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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 08 19 CC MIN1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK CITY HALL, 14403 EAST PACIFIC AVENUE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19,1998 The City Council met in Regular Session in the Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS LOZANO, MUSE, PACHECO, VAN CLEAVE and MAYOR LOWES ALSO PRESENT: City Attorney Olivas, Interim Finance Director Sanchez, Chief of Police LeGarra, Dir. of Community Development Cervantes, Dir, of Public Works Mousavi, Dir. of Rec/Community Services Nunez, and City Clerk Gair 00- PRESENTATION Mayor LOWE S acknowledged and gave recognition to Mice Nichols for her 25 years of service with the City of Ba] dwin Park. Public Works Director, Sid Mousavi congratulated Mice and spoke of her many attributes and her loyalty to the City for all these years. Mayor LOWE S then presented Mice with the City's beautiful 25 year Service Pin. Followed by another congratulatory speech from Council Member LOZANO. AWARDS OF MERIT FOR THE BALDWIN PARK PIRANAH SWIM TEAM Mayor LOWES announced the very successful results of The Baldwin Park Recreation and Community Services Department Piranah Swim Team that participated in the Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation Qualifying Swim Meet in the City of San Gabriel on June 22, 1998. The Piranah Swim Team finished with 13 of the 30 participants placing in the top 3 of their respective divisions. She added that this was the first year that the City of Baldwin Park had participated in organized swim competition. On behalf of the City Council, she congratulated the participants, the parents, the coaches and the staff for their success. Awards were given out individually to all swimmers and other very special people who helped out. Then all four Council Members gave congratulatory speeches along with Mayor LOWES. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 2 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 ORAL COMMUNICATION Erica Rodriguez, Baldwin Park, invited everyone to attend the 4th Annual Kid's Care Fair on August 22 at Morgan Park from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. A Gentleman protested that there was no stop sign on Nubia and how he was almost hit twice. A Woman told of an ongoing predicament she's faced with because of a fire hydrant in front of her home which is partly in Baldwin Park and partly in Irwindale. She wants the hydrant painted to protect her family and neighbors. Neither City has helped her get it painted. She is concerned that since cars park in front of the hydrant, emergency vehicles won't be able to help in an emergency. A number of individuals made comments concerning the reduction of the position of Director of Code Enforcement and Licensing held by Linda Gair. Included were the following: Priscilla Popich, Marsha Arkin, R.C. Tatuin, Nancy Serpa, Dan Trunco, Johnny Gonzales, Jr., Margarita Vargas, Julie Castro, Marven Garcia, Raul Magdeleno, Dolores Holguin, Raul Reyes, Steven Cervantes and Patricia Caseo. Mr. Hannah informed the Council that he picked up a copy of the California Public Contract Code to see if the City was in compliance and confirmed that we're all in documentation and adhering to this code on bids and conflict of interest. He blamed Mr. Mousavi for ripping us off' on the Vineland Avenue project. He also wanted a speed bump on Vineland Avenue. Seeing no further interest, Mayor LOWES declared Oral Communications closed. 00 CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor LOWES pulled Item #3 from the Consent Calendar for further discussion. Approval of Certificate of Posting for August 5,1998 2. Approve Minutes Study Session: August 5, 1998 4. Receive and File Treasurer's report July31, 1998 5. Waive Further Reading and Adopt second reading) ORDINANCE NO.1133 Amending Certain Sections of Chapter 32 of the Baldwin Park Municipal Code BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 3 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 6. Approve Renewal of Agreement Shopping Cart Retrieval Target Stores 7. Approve Budget Carryover and Re-Appropriation of Funds for the following Programs: a) Additional Gas Tax Monies Construction of Olive Street Storm Drain Project Phase lA CIP 616 Steve Bubalo Construction b) Application for Used Oil Grant c) AQMD AB2766 Funds MSRC/Electric Vehicle Charging Station 8. Approve Employee Agreement Finance Director James B. Hathaway 9. Waive Further Reading and Adopt RESOLUTION NO.98-64- SETTING ASIDE CITY OWNED PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC STREET PURPOSES AT RHODES LANE 10. Approve Renewal of Contract Tree Related Services West Coast Arborists, Inc. 11. Approve Award of Coring Contract FY 1998-99 Prop C Streets CIP 806, 807, 808, 819 and 827 P.A. Associates 12. Waive Further Reading and Adopt RESOLUTION NO.98-65 AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 97-37 CLASSIFICATION PLAN Finance Director) 13. Waive Further Reading and Adopt RESOLUTION NO.98-66 AMENDING RESOLUTION NO.98-53 A BASIC SALARY PLAN Finance Director) It was moved and seconded to approve the Consent Calendar Item No.1, 2, and 4 through 13 as presented. M/S/C: PACHECO/MUSE There were no Objections. Mayor LOWES asked about the bill on Page 62) for Pima Corp. It is payment #3 for $44,976.32. This is for construction of traffic calming improvements along Vineland. Last week I was asked by a citizen who lives at the comer or near the comer of Vineland and Central to come out there to see what was happening with the medians. Apparently medians had been put in at four comers just a few weeks prior to this date. Pima Corp. was removing two of those medians. I would like to ask Mr. Mousavi why those medians were being removed. Mayor LOWES wanted to know why we put it in and then we removed it, and who's paying for the removal, etc. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 4 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 Mr. Mousavi remarked that they aren't medians, they're curbs and it was supposed to be flat. That's why construction was halted until those curbs could be removed and flattened. Many times contractors quote something and when the inspector goes out there they may not be correct, and they ask them to replace them. Mayor LOWE S asked since this was put in incorrectly, was this Pima Corp.'s mistake or was it the design mistake which was AAE? Mr. Mousavi answered it was in the construction, not a design mistake. Mayor LOWE S asked if they removed them at their cost? We didn't pay extra to have that done? Mr. Mousavi replied, this payment does not include any extras. Mayor LOWES stated that she had not received the report on who paid for our City crew's time on the job that Pima Corp. was supposed to do at Vineland and Foster. Mr. Mousavi said he'd be more than happy to do that. Councilmember PACHECO recalled that this was discussed at great length. The median work was completed and they came back and removed the existing curb and then poured the new curb to make it to form so cars could move around it. Mr. Mousavi replied that there were existing curbs which had to be removed no matter who removed it. In this case our crew removed it, therefore, the contractor did not get paid for that. Councilmember PACHECO asked if there was a reduction in what the contractor received, because the City did some of the work. Mr. Mousavi answered the Contractor did not get paid for removal of the curb. Councilmember PACHECO asked why the City got involved at that point? Mr. Mousavi answered because we were informed that the school& was closed and the school buses were not traveling through the intersection. Later we found out that the school had a summer session and the buses would be going through the intersection. We had to move immediately to remove the curbs in order to make it easier for the buses to go through. The Contractor wasn't ready to do that amount of work. So to expedite it, we had the City crew remove the curb and the contractor came back and replaced it. Mayor LOWES commented it was designed so that no school bus, nothing could get through there. I would like that report, Mr. Mousavi. It was moved and seconded to approve Item #3. M/S/C: LOWES/MUSE There were no objections. PUBLIC HEARING III. A. Consideration of the proposed construction and assessment along Belgate Street, East of Merced Avenue" The meeting was continued to September 2. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 5 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 III. B. Consideration of the establishment of an increase in certain fees and charges for issuance, processing and filing of various City services and permits. Adjustment to fees fin accordance with the State Schedule of Fees" The meeting was continued to September 2. III. C. Approval of a speciflc Plan and Development Plan pursuant to Section 65450 of the Government Code to allow the construction of a three-story, 75 unit federally subsidized senior citizen apartment building Ramona Boulevard Telacu Project." City Attorney OLIVAS advised that Councilmember PACHECO was going to abstain on this one. I was given some information yesterday that we have to look into, we haven't had time to find a complete answer. Councilmember PACHECO responded that it was correct. City Planner LARRY ONAGA then presented the staff report to City Council. Mayor LOWES opened the Public Hearing. Margarita Vargas, Baldwin Park, wanted to know if the school district had been involved in this planning? I just want to make sure that they know about this and that the parents know and the neighbors that live around have a chance to say something about this. Alfonso Contreras, Baldwin Park, said he has a minor concern about the parking spaces where they're going to have to share two tenants will have to share one space. Secondly, will this be preferential treatment to Baldwin Park or will it be like the other units where everyone from every other community and city around will be given a preferential treatment. Mr. Trunco, Baldwin Park, was a little concerned that the senior citizen building is going to be built by the school. You're going to have some handicapped seniors living in that building and some are going to have heart conditions and you're going to have a lot of noise from the kids. So I'm a little concerned about what's going to be done to separate the senior citizens from the school. Jerry Gonzales, Baldwin Park, said he lived on that street for 21 years. You really need to look at the parking. It should be a fenced in construction site not an open construction site, like the majority of the construction sites in Baldwin Park. There's a lot of things we need to address if you are planning construction in that location. Mr. Arkin, Baldwin Park, said that during the past few months, he has looked seriously in northern California for living conditions for senior citizens. If you put it too close to a school, you are asking for trouble. And that's all I'm going to say. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 6 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 Mrs. Arkin, Baldwin Park, explained that they visited 12 retirement communities north of San Francisco. These communities have beautiful apartments for their semors. Z has transportation to and from where ever you want to go, when ever you want to go. They have swimming pool, Jacuzzi, three meals a day, someone cleans the apartment, someone else does the laundry, beauty parlor, barber shop, library, game room. What does Baldwin Park have to offer its senior citizens? Why do we think less of our senior citizens then they do up there? Steven Cervantes, Baldwin Park, conveyed his thoughts concerning the senior center over here, not far from City Hall, right next to the railroad tracks. Shouldn't we give our seniors the best, not the worst? Ijust think the first thing you look at is location. It's a bad location and I think it's too small for the number of people you want to put there. I think we need to look at this again. Give it a good, strong look before you start building. Mayor LOWES requested Tom Provencio, the representative from Telacu Industries, to step forward and answer some of these questions that have come up. We've had questions on noise, parking, preference for Baldwin Park citizens and I would like you to address those. Mr. Provencio stated he represented the owner, and he was going to try to answer the questions. I also have Gregory Villanueva, who is our project manager here with us tonight and he'll be able to address the design issues. What I will address though is in regard to the question about preference. Basically, we are limited to providing preferences to senior residents. This is a HUD restriction and we have it in our DDA but I can tell you at this point that it is an item that is restricted. We will do whatever we can to try to bring in as many residents of the City in regard to an outreach program that we will initiate. Mayor LOWE S mentioned that the DDA did not have anything in it about preference for the citizens of Baldwin Park. When I asked you to put that back in, it came back with not very strong wording, but it does say preference to the citizens of Baldwin Park". You assured the entire City Council that when you build the Telacu across the street, Baldwin Park residents would be given all the information they could so they would have a preference, but that didn't happen and we don't want that to happen again. So we want you to work with our staff and make sure that however you do this, that our citizens do get first information so they are first in line. Mr. Provencio clarified one item in regard to the project across the street. As far as the process that took place there, that wasn't our doing as far as who was able to move in there. In fact, it was a city recommendation to allow a first come, first serve. And the City at that point felt that they would have better luck at getting City resident in and for whatever reason there were bus loads of outsiders that came into the project. The other item is in regard to the parking spaces. The study that was conducted through all of our projects, essentially there is about 55% utilization for all of our parking spaces. Keep in mind that BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 7 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 the seniors are restricted to 30% of payment of their income toward the rent, so you have very, very low income residents who'll be moving into this facility. They really don't have a lot of income to work with and essentially that restricts them in owning a vehicle and possibly even maintaining or insuring a vehicle. Now the other questions I think I would allow Greg Villanueva to answer for you. Greg Villanueva, Architect, stated that with respect to the sound issues of being directly adjacent to the schools, frankly everybody that we have been speaking with on prior projects likes the relationship of activities adjacent for seniors. A lot of our senior citizens look for the kinds of activities that could be provided outside their window, so the activities of children is very welcome. We recognize the issues of sound, therefore, on Ramona and on the school site and in effect all the way around, all of the window openings have double pane glass. The sound transmission quality through the outside is minimized. Regarding the parking issues, we did a study across the street and of all of the parking there is less than 50% utilized. One of the reasons Telacu works so closely with the City and with HIM), is because we look for sites that have various amenities. Those include public transportation as closely adjacent as possible, and as much space as possible on the site for passive and active recreation. One of the things that has not been spoken of is the need, for senior housing. I can tell you that we have been looking throughout Baldwin Park for another site. There are none of any significance. This was not just the best available but an excellent site. One of our first contacts was with the principal of the adult school, because we want our clients to be involved with the school system. We want our clients to be able to work with the school district, so you can have the equivalence of Grandmothers, Grandfathers working in the schools. We want the inter-relationships. There will be 5' 5' 6" masonry walls around the facility which will supply sound insulation. However, not wanting a prison, we broke up the thickness of that wall, opening it up in some cases with wrought iron fences. To the question about balls coming over the fence, if that's the worst thing in the world, we're all in good shape. Regarding construction, we are very selective in the contractors that we work with. We have used the general contractor, who we will use on this project, for at least the last eight projects. Re is very sensitive to the communities that he works in. The site will be totally fenced. There may not be a frill-time guard on the project, but I think what we have found is that the neighbors also begin to participate by watching what is going on. This is a community project. We want to be accepted here. We are working very closely with the City over the last eight months or more and barricades will be used. As for the residential facilities being too close to the school we separated ourselves from the school by a maximum distance. I think we have 5' of planter, because we wanted plants along that wall. There will be about 65' of parking and drive, then a set-back on the building. Then there's the width of the building, and then only about 15' to 20' to the property line, and will be landscaped all the way BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 8 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 around. We pushed for setting it in that configuration because we wanted to gather all the south light, all day long in our Community Room, which would be facing the open space, which faces the school, as opposed to putting our units in shadow. In terms of a comment about lack of swimming pools, or other facilities like that, and communities caring for their seniors more in one part of the State, this is a federal program. It's a 202 Housing Project and there is a restriction on how we can spend our money. I think the kinds of facilities that were being mentioned were not a federal program certainly not a Federal 202 Program. The attitude of HUD typically is to build as many of these facilities as they can throughout an area and they concentrate on doing a very livable facility. In their minds, a swimming pool would be an extravagance which would allow us to build four or five other units. We have Community Rooms, there are security facilities, physical handicap facilities, provisions for hearing impaired, provisions for the blind, panic hardware, panic devices in the restrooms, we have counseling rooms, terrace, in fact, on the third floor which overlooks the school yard. Councilmember VAN CLEAVE stated that he worked closely with a couple of apartments here. One across the street, one on Clark. I take many seniors home from my location and he agrees there never seems a problem with any of the senior facilities I've been around. There's always 50%, maybe 75% of the parking left available. Regarding the kids, seniors do have a soft heart for kids. We wouldn't want to have their recreational area in the same spot as the youth's. But I do believe that they can work very closely together. I would like to see that we give preference to our community. Telacu does have a lot of properties around here and they have their own construction people, however if they had to hire any people, they should hire from our community. Councilmember LOZANO stated he visited some of the senior homes throughout the immediate area and they are excellent. There are a lot of things that they offer. Everyone wants them as close as possible to the downtown Community Center, but because of the high density we have in those areas, it is not impossible. It is part of a federal government program under HUD), so we're kind of restricted. Once construction commences, it is going to be an excellent facility for a lot of senior citizens. I plan on retiring here in this community and some day I might be one of them. Councilmember LOZANO requested more specific information on how the lottery or units are being allocated. How are we going to be assured that we are going to have residents from Baldwin Park being selected. What is the process going to be? Who's going to handle it, how are you going to publicize it? Greg Villanueva responded that prior to the occupancy of the building which should be about six months prior to that date, at that point we can start our marketing effort. We cannot do it really any sooner. Basically, at that point, we can start our outreach program, say with some of the local other senior centers. The City itself has a lot of contacts that we can utilize. Also you may have BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~” CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´ 8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 9 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 nutrition centers, churches that we would go to. Essentially we're trying to reach those that would be least likely to apply. This program is primarily for those seniors 62 and over. Those are the ones we want to try to attract, but a lot of effort will need to take place between us and the City in trying to see that this happens. We did that with the City of Monterey Park recently. That project opened up last year. There were over 4,000 applicants. The City was very concerned as well, trying to get their own residents in. I think essentially we ended up getting about maybe 33% of the City residents in there. But it is done by a lottery so once the applications are sent out, those individuals that do qualify are put into a hopper. From those we select 75. Probably we'll end up with a waiting list of roughly 300. We are going to work like crazy to get senior residents from here. Councilmember MUSE inquired about the lottery system he was talking about, do you put all the names in the hopper, is that the way HUD requires you do it or is that just a process you have come up with? Greg Villanueva answered no, that's the process that HUD requires us to use. Seeing no further interest, the Public Hearing was closed. It was moved and seconded to approve the Specific Plan and Development Plan. M/S/C: PACHECO/LOZANO There were no objections. III. D. Consideration of the adoption of a resolution approving the City's Congestion Management Program Local Implementation Report and certifying that the City is in conformance with all applicable elements of the Los Angeles County Congestion Management program." Community Development Director CERVANTES reported that this was an annual report that has to be submitted. City Planner Onaga presented the staff report to the City Council. Mayor LOWES opened the Public Hearing. Seeing no interest, the Public Hearing was closed. It was moved and seconded to adopt the Local Implementation Report and Resolution. M/S/C: LOZANO/PACHECO There were no objections. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~” CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´ 8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 10 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19,1998 JOINT PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY III. B. Disposition and Development Agreement for the Proposed AutoNation Project located immediately North of the San Bernardino Freeway I-10), 21 acre property bounded by the I-TO Freeway, Big Dalton Avenue, Merced Avenue and Puente Avenue." Mayor LOWES opened the Public Hearing for the purpose of continuing this item for the Agency's meeting of September 2, 1998 and continue the matter to our meeting of September 16, 1998. M/S/C: MUSE/LOZANO There were no objections. REPORTS OF OFFICERS. COMMISSION AND COMMITTEES rv. A. 1. Designating a Voting Representative and Alternate for the League of California Cities" City Clerk GAIR said this is just to find out who's going to Long Beach in October and if the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tern are going to the League of California Cities, I will designate the Mayor as Voter and Mayor Pro Tern as Alternate. We usually send two representatives. M/S/C: PACHECO/LOZANO There were no objections. IV. B. 1. Presentation of the Proposed Budget Amendments" Mayor LOWE S stated, this budget cannot be just voted on and passed because there are a lot of things in here that we agree on and some things that we disagree on. We may have to take some of these things Item by Item. And if there are objections, I'll take a roll call vote. But I would like to start with some of the things that we possibly might agree on and just get a consensus on some of these things to get them out of the way. Chief of Police LE GARRA stated that the Report he is about to give is the summary of the Proposed Budget Reductions that has been presented to the Council over the past several weeks It is a culmination of all the Budget workshops that we held. Most recently the Workshop held on August 13, recommended the total budget reductions in the General Fund approximately $1.3 million. We were able to revise it slightly by recalculations of personnel changes. The initially rep orted $1.4 million turns out to be $1.3 million. A combination of operating reductions in various operating departments by $731,000 being appropriately reduced by operating department of budgets and $602,000 in Personnel changes. Chief Executive Officer Department approximate reduction of BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~” CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 11 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 $225,700, the Recreation/Community Services Department $184,200, and Public Safety Department $557,250. Finance Department because of re-organization that is being proposed, has an increase of approximately $15,000. City Clerk's Budget $82,400, Community Development budget $80,400, and Public Works Department $300,000. The details of these recommendations have been provided to you with the Status Report or more recently were discussed at previous Workshops, Council wanted to re-examine those recommendation along with the personnel changes. Personnel/Risk Manager Cole stated Council received a package of the recommended Proposed Personnel Actions to create a budget savings to the General Fund. In summary the General Fund savings for each department is as follows: Chief Executive Officer Department there is a grand total General Fund savings of $167,198, Licensing and Code Enforcement a savings of $59,409, Finance Department with the changes and transfers in the department, an expenditure of $48,575, the Police Department Savings of $298,844, Community Development Department savings to the General Fund of $57,401, Public Works Department a savings of $35,582, Recreation and Community Services Department a savings of $32,174, for a grand total of $602,033. Interim Finance Director SANCHEZ stated the budget at the beginning of the fiscal year was estimated to be $1.5 million short of revenues. However, with these reductions that amount has been reduced to $747,900. We recommend Council adopt these proposed reductions. Mayor LOWES stated there was a lot of controversy on some of these items. She stated with some of the things that were listed to get a consensus as follows: 1) eliminate the Employee Recognition Dinner, 2) go with the 4/10 work schedule in the Police Department by requesting Chief LeGarra to bring back a repon to us on how that would work. Councilmember MUSE proposed that we have a report back before saying yes. Mayor LOWES stated that she was asking Council to agree to direct Chief LeGarra to bring back a rep on his recommendation on this. Chief of Police LE GARRA agreed he would do that. He stated he was working with Nadja Cole in looking at how efficient it would be in terms of putting more personnel on the street. Mayor LOWE S reported that the next item was the Helicopter. It was recommended, if Council would approve, to cancel the helicopter contract that we have now at $150,000 and Chief LeGarra investigate regional options because the Council feels that this should be something that's shared throughout with other cities. He did mention that El Monte was offering a great deal where we could get the helicopter for seven days a week at half the price. So I would like to see if Council agrees, to cancel our helicopter contract and ask Chief LeGarra bring back a report on what we could do with a contract with another city. Chief of Police LE GARRA said that there is a proposal to us that we could get the helicopter for $70,000 per year. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~” 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~” CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´ 8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 13 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 The Council's direction at that time was that they wanted to look at other sources to balance the budget and other sources to try to place General Fund balance in a positive position. The reason these recommendations were made is the General Fund balance is being estimated to be in deficit position. In addition, there is some type of payment mechanism from the Redevelopment Agency to the General Fund for the loans that have been made. Now with respect to the advantages of paying the General Fund at this point, the Redevelopment Agency the amount of the loan, the Sierra Vista project area there is a pass-through Agreement with Los Angeles County that indicates that after the year 2000 that 23% of the payment would go to the County. Which means that 43% of the tax increment that project area earns was deferred by the County to the City. However, after the year 2000, that 43% starts going to the County, unless a City has debt above and beyond the 43%. Debt means bond issues, principal and interest and bond issues, not loans, advances made by the City, then that's the only debt that Sierra Vista project can use to pay off the debt. Mayor LOWE S stated that with the repayment of that loan to the General Fund, it would bring our contingency Rind up to the 10% that we've agreed to keep it at for emergency purposes. And also when it's in there, the City Council has discretion over the use of those funds. Mr. Sanchez informed them that the Council currently has a policy that indicates that the General Fund balance maintain 10% of reserve for contingency, 10% of the operating General Fund budget. That currently represents $1.3 $1.4 million. At this point, based on the report that was just presented to you, we're at 5%. Councilmember PACHECO said again, one of my concerns is that it is going to be just a one-time fix, I think we need to get into a position where we're realizing that our expenditures are down with our revenue. Because this problem can potentially continue year after year. And that's why I would not want to use the RDA money as I had expressed before, when we started this process. Councilmember VAN CLEAVE said he thought we do need to get the money back. You know we can't keep taking all the money from the General Budget to keep finding these Redevelopment projects. Redevelopment does need the money of course, they can always use the money. But right now where the money should go is where it belongs and that's right back in the General Fund where it went in the first place. Mayor LOWES asked Mr. Pacheco if the Agency pays the money back, then the Council has discretion over it and we can do whatever we want with it. Why would you want to take the risk of losing it over a 30 year period where we can't get it at all? Councilmember PACHECO asked again, with the projects we have coming on board, I would prefer to start to use this money for those types of projects that will begin to increase our sales tax revenue. Otherwise I think we'll lose opportunities in that area. That's why we need to work on our budget, so we can bring it down to a point where we're within the revenues we're receiving. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 14 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 Councilmember VAN CLEAVE asked Community Development Director Steve Cervantes, I know you had other options and I'd like to hear them. At least we'd have two options to pick from. Community Development Director CERVANTES reported the last thing I want to see is to lose money. What I want to do is explore which alternative is best and we have two fiscal years before we re in danger of losing that money. Certainly before we lose it, we can take it back. What we want to do is look at what's the best option One of the things right now is how to create $8.7 million that the Agency owes the City. Bond that as an outside indebtedness, and we're going to explore that as an option to be able to set our tax increment so that we can annually pay the whole amount back. That's one option. But there are several different options that we want to explore and what I'm asking for is to take four months to look at those options while leaving the money in the bank. It's easier to just leave it there till we see which option we decide is best for City and Agency. Councilmember VAN CLEAVE stated that if we got this money back and they need money, we'll loan you again. But let the money be in the right account so we don't have to say we have a deficit when we really have a surplus. Councilmember PACHECO replied no. We fix the problem for a short period of time. I think I would prefer to get a report on what's the best option to be able to get the money repaid. I don't want to make that decision tonight. Mayor LOWES said, we have been doing this budget for four months now. I ask you why you wouldn't agree to put this money in the General Fund and it is not what you call a one time" fix. It is money that the Agency owes to the General Fund. I ask you why would you not agree to put this in the General Fund where the City Council has complete discretion over how it is used. Councilmember PACHECO responded that he gave his answer. Councilmember MUSE said that it looks like you two are going back and forth, question-answer, question-answer. I have a question for Steve. What you are saying about creating outside indebtedness for the agency, would that have us avoid the possibility of losing the money. From what Mr. Sanchez is saying, by the year 2000 if we have any excess money, then we are going to gave to start paying money back to the County. But if we have indebtedness, then we do not have to pay money back to the county. Community Development Director CERVANTES explained that's what we want to explore. Loans that were made 10 years ago or longer. Mayor LOWE S said it's time that it was paid back and that's what I want to do. Get the money back we're it belongs and we've been on this budget for four months. You've had all this time and I don't see why you need more and more time. It should have been back to us a long time ago. Councilmember MUSE stated you were saying you wanted to hold or postpone paying this money back to the General Fund until you research this Bond refinancing. Community Development Director CERVANTES said that our sustained revenues that we get meets the indebtedness. Councilmember MUSE acknowledged okay and I think that what has BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 15 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 concerned me about the whole option of doing that repayment is that it is jeopardizing our Redevelopment Agency. We know that the Redevelopment Agency is the only way we're going to make more money, bring more business into the community in order to continue to bring a steady revenue stream into the City. So I have concerns doing that transfer over at this point. I want to make sure our Redevelopment Agency is not in jeopardy. Councilmember LOZANO agreed that is my concern right now. I think it would probably be in our best benefit at this point to allow you the opportunity to research that and bring back concrete information that we could look at. Mayor LOWES asked, Mr. Sanchez, do you have any thing further to say on this? He replied yes, I believe Mr. Cervantes' concern is with respect to the Sierra Vista Project. Councilmember LOZANO questioned, if we do that and get those portions out of those particular areas, will that allow us the time that we don't violate anything in the year 2000? Mr. Sanchez advised, that only applies to Sierra Vista. Motion was made to pay back the million dollars that the Agency owes the General Fund. M/S/C: LOWES/VAN CLEAVE City Attorney OLIVAS questioned, is that the $1.1 from the Sierra Vista, or the entire $1.8? Mayor LOWES responded that is the $1.1 Councilmember MUSE asked Mayor Lowes, why would you want that versus the $750,000 from the other areas that aren't being jeopardized by this? Mayor LOWES answered I'm asking for that first. If I don't get it I'm going to go back and ask for the $750,000 because we need money in our General Fund reserves somehow from this Agency. And it's time that the Agency started paying back the General Fund. They owe us $8 million. Councilmember PACHECO It doesn't hurt for us to allow Mr. Steve Cervantes another four months to research to see if there are alternatives. Roll call: Lowes-Yes, Van Cleave-Yes, Lozano-No, Muse-No, Pacheco-No Motion died. Mayor LOWES stated, I will then make a motion that the other development areas repay the $750,000 that Mr. Sanchez suggested they pay. M/S/C: LOWES/VAN CLEAVE Councilmember MUSE said she wanted to hear Mr. Sanchez give us some scenarios and if that is an option adopted, what does that do to the budget? Interim Finance Director Sanchez replied it doesn't place the budget in a balanced position because it's a one-time only repayment on the loan. So it doesn't reduce operating costs, it doesn't increase operating revenue. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 16 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19,1998 Councilmember MUSE replied which brings us closer to what we want to be in terms of the General Fund. I think something that maybe conflises people when we look at the budget process is that you hear us talk about the General Fund and you hear us talk about budget. And I think that the easiest way to explain it is like the General Fund is like your Savings account and the budget is like your Checking account. So they don't necessarily coincide. So like if your Checking account is low, then you transfer money from your Savings. You have to get your checkbook in balance so that the money you're bringing in meets your expenses. So I think that sometimes there's a confusion that transferring this money over is going to solve budget problems because it's not. We don't have enough revenues in order to cover our expenditures. Mayor LOWES stated I've asked Council to agree to repay the $750,000 that is not in the Sierra Vista Redevelopment Project Area to the General Fund so that it will bring it at least closer to our 10% contingency that we have a policy that we will maintain. Councilmember MUSE stated and that would mean that we wouldn't touch that money for the current budget problems. What it means is that we're just satisfying the contingency. I have a motion, I have a second. Objection: LOZANO Roll Call: Lowes-Yes, Van Cleave-Yes, Councilmember LOZANO asked, is this going to be taken from the Sierra Vista or the San Gabriel River? Mr. Sanchez replied it's coming from the San Gabriel River Project Area, $100,000 and the other is $500,000 from the Housing set aside. The Sierra Vista Project Area is not included. Rol] Call continued: Lozano-Yes, Muse-Yes, Pacheco-No Motion carried. Mayor LOWES stated, the first page is the Personnel Budget Issues. The first position is the Assistant to the City Manager and the action is Work Force Reduction". Is there a consensus on doing away with the position of the Assistant to the City Manager? We'll need a roll call vote on that. M/S/C: PACHECO/LOZANO Objection: VAN CLEAVE Roll call: Pacheco-Yes, Lozano-Yes, Muse-Yes, Van Cleave-No, Lowes-No Mayor LOWES stated the next Item: Chief Executive Officer recommendation is to delay a recruitment until December 1998, with a hi ring date of July 1999. M/S/C: PACHEC 0/MUSE BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 17 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 Councilmember VAN CLEAVE said I think it's so important right now to have a CEO or a City Manager. So that's why I'm against it. Mayor LOWES stated I need to say that we definitely need a City Manager, a CEO on board. We need leadership and we need supervision of our Executive Team, and of our Staff and of our City. So I highly recommend to this Council to agree to hire a City Manager at this time. Councilmember PACHECO stated we are the leaders. We are the elected officials. We're the ones that bring leadership to this community. I think we do need to start somewhere and make decisions to move out of the debt that we're in. These are the tough decisions that we need to make. Mayor LOWES asked why would you want to delay this recruitment until July of 1999? Councilmember PACHECO replied because of the cost savings, recommended by Staff. Councilmember VAN CLEAVE argued that a good CEO would solve this problem right now. A good CEO would balance our budget and help us in a lot of ways. That's why Cities don't go without City Managers. Councilmember LOZANO said I just wanted to share something tonight. I realize that it's tough for the decisions that we make here tonight as elected officials. And I prefer not to see anyone get laid off But the City is going through a major deficit and under no circumstances should this City be subjected to that. It is not fair for the citizens. We need to make these changes in order to make certain we meet the next century in a very competitive mode. I realize that there are going to be unhappy people, but we have no choice. We have to remember, we live in a City of 70,000 people that depend on the decisions we make as elected officials. Therefore, I know that we will persevere in whatever decision that we take here tonight. Mayor LOWES asserted, right now we desperately need a City Manager. At this time we have a motion to delay recruitment to hire a CEO until July of 99. Roll Call: Pacheco-Yes, Muse-Yes, Lozano-Yes, Van Cleave-No, Lowes-No Motion carried. Mayor LOWE S announced the next Item Executive Secretary transfer to the Finance Department M/S/C: PACHECO/LOZANO There were no objections. Mayor LOWES announced the next Item City Service Worker workforce reduction. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 18 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 Mayor LOWES made a motion that we don't do it because we're not saving enough money to warrant that reduction. M/S/C: LOWES/PACHECO There were no objections. Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Director of Licensing and Code Enforcement workforce reduction, Linda Gair's position. M/S/C: PACHECO/LOZANO Objection: VAN CLEAVE Mayor LOWES said I think this is absolutely an error, a mistake on part of the City Council if we do away with Linda Gair as our City Clerk and she has worked for us for so many years, 20 years. Councilmember LOZANO stated, first of all we are not firing Linda. The City Clerk is an elected position. What happened in the past is the Licensing and Code Enforcement was under the Community Development and it's going to go back under the Community Development area. That's the recommendation we are doing. The City Clerk will remain the elected City Clerk. Councilmember VAN CLEAVE said this is the one I'm having the hardest time with, too. I believe Linda does a very, very good job. And I don't beh eve there is anyone in this City, let alone this room, that fights with her less than I do. I have fought with Linda many, many times not only the years I've been in office, but the years I've been out of office. I've been to court with some of the people, my business and some of the things I do. But there's always been a professional level, and those are the levels we're going to try to keep it at. Code Enforcement is another area I've had problems with, but she's been able to keep them under control. I really believe that she has. I believe that compared to the time we had before with Code Enforcement, it's been a lot more minimal now than it has been in the past. They're really eliminating a big position there. And I don't see Steve or anyone else being able to run this Code Enforcement any better then it's being run right now. I know she will be our elected official. But we also need a Clerk that we could go to every day that we're open, four days a week. I would keep Code Enforcement right where it's at. I don't believe that they can handle it. That's my objection. Councilmember MUSE asked with Code Enforcement going underneath Community Development, there still is a supervisor of Code Enforcement, right? So I think that's going to be a great asset to the Housing Department to have Code Enforcement working hand-in-hand with them. I was on this Council when the Community Development Director left. We decided to put Code Enforcement with the City Clerk's office. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 19 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 I think also what I want to say is that it seems like people feel that all these cuts are being done callously and there hasn't been a lot of thought. So what I was looking for was a way that we would have the least amount of impact on our residents. Some of the positions that are being proposed here are ones that are of great help to our department heads, our citizens are not going to have much of an impact by some of these reductions. That is why I am supporting some of these. And in terms of what everyone keeps saying about the City Clerk; we will still have a City Clerk. And what we'll have is Code Enforcement will be in the Community Development Department which is a normal place for it to be. Mayor LOWES said Code Enforcement has nothing to do with this. Linda Gair was a hired staff member City Clerk many years before she ever took on the duties of Code Enforcement. Code Enforcement has only been under her for a very few years and that has nothing to do with this whole thing, as to whether the City Clerk has Code Enforcement or not. So yes, she is our elected City Clerk and they can't remove her from that. But we need her in this position. And I would like to know who do you think will run our election the next time it comes around? Roll Call: Pacheco-Yes, Lozano-Yes, Muse-Yes, Van Cleave-No, Lowes-No. City Clerk LINDA GAIR said that she wants to make one comment and this is not in defense of these reductions. Yes, I will serve as the elected City Clerk Free to talk and to speak, no longer confidential. I hope you'll remember that. It also frees me for many, many other pursuits that I can do and you can meet the challenge because I will not be frill time. I am looking forward to that and I look forward to the challenge that you just laid before me and I will not be in the office frill time. Mayor LOWES said Linda, thank you for the many years of de&cated service giving us honest, hard work. You're very appreciated by a lot of people. Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Deputy City Clerk workforce reduction with an offer of voluntary demotion to a business license processor. Personnel/Risk Manager COLE advised, we had a position as Business License Processor and we recruited for that position and the incumbent ultimately was reclassified as Deputy City Clerk. The decision becomes whether we want two Deputy Clerks or not. The Deputy City Clerk with the least seniority would be laid off This scenario is suggesting that because the current Deputy City Clerk was formerly Business License Processor and that function is being transferred to Finance, instead of being laid off; allow that person to have a voluntary demotion to maintain a job at the City. Mayor LOWES replied, by doing this she will keep her job, if we don't do this, she's likely to lose her job. M/SIC: LOZANO/LOWES There were no objections. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF TEE CITY COUNCW PAGE 20 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 Mayor LOWES announced the next two Items Code Enforcement Supervisor and Code Enforcement Officers 3) transfers from the City Clerk's office. MIS/C: MUSE/PACHECO There were no objections. Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Information Services Coordinator in the Finance Department workforce reduction with offer of voluntary' demotion to Information Services Technician. Now is this the same scenario as the other one where if we don't do this they're likely to lose their job completely? Personnellltisk Manager COLE advised, if he doesn't accept voluntary demotion to 1ST he would be without a job. Mayor LOWES asked, so we're giving them not much choice there. MIS/C: CONSENSUS Mayor LOWES announced the next Item City Service Worker workforce reduction in the Finance Department. Mayor LOWE S said, I feel strongly and would recommend keeping this position because of all the work the Finance Department has to do. MIS/C: PACHECO/LOZANO Mr. Sanchez added, there was a consensus with theE-Team that there would be no staff reductions. Pacheco pulled back his motion, Lozano pulled back his second. By consensus motion died. Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Executive Secretary transfer from the CEO Department. Consensus. Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Police Department. We already agreed to the frozen positions. Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Management Assistant with a workforce reduction. MIS/C: PACHECO/LOZANO Objection: VAN CLEAVE Mayor LOWES said, this management position has been very' important to our Police Department. Chief LeGarra, do you have anything that you want to add to that? Chief of Police LeGarra replied that the poshion is one that does a lot of work, paperwork, administrative. If I lose the position, I'll have to bring in a sworn officer to replace him. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 21 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 Councilmember MUSE said, I don't see why they would bring in a sworn officer to do that. It could be absorbed by the management staff in the Police Department. Councilmember VAN CLEAVE stated, he is a grant writer. He goes for the grants and helps to increase the Police Department's budget. So this is a man who makes the department money really. That's why I hold my view. Personnel/Risk Manager COLE advised, if you decide to maintain the Management Assistant you have already voted and approved to cut the Assistant to the City Manager. That person you are actually talking about would not have that job any longer. Roll Call: Pacheco-Yes, Lozano-Yes, Muse-Yes, Van Cleave-No, Lowes-No Motion Carried Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Three Police Cadets Workforce reduction Motion to keep the Three Police Cadets. Consensus Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Record and Communication Administrator to underfill to a Record Supervisor. Personnel/Risk Manager COLE advised, we currently have a vacant position for Record & Communication Administrator. Do not want to fill it because it is a higher salary but underfill it to a Record Supervisor which is at a lower salary level. Consensus Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Community Development Department three fto zen positions we ve already agreed to keep them vacant. Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Housing Program Supervisor-reclassification to Housing Program Coordinator. Consensus Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Public Works Department Management Assistant. M/S/C: PACHECO/LOZANO Objection Roll Call: Pacheco-Yes, Lozano-Yes, Muse-Yes, Van Cleave-No, Lowes-No Ordered Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Two City Service Workers workforce reduction. Councilmember MUSE asked, what are their responsibilities? Public Works Director MOUSAVI replied, maintenance at the Community Center and City Hall. Councilmember MUSE asked, is that in addition to our Contract Staff that we have? Public Works Director MOUSAVI responded, yes, they do regular clean up and minor repairs. Councilmember VAN CLEAVE added, they reduce our liability, so they're pretty important people. A Motion to keep both was made. Consensus. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 22 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Engineering Supervisor recommended re- classification to Engineering Manager. This is the one that the B-Team in the Study Session felt that it would be perceived as unfair to the rest of the Staff at a time that we're making reductions and cutting back to give a promotion with a potential guaranteed raise within six months when no one else is getting a raise or a promotion. Councilmember LOZANO said, I would recommend to reclassify without the increase. Mayor LOWES stated, the recommendation was to reclassify to an Engineering Manager without pay raise, but with a raise in the benefits for six months. Then a raise would be contemplated. It was felt by the B-Team that this would not be fair to the rest of the staff Councilmember MUSE said, I agree this isn't something we should be considering at this time. Consensus. BUDGET CUTS Mayor LOWES stated, these are proposed reductions in the budget that have nothing to do with personnel. Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Finance Department Consensus. Mayor LOWES announced the next Item Proposed Budget Reduction for the Police Department Chief of Police LeGarra said, I propose you take SB Z 1 Funds. That money was originally set aside for technologies in computers and cars. I am able to save in the General Fund some money because those funds still can be utilized with overtime. Mayor LOWES announced the next Item City Clerk Budget Reduction Consensus Mayor LOWE S announced the next Item Department of Recreation and Community Services Budget Reduction Consensus Mayor LOWE S announced the next Item Department of Public Works Proposed Reductions Consensus Chief of Police LE GARRA said, I want to bring something to the Council's attention. There is something in there regarding jail detox and cell renovation. If you take that out we could be looking at some liability if somebody comes to inspect the jail. I know this is a last minute thing to be bringing up but it's something we do need to consider. We have to meet standards. Mayor LOWES said, I know we have to give six months notice to do away with the jail. But I thought you were going to give us a report on that and perhaps give them six months notice if they're losing money on it. That's what we would like, a report on that before we ever do any renovations. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 23 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 Police Captain KIES said, the Chief is correct when he talks about the inspections and we are in the beginning stages of the inspection season. So we're going to be having the Los Angeles County Health Department, Grand Jury, Department of Justice, etc. A whole number of agencies that will start inspecting our jail facility. If the jail doesn't meet the requirements, then we will be subject to liability and those kinds of things. Plus, with the rubberized flooring in the drunk tank, we have people in there, sobering up if you will, they're bored and don't have anything to do and they pick at it and make it worse and worse. Then they start flushing it down the toilet. As Mr. Mousavi can attest, we've had some problems with our sewers down there. So really it's something that needs to be fixed. Even if we decide not to open our jail, or use our jail anymore and we use it as a holding facility while we're booking people, we still have to undergo those inspections and still have to pass those inspections. So whether we're operating a frill jail or we're just using a booking facility, we're still going to make those repairs. We're talking about fines, closures. It could get to the point where we couldn't even bring in an arrestee in the Police Department. The cost will be about $16,000. Mayor LOWE S said, bad timing. Councilmember VAN CLEAVE asked, the only way to get this is from the General Fund again? There's no funding available for this? Mayor LOWE S requested, what are you asking? To give you $16,000 out of the General Fund to do this? Could this be used with any of our funds that we get from Asset Forfeiture Funds? Chief of Police LE GARRA responded, I don't think it meets the requirements. Normally those funds are for Officers' salaries, overtime, training. Councilmember MUSE said, maybe we should pursue it though. Mayor LOWE S said, please pursue it. Find out if you can use them. Chief of Police LE GARRA answered, will do. Mayor LOWES stated, we have cut two men, Mr. Bob Roessler and Mr. David Martinson who have worked for our City loyally and diligently for a long, long time. I would like Council to agree to at least give them a month's severance pay out of courtesy to them as long, dedicated employees. Personnel/Risk Manager COLE responded, with the notice of termination for reduction in workforce, they have a 30-day time period from the time that memo is given to them. During that 30-days they do remain on payroll status. Mayor LOWES said, I would like to thank Mr. Jose Sanchez very much. He came on board at a very difficult time with our budget and he will be leaving us now, actually he has left. He came out of courtesy tonight and will be working for another City. But we appreciate the work that you have done and the help that you/ve given us. We highly recommend you to any City. Councilmember LOZANO stated, Jose, I like to thank you also. You did an outstanding job. You really pulled together some information that we needed. You worked really hard. I just want to commend you for it. I think you did a great job. Thank you. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 24 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 Councilmember MUSE stated, this has been a very, very difficult process and I guess it's almost 11:00 o'clock and we're finally getting through. I just want to point out something that one of our residents had said This isn't personal, this is business.' I wrote that down and circled it because I think that that's been something I've been wrestling with. These are tough decisions that we had to make. These are individuals who have done a tremendous job for our City, who I like a great deal. I think they're fabulous individuals. I know that this has been a business decision and I think it has been a tough one. I also want to thank Jose. I think he has done a fine job. He really came in at a time where we were pretty much at a loss. We didn't know what to do with the situation we were left in. I want to thank our E-Team. I know that they have worked long and hard coming up with options, scenarios. We've sent them back numerous times to come back with more options. I want to thank the Council too. We have all devoted a lot of time to this. We've had lots of special meetings. We've spent lots of time reviewing all the information. I want to thank everybody for their hard work. I think we just have to move forward. M/S/C: MUSE/PACHECO There were no objections. Mayor LOWES commented on Councilmember MUSE's statement, you said this was business and not personal and I really do disagree. I think some of these decisions that were made tonight have been personal. I think some of them have been vindictive and immature. I think this is a sad day for Baldwin Park when we sit here and see our City Clerk without a job and I have to say it's a sad day for Baldwin Park. Councilmember LOZANO stated, I want to also thank Jose Sanchez for the great job you did. You've done an excellent job. I know that you've made yourself accessible for us in the future. We've gone through a tough time and you've been a part of it. You're a tremendous person. I want to thank each and every member of the Executive Team. I'm not going to say that we're not going to go through this type of rough road in the future because I think we probably do have a lot of rough roads that we're going to go through. That's just the nature of this type of business. In today's world private sector methods are applied to the public sector. It is very clearly tough to understand and it is very tough to try and deal with it. But this is reality. IV. B. 2. Update on Chamber of Commerce Agreement and Thirty 30) Day Extension Community Development Director CERVANTES stated, we have been working with the Chamber negotiating several complex issues: 1) The feasibility of selling the City building to existing tenant, Dr. Hernandez. 2) The location of the Chamber at this facility. 3) Looking into the feasibility of purchasing the existing Chamber building on Ramona Boulevard. 4) Trying to get ourselves out of this ong-term lease we have with the Chamber right now. We have been exploring these alternatives. Just recently this past week, I received an appraisal on the City building on 4141 Maine Avenue as well as the Chamber building on Ramona Boulevard. We are still pulling together the cost BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 25 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 for downsizing the space for the Chamber and we are still meeting with the Chamber and negotiating. So what we recommend is that Council consider extending it on a 30-day period. We received a letter from the Chamber also they are requesting a two-month extension. They are here to answer any questions. The Staff is available also. Councilmember MUSE asked, my understanding is the reason why they are asking for an extension is because they had anticipated that hopefully the whole sale transaction and everything else could have been completed. They need the money, they need the cash flow in order to operate. Is that correct? Patricia Mayo rga Chamber of Commerce) responded, basically, the reason why we're asking for the extension is because we have not had the opportunity to meet with Council because of all the other issues that have been present with Council. We're requesting that extension time so we can present what was requested of us in a form of a contract and review that with council. Yes, the other issues are still unresolved. Those are pretty much independent of the contract issue. Councilmember PACHECO asked, I guess we left off last time where you were doing some rese&ch about some of the programs that you were going to have in place. You are ready to present these? Patricia Mayorga answered, we were ready to present but we felt that today was not an opportune time to present and review a contract that we feel requires some extensive conversation and review from both ends. For that reason we have requested the extension and we are requesting we have a Council meeting. We had one a couple of months ago. But we are requesting to have a formal communication session between Council and Chamber so that this contract can be reviewed. Councilmember PACHECO said, I know that we have the Economic Development Consultant and that you talked with him and I spoke to the Chamber on some of the ideas that you were ta]king about. You were already printing up a plan based on some of the ideas that our Consultant suggested. Patricia Mayo rga responded, we did have a conversation with him and some of the projects and the plans that the Chamber does have are included in some of the Downtown Maine Street Vision recommendations. Councilmember PACHECO stated, at this point you're pretty much ready to present all those ideas that the consultant asked you implement. Councilmember LOZANO stated, I just want to know if we can set up a meeting, just have someone get a hold of the Chamber and set it up. Mayor LOWES stated, this extension we are three months into the fiscal year. We don't have a contract that we are not getting anything from them for this money. There are AB1693 Funds that we were going to take away this year and have the City use to promote business. Now you're asking for another extension. As you say, we still don't have a contract. Patricia Mayorga responded, we are still working on the contract from last year. That contract hasn't been nullified. The only thing that you've done is extend it. Mayor LOWES asked, so you want a 30-day extension at this time and then you will set up this meeting. Patricia Mayorga explained, we tried to set up a meeting. This hold up is not due to the Chamber, it's because what's going on in the City. Mayor LOWES stated we need a motion for a 30-day extension. M/S/C: LOZANO/PACHECO There were no objections BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 26 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 COUNCIL/STAFF REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS V. 1.2.3. Mayor LOWES stated, that with the Council Staff and Communications there are three things on here. Two Councilmember PACHECO put on and one Councilmember LOZANO and it was suggested by our City Attorney that perhaps due to the lateness of the hour that we could put these off until the next meeting. Consensus Councilmember MUSE stated, one thing I had promised the Chamber. Remember there are tickets available for the Quakes game, the City's Night is next Thursday and the tickets are $4.50 available at the Chamber office. There are only 32 tickets left. Anybody who's interested in representing Baldwin Park, it's supposed to be a guaranteed great time. Councilmember PACHECO stated, one last thing from State Senator Hilda Solis' office The United Farm Workers invite you to an update on farm workers and labor related issues and to view special autographed exhibits on the lives of Caesar Chavez and Robert F. Kennedy that's opening on Saturday, August 29, 11:00 a.m. If you need further information, contact the Senator's office. Thank you. Councilmember VAN CLEAVE stated, this weekend over at Morgan Park we also have Kid Care Fair. If you know any kids that need immunization or be checked by a doctor, that's the time to be down there. It will be going on 9:00 a.m. through about 4:00 p.m. Another thing we have, the signal light by Kaiser Hospital going down Baldwin Park Boulevard from the turn arrow to Dalewood. When the green light allows people to turn on that light, most of the time what happens is, the traffic is backed up so far going up the lefi lane that everyone has to go in the right lane if you re going to make that green light to go straight ahead. There's never any traffic coming the opposite way. I think the way to fix that would be at Frazier and Baldwin Park they have a green light and an arrow. That would solve the problem. Thank you. Mayor LOWE S stated, I would like to suggest that on the next Agenda, we have a discussion about removing our Planning Commissioner Dolores Holguin and I will give a written report in our Staff report at the next Council meeting on that. CLOSED SESSION Mayor LOWES stated, we did have a closed session scheduled but we'd like to put it off till the next meeting. City Attorney OLIVAS asked, were the Council members able to read the report. Would they like to put this one off until the next meeting. Consensus. Interim Finance Director Sanchez stated, first I would like to thank the Council for their generous comments and I would also like to thank the Council for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your Interim Finance Director for the last three months. I have to tell you, it's been a difficult assignment, BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 1998 08 19 CC MINòw @˜~”CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 27 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 but I've never worked with a more friendlier group of people in the entire course of my career. You have a great group of people here. I just wanted to share that with you. I want to thank the Council for their support and the E-Team. Thank you again. Mayor LOWES adjourned the Regular Meeting of the City Council. There were no objections. 00- ELLEN PARKS, DEPUTY CITY CLERK BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 CC MIN AUG 19 1998ê´YH´ 8REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL PAGE 12 OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUGUST 19, 1998 Councilmember LOZANO stated let's not say cancel until the study comes back. Obviously there are other cities that have interest in it. Get some feedback as to whether they're willing also to pitch in to keep our own helicopter. Councilmember VAN CLEAVE asked how far ahead have we paid? I noticed today in our payables there. We are paying $11,500 a month to them for this program right now. Chief of Police LE GARRA agreed saying that's for the lease of the helicopter and pilot, for three- days service, we supply a Police Officer as an observer, and that comes out to $138,000 a year. This is being funded through a Grant, so it isn't coming out of the City revenues. We are in the process of doing a study and I would like to bring back to Council a full report. Mayor LOWES suggested that this be done quickly, because we're already three months into our fiscal year budget. Council agreed. Mayor LOWES reported that the next Item is Recommendation to freeze all vacant positions. Chief LeGarra at the last meeting suggested that we freeze those positions for two years in all departments except the CEO. If Council agrees to freeze present vacant positions for two years in all departments. That's not future vacant positions that come up or ones needed, but present vacant positions that were presented to us. Councilmember PACHECO suggested let's just go from the beginning of this list. It probably would be easier for us. Councilmember MUSE advised that there's actually two documents. There's the Personnel and there's the other recommendations that were made. Councilmember LOZANO stated we can just go through the Personnel first, I guess page by page and discuss each item. Then just complete that and go with the next sheet. Mayor LOWE S agreed saying alright that was the next item on my list anyway, was the Personnel. However, I do want to talk about the payment of the agency to the General Fund Reserves. I want to definitely discuss that and I would like Mr. Jose Sanchez to give a report. We all received it before but I want the people to hear on why he, as our Finance Director does recommend that the Agency pay back the million dollars that they owe to the City at this time. I would like you to explain that. And I would like you to explain how you told us there was a possibility that if we don't pay that back, we can lose it. And we've got nothing to lose by paying it back because the Council has discretion over it. And I would like Mr. Sanchez tell us that. Interim Finance Director SANCHEZ informed them that when he gets to the possible risks of losing funds, Mr. Cervantes may have some additional points to make. In the initial recommendation to the Council in the budget that was proposed in July, it was proposed that the Redevelopment Agency pay back to the General Fund approximately $1.8 million funds that were lent to the Redevelopment Agency to do specific projects over a period of time. BIB] 37175-U01 CC-U02 MIN-U02 AUG-U02 19-U02 1998-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 FO3641-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 BIB] 37263-U01 1998-U02 08-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LG1-U03 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3571-U03 DO3643-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05