HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 09 25 CC MIN SM MINUTES
• BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013, 6:00 P.M.
CITY HALL—3rd Floor Conference Room 307
14403 East Pacific Avenue, Baldwin Park, CA 91706.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lozano at 6:10 p.m.
INVOCATION
The invocation was provided by Mayor Pro Tern Garcia.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lozano.
ROLL CALL:
Council Member Marlen Garcia
Council Member Ricardo Pacheco
Council Member Susan Rubio
Mayor Pro Tern Monica Garcia
Mayor Manuel Lozano
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
None.
• STUDY SESSION
1. FISCAL YEAR 2013/2014 PROJECTED BUDGET AND LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PLAN
It is recommended that the City Council review the projected budget and the long-
Term Financial Plan and provide directions as it deems appropriate to fix City's
long-term financial problems.
City Manager Vijay Singhal presented to Council an overview of the current Budget Allocations,
Projected Budget Allocations and Long-Term Financial Plan.
Interim Finance Director Craig Graves continued the presentation to explain specific sections of
the budget and how the City's policies effect the current and future budget allocations; noted
that the City's current revenue projections fall short of meeting the financial outlay expected
over the next few years despite the significant cuts that have been made; answered questions
of Council.
Margaret McBride and Leticia Segura, representing of Vazquez and Company, the Certified
Public Accounting firm that was contracted to assist with auditing the accounting and budget
preparation, provided a presentation to Council and explained their findings.
Mayor Pro Tern Garcia asked that Ms. McBride provide a summary of the net costs over the
next three years for the Police Department and the Sheriff's Department in order to make
an "apples to apples" comparison.
•
City Council Special Meeting Minutes 9/25/13
Ms. McBride explained some of the variances between services provided by the Police
• Department versus the Sheriff's Department services, and noted that the figures provided take
into consideration these exceptions.
Councilmember Pacheco asked for clarification on the assumptions used to calculate the
figures presented for the budget over the next three years; Councilmember Rubio also
inquired about the assumptions used when considering cost increases over the next three
years, noting that the Sheriff's Department had provide a 3% - 5% anticipated escalation
over that time period; Mayor Pro Tem Garcia commented, saying that the presentation
provided that historically, increases have been less than 3%.
Dialog pertaining to the comparative costs continued and Council was directed to details on the
assumptions contained in the budget documents provided.
Interim Finance Director Graves continued the presentation, reviewing projected expenditures and
revenues in City-wide maintenance and activities; noted that revenue growth will increase but it is not
anticipated to increase at the same rate that expenditures increase; pointed out that most tax base levels
have risen back to levels seen in 2008 with the exception of utilities, which may be contributed to
residents being more energy conscious.
Council took a short recess at 7:07 p.m.; Council reconvened with all members present at 7:09 p.m.
The presentation continued with a review of staffing levels across all departments; discussion moved to
concerns of citizens and Council that are attributed to staff cuts and the reduction of available General
Funds; a review of position reclassification, restoration of positions, or fulfillment of previously vacant
positions was also discussed to include department requests as well as recommendations based on the
• need to continue certain programs.
Council made inquiries and discussed the implications of projected medical retiree costs, unfunded
liabilities and anticipated PERS allocations. Further discussion included cost projections and
offsetting cost savings realized by those positions that have not been filled.
As the presentation proceeded, discussion moved to restoration of community programs and prioritizing
the reinstatement of the programs and events; it was noted that some programs have the potential of
securing sponsorship through local business and grant funds; it was also suggested that a collaboration
with other local agencies may be considered with the intent of co-sponsoring events and programs that
serve the community at a multi-agency level.
Final discussion focused on increasing revenues using innovative methods such as establishing a
Chamber of Commerce, addressing revitalization of the local economy, and generating interest for new
businesses.
At the conclusion of discussion, Mayor Lozano thanked staff for the presentation, thanked Council for
their participation, and thanked those in the audience for their attendance.
ADJOURNMENT
The Sp ial -eting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. gel,/
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