HomeMy WebLinkAboutMAY 21,1991
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o/lb- ~
0<;;,:)1 '11
33:0122
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE O~FICE OF THE CITY
CLERK
P.D.PROMOTION
(Lt. Rudy Blum)
BUDGET REVIEW
03J(.'.,:;n
l~ql-'1d.
OVERALL
PROPOSED
BUDGET
M I NUT E S
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
and the
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
(BUDGET REVIEW)
MAY 21, 1991
The City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in
an Adjourned Regular session at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 21,
1991, in the City Hall Council Chambers. The primary purpose
of this meeting was to Feview the proposed Operating Budget
for FY 1991-92.
The City Council convened with all members in attendance' as
follows: "
"
. .
PRESENT: Councilmembers Ciraulo, Fasching, Harbicht, Young
and Gilb
ABSENT: None
Chief of Police Neal Johnson announced that Sergeant Rudy Blum
has been promoted to Lieutenant, and then introduced Lt. Blum
with the applause of the Council and audience.
On May 2, 1991 the proposed Operating Budget was submitted to
the City Council for study. As proposed, the FY 1991-92
budget totals $46,778,178 as compared to the 1990-91 adopted
budget of $43,164,338. The increase of nearly $3,613,800
represents an increase in Capital Improvement Programs, ~he' )
Ci ty' s insurance funds, and an approximate 5% increase', in
proposed expenditures in the General Fund. Mayor Gilb called
the Budget Review session to order. Council proceeded through
the proposed budgets and directed comments and questions to
staff. A summary of the discussion follows:
In reference to the FY 1991-92 proposed budget, Councilmember
Harbicht noted that the $22,092,000 in proposed expenditures
represents an increase of 5% over last year's actual adopted
budget which included the salary increases. The City Manager
commented that the only salaries included in the budget under
consideration are the Public Works ASHE two-year contract
salaries. Also not included are the estimated costs for
increased medical and dental insurance. Further, on" .the
revenue side, the increased fees and charges for Planning,
Building and Public Works are not in the FY 1991-92 budget
figures either. In response to Councilmember Harbicht's
question, the City Manager replied that if a 5% across-the-
board salary increase was approved, this would represent
approximately $687,000. Moreover, if the City were to pick
up 100% of the projected increase in medical/dental costs,
that figure would amount to $337,000 for a total increase in
the budget of $1,000,000 plus. This, Councilmember Harbicht
noted is a 10% rather than a 5% increase. over last year's
budget. The City Manager stated, in part, that when the
salary increases are added to this budget and the additional
potential revenue sources, the shortfall in the General Fund
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33:0123
could be reduced to a range of $177,000 to $620,000 depending
on the amount Council allows for salary increases and health
benefits. Further, this amount can comfortably be handled by
the General Fund reserve funds. The reserve account balance
is approximately $4 - 4 1/2 million, which has accumulated
over the years due to monies that are budgeted but not
expended, and unanticipated revenues.
In the discussion Councilmember Harbicht expressed concern
that many cities are having financial problems ... we are in
a recession, yet this Council is looking at a budget that is
approximately 10% over last year's operating budget. Further,
shouldn't Council set the amount to be spent and then allocate
the funds rather than going through the proposed budget piece-
by-piece and then totalling it up, which produced a shortfall. I
Also, referring to the Equipment Replacement Fund,
Councilmember Harbicht agrees that the plan to fund this
account for future equipment replacement expenditures is an
excellent idea, but the fact that this fund will be tapped
this year is what will keep the revenue shortfall lower ...
or in the $340,000 to $780,060 range.
Councilmember Fasching stated, in part, that some of the
shortfall could be taken out of the General Fund Reserve
account. The nearly,$246,000 operating budget for the Senior
Citizen Center is new and reflects an increase in the
Recreation Department budget. Further, based on what the City
Manager stated, the' funds budgeted are usually not fully
expended ...
Councilmemer Young commented that she would like to have a
conservative budget that would not require using reserve
funds. Further, the County and State have increased the fees
they charge the cities and the City has to be prepared to pay
these charges...
More discussion ensued related to the possible 10% increase
in the operating budget which appears that the City is
overspending. Mayor Gilb noted that 80-85% of the budget is
in salaries and medical/dental benefits. Councilmember
Harbicht asked his colleagues if they "wanted to look at a 10%
increase in spending?" Councilmember Young said she did not.
Councilmember Fasching stated he would rather get through the
whole budget review and then take up that subject. Mayor Gilb
stated, in part, that although some cities are cutting back,
Arcadia has some revenues that other cities do not have;
Arcadia is not in debt; he does not want to cut back on
services because the funds are available to pay the type of
people that are employed by the City; Arcadia does not need
to cut back on the development of the City just because other
cities are doing so. The City should continue to be run in a
first-class fashion... Councilmember Ciraulo commented that
he would like to go through the budget review, then look at
the overall picture again at that point.
In response to Councilmember Ciraulo's concern of the
potential reduction in revenue from Santa Anita Race Track,
the City Manager replied that revenues generated from the
track are almost never used for the City's operating budget.
If the downturn in the economy continues, less equipment will
be purchased but the operating budget of the City would not
be directly affected. In reference to the race track, it was
noted that Mr. King of Santa Anita said, in a worse case
scenario, the revenues could be down $100,000 to $200,000.
Councilmember Fasching commented that Santa Anita is
considering other uses for the race track during the year when
there is no racing to better utilize the facility and
supplement any loss of income. This would also bring
additional revenue to the City, he added. Council then began
going through the budget sections.
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5/21/91
CITY
ATTORNEY
I
ELECTION
NEWSLETTER
NUISANCE
ABATEMENT
WE TIP
CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
I
FINANCE DEPT.
COLLECTION
SERVICES
PRINT SHOP
DATA
PROCESSING
33:0124
The City Attorney's budget for legal support services has
increased by 400%. The City Attorney explained this increase
is necessary to create a fund that will be readily available
on an as-needed basis. The support services haven't increased
all that much, but there is an increasing difficulty to cover
the volume of work, meet the court appearances and employ on
a case-by-case basis experts that may be needed quickly. The
expenditures for this service came in under this current
year's budgeted amount because in one situation the costs for
advice from the support attorney on hazardous waste was
charged directly to the Kiewit Company. In other situations,
the City Attorney has come to the Council and requested
additional funds.
In 1990 the Municipal Election costs amounted to approximately
$35..000. The FY 1991-92 budget for the April 1992 Election
is $37,000.
The budget to produce the City Newsletter has increased by
$11,000 over FY 1990-91. Staff explained three things have
affected this increase; recycled paper will be used which is
more expensive than regular paper; postage has increased; and
the Police Department insert will be added to the cost
directly as opposed to billing the Police Department.
This is a reserve account to be used when a property
maintenance problem arises and the City does the work on the
property. The funds will eventually be returned to the City,
possibly through the tax bill with a lien on the property.
Councilmember Young said she is in favor of this program but
before any funds are given to WE TIP, an official audit should
be required. The City will request a financial statement.
Councilmember Harbicht requested that the funding not be
contingent upon an audit.
The Chamber is requesting an allocation of $50,000, which is
an increase of $10,000 over FY 1990-91. Staff reported that
the Chamber has not had an increase for a number of years.
The Chamber costs have grown, but the revenues have not. As
part of their allocation for FY 1990-91, the City reroofed the
Chamber building at a cost of about $19,000.
Councilmember Fasching suggested that possibly the Chamber
could relocate to the new Senior Center facility. The Chamber
building could then be sold. Mayor Gilb and Councilmember
Young each said they would not be in favor of this.
Councilmember Fasching commented that the new building will
have to function in many other ways other than a senior
activity center to warrant the cost of the facility. The
Chamber building, it was noted, is an entrae to the City.
Councilmember Fasching commented that the naw Sanior Center
has become the entree into the City now.
The Assistant Director of Finance recommends using Transworld,
Systems for collection services. Based on a 30% rate of'
collections, tha Genaral Fund stands to save approximately
$13,000.
In July the Finance Department will conduct a full study to
determine whethar or not it is cost effectiva to use tha
City's print shop for City printing projects or to contract
out for this service.
In the past the City has contracted with Progressive Solutions
for programming services. A survey of other cities was
conducted. Knowles-McNiff is known to do an excellent job
and they are lass expensiva. The Finance Department
recommends the contract for software programming services be
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5/21/91
COMPUTER
HARDWARE
MAINTENANCE
POLICE DEPT.
RACE TRACK
TRF.CONTROL
CANINE
BAND REVIEW
P.D.SERVICES
FIRE DEPT,
PARAMEDIC
PROGRAM
AMBULANCE
TRANSPORTATION
SERVICES
AMBULANCE
RATE
INCREASE
33:0125
awarded to Knowles-McNiff.
Knowles-McNiff provided the
City.
The Finance Director added that
new water billing system for the
The Finance Department recommends letting the contract for the
Hewlett Packard hardware maintenance to Advant Company for a
cost savings of approximately $10,000 a year. Advant is known
to do a good job according to other cities who use their
services. Further, Advant technicians are trained at Hewlett
Packard schools, staff added.
Chief Johnson reported the race track traffic control budgeted
cost of approximately $540,000 includes a 5% increase in
salaries. This cost would reduce if there is a significant
reduction in attendance at the track. Further, if attendance
is only around 10-15,000 on a daily basis, there is no need
for traffic control. The exception to this would be weekends
if attendance is 15-20,000, then officers would be provided.
The budget figure reflects no reduction in traffic control at
this time.
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The Police Department now has two trained police dogs. The
training program, food, equipment, and veterinarian care
increased this account from $3,700 for one dog to $7,390 for
two dogs.
.
The estimated cost of $7,310 to provide police services for,
the annual Arcadia Band Review and Field Competition is a
newly budgeted item. To". The cost has become significant,
according to staff and, ,therefore, was added to the budget.
,.
The Music Club charges entrance fees for the bands and other
miscellaneous charges, however, expenses are high. Chief
Johnson related that if the Music Club had to pay for Police
services they said they would have to discontinue the Band
Review.
The Fire Department has 15 active, certified paramedics in the
program. Also, two fire engineers are still certified who
had previously been in the paramedic program.
The Los Angeles County Health Services Department establishes
ambulance rates throughout the County once a year. The
increase in City revenues includes a 13\ increase in ambulance
service charges based upon increased County rates. The City
has two ambulances based at Fire Department headquarters on
Santa Anita. Two other ambulances are at the Baldwin Avenue
station, one of which is a surplus unit and will be sold.
In the current rate schedule for ambulance service there are
two rates; a reduced rate for Arcadia residents, business
owners and their employees; and the standard Los Angeles
County rate for non-residents. The Fire Department proposes
that the rate structure be standardized this year and the two-
tier system be omitted. The new rate would then be adjusted
periodically. This proposal is not reflected in the Fire
Department FY 1991-92 budget. The estimated cost for the
1991-92 paramedic program is approximately $448,000. Under'
the existing rate structure the revenues ,are projected at
$260,000. The City Manager noted that the City is really
subsidizing insurance companies with this reduced rate. The
standard rate the City would apply is the County rate for non-
residents of $271.25. The additional revenue received under
the new rate schedule would be approximately $33,600. In
response to Mayor Gilb's question, staff replied the Fire
Department transports the patient to the hospital then
processes a bill through the Finance Department. The City
guarantees the account for the back-up ambulance; if the bill
is not collected it is written off. Council was in agreement
with the Fire Department's recommendation to standardize the
rate structure at the increased rate.
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5/21/91
FIRE DEPT.
PLAN CHECK &
PERMIT FEES
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The second Fire Department recommendation concerns services
provided by the Department's Fire Prevention Bureau. The Fire
Department is required to make plan checks of all fire
protection systems in new buildings, with the exception of
single family structures. This is in addition to the Building
Department's plan check and Public Works. In the past, the
Fire Department has not recovered any of the costs for their
plan check services. Approximately 350-400 plans are reviewed
annually. Each plan check requires approximately one hour of
office time as well as follow-up field inspections. The Fire
Department estimates the average plan check will cost
approximately $100 ($50 x 2 hours) to the applicant.
Referring to Permit Fees, the City Fire Code identifies
certain occupancies that pose an above average hazard or
threat to the community, and require that control measures be
implemented to mitigate the respective hazard, i. e. lumber
yards, propane tanks, flammable liquid handling and storage,
etc. The Fire Prevention Bureau currently provides the fire
safety inspections, however, the Department is absorbing the
cost of this service. The fire code also provides that a fire
permit system may be used as a control and enforcement tool
to insure hazardous occupancies maintain fire safety
standards. The Fire Department proposed that a fire permit fee
be established to off-set the actual cost of performing the
inspections and issuing a permit. The permit would be renewed
annually based upon an inspection. Fire Chief Gardner stated
in part, that these inspections are complex, high-hazard
inspections that are conducted by the Deputy Fire Marshal or
the Inspector in the Fire Prevention Bureau. The fee would
be based on the complexity of the inspection and staff time
involved. The Department estimates the average fire permit
will cost approximately $100, according to Chief Gardner.
Further there are only 200 occupancies in Arcadia that are
considered above normal in hazard who will require these
inspections and a fire permit. The annual revenue projections
are estimated at $15,000.
Councilmember Harbicht commented in part, that he is not sure
that he is in agreement with this fee recommendation because
this is a public safety issue. The inspections are done for
the benefit of the public at large not just for the benefit
of the businesses. In terms of who should pay for it, should
it be the taxpayers in general or should it be the specific
business? Chief Gardner stated in part, that these
inspections are over and above the norm. The Fire Department
would like to recommend that these additional costs be
recovered from the businesses involved. Councilmember Young
asked Fire Chief Gardner if this type of business would get
at least one inspection free like everyone else? To which the
Fire Chief answered, yes. Further, in answer to another
question, gasoline stations are inspected twice a year, other
hazard occupancies more often.
Councilmember Fasching commented that he is in favor of the
fee charges except the annual charge to businesses.
Referring back to the plan check recommendation, Councilmember
Harbicht commented that as he understands it the Planning
Department and Public Works each charge a fee for plan checks
.., he would like to know what are these fees currently? And
what the Fire Department expects their plan check fee to be?
Using the Olive Garden Restaurant as an example at 9200 square
feet, the Planning Director stated if that building were
valued at a $400,000 cost to build, the Fire Department plan
check fee would be about $2,000. The figures for the plan
check services for Building and Public Works were' not
immediately available for this same project.
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5/21/91
FIRE SERVICES
EMERGENCY
CONNECTION
PUBLIC WORKS
TRF. SIGNAL
1ST/SANTA
CLARA
BLDG./PLANNING
PLAN CHECK
FEES
PLANNING/BLDG
INSURANCE
RECREATION -
COM. CTR./
SR.CITZ.CTR.
DIAL-A-RIDE
PROGRAM
33:0127
Councilmember Fasching then MOVED that the Fire
plan check fee matter be placed on a future agenda.
and other Councilmembers agreed.
Department
The Mayor
The Planning Director later amended the $2,000 fee to $200.
In the event of a major disaster within the City, the Arcadia
County Park as been designated as a casualty collection point
for medical aid to the injured. The ballpark area at the park
was chosen because it is a secured, fenced area with flood
lights; close to the hospital and Fire Station No.1; close
to City Hall; and centrally located within the City. The
$2 ;000 proposed expenditure in the budget for the Fire -
Emergency Services will be used to install an electrical
connection on the ,ballpark flood lights at County Park to
operate the lights with a generator in the event of a power
failure.
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Council briefly discussed the proposed signalization of Santa
Clara and First Avenue which is included in the Capital
Improvement Program. There was general agreement that the
signal was needed at Santa Clara and First Avenue rather than
Wheeler and First. The traffic signal is currently installed
at Wheeler which is too close to the proposed Santa Clara
location. Staff advised that a report will be produced for
Council that discusses this issue. The report will be brought
back to Council when the project is scheduled for
consideration on an agenda.
Building and Planning plan check fees for FY 1991.92 are
estimated to be $450,000. Last year the budgeted amount for
these revenues was $250,000. Councilmember Ciraulo questioned
why Planning expected this large increase in fees since the
economy has slowed down and the amount of field inspections
are less in the 1991-92 budget. Staff responded that the 1990-
91 fee estimates were too low. Further, the fee revenues are
already at $400,000 for this year.
Council noted the increase in insurance costs for the Planning
Department went from $3,904 in 1990.91 to $17,268 in FY 1991-
92. The Finance Director explained these costs had been
allocated differently than before -- the costs are now based
on the number of employees and not particularly on past
experience. For some departments, this cost has been reduced
while Planning's cost has gone up significantly. This
particular insurance cost for each department covers worker's
compensation and liability... not health insurance.
The total budget for the Recreation Department increased
approximately by $252,000 (this includes the Sr. Citizen
Division also). A portion of that figure, $192,000, is newly
budgeted for the Senior Citizen Maintenance/Operations and
will be an ongoing expense, adjusted yearly. The department
has hired a Recreation Coordinator and has shifted certain
responsibilities to this person to allow other current staff
to oversee maintenance of the Senior Center and coordinate the
use of the building. These two staff persons will also retain
some of their current responsibilities.
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Staff explained the $217,000 Proposition A Discretionary Grant
revenue is larger this year than last year and Arcadia will
receive an approximate increase of $20,000 for the Dial-A-Ride
program. The funds are disbursed between 12 municipal
operators in Los Angeles County. Staff related the background
of the beginning of the Arcadia Dial.A-Ride in 1975. It was
very difficult to get any funds from the State or Federal
governments. After considerable hard work Arcadia was
included in the 12 municipal operators to receive funding.
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5/21/91
RACE TRACK
REVENUES
I
MEDICAL/
DENTAL INS.
EMPLOYEE
LIFE INS.
I
LIABILITY
SELF-INS. FUND
33:0128
Originally the revenue Arcadia received from the Race Track
was derived from an admissions tax. Before the admission tax
revenue was changed to a new formula, Arcadia received
approximately $1,000,000 a year from this tax. Traffic control
costs were deduced and the balance went into various City
programs. In November of 1982 the City Council adopted an
ordinance electing to receive 1/3 of 1% of the pari-mutuel
wagers instead of the tax on admissions. In response to a
question from Council, Chief Johnson reported that the Police
officers are paid straight time for a minimum of four hours
when directing race track traffic.
Considerable discussion held on the increasing cost of the
City's employee medical/dental program. The possibility of
increasing the employee deductible was set forth, and also
increasing the employees' share for prescription costs. The
current deductible for the Pacific Mutual Plan for
medical/dental is $150 per person or $300 for a family. Staff
explained there is also a co-payment of $50 required for
dental costs for general dental maintenance for those
employees who have Pacific Mutual dental only. Other co-
payments are required for certain other dental treatment. It
was noted that the medical/dental program that Pacific Mutual
administers is a self-insured program. By leaving the $150
deductible to be unchanged for so many years, this in effect
increased the costs of medical/dental care to the City.
Councilmember Harbicht commented that the medical expenses are
nearly $1,750,000 in the FY 1991-92 budget. Council needs to
take a good, hard look at this and maybe consider cutting
back on this expense in some way. Mayor Gilb and
Councllmembers Fasching and Harbicht agreed that the City
should basically provide catastrophic coverage and not cover
the smaller medical expenses. Councilmember Harbicht
suggested that staff provide Council with some sort of an
analysis of what the City's expenses would be if the
deductible were increased. Councilmember Fasching suggested
also that some sort of a scale from a deductible of $750 to
$1,000 be provided. The subject of prescription costs under
the self-insured plan was mentioned also; the employee pays
a $2 co-payment and the City picks up the balance under the
self-insured program. Staff noted this was a very big
benefit to the employee. The City Manager informed Council
that this week Council will each receive a full report of the
medical/dental insurance matter. This to contain the City's
past experience, the current situation and information that
may help mitigate the costs.
In reference to the basic $7,500 life insurance coverage
provided for all employees, staff noted that the premium for
this policy is going to be $15,700 for FY 1991-92. In the
last 15 years or so only five employees have passed away.
Based on this experience and the cost of the policy, staff
suggests that it would be prudent to be in a self-insured
program for the employee life insurance. To accomplish this,
the $15,700 could be placed into a reserve fund this year
instead of paying the premium, then to avoid the annual'
$15,000 cost in the future. Council concurred.
Councilmember Harbicht noted that the liability self-insurance
funds estimated balance will drop $100,000 for FY 1991-92.
The City is self-insured for the first $300,000 of a claim,
therefore there are not enough funds in this account to cover
two claims at the $300,000 limit for each if they are
successful. He commented that it may be prudent to keep the
balance of this fund up. Staff responded that funds are
available in the General Fund reserves to make a transfer if
needed.
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5/21/91
ST. GAS TAX
FUND
CABLEVISION
USERS TAX
BUS. LIC. TAX
33:0129
This fund will be approximately $1,000,000 lower a year from
now due to the increase in expenditures and the movement of
expenditures from Capital Outlay to the Gas Tax Fund. The
reconstruction of Orange Grove Avenue will be a major
expenditure at an estimated cost of $632,000 to Arcadia.
Sierra Madre will put up a similar amount for their side of
Orange Grove. Staff informed Council that Sierra Madre plans
to use either FAU'funds or other funds that are tied to FAU.
Arcadia will use regular Gas Tax Funds for reconstruction of
Orange Grove. The City Manager announced that the plans for
this project are available for Council to review in the
Manager's office. Arcadia's plan has been combined with
Sierra Madre's final plan and is ready for Council's
consideration. A joint town meeting in Sierra Madre to answer
questions from residents on Orange Grove is scheduled. After
which each City Council will hold public hearings and decide
whether to approve or not approve the proposed plan. Further,
the City Manager said removal of trees along Orange Grove has
been drastically reduced in the current plans. Also on
Arcadia's side of Orange Grove there will be full curbs.
I
Staff provided a report proposing a 2% Utility Users Tax on
cablevision which would generate $75,000 to the General Fund.
This 2% would be in addition to the 5% Franchise fee currently
in place for cablev1sion. After discussion, Councilmember
Fasching declared he would reject this inclusion of a 2% user
tax. Mayor Gilb and Councilmembers Ciraulo, Harbicht and
Young stated they would give this matter some thought before
making their decision.
Staff reported that up until a recent State Appeals Court
decis ion certain ins ti tutions such as banks, savings and
loans, thrifts and insurance agents had been exempt from the
local business license tax. This has changed, and the City
now has the opportunity to charge these businesses for
business licenses as all other businesses in town are charged.
Staff estimated the revenue to the General Fund at possibly
$3,000 a year. Councilmember Harbicht commented that if these
particular businesses are not paying some other compensating
fee or special levy then he believes they should be on the
same footing with every other business in the City. There was
a consensus of Council on this matter.
The final discussion followed:
Councilmember Harbicht
"Well, I guess I'd like to reiterate what I said at the start.
Looking at the total budget, I'm not happy with the increase
in our expenditures. And I think part of the increase is
masked, as we went through this on virtually every department
it said, under decreases and expenditures, it said
'contribution to Equipment Replacement Fund'. In every case
that was anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000 or $30,000 per
department, because that was money that was being charged I
against those departments in the past to go into the Equipment
Replacement Fund. This year it wasn't charged against the
departments, but in fact, their budgets still increased. So
they not only used up that $2,000 to $25,000, but also had on
an average a 5% increase. And so, we're' talking about an
increase of not just 5%, but over 5% in total for the City.
The reduction in the contribution by all the departments
combined to the Equipment Replacement Fund was nearly $600,000
in savings to those departments. Yet, the total expenditures
increased. So it increased by that almost $600,000 plus
whatever the real increase we see here is, which was about 5%,
or about a million dollars. On top of that we don't have' any
of the salary increases in here, and with the salary increases
and insurance increases we may be talking about another
million. I think that's a really large increase for a time
when I think belt tightening is more in order. It's not that
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5/21/91
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33:0130
we can't afford it; we have the reserves to come up with the
money if we want to and if we need to, but I don't know if
this is the time when we should be having that kind of an
increase."
Councilmember Youn~
"I agree, Bob. And I was disappointed that the departments
didn't more or less hold the line with just absolutely
necessary increases, which wouldn't be that much, that's for
sure. And I think when we can't tell what the negotiations
will come up with, I don't see how we can approve this."
Councilmember Harbicht
"Well, of course, I guess we're not being asked to approve it
yet, but, I mean, in general terms we're being asked to give
our blessing to this. And I don't know how the rest of the
Council feels, but it just kind of, as a policy maker, it just
kind of goes against my grain to be looking at hard times and
at the same time having, you know, significantly more than a
cost-of-living increase in our expenditures for the year."
Councilmember Faschin~ stated in part, that Council has now
reviewed the budget and has not really made any significant
cuts. Perhaps at the next budget session Council can come
back and recommend some items to take out.
Mayor Gilb stated in part, that the budget is heavy with
salaries and compensation. Many other items could be cut out
of the budget that would not amount to much in comparison.
The Mayor agreed with Councilmember Harbicht's view on the
hospitalization and dental plans ... they are getting way out
of line and could be cut back. He also agreed with
Councilmember Harbicht' s views in regard to funds in the
Equipment Replacement Fund.
Councilmember Harbicht
"You know, we're looking at a significant part of our budget
being salaries. In addition, we're adding some people.
That's an increase. And I don't know where it should be cut,
and that's why I'm talking about I mean, one of the
alternatives is not for us to go through here and nickel and
dime this stuff, because, frankly, I don't understand whether
we need a new computer program in the Water Department to
track where the water is flowing ... I mean, we've got experts
to determine that kind of thing. But we do have the overall
responsibility to have a fiscally sound policy here, and one
of the alternatives is to say we want 'X' number of dollars
taken out of this budget, and leave it to George and the
department heads and the people who know, it best to figure
out how to do it. And sure, it's a tough thing to do."
Councilmember Faschin~ stated in part, that while he is in
agreement with Councilmember Harbicht' s comments, he suggested
that if Council approved this budget as it stands, Council
could then give the department heads and staff the
responsibility of seeing what savings they can affect during
the next nine or twelve months.
Councilmember Ciraulo felt that Councilmember Harbicht's
suggestion was good to let the department heads go over the
budget and make the cuts. Councilmember Young agreed. The
discussion continued briefly.
Councilmember Harbicht then MOVED to DIRECT staff to bring
back a total of $500,000 in possible budget cuts from the
document that is before Council for consideration, this
SECONDED by Councilmember Young and CARRIED on roll call vote
as follows:
9
5/21/91
~
COMMENDATION
(Fire Fighter
Don Shawver)
SOUNDWALLS
(210 Fwy)
HEARINGS
SCHEDULED
AEROSOL
SPRAY PAINT
ORDINANCE
C '-.;:{ 0 - .5 0
G-t< f) f flTt
AYES:
33:0l30(a)
Councilmembers Ciraulo, Fasching, Harbicht, Young and
Gilb
None
None
NOES:
ABSENT:
The City Manager replied that he would get a report back to
Council.
ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL
PRE-MEETING
MAY 21, 1991
I
Mayor Gilb announced that Engineer Don Shawver will be
presented with a Certificate of Commendation signed by the
entire Council at the June 4, 1991 City Council meeting.
On May 23, 1991 the California Transportation Commission will
vote on whether or not to fund the High Occupancy Vehicle lane
on the 210 Freeway, as well as the soundwalls.
Hearings were scheduled for June 4 on the following two items:
1. Zone Change Z-9l-00l, a zone change from R-l 7,500 to
R-l 15,000 for certain lots located in the southwest
portion of the City.
2. Public Works Text Amendment No. 91-001 to amend fees,
deposits and liability insurance for public works.
Council DIRECTED the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance
regarding aerosol spray paint. A brief discussion ensued of
the merits of the aerosol spray paint ordinance; whether this
would create an undue hardship on business people having to
keep this material locked up or inaccessible to the public.
It was noted that these items are being shoplifted and the
large "Marks-a-Lot" pens are also. Kel Mason, Arcadia Chamber
of Commerce, came forward to state, in part, that if there is
anything Council could do to help alleviate the graffiti
problem the Chamber would appreciate it. He sees no problem
with the business people if an ordinance were enacted ... if
some disagree, they should be made to comply. The City
Manager advised that a public hearing is not required for this
item.
FALSE ALARMS Council received a report from Police Chief Johnson regarding
the repeated false alarms in the City. Last year 2,743 false
0,+70-0;). alarms were received for burglary; 93 for robbery; 225 fire
IlLI)t~I'1 ",ysfF./'J'}{ false alarms; and 10 panic medical false alarms to which I
police and fire responded. In response to Mayor Gilb, the
City Manager said that staff was not prepared to discuss this
matter this evening. Further, an ordinance is still in the
development stage and will be ready for the June 18 Council
meeting. Councilmember Harbicht added that he believes some
sort of penalty should be included in the ordinance. Police
Chief Johnson reported that there are several businesses in
the City where the cleaning people set the alarms off two or
three times a week. Some cities have adopted a policy of
nonresponse after the first six responses until the alarms are
fixed. A letter is sent to the owners to this effect.
CLOSED
SESSION
WATER REPORT
(April 1991)
.:; 5' '?,j ~,'1)
The City Manager requested a Closed Session after the regular
meeting this evening.
The April Water Division report indicates a 15 1/2% reduction
in total water pumped. Councilmember Harbicht commented in
10
5/21/91
ADJOURNMENT
I
ATTEST:
J
I
33:0130(b)
part, that this translates into the average water savings
during April. He noted that in April 1990 Arcadia had a
little over an inch of rainfall, but in April 1991 thre was
virtually no rainfall and still the City had a 15 1/2%
decrease ... this is then saying that the 10% mandatory water
reduction is working. The citizens are getting behind this.
He believes also that this says that it really is not that
much of a hardship for residents to cut back the 10%; people
are achieving this without too much of a problem.
The pre-meeting ADJOURNED sine die at 7:30 p. m.
J
Alford,
\
11
5/21/91