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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 02 25 CC MIN SS (2)2009 02 25 CC MIN SSÄ—@¸—ÔâXþMINUTES CITY OF BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION & HOUSING AUTHORITY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2009 6:00 p.m. ROOM 307 14403 E. Pacific Avenue Baldwin Park Manuel Lozano, Mayor/Chair Monica Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Anthony J. Bejarano, Marlen Garcia, Ricardo Pacheco Council Members/Members Maria Contreras, City Treasurer Susan Rubio, City Clerk The CITY COUNCIL, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION & HOUSING AUTHORITY of the City of Baldwin Park met in SPECIAL SESSION at the above time and place. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Lozano called the meeting to order at 6:25 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS NONE ROLL CALL Present: Council member / Member Bejarano, Council member / Member Marlen Garcia, Mayor Pro Tern / Vice Chair Monica Garcia, Mayor / Chair Lozano. Absent: Council member / Member Pacheco. Also Present: Chief Executive Officer Singhal, City Attorney Joseph W. Pannone, Director of Public Works Galvez, Community Development Manager Castagnola, Human Resources Manager Lara, Director of Recreation & Community Services Carrillo, Chief of Police Hadsell, City Clerk Rubio, Deputy City Clerk Nieto. Mayor Lozano excused Council member Pacheco until he arrived. Council member Pacheco arrived at 7:13 p.m. REPORTS OF OFFICERS 1. FISCAL YEAR 2009/2010 CITY, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AND HOUSING AUTHORITY BUDGET CEO Singhal introduced Interim Finance Director Blazenski. He presented a PowerPoint overview of the proposed budget, which showed that the budget was balanced with a slight surplus. It was highlighed that there were not program reductions; Baldwin Park was one of the few cities that had a balanced Page 1 of 5 BIB] 40819-U01 2009-U02 02-U02 25-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO122580-U03 DO125159-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 9/9/2009-U04 ROBIN-U04 2009 02 25 CC MIN SSÄ—@¸—ÔâXþbudget in place for the next fiscal year. Interim Finance Director Blazenski reported that revenues were significantly decreasing and went over projected revenues, reporting that there was a fifteen percent 15%) drop in sales tax from the previous fiscal year. The franchise agreement between the city and Royal Coaches was highlighted for the revenues it generated. It was further reported that the number of permits issued had decreased. Interim Finance Director Blazenski highlighted expenditures, noting that they were the same as last year. He reported an increase to personnel costs and that no personnel levels will be cut. Council member Bejarano spoke about management resource, specifically unfilled positions, placed in case there is a need to fill; CEO Singhal stated that those positions have been vacant for some time now Interim Finance Director Blazenski reported that none of the General Fund monies are being used for capital projects and provided personnel expenditures by category CEO Singhal spoke about the reasons for putting aside monies for capital and that investments in infrastructure will boost the local economy Director Galvez gave an overview of the projects that are on track for the next fiscal year, including: street improvements, improvements to facilities and capital acquisitions. It was reported that monies have been awarded but the opportunity to draw down on them has not yet occurred. CEO Singhal reported that the city is awaiting the guidelines In response to an inquiry from Council member Marlen Garcia it was reported that guidelines were currently available but the city had to work with MTA for the approval. New busses have already been selected but they are waiting for the green light from FTA Federal Transportation Agency) Public Works Director Galvez stated that the city was waiting for contracts for transit services. Mayor Pro Tern Monica Garcia inquired if, because it's a green project, would additional stimulus monies be available. CEO Singhal reported that staff was looking into opportunities and will also be applying for more busses. Director Galvez also spoke about the grant application for fast fill station Public Works Director Galvez highlighted the storm drain project and announced that bids came in almost thirty-percent 30%) lower than engineer's estimeate. If the allocated funds are not spent, the monies could be re-allocated for other projects. Director Galvez also reported a soft commitment from the contractor to hire local works, per a Council-approved incentive plan Council member Marlen Garcia spoke about traffic congestion relief and recommended that it be kept in mind for the future because the city may encounter many traffic issues Page 2 of 5 BIB] 40819-U01 2009-U02 02-U02 25-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO122580-U03 DO125159-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 9/9/2009-U04 ROBIN-U04 2009 02 25 CC MIN SSÄ—@¸—ÔâXþIt was reported that Capital Projects were not included in the budget 2. 2008/2009 MIDYEAR BUDGET UPDATE Interim Finance Director Galvez provided overview of the current budget and spoke about the surplus that the city has. CEO Singhal spoke about the potential of things changing because there were still a few months left in the fiscal year A reduction in revenues for 2008-09 was expected however, it was hoped that the city would end the year in the black as a result of the conscientious efforts to conserve resources. Staff will continue to evaluate the economy Priorities include improving community safety; enhancing the city's image & pride through proactive programs; providing quality recreational programs; promoting and encouraging healthy lifestyles and community service programs Chief Hadsell spoke about the topic of improving community safety and reported that crime & traffic accidents were lower and that enforcement had increased. She spoke about various grants that the department had received. It was reported that Part one crimes were down 29%; traffic collisions were down 21 %; In 2008 for the first time in more than ten years, there had not been any fatal car accidents. Total arrests were up 5%; moving citations had increased by 9% since 2005 and the city had hired eleven police officers. Council member Marlen Garcia expressed her satisfaction with these statistics and spoke about how, in the past, officers did not want to lateral transfer into Baldwin Park. Chief Hadsell commented that there are seven people waiting to lateral into the department Community Development Director Castagnola spoke about enhancing the Community's image & pride through proactive & enforcement programs, highlighting the Keep Baldwin Park Beautiful program. Council member Bejarano commented about complaints he received from those getting code violations; stated that in the past 8-9 months he has not been contacted by constituents; commended staff and the new processes they utilize Housing Manager Ruelas reported that none of the First Time Homebuyer Program participants have had foreclosures In response to an inquiry from Mayor Lozano, Public Works Director Galvez reported that the Council will be satisfied with the materials being used for the street improvement projects. Council member Marlen inquired if CalTrans was funding the drain relocation. Staff responded yes and that the city will be be diligent about the funding. In response to an inquiry from Mayor Pro Tern Monica Garcia it was stated that the utilities would be underground. Recreation & Community Services Director Carrillo provided an overview of Page 3 of 5 BIB] 40819-U01 2009-U02 02-U02 25-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO122580-U03 DO125159-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 9/9/2009-U04 ROBIN-U04 2009 02 25 CC MIN SSÄ—@¸—ÔâXþthe Recreation Dept accomplishments; Human Resources Director Lara spoke about the accomplishments that promoted healthy lifestyles in the community CEO Singhal talked about staff stepping up taking on additional duties; acknowledged Sal Lopez for writing the grant application to receive funding for walkable neighborhoods Council member Marlen Garcia spoke about engaging community members; Council member Bejarano encouraged the cross training of staff to gain more skills for professional growth and advancement Council member Pacheco inquired about the opening of Fresh and Easy. Community Development Manager Castagnola advised that the opening was moving forward and an inquiry had been made about opening a 2nd Fresh and Easy It was reported that expenditures have been lower than revenues CEO Singhal spoke about improving operating performance and that it was a continuous process; he acknowledged the dedication of staff; it was reported that in 2005 there were 221 staff members and in 2009 there was 175 but that no services had been impacted CEO Singhal gave an overview of goals for the future and stated that his office would continue to pursue and accomplish the City Council's vision of a better Baldwin Park Each director reviewed the goals for their respective departments for the upcoming year; Council member Marlen Garcia commended the Recreation & Community Services staff for their efforts; CEO Singhal acknowledged Maria Moreno & Mike Salas In response to an inquiry from Council member Pacheco it was stated that staff had been looking into programs that would facillitate online payments for city services, specifically for permits The Crime Free Multi-Housing CFMH) was highlighted as well as economic development initiatives, green action program and the rehabilitation of foreclosed properties CEO Singhal spoke about the city's commitment to demonstrating fiscal stewardship Mayor Lozano and City Council thanked and commended staff for their efforts and requested that it be placed in the next issue of the NOW that the budget is balanced It was reported that the public hearing to adopt the budget would be on March 18th and that the city was moving forward in the right direction Page 4 of 5 BIB] 40819-U01 2009-U02 02-U02 25-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO122580-U03 DO125159-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 9/9/2009-U04 ROBIN-U04 2009 02 25 CC MIN SSÄ—@¸—ÔâXþADJOURNMENT There being no other matters for discussion the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Approved as presented by the Council, Commission and Authority at their meetings held April 15, 2009. Laura M. Nieto, CMC Deputy City Clerk Page 5 of 5 BIB] 40819-U01 2009-U02 02-U02 25-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO122580-U03 DO125159-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 9/9/2009-U04 ROBIN-U04