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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 08 01 CC MIN SS • MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AND SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 1,2012,6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER-14403 E. Pacific Avenue,Baldwin Park,91706 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lozano at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmember Monica Garcia Councilmember Ricardo Pacheco Mayor Pro Tem Susan Rubio Mayor Manuel Lozano ABSENT: Councilmember Marlen Garcia PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS • Mayor Lozano opened Public Communications at 6:04 p.m. and noted that each speaker is permitted a total of three (3) minutes to speak. Greg Tuttle, Baldwin Park business owner,stated that he wished to clarify that the City is not$1.9 million in deficit but is$3.5 million in deficit; opined that the City is shifting funds among accounts to conceal the shortfall; pointed to the day's news article on the "sugar tax" which quoted the Mayor as saying that the tax is"for the health and wellness of the people;" asserted that the funds should be used to establish an account for diabetes and obesity,and the funds should not be put in the General Fund; opined that the City Manager is doing a poor job and is wasting money; stated that Ordinance No. 1290 is choking local businesses and is preventing new businesses from coming to Baldwin Park. Mary Carrera, Baldwin Park resident, commented on the "soda tax"and the concern that it will further decrease revenues as people will go to other communities to buy soda drinks; also sited that keeping track of the service of soda drinks in restaurants is prohibitive and will prompt restaurant owners to 'fudge the books' to avoid having to track and calculate the sale of soda drinks;opined that its really something that should be put to a vote by the community rather than the City trying impose such a tax; noted that there is too much negativity in the Council meetings and that Council should be considerate and respectful of the community opinions. John Rios, Baldwin Park resident, stated that he canvassed his neighborhood regarding the "soda tax" and pointed out that local resident believe this new tax to be a scam; noted that he encourages his neighbors to attend Council meetings; said that the community just want Council to be upfront and honest. • Page 1 of 3 • Sarah Sheedy, representing the California Grocers Association, asked that Council delay consideration of any type of tax ballot initiative, particularly on one that would pertain to sugar added beverages; pointed out that no advanced notice or consideration has been given prior to this proposal and that it would have a tremendous impact on grocers throughout the city and the state; noted that the Grocers Association shares in the concern for a healthy community but that the proposed tax would create a negative financial impact and unfair competition from surrounding communities that do not have this tax; suggested that a beverage tax be introduced though that would not be an ideal alternative;stated that grocery stores already operate on a 1%margin and imposing this tax could mean the failure of business; also noted that imposing such a tax will not guarantee a reduction in consumption of sugary drinks since they would be readily available in surrounding cities; requested that Council reconsider the initiative. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Mayor Lozano declared public communications closed at 6:12 p.m. OPEN SESSION 1. Appointment of Voting Delegate for League of California Cities Annual Conference— September 5-7, 2012,San Diego Staff recommends City Council appoint a delegate and alternate to represent the City at the Annual Business Meeting of the League of California Cities. Councilmember Pacheco suggested and Council concurred that Marlen Garcia be appointed • as the Voting Delegate representing the City of Baldwin Park at the League of California Cities Annual Conference to be held September 5-7, 2012, in San Diego, California. All other appointments will remain as is. 2. Request by Mayor Manuel Lozano for Council discussion and direction to staff to schedule a meeting and prepare the necessary documents for the Council to declare a fiscal emergency and call a special election to place a tax measure on the November 6,2012, ballot. Councilmember Monica Garcia expressed her opposition to the proposed tax initiative and stated that the Police Department represents 70%of the expenditures from the General Fund and Parks and Community Services represent 12%of the expenditures from the General Fund; opined that any imposed taxes should provide a direct benefit to the citizens and that staff needs to look internally to insure that everything that can possibly be done to cut expenditures has been done before turning to the community with a tax; urged that any tax that is imposed must tie directly to the police department since it represents the largest portion of general fund expenditures; feels that it should be very clear where and how funds would be used. Mayor Pro Tem Rubio concurred with the views of Councilmember Garcia in that she does not see any benefit to this tax proposal and that it would create unfair competition for local businesses. Councilmember Pacheco stated that he had met with members of the Grocers Association • as well as through email correspondence;expressed concern regarding implementation of Page 2 of 3 • the tax and whether it would really provide a realistic source of revenue;suggested comparing with other cities; asked whether any alternatives have been considered. Mayor Lozano stated that there is no denying the health risks created by sugary soft drinks; opined that soft drink manufacturers have deep pockets and can make major contributions to legislative representatives in an effort to sway opinion; stated that he is not currently comfortable with taking this matter forward and placing a tax initiative on the ballot. Mayor Pro Tern Rubio stated that there is not enough information and data to make a rational and reasonable decision on this matter; expressed the need to study the proposal further and that, while there is an August deadline, it would be irresponsible to move this matter forward without fully vetting the matter. Mayor Lozano reiterated that the purpose of this item was to discuss and consider moving it for further discussion to a regular Council meeting; however he chose to drop this matter and not pursue it. Mayor Lozano requested that a proposed "police/public safety tax" be agendized, for discussion only, at the next Regular Council meeting; Councilmember Pacheco asked that whatever is presented provides a specific breakdown of how the money will be allocated and what it would be used for. Mayor Pro Tern Rubio suggested that the Baldwin Park NOW publish articles and tips on • how parents can choose healthy alternatives for their children, both with regard to soft drinks and snacks. CLOSED SESSION NONE. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made by Lozano,seconded 'y •. ,•, and carried (4—0 —1 [Marlen Garcia absent])to adjourn the meeting. ozano, Mayor ATTEST: as Alejandra • ila, City Clerk APPROVED: 4451/4 • Page 3 of 3