CC MINS 20090507 ADJ MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING/BUDGET REVIEW SESSION
MAY 7, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:12 P.M. by Mayor Clark at Fred Hesse Community
Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, notice having been given with affidavit on file.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Long, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Clark
ABSENT: Gardiner (excused)
Also present were Carolyn Lehr, City Manager; Carolynn Petru, Deputy City Manager;
Dennis McLean, Director of Finance/Information Technology (IT); Joel Rojas, Director of
Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement; Jim Bell, Director of Public Works; Ron
Rosenfeld, Director of Recreation and Parks; Kathryn Downs, Deputy Director of
Finance/IT; Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst; Sara Singer, Senior
Administrative Analyst; and, Carla Morreale, City Clerk.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Flag Salute was led by Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz, to approve the
Agenda.
Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
REGULAR NEW BUSINESS:
Additional Budget Policy Issues (602)
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence had been distributed prior to the
meeting regarding this item.
City Manager Lehr provided a brief introduction regarding the Budget Policy Issues
item.
Deputy Finance Director Downs provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Budget
Policy Issues.
Discussion between Council and staff included the following issues: a request for a hard
copy of the PowerPoint presentation in order to reconcile the line items; alternatives to
achieve a balanced budget by possible modifications to the General Fund Reserve
Threshold; clarification regarding the total amount of grant funding as recommended by
staff; analysis of staffing resources across the organization resulting in a net
expenditure of$110,000 in the budget under the FTE reorganization; clarification that
staff will receive no permanent salary increases in FY09-10, but instead a one-time
bonus pool of$250,000 was tentatively approved by Council on March 21, 2009;
concern with the possibility of the State taking or borrowing City funds; effects of the
May 19, 2009 Election on the State budget; the possible need for a second Budget
Review Session; the state of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes as compared to other
cities; a feeling that the General Fund Reserve is a "rainy day" fund and the "rainy day"
may be the present time; a lack of support for cutting services or staff; the possibility to
consider making cuts where necessary; concern with ignoring the reality of the
economy; concern with over-reacting to the economy when the City is in a good
financial position; and, clarification on Grant Funded Programs and estimated additional
legal costs.
Peggy Costello, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she is a teacher at Rancho del Mar
High School and stressed the importance of the Student and the Law program to the
students.
Council and staff discussed the participation of other Peninsula cities and the Palos
Verdes Peninsula Unified School,District in the Student and the Law program.
Kit Fox, Associate Planner, City of Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he was present to
speak regarding employee compensation. He expressed appreciation that the Council
was looking out for the employees interests and needs by proposing an alternate means
in which to recognize outstanding employee service and performance, while protecting
City services for the residents.
Council discussion focused on the following topics: recognition of the hard working
staff; confirmation of the difficult economic times; the importance of reassuring staff that
the City will do all it can to retain its excellent staff; and, the nature of the City's revenue
stream as largely comprised of property tax.
Diane Dixon, REACH, Rancho Palos Verdes, expressed support for the REACH
program, noting that she hoped the program would not be cut since it has enriched her
son's skills and social life.
Liz Brown Swanson, RPV TV Ch 33, Rancho Palos Verdes, thanked the Council for
launching the RPV TV Ch 33 station and expressed support for continued funding as it
is an important resource for the community.
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May 7, 2009
Page 2 of 10
Council commended the quality of the work being produced by RPV TV Ch 33, and
acknowledged Councilman Gardiner's role in the formation of the local television
station; noted the importance of a resource to provide local information to the public;
and, suggested exploring participation by local professional firms or Public Broadcasting
Service organizations.
Mark Doddy, RPV TV Ch 33, Torrance, provided an overview of the accomplishments of
RPV TV Ch 33 and events covered over the past year.
Charlotte Poplawski, RPV TV Ch 33 (Palos Verdes High School student), Palos Verdes
Estates, stated that RPV TV Ch 33 offers an important opportunity for students to
participate in and gain experience in broadcasting and television production skills.
Mayor Clark encouraged Ms. Poplawski to make a presentation to the City Council of
the City of Palos Verdes Estates regarding the benefits she received from Rancho
Palos Verdes' programs, as he wanted them to participate in helping to underwrite the
cost of the local station.
Dominique DeBorba, REACH, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she supported the
REACH program and hoped that funding of that program would not be cut. She
congratulated the City for having such an innovative program, noting that she worked as
a family resource specialist at the Harbor Regional Center and there is not a
comparable program available in the area.
Captain Ro Anda, Lomita Sheriff's Station, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department,
noted that a reduction from 3 to 2 CORE Deputy Officers would greatly impact the
community and summarized the many duties of the officers.
Council and staff discussion ensued regarding the intention and efforts of the other
Peninsula cities in continuing to fund the program; and reluctance of the Council to
decrease police coverage.
Ann Stahl, Lawndale, echoed comments of the other REACH parents and commended
the program for its emphasis on helping the participants develop social skills and
independence and requested the Council's continued support of the REACH program.
Mayor Clark encouraged Ms. Stahl to ask the City of Lawndale to participate in
supporting the program as well.
Ms. Stahl noted that her child was the only participant from her city.
Additional discussion between Council and staff included the following topics: ways to
encourage involvement by other South Bay cities with participants in the REACH
program; contacting Jackie Bacharach with the South Bay Cities Council of
Governments (SBCCOG) with a request for staff to make a presentation to the
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May 7, 2009
Page 3 of 10
SBCCOG; other cities are in worse financial positions; the amount of subsidy to the
REACH program that the City contributes that benefits non-residents; aggressive efforts
that staff has taken to identify possible sources of funding; retention of a grant writer;
and, the possibility of increasing fees for non-residents participating in the program.
Further discussion between Council and staff included the following topics: the current
deficit position of the City's draft FY09-10 budget; the City grant programs; allocation of
the 5% bonus pool; budgeting money this year that will be spent next year; and, the
Student and the Law program.
Councilman Long moved to eliminate funding for the Student and the Law program.
The motion died for a lack of a second.
Council and staff discussion continued regarding the involvement of other cities in the
Student and the Law program; using one-time funding sources to address the shortfall;
and, the consideration of reasonable reductions.
Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz proposed a substitute motion to adopt the staff
recommendation, with the exception that the Student and the Law program be retained,
and that the decision regarding City grants be deferred until discussion of the next item.
Mayor Clark seconded the motion for purposes for discussion.
Additional Council and staff discussion included clarification regarding a reduction in
funding for RPV TV, which would defer the purchase of new equipment, without
modification to the station operations.
Mayor Pro Tern Wolowicz moved, seconded by Mayor Clark, to direct staff to modify the
draft FY 09-10 Budget document to: 1) Fund the REACH program at $64,000 (funded
with $36,000 General fund and $28,000 CDBG funds); 2) Fund RPV TV operations at
$75,000; 3) Defer the decision regarding City Grant funding until after discussion of that
item; 4) Defer the decisions regarding the Student and the Law program, CORE Team
position, and the one-time funding sources to balance the FY09-10 budget until after the
upcoming Peninsula Regional Law Enforcement Committee meeting; and, 5) Direct staff
to make a presentation to the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG)
regarding the REACH program to solicit additional funding.
AYES: Long, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Clark
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gardiner
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz, to convey to the
Peninsula Regional Law Enforcement Committee that the City Council opposes any
reduction of the CORE Deputies.
Discussion on the motion included the following issues: an increase in the budget
shortfall; other items and assumptions included in the budget per staff's proposals and
City Council Minutes
May 7, 2009
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recommendations; funding by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for 60% of three CORE
Deputies vs. paying 100% of two deputies; concern that if reduction of budgeting for the
CORE deputies occurs, the City will have to use reserves to pay for the additional
increase in cost; concern that taking no action would result in the elimination of a
deputy; concern that a reduction in cost of a CORE Deputy was figured in the
assumptions prior to Council discussion and action; whether losing one CORE Deputy
was going to make or break the program or affect the safety in the City; and, clarification
of the positions of the other Peninsula cities regarding the CORE Deputy Program.
Councilman Long withdrew his prior motion and made a motion that the matter be
discussed at the upcoming Peninsula Regional Law Enforcement Committee meeting
with a consensus of the members to be brought back to the respective cities. Mayor
Clark seconded the motion.
Council discussion focused on the importance of sensing what decisions will be made
by other Peninsula cities and the clarification that the item regarding a reduction in
CORE Deputies was on hold and $90,000 was not being taken from the draft budget at
the present time.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Long, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Clark
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gardiner
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Clark called a brief recess from 9:24 P.M. to 9:41 P.M.
FY 09-10 City Grant Requests (602)
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding the item.
Deputy City Manager Petru presented a summary staff report and clarified that the City
of Rolling Hills Estates also provides grants to non-profit organizations.
Mayor Clark commented that in these difficult economic times, basic human services
were the priority from his perspective.
Responding to an inquiry from Councilman Stern, Kathy Gould, Executive Director of
the Palos Verdes Library District, explained funding sources for the Palos Verdes
Library Annex, which provides services for students after school and other programs for
residents.
City Council Minutes
May 7, 2009
Page 5 of 10
Mayor Pro Tern Wolowicz stated that he would recuse himself from consideration of
Norris Center for the Performing Arts and from the South Bay Children's Health Center.
Mayor Clark stated that he would recuse himself from consideration of SHAWL.
Larry Weeks, Palos Verdes Symphonic Band, Rancho Palos Verdes, expressed
appreciation for past grants, noted the critical importance of the grants, and reported
that increased costs were being absorbed by the band members.
Brooke Tuley, South Bay Family Health Care, expressed appreciation for past support
and provided background information regarding the organization. She noted the
importance of continued support and invited everyone to the Senior Health Fair in
Manhattan Beach on May 15, 2009.
Mayor Clark received clarification that the City of Rancho Palos Verdes was the only
City on the Peninsula providing funding for the South Bay Family Health Care program.
Martin Dodell, Peninsula Seniors, Rancho Palos Verdes, read a statement into the
record from Ken Dyda, noting that the Peninsula Seniors was experiencing a revenue
shortfall and requested continued support from the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and
other area cities.
Mayor Pro Tern Wolowicz recused himself and left the dais.
Tina Harris, South Bay Children's Health Center, Redondo Beach, provided background
information on the organization and explained the reasons for their request for an
increase in City support.
Gary Ferrell, Norris Center for the Performing Arts, Rolling Hills Estates, introduced a
new grant request to support creative growth of individuals through performing arts,
noting that the largest percentage of the performing arts service went to residents of the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Responding to Mayor Clark, Mr. Ferrell indicated that the Negri Foundation provided
support for the Norris Center for the Performing Arts and explained how the amount of
the grant request was determined.
Mayor Pro Tern Wolowicz returned to the dais.
Kathy Gould, Peninsula Friends of the Library/Palos Verdes Peninsula Library District,
requested continued support of the Palos Verdes Library Annex Program and reported
on the program and services offered for residents of all ages.
Responding to Mayor Clark, Ms. Gould indicated that tracking residency of the students
using The Annex was difficult and suggested that if local agencies banded together
services could be greatly enhanced.
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May 7, 2009
Page 6 of 10
Marilyn Katherman, Dance Peninsula Ballet, Rancho Palos Verdes, requested
continued support of the program.
Responding to Mayor Clark, Ms. Katherman explained who was served by the program.
Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz reported that his firm belongs to the Palos Verdes Chamber
of Commerce, but indicated that he did not believe that prohibited him from participating
in the discussion.
Kay Finer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of
Commerce (Chamber), stated that she was requesting a grant that would enable the
Chamber to showcase businesses. She reported that the Chamber provides resources
in economic development programs and strategies to the local cities and businesses
that it serves, noting that the Chamber was not politically active.
A discussion ensued between the Council and Ms. Finer regarding Chamber
sponsorship of RPV TV Ch 33 and the possibility of support from the City of Rolling Hills
Estates and City of Palos Verdes Estates.
Madelaine Sokolsky, South Bay Chamber Music Society, requested continued grant
support.
Robert Miller, Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay, clarified that the Chamber
Orchestra was independent from the Norris Center for the Performing Arts and
requested continued grant support.
Responding to a question from Councilman Stern, Mr. Miller indicated that the
requested grant amount is 1% of their organization's budget.
John Copper, Peninsula Symphony Association, provided information on his
organization and requested continued grant support.
Paula Moore and Brenna Isaacson, Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Rancho Palos
Verdes, provided background information on the organization and requested grant
support, noting the availability of programs coordinated with the Palos Verdes Peninsula
Unified School District.
Deputy City Manager Petru reported that representatives from Mothers Advocating
Prevention were present earlier, but had to leave before having the opportunity to
speak; and, representatives from Animal Lovers of the South Bay, Pet Protector's
League, and SHAWL House had contacted the City indicating that they were unable to
attend the meeting tonight.
Council and staff discussion ensued regarding the continuation of funding for some of
the previous recipients and concern with increasing the budget for grants.
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May 7, 2009
Page 7 of 10
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor Clark, to award the following grants:
Animal Lovers of the South Bay $ 1,000
Harbor Community Clinic $ 5,000
Healthcare & Elder Law Program (HELP)$ 1,500
Helpline Youth Counseling $ 2,000
Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce $ 3,000
Palos Verdes Library Annex $10,000
Peninsula Seniors $10,000
Pet Protector's League $ 1,000
South Bay Family Healthcare $ 5,000
South Bay Children's Health Center $10,000
Support for Harbor Area Women's
Lives (SHAWL) $ 3,000
TOTAL: $51,500
Council discussion continued on the following topics: an observation that the arts had
been excluded in the motion; the importance of directly impacting people's lives; the
amount of the grant for the Pet Protector's League; the fact that a small grant provides
credibility to the organizations; and, an observation that the motion would slightly
increase the City's grant budget, but the grants were focused on human services.
Councilman Long amended his motion to increase the Pet Protector's League to
$3,000, which Mayor Clark accepted as the seconder of the motion.
The motion as amended was to award the following City Grants for FY 09-10 in the total
amount of$53,500, but exclude grants to the Chamber Orchestra South Bay, Dance
Peninsula Ballet, Friends of Cabrillo Marine Museum, Mothers Advocating Prevention,
Norris Center for the Performing Arts, Palos Verdes Symphonic Band, Palos Verdes
Symphony Association, Shakespeare by the Sea, and South Bay Chamber Music
Society.
Animal Lovers of the South Bay $ 1,000
Harbor Community Clinic $ 5,000
Healthcare & Elder Law Program (HELP)$ 1,500
Helpline Youth Counseling $ 2,000
Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce $ 3,000
Palos Verdes Library Annex $10,000
Peninsula Seniors $10,000
Pet Protector's League $ 3,000
South Bay Family Healthcare $ 5,000
South Bay Children's Health Center $10,000
Support for Harbor Area Women's
Lives (SHAWL) $ 3,000
TOTAL: $53,500
City Council Minutes
May 7, 2009
Page 8 of 10
The motion passed on the following roll call vote, with Mayor Clark recusing himself
from voting on SHAWL and Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz recusing himself from voting on
South Bay Children's Health Center and the Norris Center for the Performing Arts:
AYES: Long, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Clark
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gardiner
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz, to consider the next
item (Reduction in Recycling Revenues) with all other items on the agenda to be
continued to a future meeting.
Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
Reduction in Recycling Revenues (1301)
Councilman Stern observed a significant drop off in revenue from Waste Management,
but pointed out that the program would be going out to bid in 2010.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Clark, to receive and file the report.
Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
Draft 2009 Five-Year Financial Model (602)
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz, to continue the item
to a future meeting.
Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
Review of Second Draft of Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) (602)
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz, to continue the item
to a future meeting.
Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
Budget Work Session for FY 09-10 and FY 10-11 (602)
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz, to continue the item
to a future meeting.
Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
Analyses of May 19, 2009 State Ballot Propositions (306)
City Council Minutes
May 7, 2009
Page 9 of 10
No action was taken.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
This item was deferred to a future meeting.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION & SUGGESTION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 11:06 P.M., Mayor Clark adjourned the meeting to an adjourned regular meeting to
be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. at Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center.
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City Clerk
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City Council Minutes
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