HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 2001-06-26 - Special Meeting
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City Council, Special Meeting
Civic Center Community Room
777 Cypress Avenue,
Redding, California
June 26,2001, 10:00 a.m.
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The meeting was called to order by Mayor McGeorge with the following Council Members
present: Cibula, Kight, and Stegall. Council Member Pohlmeyer was absent.
Also present were City Manager Warren, Assistant City Manager Perry, Deputy City
Manager Starman, City Attorney Wingate, Electric Utility Director Feider, Police Chief
Blankenship, Development Services Director Hamilton, Fire ChiefGunsauls, Administrative
Services Director Bachman, Community Services Director Niemer, Support Services
Director Kersten, City Treasurer Clark, Finance Officer Strong, Information Systems
Manager Erwin, Budget Officer Davis, City Clerk Strohmayer and Assistant City Clerk
Sherman.
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RESOLUTION - Adopting Council Policy re Procedures for Accumulating and
Appropriating Funds for Equipment Replacement
(A-050-060-555)
Administrative Services Director Bachman explained that adoption of the proposed
resolution establishing a Council Policy regarding procedures for accumulating and
appropriating funds for equipment replacement will simplify the budgeting process. He
pointed out that current policy requires City Council approval for appropriating transfers
between funds with the exception of the Rolling Stock Fund. However, the proposed policy
authorizes department directors, with the approval of the City Manager, to transfer and
expend funds accumulated for equipment, and allows divisions to accumulate resources to
purchase equipment by transferring cash into an Equipment Replacement Fund. Mr.
Bachman related that the transfers will ultimately be approved by Council through the
standard budget process or through budget amendments.
It is the recommendation of staff that the resolution adopting City Council Policy No. 422,
Equipment Replacement Fund, be approved.
MOTION: Made by Council Member Cibula, seconded by Council Member Kight adopting
Resolution No. 2001-103, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding adopting
Council Policy No. 422, Equipment Replacement Fund, in order to: 1) accumulate resources
to purchase certain equipment; 2) manage equipment resources in the most efficient manner
possible; 3) provide departments with a mechanism to manage equipment and accumulate
resources to replace certain equipment. The Vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council Members: Cibula, Kight, Stegall and McGeorge
Council Members: None
Council Members: None
Council Members: Pohlmeyer
Resolution No. 2001-103 is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
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RESOLUTION - Adopting the City of Redding Biennial Budget for Fiscal Years 2001-2003
(B-130-070) .
Mayor McGeorge welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked staff for its efforts and
hard work in preparation of a balanced budget for fiscal years 2001-2003 while maintaining
a substantial reserve.
City Manager Warren explained that Redding began using the biennial budget approach in
1997 in order to produce a more comprehensive and efficient document. The process for
the proposed 2001-03 budget began six months ago with Council's goals and objectives
directing the course of this revenue-driven document. The ultimate goal was to produce a
balanced budget while maintaining services pursuant to Council's direction. He related that
the differential in the biennial budget for 2001-2002 of$212,107,890, and $195,473,870 for
fiscal year 2002-03, is largely due to a decrease in capital projects which can create
significant swings between fiscal years.
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Mr . Warren reported that the General Fund budget is $43,621,410 for fiscal year 200 1-02 and
$46,446.20 for 2002-03. Staffs prediction for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenue for
the coming year is approximately 4%, based on a three-year rolling average.
He indicated that there is no proposal for an additional increase in the Enterprise Funds other
than that which Council has already undertaken. As discussed over the last year, the Electric
Utility surcharge should be retired no later than July 2002 - two years earlier than predicted,
and necessary adjustments will have to be made to that fund.
Mr. Warren explained that the City was hit hard with an enormous increase in insurance
costs in excess of $2 million. In addition, the cost of fuel has increased, and a continuing
need for additional personnel in Information Systems Division, and the Police and Fire
Departments makes it difficult to stay within the ten-year plan; however, he pointed out that
staff is confident the budget as proposed will support the ten-year expenditure plan.
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Some major projects such as Clover Creek, renovation of The Redding Plunge municipal
swimming pool, and the Sports Complex are experiencing increased development fees
creating shortfalls which will be brought to Council for consideration in the next fiscal year.
In-Lieu Tax is in-lieu of the 1 % property tax paid by private utilities and is an important
source of General Fund revenue. Staff is reviewing the in-lieu amounts charged to various
utilities to bring them in line with property tax methodologies including the maximum 2%
annual growth in accessed valuation. The in-lieu charge to the Electric Utility has been
increased by accessed valuation growth as well as to account for construction of Generation
Unit 5 at the Redding Power Plant. The combination of these increases will generate
approximately $750,000 to the General Fund.
Recreation fees for programs' cost recovery is currently 75% not including overhead, and
the budget is predicated upon an average cost recovery for direct costs of 85% which will
help fund a number of long-deferred projects.
The Airport Passenger Facility Fees budget is based on an increase from $3 per passenger
to $4.50 per passenger and will drive annual revenue up by approximately $100,000. This
increase will help the Airports Division meet its capital improvement plan and begin to repay
long-term loans and advances from the General Fund.
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Mr. Warren outlined the City's unmet needs and/or funding shortfalls:
· The Library
· Streets
· Planning Commission Stipend
· Sports Complex Soccer Fields
· Clover Creek Preserve
· Aquatics Center
· Civic Center Landscaping
. Additional Planners in Development Services Department
· Additional Information Systems Division Personnel
· Open Space
· Retirement and Arbitration
· Shooting Range
· Additional Fire Department Personnel
· Police Department Building
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Mr. Warren explained that the budget is sound for the next ten years, and the City is more
financially secure than it has been in many years. However, should Council wish to fund a
specific project, the budget can be decreased; a bond issue can be considered; or an increase
in sales tax. He pointed out that the projects approved thus far by Council have all been
prudent, but in order to maintain financial health, not all projects can be funded at once. Mr.
Warren related that in relationship to like cities, Redding is doing very well, and he opined
that within two years, Redding will be a different community of which the citizens and
Council can be proud.
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City Manager Warren introduced the Citizen's Budget Committee Members explaining that
they two members of the public were selected and invited to sit in on the budget process, not
only to observe but to make suggestions and recommendations and to see, first hand, how
the City develops its budget. Mr. Warren introduced Don Mathena and Debra Atlas, and
thanked them for their hard work and efforts in the budget process. Administrative Services
Director Bachman, Finance Officer Strong and Senior Accountant Maxwell were also
acknowledged for their invaluable assistance in preparation of the budget.
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Citizen's Budget Committee Members' Comments
Debra Atlas thanked the City Manager for providing the opportunity to participate in the
budget process. Ms. Atlas related that anyone interested in learning more about the way in
which local government operates should take advantage of this experience. She explained
that while it is a difficult process, she was impressed with the caliber of the departmental
presentations by directors. She noted that nearly all funding requests were earmarked to
provide better services to the community. Ms. Atlas was equally impressed with the depth
of knowledge and the conciseness of staff, in addition to the willingness of departments to
make cuts by developing innovative ideas and creative ways for generating revenue in order
to meet target budgets. Ms. Atlas explained that she found it helpful to visit the various City
facility sites in order to gain a better perspective of the City's needs.
John Mathena also thanked Mr. Warren and staff for allowing him to participate in the
budget process. He concurred with Ms. Atlas's observations and added that the budget is a
quality document. Mr. Mathena related that the City is truly run like a business and he
encouraged everyone to tour the various City facilities, noting that they are far better than
many other cities' facilities. He opined that the City is doing a great job.
Mayor McGeorge thanked the committee members for their time and hard work.
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City Manager Warren indicated that despite a relatively strong economy in the North State
it was difficult to develop a balanced budget. The justifiable needs and the financial
commitments to a number of major projects outstripped available resources. However, Mr.
Warren maintained that the budget is sound and urged Council's support for its adoption
because it is balanced, provides adequate funding to continue to provide quality service,
increases service levels in several areas, provides adequate funding to complete capital
projects to which the City is committed, and provides an adequate contingency for
weathering the unknown.
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Budget Assumptions
Administrative Services Director Bachman provided and overview of the budget assumptions
relating that the City maintains conservative assumption estimates in order to support the ten
year plan. Predicated on the State's economy to continue its upward swing in fiscal years
2001-03, and local construction increases in 2001-02, the inflation rate is expected to be 3 %,
and interest rates associated with City investments will remain relatively constant. The
City's population should increase approximately 2.5% and revenue should grow at rates
below historical averages. The General Fund property tax, sales tax and TOT revenues will
increase by 4.0% per year, as will revenue from licenses and permits, fines and penalties and
service charges. Motor vehicle in-lieu fee revenue is assumed to increase by 6.0% and
revenue from other governmental agencies will increase by 3%. Revenue from internal
departments will increase by the rate of inflation, and other miscellaneous revenue is
assumed to increase by the rate of inflation. Mr. Bachman indicated that, in general, revenue
will increase by the historical rate of growth. For the Enterprise Funds electric rates are not
scheduled to increase and it is anticipated that by July 1, 2002, rates will decrease by the
interim surcharge amount. Water and wastewater rates will increase as previously approved
by Council in February 2001, and solid waste rates will increase on July 1,2001, and July
1, 2002. Storm drainage fees are not scheduled to increase, and while Internal Service funds
will remain stable or decrease slightly, Special Revenue Funds are expected to increase by
the historical rate of growth.
Non Departmental
Administrative Services Director Bachman explained that the non-departmental budget
covers those issues/items which are not the sole responsibility of anyone department or
division.
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With regard to a new Shooting Range Facility, Mr. Bachman indicated that a request by the
Redding Gun Club to consider funding a new shooting range will be addressed later in the
agenda.
In the past, the Electric Utility Department has provided crews and equipment to perform the
labor associated with the Banner Program by hanging banners advertising or recognizing
special events across Pine Street at a cost of approximately $100 per week. However,
workload issues relating to electric utility have prompted the Department to request that a
contractor be hired to hang banners at a cost of approximately $250 each time the banner is
changed. Historically, the City has not charged for this service and the proposed budget
includes only $6,500 to complete scheduled hangings through 2001. Staff is recommending
that the City Council consider either discontinuing the Banner Program at the end of the year,
or imposing a fee to those groups utilizing the service equal to the cost of $250.
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Mr. Bachman also related that due to a change in State law, the City is now required to pay
a proportional share for the cost of staffing and operations of the Local Agency Formation
Commission (LAFCO). He advised that the City's share is $50,000 and is included in the
budget.
Council Members Cibula and Stegall opposed discontinuing or charging for the Banner
Program indicating that it is a nice community service. Council Member Stegall observed
that the City is paying very high credit card fees and suggested that by limiting the amount
a customer can place on a credit card to $500.00, the money saved in this area can be
earmarked to subsidize the Banner Program.
Council Member Cibula acknowledged significant changes at LAFCO and requested a full
report. City Manager Warren indicated that the issue will be covered in an upcoming Friday
Memo.
REDDING GUN CLUB
(C-070-0 1 0-050)
City Manager Warren explained that members of the Redding Gun Club have requested that
Council consider the issue of funding a new shooting range facility during budget discussions
today. He related that a new shooting range facility is not included on the City's list of
projects, and he recalled that Council determined not to add new projects to an already full
schedule. He added that should monies become available, Council may wish to apply those
funds to current projects which are slightly underfunded such as the Clover Creek Preserve,
the Redding Plunge and soccer fields for the Sports Complex.
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Patrick Jones of the Redding Gun Club (Gun Club) recalled that when the City closed the old
shooting range (generally located at Starlight and Buenaventura Boulevards) in 1987, the
City Council serving at that time made a commitment to the Gun Club to assist in locating
a site for a new shooting range. Mr. Jones explained that the current range does not meet the
needs ofthe community, and he asserted that the City has a responsibility to not only provide
a new site, but to also fund a new shooting range facility. He related that the Gun Club is
very interested in acquiring a 160-acre parcel owned by the Bureau of Land Management on
Walker Mine Road for the new shooting range, and requested that the City purchase this
land. Mr. Jones assured Council that the Gun Club wants to work with the City in
developing a new range, and the $400,000 requested will begin the process. According to Mr.
Jones, the community wants and needs a safe place to shoot, and reiterated that because the
City was responsible for closing the shooting range in 1987, it is obligated to provide a new
shooting facility.
The following individuals spoke in support of a new shooting range facility citing the
assurances of previous City Council Members in 1987; the community need for a new and
larger facility; safety issues and; economic benefit to the community through national and
local shooting matches and related events: Shasta County Sheriff Jim Pope, City of Anderson
Council Member Norma Comnick, former City of Redding Council Member Charlie Moss,
Northern California Hunter Education Coordinator for the Department of Fish and Game
Dave Smith, California Department of Forestry representative Fred Furtes, President of the
Shasta County Sportsman's Association Robert Richardson, Shasta Shooters representative
Todd Lofgren, Single Action Shooting Society representative Dave Boddy, Peter Boracci,
Marshall Jones, Murray Kullrich, James Rodgers, Glenn Cameron, and Sterling Finn.
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Chuck Shultz, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), related that many public lands are being
utilized legally and illegally for target shooting and related activities. He indicated that the
BLM receives complaints on a continual basis from residents living in and around the areas
of this activity. He stated that the 160-acre site on Walker Mine Road being considered by
the Gun Club is available and compatible for the intended use. He urged the City to consider
acquiring the land.
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Police Chief Blankenship explained that while he supports the development of a new
shooting facility and acknowledges the community need, he opined that it should be
developed as a joint venture by local government agencies and the Redding Gun Club. He
explained that in order to realize the development of a new, modem facility, Shasta County,
the cities of Anderson and Shasta Lake and the Redding Gun Club must make a
commitment to work together to find a location and develop a funding mechanism to provide
a facility for the community.
While Council Member Kight supported the right to bear arms, and acknowledged the need
for a nice shooting facility, he stressed that it must be considered on a regional level.
However, he observed that no agency has stepped forward to help fund its development. Mr.
Kight explained that the City still needs a library, a new fire station and many other
necessary projects which must be funded with limited monies. He expressed reluctance in
providing any assistance without additional information regarding the facility's retum-on-
investment potential, who will utilize the facility, what the City's investment will buy, and
who will administer the facility. Unfortunately, the City does not have the money to fund
this project at this time, and he echoed Police Chief Blankenship's observation that a
shooting facility should be developed as a partnership with other agencies and private clubs.
Mr. Kight stated that the commitment made 14 years ago by previous Council Members was
made under very different circumstances than exist today, and the $400,000 requested by the
Gun Club for a new shooting facility is not in the budget.
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Council Member Cibula favored exploring the possibility of assisting the Gun Club in its
pursuit of a new shooting range citing that a safe location for this type of recreation is
necessary. However, Mr. Cibula concurred with Council Member Kight in the need for
much more information, and a commitment from local government agencies to work
collectively to bring the facility to fruition.
Council Member Stegall agreed with Council Members Kight and Cibula, indicating that she
has many questions which have not been answered. Ms. Stegall questioned the funding
request by the Gun Club which increased from $100,000 in January to $400,000 in March.
She concurred that it should be a regional facility and not a City facility, and was not inclined
to move forward without offers of assistance from other agencies.
Mayor McGeorge stated that he is a gun enthusiast and supports a new shooting facility on
a regional level. However, he recalled that Council recently agreed not to add any additional
projects to its very ambitious project schedule at this time. He suggested that ifthe Gun Club
actively solicits support from other agencies, public and private, and rallies funding support
for a new facility, the City would be more inclined to participate in the project. He also
indicated that much more information is needed, including the facility's return on investment
potential.
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Patrick Jones urged the City Council to move forward and assured that he would provide
additional information addressing Council Members' questions, and agreed to work
cooperatively with the City on the issue.
It was the consensus of Council that no action be taken on this matter at this time.
RECESS
At the hour of 11 :55, Mayor McGeorge declared the Special Meeting in recess.
At the hour of 12:30, Mayor McGeorge reconvened the Special Meeting.
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Electric Department
Electric Utility Director Feider presented the budget for the Electric Utility Department
relating that the past year has presented challenges for staff in preparation of a two-year
budget given today' s volatile energy market. He pointed out that utility deregulation and the
Pacific Gas & Electric bankruptcy have forced staff to take a wait-and-see approach for
paying down the debt as uncertainties may undermine the ability to plan long term. He
indicated that the Department budget for fiscal year 2001-02 is $108.6 million, and $114
million for fiscal year 2002-03, including the addition of ten new staff members. In
conclusion, Mr. Feider assured Council that the City is on target to terminate the electric
utility surcharge by July of 2002.
Council Member Cibula complimented Mr. F eider on the Department's budget but expressed
concern regarding the problems experienced with the Customer Service Division's phone
system, and asked if the budget included funds to resolve the problem. Mr. Cibula also
questioned the rationale of hiring ten new positions given the volatility in today' s wholesale
market.
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Mr. Feider responded that there have been challenges to meet, but the three additional
Customer Service Representative positions and the new phone switching system have
improved services in the Customer Service Division. He added that a scheduled remodel for
the west side entrance to that Division in the amount of $120,000, will also enhance
customer service. Of the ten additional staff members, the majority are slated as power plant
workers or as schedulers and coordinators. Mr. Feider related that the Electric Utility
Department will continue to work on enhancements.
Council Member Cibula was pleased that the Electric Department's budget included funds
for electric utility undergrounding, opining that it will be a nice aesthetic improvement.
Solid Waste
Assistant City Manager Perry reviewed the biennial budget for the Solid Waste Division
acknowledging staff for their invaluable assistance in preparation of the budget. He spoke
briefly about automation and indicated that the projected increase in recyclables will be
approximately 40%; this, coupled with budget increases for more litter abatement, will
demonstrate a good faith effort to the State in reducing waste in the landfill. In addition, Mr.
Perry related that the State is in the process of banning cathode ray and fluorescent tubes
found in televisions and P.C. monitors from landfills. He indicated that there are no other
significant changes or issues in the budget.
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At the hour of 1 :07 p.m. Council Member Pohlmeyer arrived.
Public Works
Assistant City Manager Perry presented the budget for the Public Works Department and
provided a brief overview of the responsibilities of the five divisions: Engineering, Streets,
Storm Drain Utility, Water Utility and Wastewater Utility. He related that one new position
was added to the Streets Division, and through additional grant opportunities, additional
street work can be performed. He provided a brief overview of the wastewater utility
describing new discharge requirements which are expected but were not factored into the
budget. Should these requirements materialize, staff will come back to Council for direction.
Mr. Perry cautioned that the City is below the minimum water resource for fire danger, and
efforts are ongoing to augment the water supply.
State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Funding -
(T-I00-375)
Council Member Cibula asked the status of the overpass for the railroad. Mr. Perry
responded that the City is making efforts to develop an overpass through State Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP) funding. However, the overpass did not receive high marks
on the approved projects list. Discussions with CalTrans and RTPA to determine the
appropriateness of utilizing some discretionary funds to perform a design study for all the
streets in the area that cross over the tracks are ongoing but it may be a three- to four-year
process.
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Council Member Stegall indicated that she is interested in a cost analysis for moving the
railroad switching station out of town if an overpass is not possible in the near future.
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Development Services
Development Services Director Hamilton provided an overview of the Department's budget
which includes the Planning, Building and GIS Divisions. The Department comprises
approximately 7.5% of the overall City budget with a staff of 44 employees. Mr. Hamilton
indicated that the budget is status quo with the exception of additional funds required for
consultants. He indicated that there will be challenges to meet with some changes in policies
relative to the way permits are handled in juxtaposition to the General Plan and zoning
ordinance.
In response to Council Member Stegall, Mr. Hamilton explained that while there is a small
backlog of permits, most is due to the extraordinary amount of time spent on regulatory
issues. He indicated that staff is struggling to keep pace with the large volume of permits,
and additional staff would help alleviate the problem. However, ongoing review of
procedures should eliminate/minimize obstacles and expedite the process.
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Community Services
Community Services Director Niemer gave an overview of the Community Services
Department. She described a very busy year with many new recreational projects underway
such as the Sports Complex and The Plunge Renovation. She discussed Fantasy Fountain
and a new Three-On- Three Basketball event. She also mentioned that plans are being
developed for the Fourth of July Freedom Festival 2002. She pointed out that the City of
Redding's trail system and other recreational amenities have been featured in national
magazines and the City was successful in receiving an award of $35,000 in grants for the
Market Street trails. She related that the Convention Center is staying very busy with events
but is experiencing some problems with the phone system. With respect to The Plunge
renovations, Ms Niemer indicated that the City will be looking for new funding partners
within the next 45 days to address a shortfall. She indicated that the Parks/Trail/Master Plan
is on schedule, and a new survey to poll 500 recreation users for their recreational facility
priority is planned. Ms Niemer indicated that a triple-wide mobile is currently being
renovated for a summer day camp, however more programs are desperately needed.
In response to Council Member Cibula's question regarding additional funding for The
Plunge renovation, Ms. Niemer explained that while the cost will exceed original projections,
additional funds can be secured from outside sources.
Council Member Cibula also questioned the rationale for reducing fee subsidies to children's
recreational programs. He stressed that these programs should command a higher priority,
and disagreed with the proposal.
Ms. Niemer explained that the proposed increased cost recovery for recreation programs'
fees from 75% to 85% was a hard decision. She related, however, that staff continues to
explore ways to expand children's programs without increasing costs.
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Police
Police Chief Blankenship presented the budget for the Police Department. He provided a
brief overview of the programs, and announced that the Department has been successful in
reducing the per capita crime rate to its lowest level of any year since record keeping began
in the the 1970's. The Department has implemented the new electronic document imaging
system, and has also developed automated access to on-line bail information. The only
budget increases are due to hard costs and interdepartmental allocation increases. Capital
outlay requests are less than 1 % of the total budget for two years, and the Operating
Materials and Supplies (O&M) portion is held to a 1.6% increase less the 3% allowed. Chief
Blankenship indicated that a major boost-to the Department's ability to keep pace with
increasing costs is maximizing grant opportunities and has received $100,000 for personnel
and technology through grants. While he realized there is no funding on the horizon for a
new Police Facility, he asked that Council give consideration to this need when money is
available.
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Fire
Fire Chief Gunsauls presented the biennial budget for the Fire Department. He reported that
a new Master Plan for the Fire Department will include a new fire station #8. In addition,
plans to curb escalating overtime expenses amounting to over $1.1 million (;!Ie being
developed and will be presented to Council in the near future, An additional priority is to
develop long-range planning for the Department's rolling stock plan over a period of 30
years. He explained that the Department is implementing a new program to hire seasonal fire
fighters, and continues to explore ways to better utilize available resources.
Support Services
Support Services Director Kersten reviewed the Support Services Departmental budget
including Airports, Purchasing, Parks Maintenance, Customer Service, Reprographics,
Information Systems, Communications, Building Maintenance and Fleet Maintenance
Divisions. He reported that the Redding Airport finances are now operating "in the black"
and after five years of subsidy from the General Fund, this division will begin repaying its
loans. Reprographics is going out to bid again on copiers for the City in hopes of reducing
the per copy cost. In addition a 3/4 time position is needed due to the recent transfer of the
Reprographics Manager, and the vacant positions in the Purchasing Division has been filled.
Due to increases in utilities, the Building Maintenance budget allocation increases had to be
passed along to other departments/divisions. Mr. Kersten related that Building Maintenance
will be recruiting a position for an individual with heating and air conditioning skills in order
to reduce contract costs which will ultimately pay for the position. Parks and Facilities
Maintenance has been able to keep pace with new parks and landscape projects.
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General City Government
The City Manager noted that the budgets for the City Council, the City Manager, and City
Attorney's Departments were status quo.
City Clerk's Office - City Clerk Strohmayer indicated that the City Clerk's Departmental
budget was status quo.
City Manager Warren pointed out that when asked for additional cuts to the City Clerk's
Departmental budget, the Finance Division indicated that close scrutiny revealed a lean
department budget which could not withstand further reductions.
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City Treasurer's Office - City Treasurer Clark advised that the Treasurer's Department
budget is status quo. She thanked the City Council for continued support and approval of
the temporary personnel in her department to replace a staff member dealing with the
catastrophic illness of a family member.
Administrative Services Department
Administrative Services Director Bachman reviewed the budgets for Finance, Personnel,
V olunteer Services and Risk Management. He indicated the departmental budget was status
quo with the exception of an additional $25,000 required to cover consultant service fees for
binding arbitration.
Public Comment
Greg Dunbar with Sharrah Dunlap expressed concern that no new personnel was being added
in the Development Services Department. He indicated that today's developer is faced with
many obstacles and environmental and residential issues continue to be problematic. Mr.
Dunbar opined that the Planning Division needs additional personnel to streamline the permit
process and provide a more efficient turnaround time for permits.
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Council Member Cibula concurred with Mr. Dunbar that additional personnel in the Planning
Division should be a priority. Mr. Warren indicated that there has been some turnover in
personnel and there are a few vacant positions that should be filled. He indicated that an
environmental specialist may be an appropriate addition to staff to assist in that area of the
permit process.
Council Member Stegall suggested that the $1.5 million earmarked for streets be shifted to
the relocation ofthe Greyhound Bus Depot to RABA's Intermodal Facility. In her opinion,
the bus depot is an obstacle to revitalization of the Downtown area.
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Mr. Warren responded that this is an issue for consideration when Council discusses STIP
and Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) funding issues.
City Manager Warren recapped issues requiring staff follow up:
· Gun Range - Answer questions regarding site access, and Redding Gun Club will
pursue involvement oflocal agencies and private groups in planning, financing and
operation of a regional shooting facility.
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Banner Program - Explore limiting credit card charges by developers to $500.00 and
utilize service charge savings to subsidize the Banner Program.
· Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) - Prepare a report regarding State-
law-imposed costs to the City for staffing and operations ofLAFCO.
· Railroad Grade Separation - Attempt to locate funding to perform a study and prepare
plans regarding location, costs, etc. for a railroad over/under crossing in the
Downtown area.
· Permit Center - Report back to the City Council in October 2001 regarding progress
on improvements to the plan check process.
· Greyhound Bus Depot - Report back to the City Council regarding relocation of the
Depot during STIP funding issues and strategies.
MOTION: Made by Council Member Cibula, seconded by Council Member Kight adopting
Resolution No. 2001-104, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding adopting
and approving the 2001-03 City of Redding Biennial Budget, with the exception of imposing
a fee for use of the Banner Hanging Program. The Vote:
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council Members: Cibula, Kight, Pohlmeyer Stegall & McGeorge
Council Members: None
Council Members: None
Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2001-104 is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, at the hour of 2:35 p.m., Mayor McGeorge declared the
meeting adjourned.
APPROVED
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ATTEST:
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City Clerk ~
06/26/01