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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMAY 4,1993_2 I I (/110. 'on .J \ ,III r/., "<. 35:0100 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK INVOCATION PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL MINUTE APPROVAL (Apr.12,1993) (Apr.13,1993) (Apr.20,1993) (APPROVED) ORD. & RES. READ BY TITLE ONLY CORDOBA CORPORATION CI,:>i:J ..1('1 I\Jj" ~ FOOTHILL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION M I N UT E S CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA and the ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING May 4, 1993 The City Council met in a regular meeting at 7:40 p.m., Tuesday, May 4, 1993 in the City Hall Council Chambers. Rev. Mary Reninger, The Santa Anita Church Kelly LaCroix PRESENT: Councilmembers Fasching, Margett and Ciraulo None Harbicht, Loj eski, ABSENT: On MOTION by Mayor Pro tern Loj eski, seconded by Councilmember Margett and CARRIED, the minutes of the April 12, 1993 and April 13, 1993 Work Sessions and the adjourned and regular meetings of April 20, 1993 were APPROVED. It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tern Lojeski, seconded by Councilmember Fasching and CARRIED that ordinances and resolutions be read by title only and that the reading in full be WAIVED. PRESENTATIONS Ms. Genoveva Arellano, Proj ect Manager of Cordoba Corporation for San Gabriel Valley Association of Cities and coordinator with SCAG on this project was present to explain their objectives. She also explained the policy area that will be covered as part of the scope of work. This will include transportation, air quality, housing, finance, economic development and growth management. These are all part of the areas that are identified by the San Gabriel Valley Association of Cities, and given to them as their charge as they begin the planning project. The group will be working directly with staff. Arcadia staff member Jim Kasama is a member of the Technical Committee of the San Gabriel Valley Association of Cities, and therefore the City of Arcadia will be directly represented and involved as this process moves forward. This will be about a three month project, and she will be happy to come back to the Council for updates and additional information that Council may want. A Proclamation was read by Mayor Ciraulo in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Foothill Federal Credit Union which has served the financial needs of thousands of Arcadians in the past 35 years. Foothill Federal Credit Union today provides added employee benefits to more than 2,300 employees of 60 employers in the City of Arcadia: Mayor Ciraulo proclaimed the month of May 1993 to be Foothill Federal Credit Union month, and presented the proclamation to Michael Gomez, President and Chief Executive Officer, Foothill Federal Credit Union, 1 5/4/93 1- PUBLIC HEARING UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX INCREASE (APPROVED) 0.3 sD - "0 35:0101 Consideration of an increase in the Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is imposed for the privilege of occupying a room or rooms in a hotel, inn, motel, tourist home or other lodging facility unless such occupancy is for a period of more than 30 days. The City currently imposes an 8% tax rate for Transient Occupancy. It is estimated that the current year's revenue from this source will amount to approximately $700,000. The Transient Occupancy Tax for the City of Arcadia was first imposed in 1965 and was established at 4%, In 1968, the rate was increased to 5%, and on July 1, 1986 increased to the current rate of 8%. A survey of Transient Occupancy Tax rates of other similar communities and surrounding cities indicates that Arcadia's rate of 8% is less than the majority of cities. A 2% increase in transient occupancy tax would generate an additional $140,000 annually to the City. Mayor Ciraulo declared the public hearing OPEN. I Dick Stanford, Santa Anita Inn, stated, in part, that managers and owners of all six hotels and motels in Arcadia oppose increasing the Transient Occupancy Tax. That includes Motel 6 and Best Western. The representatives of these hotels and motels feel they are paying more than their share of taxes, considering the transit occupancy tax, property tax and sales tax. This increase will hurt their business, which is already down, They feel this is not the time to raise taxes. Also, none of this tax money goes to a visitors or convention bureau which might help the local hotel business. The Chamber of Commerce is not able to specifically aid the hotel business. In reply to questions from Council, a program to attract tourism could be put together if Council should earmark some funds for such a.program. Stil! Hedlund, 229 North Magnolia, General Manager, Embassy Suites Hotel, 211 East Huntington, Arcadia, stated, in part, that he is opposed to the 2% increase in the occupancy tax because he feels that it will negatively impact the hotel business. Pasadena is the nearest competitor for the hotel business, 60% of Pasadena's occupancy tax is allocated toward funding of their Visitors Bureau, Civic Auditorium and Convention Center. They have a strong marketing staff to bring business into the City of Pasadena. Arcadia hotels receive no benefit from this and it is a real battle for market share with the Pasadena hotels. The competition has grown in the recent years. A small difference in cost can mean losing a major account. He feels that 10% is excessive when compared with across-the-county as well as across- the-state occupancy tax rates. Occupancy taxes were originated in 1964 and were allocated almost exclusively originally for the promotion of tourism. For that reason, the hotels supported the tax. The tax exemption for State and Federal employees is a benefit for the hotels. Without that exemption, Arcadia would most certainly lose the State employee business for the hotels. Carol Morrison, General Manager, Marriott Residence Inn, 321 Huntington Drive, stated, in part, that she reiterates the previous statements. She would like to add that Residence Inn has been open for over four years. 1993 represents special opportunities and challenges with regard to the business climate. To demonstrate some of the loss they have sustained in comparison with last year, they are 13% off the same month last year. She is present to ask Council to consider the timing of this tax increase with regard to the negative impact on Residence Inn, Residence Inn has had quite a lot of government business as a result of the civil unrest in Los Angeles and also because of the earthquake. That disaster-related business accounted for 35% of their top twenty account business, That will not repeat this year. Residence Inn has the challenge of somehow replacing that business. She is present to ask Council to consider absolutely no tax increase. I Debbie Gudmundson, General Manager, Hampton Inn, 311 East Huntington Drive, home address, 34 East Bonita, stated, in part, 2 5/4/93 ., 35:0102 that she could not go to her clients and say she needs to increase their rates because her revenues are down. She has to compete with the hotels in Monrovia. Being across the border and having that 2% leverage is a good selling point. Their occupancy rate is down 8% from the prior year. Last month they were down 10% to budget. Things are not getting any better. She opposes anything that will take away the competitive advantage. Lael Collins, 409 Fairview Avenue, stated, in part, that it is her understanding that the goal of the downtown revitalization program is to encourage business to come to Arcadia and establish a sense of community. It is important to show that the City cares about the businesses that are already here who want to stay here and grow. She suggests Council think about this. It would be a mistake to do something that would hurt our own businesses. I Carol Beaslev, Director of Sales, Embassy Suites, 211 East Huntington Drive, stated, in part, that she is highly opposed to this increase. They use the tax rate very frequently as a selling technique, especially to corporate companies. 2% difference in tax rate makes a big difference to companies. Marva Lean, 2598 Caliente Lados Circle, Duarte, stated, in part, that she depends on the hotels for her business because she prepares gift baskets for their guests. If this tax is increased, the hotels will not have an edge. She has begun to realize when she is a hotel guest that different cities have different tax rates and takes that into consideration. Other hotel guests probably do the same. No one else desiring to be heard, MOTION by Councilmember Margett, Fasching and CARRIED. the hearing was CLOSED on seconded by Councilmember Councilmember Margett stated, in part, that he has never approved of the transient occupancy tax, and he has not altered his position, especially not in a poor economy. Testimony tonight substantiates his position. He would like to see the hotels in Arcadia be able to keep their competitive advantage. Councilmember Fasching noted the City would like to avoid additional taxes and raise revenues by bringing additional businesses into the City. With regard to tourist bureau-type activities, Arcadia has a number of major attractions in itself, i. e., a major race track, the Arboretum, golf course, a premier shopping mall, etc., all of which draw people to Arcadia. Also, the downtown revitalization project will provide a major stimulus for the hotels, Councilmember Harbicht agreed with Councilmember Margett that raising this tax is not the proper approach. The hotel business is down; there is no justification for raising their taxes. A good portion of the business of these hotels comes from large contracts which they have to negotiate with various companies. Council should look at the competitive aspect of the hotel businesses in the City. He will not support this tax increase. I Mayor Pro tern Lojeski stated, in part, that he did not believe that the hotels in Arcadia.lost any competitive edge when the tax rate was increased in the past. The attendance at the Santa Anita Race Track probably has the most viable effect on the occupancy rates. He would rather see a 2% rise in the transit occupancy tax than to have to remove City services in the Fire Department, Public Works Department, etc. He would not be in opposition to this tax increase, Councilmember Fasching noted that being in business himself, he understands business problems. However, City employees have deferred their pay increases to help this City. Other employees will come forward tonight to tell Council that they will' defer their salary increases for six months or a year to help the City. The City will have to go into its reserves for the second time to offset budget cuts by the State. Mayor Ciraulo noted that the City has taken significant 3 5/4/93 ORDINANCE NO. 1988 (INTRODUCED) " 3 Ai .110 2. PUBLIC HEARING VACATION OF PORTIONS OF GREENFIELD AVE. (Parcels 1 and 2) (APPROVED) t;JS'~''-.~~(1 3. u,')./~' ,;> t' 35: 0103 steps to cut expenses, and is anticipating using reserve funds. The City is spending a great deal of money trying to get the Blue Line to come through Arcadia. If this happens, it will greatly benefit the hotels in this City. The City does not advertise for convention business, because there is no convention center. This City also spends a great deal of money to maintain the best Police, Fire and Public Works Departments to keep the City safe and clean, Those things go a long way to making people want to stay in the City of Arcadia as opposed to other, less desirable areas. The City Attorney presented for introduction and read the title of Ordinance No. 1988: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2662 OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE THE UNIFORM OCCUPANCY TAX FROM 8% to 10%", I It was MOVED by Councilmember Fasching, seconded by Mayor Pro tern Lojeski and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Ordinance No. 1988 be and it is hereby INTRODUCED. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Fasching, Lojeski and Ciraulo Councilmembers Harbicht and Margett None On April 6, 1993 the City Council adopted Resolution No. 5718 declaring the City's intention to vacate and abandon Parcels One (1) and Two (2), portions of Greenfield Avenue north of Live Oak Avenue and setting May 4, 1993 as the date for public hearing. The required notices of the proposed street vacation were published and posted in accordance with Part 3 of Division 9 of the California Streets and Highways Code. The appropriate utility companies were notified of the intent to vacate. None of the utility companies required any Reservations of Easements. In reply to a question from Councilmember Harbicht, staff responded that when these parcels are abandoned, they then revert to becoming the property of the adjoining property owners. Mayor Ciraulo declared the public hearing OPEN, No one desiring to be heard, the public hearing was CLOSED on MOTION by Mayor Pro tern Lojeski, seconded by Councilmember Harbicht and CARRIED, It was MOVED by Councilmember Margett, seconded by Councilmember Harbicht and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Resolution No. 5724: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE VACATION AND ABANDONMENT OF PARCELS ONE (1) AND TWO (2), PORTIONS OF GREENFIELD AVENUE NORTH OF LIVE OAK AVENUE" be ADOPTED. AYES: Councilmembers Fasching, Harbicht, Lojeski, Margett and Ciraulo None None I NOES: ABSENT: AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Ken Marsten, Arcadia Fire Department, President, Arcadia Fire Association, International Firefighters' Association, Local 3440, stated, in part, that the Association has come here this evening, in iight of the current economic recession facing the City of Arcadia. The Firefighters' Association, in an effort to assist the City through its economic difficulty, would like to offer to defer their contractual raises for fiscal year 1993.94, The Arcadia Firefighters' Association realizes that the erosion of the City's tax base caused by the loss of business, and the 4 5/4/93 I I D'1111 ,n 1\ 'r 4. 5. 5a. ROLL CALL 5 HAYES & CO. EXCLUSIVE COMM. R.E. BROKEHAGE CONTRACT (6 Month Extension) (APPROVED) 0(, : U - ~ 35:0104 State's raid on local taxes and fees has left the City with a shortfall of $2.8 million dollars for the coming fiscal year. The Firefighters' Association also realizes that using reserves to balance the budget will fix the problem for this year, but would only impact the City residents and employees in the coming years. The Association feels that the current Councilmembers and the Manager are working toward a correct answer '" a balance of fiscal responsibility within our government and an increase in the tax base of new business. The Firefighters' Association looks forward to being able to assist the City. The Association appreciates the positive relationship between the Council, the City Manager and the Arcadia Firefighters' Association. In the spirit of cooperation and trust, the Arcadia Firefighters' Association comes forward with this offer for you this evening. Also, I would like to say, that I think, sir, that the Council and the City Manager need to balance between the employees, the business of the City and the taxpayers the responsibility of the services that you request and desire. Terrv LaCroix, representing the Public Works Union which is the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 2264. "We have come to recognize the financial hardship with which the City is confronted in the coming year. In the 'pirit of developing a better employee-employer partnership, the 'embership of AFSCME, Local 2264, have voted to defer their agreed upon salary increases for a period of six months. We believe this action will help the City move forward to resolve its financial problems, As always, the Public Works employees stand ready to assist, and they look forward to a long and productive relationship with the City Council and the City Manager. Thank you, very much." Mayor Ciraulo and the Councilmembers accepted the offers to defer salary increases, and expressed their appreciation to the employees for their generosity and in coming forward to help the City in this budget crisis. They also extended congratulations and best wishes to all the members of the Associations. CITY COUNCIL RECESSED IN ORDER TO ACT AS THE ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY PRESENT: Harbicht, Loj eski, ABSENT: Agency Margett None Members Fasching, and Ciraulo Consideration of request for six month extension of the Exclusive Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Contract (Hayes & Company) It was MOVED by Member Fasching, seconded by Member Margett and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to APPROVE a six month extension to the Exclusive Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Contract with Hayes and Company, subject to approval by Agency General Counsel as to form. !/,' , AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Agency Members Ciraulo None None Fasching, Harbicht, Lojeski, Margett and It was staff's opinion that, recognizing the state of the real estate market at this time, Dave Powell and the people at Hayes have done a fine job for the City. It is possible it will be necessary that staff will come back and request another six month extension in the future. Hayes & Company have done an outstanding job. 5 5/4/93 5c. ADJOURNMENT 6. 7. r II... ,'j };) 7a. ALTERNATE DIRECTOR COUNTY SAN" ITATI ON DISTRICT BD. OF DIR. ( Fasching) If) ,?) 7b. TEMPORARY EVIDENCE TECHNICIAN POLICE DEPT. (Wils terman) 7c. 7d. () i ;,! . () NATURAL GAS PURCHASE ( Calif. Utility Rate Benefit Assoc.) 7c. DESIGN REVIEW ROBIN SONS- MAY DEPT. STORE (400 S. Baldwin Av.) (APPROVED) J"-h .;,;j 35:0105 The meeting ADJOURNED to 5:30 p. m., May 11, 1993. CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED CONSENT ITEMS APPROVED appointment of Councilmember Fasching as Alternate Director to the Los Angeles County Sanitation District Board of Directors. I APPROVED the appointment of retiree Police Officer Donald Wilsterman to a temporary Evidence Technician position in the Police Department until a permanent appointment is made. Mr, Wilsterman will work approximately 20 hours per week from May 3, 1993 through approximately August 20, 1993 at an hourly wage of $23.48. Considered separately (see page 7) AWARDED contract for the purchase of natural gas to The California Utility Rate Benefit Association (CURB). The annual cost of natural gas for the City of Arcadia is about $40,000. The purchase through an aggregator would net a 20%-27% decrease or $8,000 - $10,000 annual savings, The fee paid to CURB is 20% of the monthly savings (1,600 - $2,916). Purchasing natural gas through the aggregator will allow for the same product with the same service for less cost. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCIUlEMBER HARBICHT, SECONDED BY COUNCIUlEMBER FASCHING AND CARRIED THAT ITEMS 7a, 7b, and 7d AROVE BE APPROVED. The architectural firm of Abrahamian Pagliassotti & Tanaka submitted for Council's review and approval the proposed building elevations for the expansion of Robinsons-May department store at 400 South Baldwin Avenue. The proposed addition will duplicate the existing building's design, color, materials and landscaping. Although the addition will extend approximately 77'-0. to the east, the new easterly elevation will be identical to that which exists. I Roy Tanaka, 3701 Mountain View Avenue, Los Angeles, representing Abrahamian Pagliassotti & Tanaka, explained the 30,000 sq. ft. expansion to the existing Robinsons-May Department Store. The colors and materials are to be the same as far as possible, The envelope is projected for completion by November of this year, with the interior portion projected for completion in the early part of next year, It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Lojeski, seconded by Councilmember Hargett and CARRIED to.APPROVE the Design of the proposed two. story addition to the existing Robinsons-May building at 400 South Baldwin Avenue; and il@ that the proposal is in compliance with ADR criteria. 6 5/4/93 I I 8. 8a. PRESENTATION BUDGET INFORMATION (FY 1993-94) t; i ) r I ~ ,/ \ 9. 35:0106 CITY MANAGER Before beginning the budget presentation, the City Manager acknowledged the various City departments and individuals who have volunteered to cooperate with the City Council by deferring salary increases this year, in efforts to solve the problems resulting from the City's budget deficit. The Finance Director estimated revenues and proposed expenditures and made a presentation which included a General Fund five year projection. He recalled that in the previous year Council adopted the City's budget in June. Three or four months later when the State budget was adopted, a significant amount of anticipated tax funds were taken from the City by the State to help balance its budget. In anticipation of the probable reoccurrence of the loss of certain tax monies, the Finance Department is projecting a $2.3 million dollar shortfall in this coming fiscal year 1993-94. Considerable discussion ensued among Councilmembers, the City Manager, Finance Director, and City Department Directors regarding means of attaining additional revenues for the City, and means of reducing expenditures in an effort to reduce the deficit facing the City in fiscal year 1993-94. Increasing the Transient Occupancy Tax from 8% to 10% which will generate approximately $140,000 in additional revenue. Another possibility is the requirement for horse trainers to have City business licenses which would produce $6,000 in revenue. There have been discussions with the City of Monrovia with regard to providing a fire dispatch system for that City, This service will provide an additional $60,000 annually for Arcadia. The reimbursement of the cost of fire hydrant maintenance from the Water Department to the General Fund will place an additional $60,000 in the General Fund. The effort to cover the expected shortfall also includes the use of $1,000,000 reserve funds, The discussion regarding reduction of expenditures included the City employees' voluntary salary deferrals which amount to approximately $446,600. The Finance Director stated that he has been in contact with the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) management. They will provide a report regarding a funding extension of Arcadia's unfunded actuarial liability which could amount to a saving in this fiscal year of $300,000. After considerable discussion with the Public Works Director. it was the consensus of Council to eliminate temporary summer employees in the Public Works Department, resulting in a savings of $15,500. It was also the consensus of Council that the street sweeping schedule of six times per week in the commercial areas be reduced to twice a week at a savings of $60,000, Reduction of race track traffic control by the Police Department will result in savings of $82,000, This is feasible due to the fact that race track attendance is down, Elimination of one staff position in the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency Department will save $62,000. Councilmember Harbicht requested that staff return with detailed information regarding current vacant positions, and whether or not there are plans to fill them; the possible impact of encouraging early retirements; and the possibility of making changes in the deductibles in the current health and accident insurance for employees. Staff will also return with further information regarding alternative work schedules, the feasibility of such changes, and the possible savings to the City. MATTERS FROM STAFF 7 5/4/93 9a CITY ATTORNEY CLOSED SESSION () lIt} - '10 10. MARGETT (Trees at Curbside) (Deferred Salary Increase) 0,2,30-"'0 HARBICHT (1994 Health Fair) , ~, (.~ , /\ , ,\f (Ambulance Charges) LOJESKI (Arcadia High School Advanced Placement Team) ..~ '".~; t? (Auto- Detailing in Parking Lots) 35:0107 The City Attorney announced that, "Pursuant to Govenunent Code Section 54956.9 (a), at the conclusion of the meeting this evening, Council will adjourn to a Closed Session to consider the litigation of Yazell and Clavey versus the City of Arcadia". MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS In reference to trees planted in City parkway space, Councilmember Margett stated in part, the treatment and/or removal of such trees when problems develop is getting to be a tremendous cost to this City. He wonders if the City should be looking at some sort of a program whereby these trees are put at a safe distance from the curb rather than around the curbline. I Councilmember Margett expressed his congratulations to employees of the Finance Department who have notified Council of their decision to defer their July I, 1993 salary increases. Mayor Ciraulo suggested an official letter be sent to all of the employees who have volunteered to defer their salary increases. Staff commented that there will be an opportunity at the City employee's picnic to recognize the sacrifice and cooperation of all of the employees, and maybe some other things that Council would want to do to show appreciation that would be appropriate. Staff will contact each Councilmember for their preference as to the means of recognizing these employees, In response to Councilmember Harbicht, staff reported the Health Fair Committee had requested use of the Community Center facility to hold a Health Fair on either January 13 or 20th, 1994, from 10:00 a. m. to 6:00 p. m. This year the "Fair" was held at the Arcadia High School, sponsored by the Methodist Hospital, the School District and the City. City policy for use of the Center states that week days from 8:30 a. m. to 4:30 p. m. shall be reserved for senior citizen activities. Staff presented the request for this use to the Senior Citizen Commission. Subsequently the Commission denied the request as inappropriate, according to staff. The Health Fair Committee has not as yet been informed of the Commission's decision. Councilmember Harbicht advised staff that, if the Committee still has an interest in holding this activity at the Community Center, the request should be presented to the City Council for a decision, since policy has been set for the Center and Council should be the entity to address that. Councilmember Harbicht noted that the Senior Citizen Commission reported that the City is charging much more for ambulance service to the hospital than private ambulance services charge. Staff advised that Fire Chief Gardner will address this issue at the June meeting of the Senior Citizen Commission, Following a brief discussion, Council determined to invite the Arcadia High School advanced placement government class team to the May 18th Council meeting to present certificates of commendation to the 29 team members in honor of their winning first place in the "We the People .,. The Citizen and the Constitution" competition at Washington, D.C. The Arcadia team competed with 47 other teams to win the three-day nationwide competition. I Mayor Pro tem Lojeski reported seeing persons doing auto detail work on cars parked in the Parking District 11 lot and also in the Town Centre parking lot. Councilmember Harbicht noted that some private parking lots for workers in large office buildings in other cities allow this service to take place. He does not object to this work being done in a private lot if the person doing the work has a business license. However, he would not like this to occur in the City's public parking lots, or 8 5/4/93 I I LOJESKI (Cable Casting Council Meetings) (2 ~((/ " A.'),..,.l (Smoke-Free Mall) 0<16,)-"1(' f\1 , I' (Admission's Tax SART Activities) Or. AJ ',. FASCHING (Proclamation Forms & City Certificates) CIRAULO (Bond Financing) c) ..... .~, " N ,/, 35:0108 mechanical work taking place in public or private lots. The City Attorney will look into the situation and the existing Code provisions. Mayor Pro tern Lojeski reported that the televised City Council meetings are of a really poor quality and are an embarrassment. Staff has informed CableVision's general manager of Council's dissatisfaction with the cable casts, and clearly informed him of the days and time at which the replay should occur. Mayor Ciraulo commented that perhaps Council should look for another company to tape the Council meetings and inquired if that would be possible; also, when would the six month agreement with CableVision expire for taping the Council meetings. The franchise agreement with CableVision was briefly discussed also. A communication was received from the general manager of Santa Anita Fashion Park Mall requesting the City's support in making the mall the first smoke-free shopping center in San Gabriel Valley. The general manager requested that Council issue a proclamation to that effect. Mayor Ciraulo suggested each Councilmember meet with the City Manager to express his views regarding this request. In reference to the City Attorney's memorandum regarding an admission's tax for events other than racing, considerable discussion ensued. The Arcadia Municipal Code provides for an admission's tax which reflects the rates in effect since at least 1978. The "Big Hoss Saloon" is scheduled to open at Santa Anita Race Track with a temporary entertainment permit, according to staff. There was some question as to whether or not an admission's tax was being charged for this activity. The City Attorney noted that he had suggested in his memorandum to the Council that staff review this tax in the AMC in terms of its structure and the amount involved, and check with other cities for their policy and structure. Mayor Pro tern Lojeski requested that staff provide Council with further information and a report. Councilmember Fasching presented samples of City proclamation forms and the Mayor's certificates which had recently been designed by Celia Kalm and others. The old forms, Councilmember Fasching noted, are plain and outdated in design. The newer design is more representative of the City of Arcadia. The new forms will be placed in the City Manager's office for Council's comments and recommendations. Mayor Ciraulo stated in part, that several letters had been received from Arcadia citizens concerning the potential bond financing of City projects. The Mayor asked Council how they wished to approach answering these letters, Mayor Pro tern Lojeski commented that his answer to this concern of bond financing remains the same as his comments at the last Council meeting; Council is just going over material, they are learning and listening, keeping their eyes and ears open, and at this point there is no contemplation and no decision has been made regarding bond financing. Further, the comments from the writers of these letters are appreciated. Councilmember Margett agreed that any time a citizen makes an effort to communicate with the City Council, or any government, there should be some response. ~n this particular instance, it is his opinion that this is an .organized campaign by a group, within the community, and that is fine, this is how political actions work. Councilmember Margett noted the difficulties Council has had in communicating to the public what Council is doing within the community; how Council. is doing it; and different techniques to be able to present back to the people, and communicate with them, The cable casting of the Council meetings is really the only viable means of communicating which is available in the community. Everything with regard to how this government functions is important and the people should know about it, Mayor Ciraulo commented that 9 5/4/93 ll. ADJOURNMENT (May 11,1993- 5:30 p.m.) ATTEST: Alford, 35:0109 a letter will be drafted in regard to the bond financing option, to be sent to those who expressed their concerns. At 11:20 p. m. the Council entered a CLOSED SESSION, RECONVENED and ADJOURNED at 12:01 a. m. to Tuesday, May 11, 1993 at 5:30 p. m. in the Conference Room of the Council Chambers for an Adjourned Regular Meeting (Work Session) to conduct the business of the Council and any Closed Session necessary to discuss personnel, litigation matters and evaluation of properties. J ~l~ 10 5/4/93 II~ J 1 :j .Ii~ r,(~ ,-t. . ~ ..