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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - June 29, 1989 - RAi CITY OF AZUSA C] MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE AGENCY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JUNE 29, 1989 - 6:30 P.M. The City Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Azusa met in adjourned regular session at the above date and time in the Azusa Woman's Club. Mayor/Chairman Moses called the meeting to order and led in Call to order the salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Roll Call PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS: AVILA, STEMRICH, LATTA, MOSES ABSENT COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS: NARANJO Naranjo absnt ALSO PRESENT Also Present Acting City Attorney/General Counsel Hanna, City Administrator/Executive Director Fuentes, Chief of Police Wood, Assistant City Administrator Diaz, Director of Finance Craig, Director of Community Development Bruckner, Director of Community Services Guarrera, Utilities Director Hsu, Director of Public Works DeLoach, Redevelopment Director Steel, City Treasurer Talley, Administrative Assistant Sperl, Accounting Services Supervisor Whitley, Deputy City Clerk/Deputy Secretary Lara. Moved by Councilman/Director Stemrich, seconded by Naranjo Councilman/Director Latta and unanimously carried by roll excused call* to excuse Councilman/Director Naranjo from the meeting. Director of Finance Craig presented blanket purchase orders Blanket over $5,000.00 for the upcoming fiscal year for Council Purch Orders consideration. These purchase orders consisted of sole source vendors; professional services; lowest overall cost to the City; previous low bidders and government and state contracts. It was then moved by Councilwoman Avila, seconded by Blanket Councilman Latta and unanimously carried by roll call* to PO's appvd waive formal bidding procedures pursuant to the Municipal Code and approve the blanket purchase orders as submitted. The City's contract with its refuse collection contractor, Refuse con - Western Disposal, provides for indexing the rates annually tract w/ for residential pickup. Proposed resolution amending the Western residential refuse collection agreement with Western Disposal was presented. The Council questioned proposed recycling program for the Comments City and Director of Public Works DeLoach apprised them of recycling meetings that he had attended and the start up costs for such a program, which were in the neighborhood of $250,000.00; these costs would have to be borne by the City. 6 • Councilman Latta offered a resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA Res. #8647 APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT DATED JULY amend to agent 1, 1968, BETWEEN THE CITY OF AZUSA AND WESTERN DISPOSAL fr residen- COMPANY, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE COLLECTION OF tial refuse RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE AND RUBBISH WITHIN THE CITY OF AZUSA. collection Moved by Councilman Latta, seconded by Councilman Stemrich to waive further reading and adopt. Resolution passed and adopted by the following vote of the Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA, STEMRICH, LATTA, MOSES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NARANJO Director of Finance presented the amended Travel and Meeting Travel & Policy, which eliminates the "per diem" flat rates and mtg policy instead requires full documentation of receipts and other supporting paperwork. Mr. Art Morales questioned whether this policy would Comments eliminate individuals staying at other hotels than the ones A. Morales scheduled for seminars. The Mayor responded that at times the hotels scheduled were full and that other arrangements might have to be made. It was then moved by Councilman Latta, seconded by Travel & Councilman Stemrich and unanimously carried by roll call* to mtg policy approve the Travel and Meeting Policy as submitted. appvd Director of Finance Craig then introduced Mrs. Susie Blue Ribbon Galletta, Chairperson of the Blue Ribbon Committee, which Committee was created to propose revenue generating measures for the City to acquire money for much needed and long overdue street repairs and capital improvements. Prior to Mrs. Galletta addressing this issue, Councilman Stemrich advised her and the audience, that he had been served, this date with an intention to recall him, and that one of the reasons cited for the recall, was the creation of a committee to impose taxes on the citizens. He wanted her to be aware that the many hours she and the committee worked on this program for the benefit of the City, would be a major issue used in the recall proceedings against him and Councilman Naranjo. Mrs. Galletta addressed the Council advising that over the past two months, 8 meetings had been held in an attempt to recommend a practical and equitable means of acquiring the revenues needed to prevent a further decline of the City's infrastructure. The committee was comprised of 20 members appointed by the Council. Each Councilmember appointed 5 members, with the exception of the Mayor. Much thought and many hours of discussion and deliberation resulted in the following recommendations. Community Maintenance Fee Fire Safety Assessment Surcharge on Landfill Quarry Tax Adjustment Gross Receipts Tax on Business Licenses Comments Stemrich S. Galletta Chair of Blue Ribbon Committee presented proposed revenue measures Discussions were held between Council, Acting City Attorney, Discussion City Administrator, Mrs. Galletta and Mr. Zamora, also of the Committee, regarding the Committee's report. Each proposal was discussed at length with regard to merits of the proposal; methods of instituting assessments, such as protest hearings, and possible ballot measures. 06/29/89 PAGE TWO 0 • Mr. Allen of Owl Rock addressed the quarry tax adjustment; Comments City Administator read a letter from the Chamber of Commerce Mr. Allen regarding their support in raising the business license fees Fuentes & as long as they were equitable. Mr. David Hardison, D. Hardison President of the Chamber of Commerce, addressed this specific issue and presented the Chamber's proposal for flat fee rates. Members of the Blue Ribbon Committee then stood up and were Comm membrs recognized. They were commended by the Council for all recognized their hard work and efforts in presenting the proposed revenue measures for consideration. It was then moved by Councilman Stemrich, seconded by Appv report Councilwoman Avila and unanimously carried by roll call* to & prop reve- approve the recommendations as submitted by the Blue Ribbon nue measures committee and to direct staff to prepare the reports, ordinances and documentation necessary for adoption. Moved by Councilman Latta, seconded by Mayor Moses and Recess unanimously carried* to recess for ten minutes. TIME OF RECESS: 8:15 P.M. CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RECONVENED AT 8:30 P.M. Reconvened PUBLIC HEARING - Schedule of fees and charges for various Pub Hrg - fee services. and charges The Mayor declared the Hearing open. Deputy City Clerk read Hrg opened the affidavit of proof of publication of notice of said hearing published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on June 19, 1989. Director of Finance addressed this issue and advised that Comments very few changes have been contemplated. Most of the Craig changes will have little effect on the general public and instead will affect, primarily, developers who require services from the City's Development Services Department. Other changes concern the City's charges for certification of documents and for notarizing. Mrs. Helen Perry addressed this issue and questioned why all Comments the fees hadn't been raised, as it seemed to her, everything H. Perry goes up and the City is in need of revenue. Director of Finance advised her that the City could not charge fees greater than the actual costs to the City. Mr. Stephen Alexander addressed issues regarding to the Comments budget, such as travel costs and salaries of management S. Alexander personnel and asked if these amounts had been reduced. City Administrator Fuentes responded and advised him that travel costs had been cut in half and that management personnel that were less than 5% below the market would not receive a cost of living adjustment. There being no other testimony, it was moved by Councilman Hrg closed Latta, seconded by Councilwoman Avila and unanimously carried by roll call* to close the hearing. Councilman Stemrich offered a resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA Res. #8648 ADOPTING THE SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR THE 1989-90 adopting FISCAL YEAR. fees & chgs Moved by Councilman Stemrich, seconded by Councilman Latta to waive further reading and adopt. Resolution passed and adopted by the following vote of the Council: 06/29/89 PAGE THREE 0 0 AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA, STEMRICH, LATTA, MOSES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NARANJO PUBLIC HEARING - City of Azusa Annual Budget for Fiscal Year Pub Hrg beginning July 1, 1989. Budget The Mayor/Chairman declared the Hearing open. Deputy City Hrg opened Clerk/Secretary read the affidavit of proof of publication of notice of said hearing published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on June 19, 1989. Director of Finance Craig addressed the budget stating that Review of the budget was balanced. He reviewed revenue sources and Budget by expenditures. Craig City Administrator/Executive Director then advised of Comments specific businesses that were leaving the City and the loss Fuentes of sales tax because of this. He further advised that Ca1Mat would only be quarrying in the City for approximately one more year and then the City would be losing their extraction tax. Therefore, the new revenue measures that had been proposed were necessary for the City. Director of Finance continued with the review of the Budget and of the General Fund revenues. Mayor/Chairman Moses requested information on costs for Comments the City Attorney's fees and legal fees due to suits against Moses & the City. Councilman Stemrich requested that the Fred Lyte Stemrich case be included in that report. Discussion was held regarding the Headstart Program and why Headstart the City was administering this program, as it had been Pgm administered by the School District in the past. Director of Community Services Guarrera responded that the issue was political and the school phased this program out over a three year period. He felt that the program was needed and the City then took responsibility for it. Director of Utilities Hsu responded to Councilwoman/Director Comments Avila's question regarding the City subsidizing utility Hsu bills, and advised her that was not true. Azusa's rates are lower than Edison because the City purchases electricity for less and passes that savings to the consumers. General discussion was held regarding the City's utility rates and methods of securing power from Edison and other entities. Discussion was held with Mrs. Galletta of the Blue Ribbon Committee regarding that body considering raising utility rates because Azusa's rates are so low. She advised that the committee had discussed the possibility, but felt that assessment districts for various services were in the best interest of the City rather than raising utility rates. Finance Director then reviewed the operating budgets by department, starting with the City Administration portion. General discussion was held regarding moving a part time secretary to the Community Development Department and that a reduction in salary of 20% was scheduled for another part time position. Concern was expressed that there would not be enough staff coverage with these changes and that possibility of revenues being generated through the business license fees might boost the budget. Gen'l disc Budget re- view by depts Councilman/Director Latta suggested that the entire budget Bdgt to be be adopted as one unit, rather than by department; and, adopted as that since there were many people in the audience wanting to one unit & address the Community Services budget, that this portion be disc Comm taken out of sequence and considered at this time. Svcs first 06/29/89 PAGE FOUR 0 • Mr. Gene Perry addressed the Council/Agency and stated that the City has excellent Police, Fire and Parks Departments and that their budgets should not be cut. If revenues are needed then they should be initiated, and if he has to pay extra taxes then he will do so. Part time people should not be cut and their salaries should not be lowered. Mr. John Dangleis addressed the Council/Agency and discussed the budget and revenue measures as presented this evening. He touched on many points of the budget, such as the hiring of too many employees in 1984 and resulting consequences of that; fire prevention costs; street repairs; use of utility monies to augment the budget; and that the part time staff in the Recreation Department are extremely valuable and should not not have their salaries cut and further that the step program for part time personnel is essential. He stated that freeway landscaping should be done by Caltrans, not by the City, and not at the expense of the part time personnel. He also stated that the Recreation Department was the only department that gave up a management position. Pool staff were hired by contract and their contract should be honored, not cut by 20%. He also stated that the Recreation Department does not spend any money on Colt or Pony Leagues. The Azusa Youth Program furnishes all the equipment and it is a burden to them to do so. City Administrator/Executive Director responded to many of the statements made by Mr. Dangleis regarding freeway landscaping, Police personnel and Recreation personnel. He advised that the City needs to deal with its aging infrastructure and money has been set aside for that purpose. He realized that the City hired too many employees in 1984, but due to attrition and freezes, 21 of those positions no longer exist. If the revenue measures go through, he would be willing to meet with the Council and bring those part time salaries up. Comments G. Perry Comments J. Dangleis Comments Fuentes Further discussion between Mr. Dangleis, Council/Agency and General staff resumed regarding the part time salaries in the discussion Recreation Department, and possible methods of securing funds so as not cut their salaries. City Administrator/Executive Director advised that there are funds in the Reserve Fund, and he suggested that if it was the Council/Agency's desire to retain the part time salaries as they are, that monies be used from that Fund, with the provision that if the revenue measures go through with the support of the community and the Council, then these revenue monies could be placed back into the Reserve Fund for unexpected contingencies. It was then moved by Mayor Moses, seconded by Councilman Latta that reserve funds be used to maintain all part time salaries in the City, to be placed back into reserves when the proposed revenue measures are approved; further that if positions are to be cut, that personnel be advised well in advance in order to seek new employment. Action on this motion was deferred for more audience input. Comments Fuentes Use reserve funds for part time personnel (action defrd) General discussion ensued regarding this issue and that the General support of the community is needed for proposed revenue discussion measures to be passed. Mrs. Monica Reeder addressed this issue and stated that her Comments children have been involved with the recreation program and M. Reeder wondered if funding for these part time people would be just for this year. She further stated that fees are paid for these recreation services. Councilman Latta advised that the Council was not asking for Comments more recreation fees but for support of the proposed revenue Latta measures from the community. 06/29/89 PAGE FIVE 0 Mr. Art Morales advised that he knew of residents in the Comments community who were willing to donate monies in order that A. Morales children could swim free and wondered if this was the time to address this. He was advised that it was not proper at this time. Mr. Burke Hamilton addressed this issue and stated the completed budget should have been available in May or June for citizen perusal. He felt that the young people in the Recreation Department should not have their salaries cut, they were the actual heroes that children looked up to, rather than baseball and football heroes. He would not be averse to paying higher taxes to fund programs for the City. The Mayor then called for the vote on the aforementioned motion. Motion was carried unanimously* by roll call vote. IT WAS CONSENSUS OF COUNCIL/AGENCY TO RECESS FOR TEN MINUTES. TIME OF RECESS: 10:10 P.M. THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RECONVENED AT 10:20 P.M. As there was some confusion to the extent of the motion made prior to the recess, Deputy City Clerk requested clarification on the position of the Assistant Director of Community Services. Originally, this position was eliminated from the budget and it seemed that the Council wished to retain that position. It was then moved by Councilwoman Avila, seconded by Councilman Stemrich and unanimously carried by roll call* that the position of Assistant Director of Community Services be retained. Comments B. Hamilton Vote on above motion-appvd Recess Reconvened Clarification of motion to incld postn of Asst Dir Comm Svcs Director of Finance then reviewed the Human Resources, Human Re - Employee Benefits, and the City's self insurance programs sources portion of the budget. Budget The City Clerk's budget was then reviewed. Finance Director City Clerk advised that the Switchboard Operator had been moved to this Budget department. He further advised that the City Clerk had reduced his salary by 27% in order to finance the part time Position in that department. It was then moved by Councilman Stemrich, seconded by Mayor Cty Clk's Moses and carried by roll call* that the reduction in the salary to be City Clerk's salary be reinstated. Councilman Latta reinstated dissenting. Councilman Latta wanted to state for the record, that his dissension had nothing to do with Mr. Solis as an individual, however, he felt that this was a part time position, and as such, could not vote for the reinstatement of the reduced funds. The Finance Budget, consisting of: Administration and Finance Bdgt General Accounting, Purchasing, City Treasurer, Business Licenses and Computer Services, was reviewed. The Library budget was reviewed. Library Bdgt The Public Safety Budget consisting of: Police operations, Public Safety Emergency Services, Fire Prevention and Humane services, was Budget then reviewed. Discussion was held regarding contracting with a different Gen'l disc entity for Humane Services, however, the Chief advised that 06/29/89 PAGE SIX 0 0 surveying other cities, it was found that Azusa pays less for humane services by contracting with San Gabriel Valley Humane. Question regarding the Emergency Services position was discussed. This position has been transferred to the Community Improvement Department, and the functions of the Emergency Services position will be absorbed by another member of the Police Department. The Community Development Budget consisting of: Planning, Community Improvement, Building Regulations and Engineering, was reviewed. Comm Dev Budget The Public Works Department Budget consisting of: Park Pub Works Maintenance, Street Maintenance, Building Maintenance and Budget the Central Garage, was then reviewed. Discussion was held regarding graffiti problems and that Graffiti citizens as well as business owners should take problems responsibility for their own property. Director of Public Works advised that the City has been providing this service and it is now expected. Council felt that there should be a time limit for the graffiti to be covered, and if the property owners do not do so, then the City should remove it and bill the property owner. Art Morales addressed this issue stating that there was a Comments program in the past, where the City provided the paint and A. Morales workers were supplied by the court system to do charitable work. He felt the City should look into this program again. Mrs. Susie Galletta advised that some property owners do Comments take responsibility, but after having been hit over and over S. Galletta again, and repainting so many times, they get disgusted and feel it's a losing battle. Mrs. Frances Gonzales addressed this issue advising that Comments when she has seen juveniles painting graffiti she has called F. Gonzales the Police Department giving them information on the vehicle and their license plate number. She felt that they should be picked up and kept in jail overnight. Municipal Utilities Budget was reviewed consisting of Utilities Electricity, Water and Consumer Services. Budget Debt Services and Capital Improvement Program budgets were Debt Svc & then reviewed. CIP Moved by Councilman Latta, seconded by Councilwoman Avila Adopt City and unanimously carried by roll call* to adopt the City Budget w/ Budget as submitted, with the following recommendations: recmndations (Councilman Stemrich abstaining on the Library portion of the Budget.) Two Police Officer positions; two jailer positions and 2 part time clerk positions in the Police Department be approved using monies from the Reserve Fund; Postpone funding of two vacant Police Officer positions until new revenues have been received; Eliminate the position of Emergency Services Coordinator and that function be performed by Police Department personnel; and transfer the individual to the Community Improvement Division; 06/29/89 PAGE SEVEN 0 • Maintain the position of Assistant Director of Community Services until adequate funding sources are achieved; Reclassify the position of Computer Services Manager; When new revenues are generated that the Middle Management and Executive Management receive a cost of living adjustment. Councilman Latta offered a resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA Res. # 8649 ADOPTING THE BUDGET AND APPROVING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE adopting CITY OF AZUSA FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 11 1989 City Bdgt AND ENDING JUNE 30, 1990. Moved by Councilman Latta, seconded by Councilwoman Avila to waive further reading and adopt. Resolution passed and adopted by the following vote of the Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA, STEMRICH, LATTA, MOSES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NARANJO Redevelopment Director Steel presented the Redevelopment Redevelopmnt Budget for review by the Agency. He advised of the progress Budget of various projects in the City. He further advised that in order for the Agency to perform budgeted Fiscal Year 1989-90 project obligations, and for the purpose of showing debt to achieve the greatest amount of tax increment revenues, certain loans between the City and the Agency must be in place at June 30, 1989. Director Avila offered a resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF Res. #587 AZUSA ADOPTING THE BUDGET AND APPROVING APPROPRIATIONS FOR adopting THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 1989 AND ENDING JUNE 30, budget for 1990. Redev. Moved by Director Avila, seconded by Director Latta to waive further reading and adopt. Resolution passed and adopted by the following vote of the Agency: AYES: DIRECTORS: AVILA, STEMRICH, LATTA, MOSES NOES: DIRECTORS: NONE ABSENT: DIRECTORS: NARANJO Councilman Latta offered the following resolutions entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA Res. #8650 AUTHORIZING LOANS FOR PURPOSES OF THE RANCH CENTER auth loans REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA. Ranch Cntr AND A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA Res. #8651 AUTHORIZING LOANS FOR PURPOSES OF THE MERGED REDEVELOPMENT auth loans PROJECT AREA. Merged Proj Area Moved by Councilman Latta, seconded by Councilman Stemrich to waive further reading and adopt. Resolutions passed and adopted by the following vote of the Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA, STEMRICH, LATTA, MOSES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NARANJO Director Latta offered the following resolutions entitled: 06/29/89 PAGE EIGHT i A RESOLUTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF Res. #588 AZUSA REQUESTING LOANS FROM THE CITY OF AZUSA FOR PURPOSES loans for OF THE RANCH CENTER REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA. Ranch Cntr AND A RESOLUTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF Res. #589 AZUSA REQUESTING LOANS FROM THE CITY OF AZUSA FOR PURPOSES loans for OF THE MERGED REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA. merged proj area Moved by Director Latta, seconded by Director Stemrich to waive further reading and adopt. Resolutions passed and adopted by the following vote of the Agency: AYES: DIRECTORS: AVILA, STEMRICH, LATTA, MOSES NOES: DIRECTORS: NONE ABSENT: DIRECTORS: NARANJO Mayor/Chairman questioned the Travel and Meeting Policy and Travel & requested that provisions be made in the policy dealing with mtg policy early arrivals to proposed seminars and/or staying to be amended additional days and the manner of payment for this extra time. Acting City Attorney announced that the Council and the Announcement Redevelopment Agency would recess to Closed Session for the for Closed purpose of discussing personnel matters, pursuant to Session Government Code Section 54957. TIME OF RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION: 11:30 P.M. Recess to Closed Sessio THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE 11:41 P.M. AGENCY AT Reconvened Art Morales addressed the Council/Agency and requested a Comments letter from the Council to be given to members of the A. Morales community who will donate funds for children in the ltr for funds community to swim at the pool. There was some question frm citizens regarding the legality of such a letter, as it could be construed that the City was soliciting funds. It was also mentioned that perhaps these funds could be funneled through the Azusa Youth Program. After further discussion it was consensus that Mr. Morales Req rfrd to contact the City Administrator to work out the details for Cty Admin this proposed letter. Moved by Councilman/Director Latta, seconded by Adjourn Mayor/Chairman Moses and unanimously carried* to adjourn. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:50 P.M. NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 590 * Indicates Councilman/Director Naranjo absent. 06/29/89 PAGE NINE