HomeMy WebLinkAboutJUNE 2,1998
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CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE AUDIO AND VIDEO TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF
THE CITY CLERK
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
REGULAR MEETING
June 2, 1998
The City Council met in a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 1998, at 6:00 p.m. in the
Council Chambers Conference Room.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Council members Chandler, Harbicht, Marshall, Roncelli and Kovacic
ABSENT. None
1. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
2.
2a.
0/10 It)
None
CLOSED SESSION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 to confer with City labor negotiator
William Kelly regarding Teamsters Local 911, AFSCME Local 2264, AFFA, APOA,
management and non-represented employees.
At 6:04 p.m. the City Council RECESSED to the Closed Session and RECONVENED
the Regular Meeting in the Council Chambers at 7:10p.m.
INVOCATION Reverend Ray Petzholt, Mandarin Baptist Church
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE Dave Cashion
3.
Mayor's
Senior Services
Award
City Attorney Miller announced the item considered at the Closed Session and that the
Closed Session will continue at the conclusion of the regular meeting this date.
PRESENTATION
Mayor Kovacic presented the first Mayor's Senior Services Award to the Arcadia Rotary
Club. Receiving the award for the Rotary Club was President Ray Bushnell. Mayor
Kovacic commented, in part, that each year for the last twelve years during the month of
May the City of Arcadia and the Arcadia Rotary Club celebrate Older American's Month
with the "Salute to Seniors" special event. The event celebrates senior citizens for the
services they provide to the community. as well as the wisdom and knowledge they
willingly share. The Senior Citizen of the Year is officially announced at this ceremony;
this year's recipient was fonner Council member and Mayor Mary Young. On behalf of
the City, the Mayor commended the members of the Arcadia Rotary Club for including
this event as one of their many community service activities, and committing the
resources to ensure its success.
On behalf of the Arcadia Rotary Club, President Ray Bushnell thanked the City for
recognizing the Club with the award.
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4.
Mayor's
Youth Services
Award
5.
RESOLUTION
NO. 6053
(Interim Fire
Chief James
Reed)
(ADOPTED)
fJ.2:J t1 ~--:S I
6.
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PRESENTATION
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Mayor Kovacic presented the June 1998 Mayor's Youth Services Award to
Foothills Middle School student and computer expert, Greg Gazanian, nominated by
Foothills Middle School Principal, Aideen Honzay. Mayor Kovacic commented, in
part, that Greg has been a technology assistant at Foothills Middle School for three
years. Greg has an intense interest and ability with computers, hardware, software,
networking environments and the internet, and served this year as a student technology
mentor, solved numerous technology problems, and assisted staff and peers with his
expertise. He also salvaged several vintage computers making them a viable source for
the school's journalism program. Greg was employed by the school's information
services department during summer 1997 and proved to be a valuable asset to the
technology department. He was also hired to set up and maintain a company's computer
network. Greg is well-respected by teachers, administrators and peers and will be
missed when he graduates to Arcadia H~gh School in the fall.
Greg Gazanian introduced family and friends in attendance and thanked members of the
Foothills Middle School staff and administration for their support.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
City Manager William Kelly stated, in part, that during Closed Session meetings labor
relations discussion of wages/salaries, benefits, a future salary survey are taking place
and will continue at future meetings. Information and presentation will be forthcoming at
a public meeting for formalization.
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The City Attorney announced that officials of the Public Employees Retirement System
(PERS) advised that the City should immediately take action with regard to the City's
temporary employment of Interim Fire Chief James Reed. This action can be
accomplished under the Ralph M. Brown Act with the appropriate motion.
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Chandler, seconded by Councilmember Harbicht and
CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that the need to take action on Resolution No. 6053
arose after the June 2, 1998 Agenda was posted; and that RESOLUTION NO. 6053
entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA,
CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE RETIREMENT BOARD OF THE PUBLIC
EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO APPROVE THE TEMPORARY
APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM FIRE CHIEF JAMES REED AND TO EXTEND HIS
TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT.", be and it is hereby ADOPTED.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chandler, Harbicht, Marshall, Roncelli and Kovacic
None
None
QUESTIONS FROM CITY COUNCIL REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
ORD. & RES. It was MOVED by Councilmember Harbicht, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Chandler and
READ BY TITLE CARRIED that ordinances and resolutions be read by title only and that the reading in
ONLY full be WAIVED.
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7.
7a.
. APPEAL
Pl.NG. CO'v1SN.
RESOLUTION
NO. 1566-
(1035 Hampton
Road)
(CONTINUED
to 7/21/98)
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PUBLIC HEARING
The Planning Commission, at its April 28, 1998 meeting, denied an appeal filed by Tom
Dargan (project manager on behalf of the property owner, Anne Ma) and upheld the
Rancho Santa Anita Property Owners Association's Architectural Review Board's' "denial
of a proposed two-story single-family residence at 1035 Hampton Road, and a related
front yard modification request. On May 14, 1998, Mr. Dargan on behalf of the property
owner, appealed the Planning Commission's Action to the City CounciL
City Manager Kelly stated, in part, that a written request was received from Mr, Tom
Dargan (project manager on behalf of the property owner, Anne Ma) to continue this
matter to the July 7, 1998 City Council Meeting. Mr. Dargan and Ms. Ma would like to
meet with the homeowners association to discuss changes to the project. The appeal
may be withdrawn in an attempt to conform to the City"Building Code.
.
Mayor Kovacic OPENED the public hearing.
No one came fOlWard to speak in favor of the matter.
H. Randall Stoke, Arcadia resident, commented, in part, that he and John Schiavone,
Chairman of the Rancho Santa Anita Property Owners Association's Architectural
Review Board (ARB), conferred and they do not wish to give testimony regarding the
matter which they feel will give ample evidence that the appeal should be denied. Mr.
Stoke stated that the applicant and the advocate have requested approval to construct a
building that is two and one-half times the size of any building in the area, and twice as
high as the two-story buildings on the same street (as measured from the curb). Mr.
Stoke reported he consulted with City staff on the matter; it is his opinion that Council
will not be able to make a compromise that can be ruled upon in the time period
allocated. The applicant should be asked to submit a new application. Mr. Stoke stated
there are many individuals who plan to be out of town for the Fourth of July weekend;
and would need to change their plans to attend the July 7, 1998 City Council meeting.
He stated he felt a continuance of two weeks would be appropriate.
No one else came fOlWard to .address the City CounciL
It was MOVED by Councilmember. Harbicht, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Chandler and
CARRIED on a roll call vote as follows to CONTINUE to the July 21,1998 regular City
Council meeting the appeal of Planning Commission Resolution NO, 1566 entitled: "A
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA,
CALIFORNIA, DENYING AN APPEAL AND UPHOLDING THE RANCHO SANTA ANITA
PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION'S ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD'S
DENIAL OF A PROPOSED TWO-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE AT 1035
HAMPTON ROAD:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chandler, Harbicht, Marshall and Kovacic
Council member Roncelli
None
John Schiavone, Chairman of the Rancho Santa Anita Property Owners Association's
ARB commented that he and other association members will be out of town on the date
of the continuance; and requested the matter be heard in two weeks.
Mayor Kovacic responded that it is the consensus of the Council that two weeks is not
adequate time for an appropriate resolution with the property owner; therefore the matter
would be continued to July 21, 1998. The Mayor also stated that staff would be
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circulating a sign-in sheet for those individuals in attendance this date who came to I
address Council on the matter.
City Attorney Miller commented that written comments may be submitted to the City'
Council for review and consideration on the matter, and will be made part of the record.
8.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Dorothy Denne, Arcadia resident, commented as .an Arcadia resident, writer and Arcadia
Beautiful Commissioner, that while writing her column "Understanding Our City" in the
Arcadia Weekly she became familiar with the workings of the Maintenance Services
Department, Director Pat Malloy. Mrs. Denne stated she has always been impressed
with the Maintenance Services Department's organization and efficiency. In preparation
of this year's Arbor Day celebration she worked with Mr. Malloy, and Dave Thompson,
whom she gave the titte of "Our Tree Guy" and learned the term "Urban Forest."
Recentty Mrs. Denne was a guest at Pasadena Beautiful Foundation's annual meeting
and luncheon. Upon listening to discussions at this event, Mrs. Denne stated she was
glad she had the knowledge she does about the City of Arcadia and was proud of
Arcadia's staff and the urban forest master plan they devised. Arcadia's master plan
represents short, medium and long-term plans for managing the City's urban forest. It is
her understanding that Pasadena does not have such a plan or a tree ordinance, and the
Foundation is charged with devising a street tree plan. Comparing the two cities, she
found Arcadia much more organized and doing an extremely efficient job with its budget
limitations. Mrs. Denne stated she feels fortunate that Pat Malloy, Dave Thompson and
all the Maintenance Services staff work for the City of Arcadia.
Vincent Foley, 300 block Cambridge Drive, commented on Agenda Item 11 a. stating, in
part, that although he supports the Library it is his opinion that before reopening the
Library on Friday as proposed, the City should re-establish fire and paramedic services
that were reduced when balancing the budget. He stated that he believes public safety
should come before reinstating Library hours.
Steve Vezerian, 151 W. Longden Avenue, stated, in part, that he is interested in the
City's proposed sports redevelopment program for extreme sports, such as
skateboarding, in-line skating and BMX (bicycle motocross). Mr. Vezerian commented
that his son and friends are very much involved in BMX activities and need a place in
the City for these activities. He requested the Council consider designating a place in
which this activity can be done safely. It was Mr. Vezerian's opinion that this would
involve very little maintenance by the City because the people who utilize such areas
often provide their own maintenance. Mr. Vezerian also offered his assistance in
creating a BMX facility, and to donate a half-pipe for use at such a facility.
Council commented that Parks and Recreation Director, Jerry Collins will forward this
information and request to the Recreation and Parks Commission.
Laurie Grise, Arcadia Resident, commented, in part, about problems with sewer
blockages and backups, and the resulting damages to personal property he has
experienced since September 1996. He stated he has had contact with City staff in an
attempt to resolve the matter; City staff has cleared the sewer and removed the sewage.
However, Mr. Grise stated that he has been told there is a cracked pipe under his garage
foundation; the only time he has experienced problems is when the sewer in the alley
behind his home is actually blocked and backs up onto his property: Mr. Grise wanted to
know who is responsible for the sewer and resulting damage to his personal property.
Mr. Grise responded to the Council that he has not filed a formal claim with the City for
the damages incurred. Mr. Grise was advised to speak with Maintenance Services
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9.
MARSHALL
(Future Agenda
Items)
(Quote)
CHANDLER
(Contracting
Fire Services)
RONCELLI
(Budget
Examination)
40:0143
Director, Pat Malloy and the City Attorney's Office to obtain the appropriate procedures
and forms to file such a claim with the City.
Judy McKinley, Sierra Madre Blvd., thanked the City for trimming the trees surrounding
the Post Office. Mrs. McKinley commented that the lighting surrounding the Post Office
is not sufficient and is a frightening situation for individuals using the Post Office after
dark. She stated that she feels the lighting around the Post Office and in the parking lot
needs to be reviewed.
Richard Hayden, 1810 Santa Anita Avenue, commented, in part, that he is concerned
about a traffic problem at Santa Anita and Lemon Avenues resulting from the Santa
Anita School. Mr. Hayden stated that drivers make unsafe u-turns at Lemon and
Norman Avenues; and requested the City place "No U-turn" signs at both streets (similar
to those south of Lemon Avenue) to provide greater safety and prevent accidents.
Council member Harbicht stated the City has a traffic committee that will review the
situation and return a recommendation to the City Council.
Mr. Hayden also commented, in part, about code enforcement within the City. He stated
he has reported violations of parking and property maintenance codes and does not feel
the situations have been resolved. Council commented that Mr. Hayden's concerns will
be referred to staff for review and resolution in the event of any code violations.
MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
Councilmember Marshall brought up items she would like to see on the City Council's
future agendas: the budget item of $50,000 for the Charnber of Commerce, and
reinstating the five-day work week for City departments.
Mayor Kovacic stated that Councilmember Marshall's concern regarding the budget item
for the Chamber of Commerce could be discussed at the next Council meeting under the
budget discussion. City Manager Kelly stated that staff input will be "necessary to discuss
a five-day work week for City departments, and a discussion with the City Attorney is
needed because a change of the designated work week may be a meet-and-confer
issue. Mayor Kovacic stated staff will provide the necessary report and have the work
week issue put on a future agenda.
Councilmember Marshall's quote of the day, "We can1 change the direction of the wind,
but we can adjust our sails to always reach our destination."
Mayor Pro tem Chandler reported that he has nothing new to report on the proposed
contracting of fire services.
Councilmember Roncelli responded to a newspaper article regarding the City budget
meeting on May 26, 199B at the Arcadia Public Library stating, in part, that one reason
he was elected to the City Council was the 30 years of business experience he would
bring to the City as a Councilmember. Mr. Roncelli stated that the Council is currently
working on next year's budget; his method is to examine all expenditures and to question
their necessity.
At the May 26 meeting Council member Roncelli questioned a number of budget items,
particularly those items for Council members; his thinking was that if this money is not
needed, why spend the money. Mr. Roncelli stated his questioning was met with
opposition. Councilmember Roncelli also commented that one of his ideas is to
determine what are prudent reserve funds for the City; this was not previously don!!, and
that idea was rebuffed also. Mr. Roncelli stated that he asked if $350,000 of recently
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612198
HARBICHT
(Bicycle
Motocross)
(Friendsl
Library Gift)
KOVACIC
(Calendar
Announce-
ments)
('W"afs E3reM"'g")
(Santa Anita
Dev. EIR)
(Soapbox
Race)
40:0144
received Redevelopment Agency funds could be repaid to the City since the Agency I
owes the City over $6,000,000; the money could be used to reinstate services; that idea
was also challenged and comments made that that type of repayment could possibly be
illegal. Council member Roncelli reported that he has investigated further such
repayment and believes it is not illegal; it is proper for the City Council to take such
action.
Councilmember Roncelli stated that his job as City Council member is to make sure that
the City is provided with effective, fiscally responsible municipal services in a manner
which promotes a high standard of community life. He commented he will continue to
ask questions, challenge the status quo and "turn over rocks. if necessary to make sure
citizens get what they pay for.
Councilmember Harbicht responded to Mr. Vezerian's comments regarding bicycle
motocross stating, in part, that he believes that the Recreation Commission has been
looking at alternative type recreation facilities and is attempting to put together a deal for
an in-line skating facility. One of the problems the City has had previously in regard to
that type of extreme sport activities is the tremendous liability to the City by having such
a facility. However, there has been recent State legislation which has gotten cities off
the hook for liability, or made it possible for the City to consider those type of altemative
recreation activities. Councilmember Harbicht stated that he would like the City, through
the Recreation Commission, to take a good look at these various alternative recreation
activities. These are popular activities and all factions of the community need to be
served if possible.
Councilmember Harbicht commented on Agenda Item 10b. stating that the gift of $7,500
from the Friends of the Arcadia Public Library for the purchase of library materials is on
the Consent Calendar because the City rarely declines gifts such as this; it is not meant
to trivialize the gesture. The City Council sincerely appreciates all the efforts put out by
the Friends of the Library and the library is enriched by their efforts. Councilmember
Harbicht thanked the Friends of the Library on behalf of the entire City Council.
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Mayor Kovacic announced that on Wednesday, June 3, 1998 at the Arcadia Library there
will be a public budget workshop, and encouraged citizens interested in the City budget
to attend and raise issues of concern. The Mayor stated that staff will put together a
presentation that will explain the budget process and other elements the City Council will
discuss at the next meeting.
The Mayor also announced that he will continue the tradition started by former Mayor
Harbicht; the "What's Brewing" informal discussions held on the first Friday of each
month from 9:30 10 10:00 a.m. at the Community Center with the senior citizens.
Mayor Kovacic announced that the public scoping meeting on the Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) for the Santa Anita Commercial Center will be held on Wednesday, June
10, 1998 starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center. The purpose of the meeting will
be to identify environmental issues that should be addressed in the project's EIR.
Mayor Kovacic thanked Matt Beveridge, Arcadia's designated soapbox derby driver, for
representing Arcadia well at Sierra Madre's Great Crate Race on Sunday, May 31, 1998.
The Mayor stated he accepted a challenge from Sierra Madre Mayor Doug Hayes,
enlisted Matt Beveridge and his soapbox race car, and Matt beat Sierra Madre in the
race. Mayor Kovacic congratulated Matt and his father, John, an Arcadia firefighter, for
making Arcadia proud.
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40:0145
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(APS Students) The Mayor stated there was a Bon Voyage celebration on May 27, 1998 for the AFS
students who will be traveling abroad. Mayor Kovacic gave ea~h student City of Arcadia
pins to take to their host countries. The City will be well represented by Nicholas
Schupbach in Costa Rica, Brynne Payne in Australia, David Hsu in Costa Rica, Jeffrey
Hsu in Italy, and Jessica Cheng in France.
(Permitted
Uses)
Mayor Kovacic commented that he would like the Council to contemplate for
possible future discussion a review of development standards, building requirements and
permitted uses within the City.
(Flag Day)
Mayor Kovacic read a speech by Sgt. Ed. Bacon, Retired entitled: "Ode to the American
Flag" about Flag Day which will take place on June 14; Sgt. Bacon will not be in town on
Flag Day to read his speech. The Mayor thanked Sgt. Bacon for his words and
encouraged Arcadians to fly their flags on June 14.
10.
CONSENT ITEMS
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10a.
MINUTES APPROVED the minutes of the May 19, 1998 Regular Meeting.
(May 19,1998)
10b.
FRIENDS OF THE ACCEPTED a monetary gift of $7,500 to the Arcadia Public Library from the Friends of
ARCADIA PUBLIC the Arcadia Public Library for the purchase of library materials.
LIBRARY GIFT
($7,500)
O.3-~ <) ,/,f) THE ABOVE CONSENT ITEMS 10a and b APPROVED ON MOTION BY MAYOR PRO
OI'.-oJf).,.A1' TEM CHANDLER, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARSHALL AND CARRIED
ON ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chandler, Harbicht, Marshall, Roncelli and Kovacic
None
None
11.
CITY MANAGER
11a.
ARCADIA City Librarian Kent Ross presented the staff report and recommendation regarding
CITY LIBRARY the costs for reopening the library on Fridays and for opening one half day on
c...-- (Reopening Hrs. Sundays stating, in part, that in order to reopen the Library on Fridays, $72,000 is
n~ Fridays and needed to be added to the Library's annual operating budget allocation. The
U Half Day consequences of restoring Friday hours with the current budget allocation would
5,,";{2(5 .satwdays) result in service reductions throughout the Library. Alternative schedules which
(RECEIVE AND would reduce the hours of operation but be spread over a six day period would also
FILE REPORT) reduce service and cause a further loss in the library materials budget in order to
cover the cost of utilities and custodial services for the extra day.
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Opening the Library on Sundays would require added staff in order to provide the
level of library service offered during the week. Providing Sunday hours with a
minimal staff to just keep the building open would be possible but would cause
problems with the public expecting service not offered. There are also security
issues that need to be considered.
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40:0146
It is the recommendation of the Library Board of Trustees that the City Council approve I
the restoration of $72,000 to the Library's annual operating budget allocation for the
purpose of reopening the Library on Fridays.
It is also the Library Board's recommendation to open the Library four hours on Sundays
at the same service level as during the week only if previous reductions in service levels
are restored to the Library's annual operating budge\. These include $64,000 in library
materials and $25,000 in part-time staff.
Responding to Councilmember Marshall, Mr. Ross stated that when the Library was
closed on Fridays, there was also a reduction of contracted custodial staff hours; if the
Library is reopened on Fridays these contracted custodial staff hours will need to be
reinstated due to the required daily maintenance and set up tasks performed by that
individual. City Librarian Ross also responded that changing the current Library hours to
Noon - 9:00 p.m. including Friday would increase utility costs; even though the number
of hours per week would be the same, there would be an additional day of start up,
rather than running the utilities for an additional two hours for four days. To save
expenses for utility costs involve not starting up the utilities for an entire day. It was
estimated that the resulting savings for utilities has been $10,000 to $15,000.
Council member Marshall commented that she thought that at this time it is too much to
ask to open the Library on Sundays; however it is imperative to the citizens that the
Friday hours be reinstated. Mrs. Marshall restated that she would like to see the Library
open fewer hours each day and open on Fridays, rather than be open the current hours
including Fridays and Sundays and be short of staff.
Council member Roncelli stated that the staff report did not communicate what he had I
hoped it would. Mr. Roncelli commented about the Library Mission Statement regarding
equal access; it is important the Library be open evenings and weekends to provide
access to citizens who can come to the library only at that time.
Other areas of concern addressed by Councilmember Roncelli were the reasons Library
staff may be absent from the Library such as jury duty and meetings and/or conferences.
Staff explained that jury duty service is required by law, but the City limits the number of
allowable days. Meetings and/or conferences are necessary to maintain staff education
for Library innovations and technology that enable staff to provide faster and more
efficient service to a greater number of patrons.
Explaining the potential loss of State Public Library Funds of $30,000 for the Library
materials budget in the next fiscal year due to failure to meet the maintenance of effort
requirement by the State, City Librarian Kent Ross stated that based upon the City's
population and other factors the State gives money to public libraries. State money is
not intended to replace that spent by each city, but to augment a city's expenditures.
Since this year's Library budget allocation falls below that of the previous year, the State
considers this as a failure to meet the maintenance effort requirement, thus reducing the
amount given to the City. Due to extenuating circumstances, such as the construction of
the Library expansion, the Library was allowed a waiver to the maintenance of effort
requirement in previous years. Mr. Ross also explained that due to budget reductions
since 1991-92 fiscal year the Library has lost the ability to purchase $64,000 in library
materials.
In response to Council member Roncelli's inquiry, City Librarian Ross explained the
priorities and costs outlined in the staff report as follows:
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40:0147
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1. Reopening the Library on Fridays
40 hours of staff time $58,000
Utilities $11,000
Custodial service $ 3,000
2, Reinstating services reduced since 1991-92 fiscal year
Library materials $64,000
Part-time staff $25,000
3. Opening the Library on Sundays from 1 :00-5:00 p.m.
Utilities $ 7,000
Custodial services $ 3,000
Part-time librarians $24,000
Part-time library aides $ 6,000
$72,000
$89,000 .'
$40,000
If implemented as recommended by the Library Board of Trustees, the City would need
to approve a restoration of $201,000 to the Library's annual operating budget allocation.
City Librarian Ross expiained other factors that need to be evaluated when considering
Library operating hours are the hours the Library is used the most and scheduling staff,
such as overlapping schedules to cover as many divisions within the Library as possible
to provide the greatest level of service. Opening the Library more days with no increase
in staffing would not allow for overlapping schedules, creating a single shift situation;
thus leaving some desks unattended and a decrease in the level of service.
I
Regarding volunteers, Mr. Ross stated, in part, that the Library has about the maximum
number of volunteers it can handle at this time. The volunteer program has been
expanded to about 4,000 hours. When staffing is reduced, the ability to coordinate and
handle volunteers is also reduced. Staff is needed to recruit, train and evaluate
volunteers. There is also a lot of turn-over of volunteers which increases the amount of
training that occurs.
In response to Councilmember Marshall the City Librarian responded that to reopen on
Fridays, and to not include the cost of staff time ($58,000) would result in stretching staff
even further and reducing the level of services offered. The Library Board has debated
this issue and determined it was not feasible to reopen on Fridays at the current staffing
level.
City Librarian Ross responded to Mayor Kovacic's inquiry regarding innovations and
grants by outlining grants for which applications were submitted, grants awarded to the
Library and grant applications currently in process.
Mayor Kovacic stated that as outlined in the City Charter the City Council decides how
much money is allocated to the Library each year, but the Library Board decides how the
money is spent.
The Mayor suggested the Library Board consider initiating summer hours, i.e. reducing
the Library's operating hours during the summer. Mr. Ross responded that staff
scheduling would be impacted by a reduction in summer operating hours. The use of
interns has previously been used at the Library, however, they only stay for a short time
and need supervision similar to a volunteer, are not always available from the library
schools, and the library schools are diminishing in number from which'to'obtain interns.
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Mr. Ross also commented that the State does not consider in the formula for its
maintenance of effort requirement factors such as a library's volunteer program or that it
has established a foundation.
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6/2/98
40:0148
City Librarian Ross responded to Mayor Kovacic's inquiry as to how much time Library I
staff spends babysitting children who are left with no adult supervision stating, in part,
that although there are parents who do leave their children, the Library staff does not
expend a great deal of time monitoring these individuals. The Library security guard
handles the fact that there are a great number of people in the Library at these times and
if there are any resultirig problems.
Councilmember Harbicht commented that the staff report shows that there was a thirteen
(13%) percent reduction in Library operating hours and a seven (7%) percent reduction
in gate count; therefore some individuals must have adjusted their schedules to use the
Library when it is open. Mr. Harbicht expressed that he concurred with the Library Board
that the quantity of hours the Library is available to the public should be considered, but
not to the exclusion of the quality and level of services offered. Councilmember
Harbicht also stated that the aftemoons are the Library's busiest hours, however there is
considerable use in the morning hours and that consideration needs to be given to both
segments of the population.
Mayor Kovacic commented that any decisions regarding the Library are a part of the City
Council's discussions on the entire City budget; his preference was to include this item
when discussing the entire budget. Council member Harbicht concurred.
Councilmember Marshall commented that if the Library were to open at noon each day
individuals who want to use the Library when school children are not there would still
have the early afternoon hours before school is out.
The City Council concurred that the staff report would be RECEIVED AND FILED, and I
discussion on this matter would continue when the entire budget is considered by the
City Council.
ADJ::lURNMENT The City Council RECESSED to Closed Session at 8:57 p.m., RECONVENED the
(June 16, 1998) Regular Meeting and at 9:35 p.m., ADJOURNED to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 16, 1998
for a Regular Meeting to conduct the business of the City Council and the Arcadia
Redevelopment Agency and any Closed Session necessary to discuss personnel,
litigation matters or evaluation of properties.
Ga
ATTEST:
I
10
6/2/98