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CC MINS 20010421 ADJMINUTES RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING BUDGET POLICY WORKSHOP APRIL 21, 2001 The meeting was called to order at 9:05 a.m. by Mayor Lyon at the City Hall Community Room, 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard, notice having been given with affidavit thereto on file. Roll call was answered as follows: PRESENT: MCTaggart, Byrd, Stern, and Mayor Lyon LATE ARRIVAL: (Councilmember Ferraro arrived 9:10 a.m.) ABSENT: None Also present were City Manager Les Evans, Assistant City Manager Carolynn Petru; Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Director Rojas; Director of Public Works Dean Allison; Director of Finance Dennis McLean; City Clerk/Administrative Services Director Jo Purcell; Director of Recreation and Parks Ron Rosenfeld; Senior Administrative Analyst Judy Huey, and, Recording Secretary Arlene Jaentsch. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart to approve the agenda. Motion carried. City Manager Les Evans gave an overview of the City's present financial picture explaining that in the last few years the economy has been good and the City has benefited. The other side is that when the economy is not as good the City will not receive certain grants and revenues from the state and that the state may take revenues if needed. He cited important projects such as the storm drain repairs and roadway maintenance. The budget process is to set aside funds for future projects but not spend them until the City is in a financially secure situation. The City is cautiously and conservatively estimating revenues and matching expenditures to keep financially sound with intact reserves for unexpected expenses. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Rowland Driskell. 30 Via Capri, expressed appreciation to the City Council for all the work they do. He read from a five -page statement, which is on file in the City Clerk office at City Hall. Madeline Sokolsky, South Bay Chamber Music Society, expressed appreciation to the City Council for their support and described the free concerts put on by the Music Society Lisa Coffi, 617 Elvira Avenue, Redondo Beach, representing Shakespeare by the Sea — requested permission to present a performance of "As You Like It" or "The Tempest" at a Rancho Palos Verdes park site. These performances are free. Brochures were distributed. Bert Balch, Peninsula Symphony, thanked the Council for the many years of support Rancho Palos Verdes has given to the Symphony. He described the program and explained that the symphony consists of both professional and amateur musicians. He also provided information on a performance competition for area youth and distributed the 2001 Season Calendar. Karen Carr, South Bay Youth Project, thanked the Council for support and explained that they are in their 16th year of providing services and hope to continue to provide these services. She mentioned that in the last year 102 youth from the City had been assisted and further explained the program. Council was interested in a more detailed explanation of the Project's counseling services at Peninsula High School. Ms. Carr stated she had only been with the organization for six months and was not aware of what the involvement is at the High School. Jan Hamilton Lee, 1602 Granvia Altamira, representing South Bay Family Healthcare Center, she described the services the Center provides; basic primary care, needed pharmaceuticals and diagnostics for uninsured members of the community. Barbara Gleghorn, 28850 Crestridge Road, spoke _in support of the South Bay Family Healthcare center and stated she feels that it is an outstanding agency providing assistance to those who are without resources and need medical services. Juan Torres, 27600 Warrior Drive, President of the Peninsula Girls Softball League, requests that the City Council consider a request for a budget line item to develop a four softball fields complex. This will be a multi -year project and any amount towards this project would be appreciated. (Mr. Torres statement is on file with the City Clerk's office). Mary Speigle, 2 Paseo de Pino, representing Rancho Palos Verdes Estates Homeowners Association, addressed the proposed sidewalk along Crest Road. The Association feels that this is a pressing safety issue and wants to encourage the Council to put this item on the budget. Council discussion focused on the steep curvy nature of the road and it's popularity with walkers and cyclists. It was suggested that moving the curb to make room for the sidewalk was a reasonable, safe and less costly option. It was also suggested to Mary Speigle that the Homeowners Association might be interested in matching funds for this sidewalk. Council asked Mary to find out if the Association is interested in the plan and to bring the item back at the next Budget Workshop meeting. City Council Minutes April 21, 2001 Page 2 Ellen Hocking, 24 Avenida De Camelia, Rancho Palos Verdes Estates Homeowners Association — Continued the Crest Road sidewalk discussion stating she was opposed to Option 2, cited the popularity of the walkway, and agreed to the idea of moving the curb as the best solution. Sarah Key - Marer, 8261 Malloy Drive,,.- H u nti ngton Beach — Presented pictures of Inspiration Point and suggested signs similar to the present rattlesnake warning signs with warnings such as " Danger Hiking Not Recommended for Children ". She referred to landslide difficulties and suggested alternatives for fencing /signage. Jim Knight, 5 Cinnamon Lane, concerned with parks and recreation and the available funding. Suggested the Planning Commission or Finance Advisory Committee should ask for community input to work out plans for these areas. Richard Bara, 1 Peppertree Drive, introduced himself as a member of the local horse community who wants to keep the idea for a Rancho Palos Verdes Equestrian Center or Park. He explained this concept started as a wish or dream and now they are trying to realize the dream and would like this to be considered a long term project over the next five years. Their needs are a permanent location of 30 acres. He stated that1his is a time of open space and land acquisition for the City and asked that the Council keep the equestrian flavor of this unique community in mind. Ann Shaw, 30036 Via Borica, representing the Peninsula Seniors, thanked the Council for supporting the Seniors and told of the need for a senior center with easy accessibility, visibility and good parking. She responded to questions from Council regarding the recent Senior Affordable housing project and the Peninsula Seniors current request to use the same site for the proposed senior center. RECESS & RECONVENE: Recess and Reconvene: At 10:30 a.m., Mayor Lyon declared a recess. The meeting Reconvened at 10:40 a.m. Budget Policy Issues for FY 2001 -2002 & FY 2001 -2003 City Manager Evans presented the staff report of April 21, 2001 and the recommendation to discuss the budget policy issues and provide staff with direction regarding the inclusion of these items or others identified by Council in the proposed budget for FY 2001 -2002 and FY 2002 -2003. City Council Minutes April 21, 2001 Page 3 1.Community Grants Council discussion focused on the grant.for Peninsula Seniors and the fact that Rancho Palos Verdes picks up the larger amount, whereas Palos Verdes Estates . a s nothing. p Y g It was argued, however, that the Council's decision on this grant to the Seniors should not be influenced by Palos Verdes Estates' lack of contribution. The Council also noted that seniors from Torrance, Lomita and other areas, which already have their own centers, are participating. Concern was expressed over the contradictory statements of the Peninsula Seniors regarding the affordable housing project and their seeming to string the Council along during those meetings. There was discussion over the amount requested in proportion to number of seniors living in Rancho Palos Verdes. Council expressed dissatisfaction with the board of the Peninsula Seniors but appreciated the many services provided to the residents. Councilmember Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Lyon to approve the grant amountof $8,040 as requested. Motion carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: McTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon NOES: Byrd , Ferraro Other grants were approved with the exception of the South Bay Youth Project. Council would like additional information before approving this grant. 2.Construction of a sidewalk along Crest Road Council discussion focused on costs and options available for this project. They want staff to investigate moving the curb to accommodate the sidewalk. Council directed staff to provide more information with cost analysis and to determine if bikeway funds can be used for this project. Council has also asked the Homeowner's Association to contribute matching funds. This item will be continued to the next Budget Workshop. 1installation Of New Bluff Top Fencing And Signage Council decided that these areas needed personal evaluation with a field trip visit. This item will be continued to the next Budget Workshop. City Council Minutes April 21, 2001 Page 4 4.Roadway Beautification Dean Allison presented the staff report. Council raised concerns about costs for median removal and requested that the concrete from medians is sent to an inert dump so the City can get waste reduction credit. Council discussed designating a portion of recycle funds to be used for street beautification. Council said that this program will improve the City and make it much more attractive. Council directed staff to specifically designate a fund for this project of $100,000 for 2001 -2002. 5. Increased Code Enforcement Along Major Arterial Roadways Council adopted the staff recommendation with the direction to make the language clear that this is a Citywide code enforcement program. 6. Undergrounding of Utilities Staff explained how the Edison Company sets aside funding for the Rule 20A funds and that they may not be available due to the Edison Company crisis. There is also the possibility of having more funds available if the Federal government pays for the cleanup of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. (Councilmember Ferraro left the room at 11:45 a.m.) Council pointed out that undergrounding enhances property values with increased view vistas and suggested beginning a fund for future undergrounding projects. When planning this program arterials should be scheduled first and then adjoining neighborhoods. (Councilmember Ferraro returned at 11:53 a.m.) After discussion of fund levels and the desire to keep reserves as presented in the five year model it was decided to direct staff to set aside $225,000 in the budget process with the understanding that this amount may change by June. City Council Minutes April 21, 2001 Page 5 RECESS & RECONVENE: Recess & Reconvene: At 12:00 p.m. Mayor Lyon recessed the meeting for lunch. The meeting was reconvened at 12:35 p.m. 7. Membership in the League of California Cities and California Coastal Coalition City Manager Evans presented the staff report. Council discussion focused on the strong advocacy of the League. Some dissatisfaction was expressed about the growing bureaucracy of the League, however it was noted that the League is influential in representing cities in Sacramento. Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Stern to approve continued membership in the League with the additional funding for the Grassroots Network Plan. Motion carried. California Coastal Coalition City Manager Evans presented the staff report. Council felt that with 7 1/2 miles of coastline it was in the City's interest to participate in the coalition and that membership might result in additional funding for coastal projects. Councilmember Byrd moved, seconded by Councilmember Stern to approve membership in the California Coastal Coalition with a request for more detail in costs associated with attending these meetings. Motion Carried. 8. Salary Range Adjustment City Manager Les Evans explained that the proposed 3.6% salary range adjustments would trigger no immediate salary increases because this is not a cost of living increase. It would merely increase salary ranges making it possible for employees at the top of their range to receive an increase in pay at their next evaluation. Council questioned staff turnover in the Public Works Department and the City Manager explained that there is a nationwide problem in middle management employment. Demand is high and workers not as plentiful. Council expressed its appreciation of the City staff. Council member Byrd moved, seconded by Mayor Lyon to approve the staff recommendation. Motion Carried. 9 City Council Minutes April 21, 2001 Page 6 9. General Plan /Coastal Specific Plan /Trails Network Plan Update City Manager Les Evans and Director of Planning Rojas presented the staff report. Council felt that costs for this project were too high. Council discussed the history of the General Plan, Coastal Specific Plan and Trails Network and noted that changes since 1975 in the City are considerable and an update will have to be done. Council wanted to evaluate each item and suggested starting with the Trails Network and later in 2002 -2003 to continue on to the General Plan and Coastal Specific Plan. Council consensus was to direct staff to prepare a proposal on ways this project can be completed in a cost - effective manner within a yet to be determined time frame. Council Member Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart to approve a total expenditure of $25,000 for the project. Motion carried. 10. City Hall Improvements City Manager Evans presented the staff report. Council discussed options presented for City Hall Improvements and expressed the opinion that the improvements should be done for long term use of the facility at the present location. The City Manager stated that in comparison with other cities we have more space and he stated the results of recent studies of seismic safety concluded that this facility would last as long as seismic rules do not change. Mayor Lyon moved, seconded by Councilmember Stern to approve option B as presented. Motion carried. 11. Implementation of GASB 34 Accounting Standard During FY2001 -2002 and FY 2002 -2003 Continued to the next Budget Workshop. 12. Outsourcing Document Imaging and Electronic Archival of Paper Documents to CD -Rom and Creating an information Technology Program Continued to the next Budget Workshop. Budget Policy Issues Identified By The City Council Members Continued to next Budget Workshop. City Council Minutes April 21, 2001 Page 7 City Council Goals Continued to next Budget Workshop. ADJOURNMENT: At 1:25 p.m. Mayor Lyon moved to adjourn the meeting. ATTEST: CITY CLERK WA2001 City Council Minutes \04212001 cc min adj bdjt wrkshp.doc y f6AYbK City Council Minutes April 21, 2001 Page 8