, Community Center, and Safe Streets Program. He noted that the tax assessor in the County of Riverside has just reassessed all the property and it is anticipating that there will be $336,000 loss in the next year. Councilwoman Brinley asked what amount we received the last budget yeaz for property ta~c. Administrative Services Director Boone explained that we received $850,000 last year and it will be cut $336,000 this year which is based on the Redevelopment Agency Tax Increment. PAGE FOUR - STUDY SESSION - AUGUST 8, 1996 Mayor Pape noted the possibility that the Eire Department may have to go to a County and City Wide vote. City Manager Molendyk sfated that it is still under study since it is felt that the service comes from general property ta~c. He noted however, that there is another school of thought that considers this a t~ that should go to the vote of the people. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley asked if this would have to be a 2/3 general vote or majority. Assistant City Manager Watenpaugh explained that if it is a specific item, then it would have to be a 2/3rds vote, but if it were for general then it would be a 51% simple majority. Councilman Alongi asked what money paid for the employees at the Senior Center. Assistant City Manager Watenpaugh stated that they are paid through CDBG Block Grant Funds. City Manager Molendyk refened to the e~ibit from the MMASC Conference and touched on the list of critical problems that cities face and the contrasting view of government. He pointed out that under law the staff cannot take a position in regard to the proposed law, but the Council can and he encouraged them to go out and inform the public in regard to what their services levels are now, and if Proposition 218 passes what it will be. He further explained that in the material received it touched on the financial overview that cities will experience, a procedural overview and what steps must be taken to conform to the possible new law, Mayor Pape noted that any item that Council felt the City needed to address would have to go to the public at their regular election period and the issue would not be considered until 1997. City Manger Molendyk explained that this law would go into effect on 7uly 1, and the City must vote in their budget in November. He stated that the panel at the workshop suggested that cities build up their reserves to see them through to the next election period. He stated that any tax or assessment would come up at the same time that their election for of~ce and this will haue an impact. He explained service adjustments and how it will be handled. City Manager Molendyk noted that this Council's decisions must be made with the intent of the law and not the outcome of the law. ^ City Manager Molendyk explained what the City faces. He noted that if the City ' did not haue the stadium, they would still have this problem, the stadium does play ~! a part, but it is only a portion of the entire situation and not the whole. City ! t Manager Molendyk explained that as a Council and as a community we cannot live in the past with critics pointing out what happened five or six years ago, this is the ~' problem as of November, 1996 and now it must be decided how should we deal with it. He pointed out that Moreno Valley feels that some of the problems that they had with their utility taac issue is because they did not have a united Council which caused them a real problem. He stated that Council should have a united platform, so that they can go out and assess the public saying the same thing. He stated that what he hears from Council is that they might not agree on everything, but they all want the City to be solvent, therefore a budget will have to be drawn which goes into basic services, which is streets and public safety. He noted that anything else is going to be based on what the public wants and how much it will cost them. He compared the City to the utility services and explained that the City is providing a public service where the utilities are providing a utility service, but it breaks down to about the same thing, you pay for what you get. Councilman Metze stated that the Council will have to provide a menu of wants and needs on the ballot. City Manager Molendyk explained that what Council will have to do right now is give the public a better idea of how Proposition 218 will PAGE FIVE - STUDY SESSION - AUGUST 8, 1996 affect our City. He further explained that in the next 60 days Council will have to make a united decision on what they are going to support. He stated that the other need is accurate reporting from the press and we don't always have that. He stated that it is important for the public to have an accurate picture of the situation. City Manager Molendyk explained that the press should get with technical staff to acquire the right information, instead of talking to community activist to get the correct information. He stated that if the intent of this law is to allow the public to make their own decisions, then the right information should be printed and not what people feel. Mayor Pape explained that it is difficult to explain in 30 seconds how this will affect the public and their community services, and this will have to be accurately addressed. City Manager Molendyk explained that what should be considered is what people will be willing to pay for in our community and made note of the average age which is not the same as Sun City, therefore the needs will be different. He pointed out that what is important is to find out the main concerns of our public and addressthose. Assistant City Manager Watenpaugh pointed out that in the packet from the League of California Cities, there is a section on legal issues and it states that the Council can take a position on this issue. Councilman Alongi stated that the FPPC does not agree with that finding and they feel that it is in violation to take a position on a ballot issue. Assistant City Manager Watenpaugh noted that the FPPC's position is also included in the information. City Manager Molendyk stated that this is a quick overview and will entail several meetings to deternrine what we will have to do. He explained that this measure has not passed yet, but historically anything with 7arvis' name attached to it will pass, therefore at the appropriate time staff and Council will pursue the issues. There was general discussion in regard to the impact to the City if this issue passes. City Manager Molendyk stated that some people say that this Proposition gives voters the right to vote and others say it is to have government fail. He stated that he doesn't know any City that can survive after 1998 if this bill passes. City Manager Molendyk stated that there are decisions that Council must address now to prepare and you must decide what items that you intend to carry on the City Budget. He explained that it is critical that the Council educate the public and it is critical that the whole Council understand that if this passes the City will be out of money. City Manager Molendyk stated that in the future a meeting will be set to present several scenarios, with a possible budget which would include how much the public would have to pay for community services, streets, etc. He explained that then he would present a scenario of what the Council would have left to serve the public for the $3,000,000. He noted that the two most critical things that the Council must do is to buy into the program as a whole and to educate the community. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley and Councilwoman Brinley approached Council regarding a community based T.V. program to get some of this inforrnation out to the public. City Manager Molendyk explained that the Council wiil have to buy into the program and teach the public because he cannot do that. He stated that he can help with the education to the community, but he cannoY do it alone. PAGE SIX - STUDY SE55ION - AUGUST 8, 1996 Mayor Pro Tem Kelley explained and Councilwoman Brinley had 'a meeting with Cheryl Smith from the Continental Cable and noted that she would be willing to consider airing a format which would get inforniation out to the public and empowerthe citizens of tfie commumty with information regarding the City and would increase the lines of communications. There was general discussion regazding the potential of a cable program. Councilwoman Brinley gave an overview of different programs they can present to the community. Councilman Alongi stated that he is negotiating for a T.V. show of his own and he feels that problems can arise when there is discussion of such things as 7arvis's bill and the fact that there are different views with a lot of grey area. He stated that he felt that different views should be presented. Councilman Alongi stated that it will take 100% of this Council to deal with the issues that aze going to have to be faced and that we have to respond to each other's priorities. He explained that the public does need to know and all political differences must be set aside to meet the needs of the community. Councilwoman Brinley stated that the program that they are proposing would include a panel on issues presenting different views. City Manager Molendyk stated that what he felt that Councilman Alongi was in favor of the concept and he felt that this is a very aggressive move for Council to take. He stated that it will take time to put the program together and there would only be approxixriately two programs that could "air" regarding Proposition 218. He suggested that a panel be formed of outsiders to explain the Proposition and then the Council will have to explain to the people how this will impact the City. -- He stated that the program will not work unless the Council is in total agreement. He explained that this can be done with a moderator and each Councilmember can present their views. Councilwoman Brinley stated that what she and Mayor Pro Tem Keiley are asking for is the consensus of Council to pursue this project, work out the details and then bring it back to Council for approval. There will be no cost to the City since Contential Cable will present this as a public service. Councilman Alongi stated that he felt it was important for the program to be live, since the public should be allowed to call-in and ask questions. Mayor Pape stated that he felt that it is also important to go in person to the different clubs and organizations and present the challenges the City is facing regarding Proposition 218. He reminded the Council that this issue will be decided in just two months and they need to move on it. Councilman Metze agreed with Councilman Alongi that some of the programs should be live to give the public a chance to question and address the issues. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley stated that Council should make the effort to walk the neighborhoods and talk face to face with the public and find out their concerns and what they are happy with in regard to their City govemment. Councilman Alongi contributed some subjects that he would like to see Council deal with. Council concuned that Mayor Pro Tem Kelley and Councilwoman Brinley proceed with the cable program planning. PAGE SEVEN - STUDY SESSION - AUGUST 8, 1996 City Manager Molendyk pointed out that there are still those people who choose to tear the City apart and misinform the public regarding what the City is doing. He cited a news paper article that infersthat the City is not meeting their obligations and he explained that the City has never "fudged" on a debt, yet this information was printed in the Press Enterprise as well as a national newspaper and pointed out if those people do want the City to go Bankrupt, then that is fine, but the citizens are shareholders in the community and should be properly represented. Councilman Alongi stated that Council will haue to agree to educate the public that the City is in a difficult financial position and the Council and staff does haue the ability to climb out of it. He explained that we need to build a trust factor with the community. He stated that the Council must be equal and make decisions as a unit. 2. Council Policv. City Manager stated that Council wished to discuss three policies as follows: 1) Give the Planning Corrunission more authority where less things would have to come before Council. 2) What position will the Council take on Non-Profit Organizations. 3) Placement of items on the Agenda and placement of items requested to be pulled. 1) Give the Planning Corrvnission more authority where less things would haue to come before Council. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley noted that in the past there has been discussion regarding the different items that have been brought before Council that are heard by the Planning Commission as well and explained that she brought this item forward to possibly delegate more authority to the Planning Commission to lighten the burden of Council and takes some of the politics out of items. She further explained that Council would retain the right for appeal. She suggested that Design Review of Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Family Residential, Specific Plans, Tentative Parcel and Tract Maps, condominium Conversions and Mining and Reclamation Plans be delegated to Planning Corrunission. Community Development Director Leslie stated that by law, Specific Plans must be heazd by Council. Councilman Alongi clarified the items that would be delegated to Planning Corrunission with right to appeal. Councilman Alongi stated that he would not like to see Tentative Parcel and Tract Maps go to Planning Corrunission for final decision is because they do not have legal counsel present to advise and at times these items must be addressed by the City Attomey. There was general discussion regarding Tentative Parcel and Tract Maps final decision. It was the consensus of Council that a Council Policy be developed to a11ow Planning Corrunission to haue the final authority regarding Design Review of Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Family Residential (with more than four units); Condominium Conversions; and Mining and Reclamation Plans. PAGE EIGHT - STUDY SE55ION - AUGUST 8,1996 2) What position will the Council take on Non-Profit Organizations Mayor Pro Tem Kelley stated that it came to her attention during the last meeting that there were no clear and direct policy regarding Non-Profit Organizations and although there has been much discussion no cleaz decision has been made regarding a policy as to how staff should handle this. She felt that the City should aid the organizations that contribute to the community. There was general discussion in regard to how this issue has been handled in the past. City Manager Molendyk explained the costs that have been involved and stated that staff needs a uniform consensus from the Council as to what the costs should be. He noted that the Council must also deternvne how Non-Profit should be defined and if it would be a City based organization or any Non-Profit group. Councilman Alongi suggested that a reduction of the fee of $500.00 be set and if it costs more than that amount then they would be responsible for the remainder. He brought up the amount that is being charged to the School District for the ballfield and stated that it should be adjusted to make the fee equal. He stated that the deduction should be uniform for all organizations, no matter what the function or length of time the facility is used. Mayor Pape stated that any City based non-profit should cover the City's costs and that should be the amount that they pay. City Manager Molendyk clarified that it would consist of the cleaning deposit and cost of staff. It was the consensus that legal Non-Profit City based organizations should be charged the cleaning deposit and staff time with the rent of the building waived. Councilman Alongi stated that this should include renegotiation with the School District for the ballfield. He stated that this would make the fee equal for all. After considerable discussion Council concurred. Council further concurred that this issue should be handled at administrative level once the policy was adopted. 3) Placement of items on the Agenda and placement of items reauested to be ~pulled Mayor Pape stated that while Council was at the Monterey Conference the suggestion was made, and used by several cities, to place items pulled for discussion to the end of the business meeting. He explained that this will make the meeting go more smooth and does not e~ctend the time of the meeting for those who wish to hear other items that were set on the Agenda. He noted that this would address items pulled by both the public and Council. Councilman Alongi clarified the placement of pulled items. City Manager Molendyk stated that the workshop addressed the amount of time that should be spent on each item to facilitate the meeting, instead of taking things out of order or extending the meeting. He noted that the items pulled automatically fall to the end of the meeting and explained that this saves times. Mayor Pape pointed out that the major items would then be heard at 7:30 or 8:00 instead of 10:00. Councilman Metze clarified the placement of the items. PAGE NINE - 5TUDY SESSION - AUGUST 8,1996 City Manager Molendyk noted the information received in the training program and explained that in the program they learned that someone has to have the ability to make decisions regarding the items that go on the Agenda. He stated that it can be Mayor, Mayor Tem, or a combination of one two Councilmembers, however he explained that possibly what needs to be eliminated are things being put on the Agenda to create issues, rather than just taking care of City business. Mayor Pape commented that the purpose of the Council Meeting is to take care of business. Councilwoman Brinley pointed out that she would recommend two or more Council to place an item on the Agenda. Councilman Alongi stated that he is intrigued that he has now caused two separate Council Policies. He noted that the first was the policy regazding T.V. programs and now this one. He stated that he feels that any elected official has a right to put anything on the Agenda and if the Agenda goes five hours or ten hours, then thaYs Council's job. He explained that some things on the Agenda may be important to him that might not be nnportant to Councilman Metze or Mayor Pro Tem Kelley. Councilman Alongi stated that he is an elected official and a constituent in this community and he has the right to bring an item to Council. He pointed out that if any other Councilmember placed something on the Agenda, it would not matter whether he thinks its important, its important to that person. He noted that what is vital is to have mutual respect. He stated that it is important to have a responsibility to our staff and give them the proper time to place an item on the Agenda. He noted that Council Policy sets this rule. He further pointed out that Council does not represent different districts, but the City as a whole. City Manager Molendyk stated what is learned at the workshops that Council and staff attend is that it is not appropriate for a Councilmember to go to a Council Meeting and surprise staff or surprise other members of the Council, nor is it appropriate for staffto go to a Council Meeting and surprise Councilmembers since it is a formal business meeting and should be conducted as such. He noted however, that he understood the point that Councilman Alongi made and further noted Council is dealing with three issues at this meeting that one Councilmember brought forward through a Study Session. He explained that it is up to Council to decide what they want to do and commented that it might be better to bring sensitive issues to a Study Session rather than just placing them on the Agenda. City Manager Molendyk stated that issues can be debated at a Study 5ession and then brought to a Council Meeting for formal action. He explained that Council Meetings aze suppose to be formal action of Council and not designed for a public spectacle or create issues for the community. City Manager Molendyk pointed out that many of the issues brought before Council should be brought to a Study Session and then back to Council Meeting for formal decision. He noted that it is up to Council how they wish to handle this. Councilwoman Brinley concurred and stated that it would give the entire Council the opportunity to openly discuss the issues. Councilman Alongi stated that he does not disagree with having a Study Session to allow Council to place all their cards on the table, however when certain Councilmembers ge't together and decide that Councilman Alongi can't do something without a Study Session, then it will go to the Agenda. He stated that as long as all members of Council abide by the Council Policy, then he has no problem with this. He stated that Council cannot refuse any other Councilperson an action as long as it conforms to what is in the Council Policy. He pointed out that it is in violation of the Brown Act for Councilmembers, outside of a meeting PAGE TEN - STUDY SESSION - AUGUST 8, 1996 to make decisions and expect the City Manager to enforce them. He explained that he will bow down to Council Policy and what Council agrees on in a Council Meeting, but he will not bow down to being treated any differently than any other Councilperson because they have the vote: Councilinan Alongi stated that the Council Policy doesn't need to be changed, but rather what needs to be changed is our respect for one another. He pointed out that if he requests something that is allowed in the Council Policy, then he should have it without having to go through City Manager Molendyk to have the issue placed on the Agenda. He noted as an example, that if has the need to use a City car to go to a meeting or whatever, then there should be no question in regard to the issue. He explained that however, he violates the Council Policy, then he should be censured or fined. He noted that as long as he follows the Council Policy and the Municipal Code then he should be left alone. Councilman Alongi noted that there was no Council Policy regarding T.V. programs until he started his own program for his campaign and then a Council Policy was developed to regulate that issue. He stated that he felt that it was none of Council's business. He further noted that now he wants to place something on the Agenda, and now there is discussion regarding a new Council Policy and indicated that tkris was the first time he had asked to place something on the Agenda. Ae stated that he will respect what you place on the Agenda because it is important to you and it should be recognized that if the item is done according to the Council Policy, then no one has the right to direct that it not be put on the Agenda whether its decided by the Mayor or two other Councilmembers. He pointed out that this issue is not between a Councilmember and City Manager or staff, but rather between Council themselves. Councilman Metze stated that the Council Policy is constantly changing. Councilman Alongi stated that the last Council made a review and update of this Policy to insure that it conformed with all the laws. He stated that Council Policy is fine and pointed out that it is for Council and not the City Manager. Councilwoman Brinley stated that Council as a whole gets frustrated with certain issues and suggested that rather than placing the issue on the Agenda, bring it to a Study Session and the entire Council can give input on the issue and if there is still a need for the issue to go on the Agenda, then it can be listed. City Manager Molendyk explained that the reason that this item was brought forward was because some of Council went to a workshop and the basis of that seminar was how Council could make their organization more professional looking. He further explained that in regard to this par[icular session it was a sharing of what other Council's found worked for them. He pointed out that at one time or another every Councilperson has stated that "wouldn't it be nice if everybody got along". City Manager Molendyk stated that it would be nice to have items on the Agenda that were not perceived as one Councilpersons or another, but rather items from the entire Council. He noted that bringing items to a Study Session gives the entire Council the opportunity to openly discuss the issues. He wanted to clarify that the reason that this issue was brought forth today was not because of the action of any one Councilmember, but rather as a result of what was heard at the seminar as to what would 'unprove our image in the community. Councilwoman Brinley stated that she was one of those Councilmembers that attended that seminar and noted that it is time to work on our image. Councilman Alongi stated that he felt that there would not have been the problems experienced at the last Council Meeting if there had been a Study Session. He pointed out that we all have our priorities and this would give Council the PAGE ELEVEN - STUDY SESSION - AUGUST 8,1996 opportunity to hear each others views. He suggested that a certain Thursday of each month be set up for a Study Session and that way the Council can plan their calendar around those meetings. Mayor Pro Tem wished to report to Council that she has looked into the funding for Kids-on-Track, and the Office of Education of Riverside County will send us the application and guide lines to apply for funding. She noted that the City will not have to do future application if we are awarded funding since this is an on going program. She explained that all the City had to do is submit a letter of intent to receive an application for the funding. Councilwoman Brinley stated that she has been in contact with Mary Ellen Lewis and some of the other people from Kids-on-Track and they are also looking into possible funding programs. She wanted to emphasize that Kids-on-Track is not being pushed into the background and they are still working on funding. ADJOURNMENT The Study Session was adjourned at 10:50 a. -- /, A'4'lE~T: N ~ ~~~/~.~(~~~s~-ei~ '~e'TZ'KI K~S~`.D. CITY CLERK Respectfully Submitted,