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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - unsigned - 1991-06-241 6/24/91 City Council, Adjourned Regular Meeting Redding Convention Center, Room 125 Redding, California June 24, 1991 At the hour of 5:18 p.m., Mayor Dahl called the Adjourned Regular Meeting to order with the following Council Members present: Arness, Buffum, Fulton, and Dahl. Council Member Moss arrived at 5:24 p.m. Also present were City Manager Christofferson, Assistant City Manager McMurry, City Attorney Hays, Director of Public Works Galusha, Director of Planning and Community Development Perry, Director of Electric Utility Lindley, Chief of Police Blankenship, Electric Utility Operations Manager Ryan, Electric Utility Engineering Manager Russell, Fire Chief Bailey, Electric Utility Resources Manager Coleman, Police Captain McKinnie, Director of Finance Downing, Director of Community Services Gorman, Director of General Services Masingale, Police Lieutenant Byard, Principal Planner King, Director of Personnel Bristow, Police Services Manager Primrose, Director of Information Systems Kelley, Director of Utilities Customer Services Vokal, Airports Director Ruff, Assistant Finance Director Sundin-Gruber, Risk Manager Mlinarcik, Administrative Sergeant Henry, Assistant Director of General Services Kohn, Leads System Analyst Erwin, Budget Services Officer O'Lane, Deputy City Treasurer Ervin, Management Analyst Anderson, Management Analyst VonHassell, City Clerk Nichols, and Secretary to the City Council Moscatello. 1991 AIR SHOW (A-050-030) Airports Director Ruff noted that all airshows in the United States are sanctioned by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A waiver is issued to the airport hosting the airshow which sanitizes the airspace within a five- mile radius and up to 15,000 feet. Specific parameters are set up for an airshow, and an FAA observer is present. Mr. Ruff stated that, for reasons unknown, one of three performing airplanes left the predicted course of flight and crashed. He explained that the cause of the accident is under investigation. Mr. Ruff conveyed that response by crash/fire rescue, medical personnel, and police crowd control was excellent. This was an information item and no action was taken. Council Member Moss arrived at 5:24 p.m. URGENCY ITEM - Redding Rodeo Association - Permission to Sell Alcoholic Beverages (A-110-100) City Attorney Hays advised that a letter was received from the Redding Rodeo Association requesting permission to sell beer at the Redding Rodeo Grounds. He conveyed that the first event is on June 30, 1991, prior to City Council's next regular Council meeting. The request has the approval of the Chief of Police, and the requirement of the "beer garden" regulation is waived. MOTION: Made by Council Member Buffum, seconded by Council Member Fulton, to add the request of the Redding Rodeo Association to sell alcoholic beverages to the Agenda as an urgency item. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes MOTION: Made by Council Member Buffum, seconded by Council Member Arness, to grant the Redding Rodeo Association permission to sell beer at the Redding Rodeo Grounds at the following times: John Conley concert June 30, 1991, from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight; Truck Pull July 5, 1991, from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight; and Mud Bogs, July 6, 1991, from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes BUDGET REFORMATTING (B-130-070) Mr. Christofferson recalled that, at the Budget Study Session of June 3, 1991, Council discussed modification of the budget format to include greater detail in some areas. A "first cut" at budget reformatting was submitted to Council. 2 6/24/91 He asked Council to review the format and indicate to staff how closely it approximates Council's request. 1991 DRAFT AIR QUALITY ATTAINMENT PLAN (E-020-010 Principal Planner King reviewed the Report to City Council dated June 21, 1991, and attachments, which are incorporated herein by reference. Mr. King submitted a copy of the draft Northern Sacramento Valley Air Basin Air Quality Attainment Plan. Mr. King explained that the County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) must submit the approved Plan on June 30, 1991, to the State Air Resources Board for final acceptance. Mr. King explained that the California Clean Air Act of 1988 requires that all APCD districts submit a mitigation plan when certain state pollution standards are violated. The Plan must reduce emissions over time, or the State will assume the responsibility for preparing the Plan. The draft Plan was prepared through a joint effort of six air pollution control districts in the following counties: Shasta, Tehama, Butte, Glenn, Colusa, Sutter, and Yuba. Mr. King explained that staff is concerned that the Plan may be a little too ambitious, and because the Plan covers six counties, some of the measures may not apply to our area. He conveyed that the State Air Resources Board submitted a letter dated June 17, 1991, in which they state that the Plan may contain an "overly ambitious schedule for rule adoption." He stated that the Plan must be reviewed more thoroughly and the following are staff's recommendations: (1) Council authorize the Mayor to forward a letter to the Shasta County Quality Management District Board expressing concerns as noted in the staff report and request a 60-day comment period to evaluate the Plan's impact; (2) request that the June 25, 1991, public hearing of the Board be continued for additional public input; (3) request the County Air Pollution Control Officer to hold one to two workshops on the Plan and include at least one representative from the State Air Resources Board. MOTION: Made by Council Member Moss, seconded by Council Member Fulton, to authorize the Mayor to forward a letter to the Shasta County Quality Management District Board expressing concerns as noted in the staff report and request a 60-day comment period to evaluate the Plan's impact; request that the June 25, 1991, public hearing of the Board be continued for additional public input; request the County Air Pollution Control Officer to hold one to two workshops on the Plan and include at least one representative from the State Air Resources Board. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes UTILITY USER TAX (T-010) City Manager Christofferson recalled that Ordinance No. 1964, the Utility User Tax, was offered for first reading at the meeting of June 18, 1991. He said the ordinance was framed as a preparatory measure and it requires the passage of a resolution to effectuate the ordinance, and he suggested that Council may wish to consider this matter further. Council Member Fulton stated that City Council should wait to see what the State does, and he said the matter should be continued. Council Member Buffum supported Council Member Fulton's position. Council Member Fulton made a motion to continue the matter of the utility user tax, and Council Member Buffum seconded the motion. Council Member Arness noted that since it is an enabling ordinance, it allows Council to act, rather than react. In that sense, it is preventative, and he supports the ordinance on that basis. He reiterated that a resolution is necessary to effect the ordinance. Council Member Buffum stated that Council Member Moss made a valid point that Council needs to be able act, if the need arises. However, that need is not there yet, and Dr. Fulton's statement that you don't leave a cocked gun lying on the shelf is quite astute. Council needs to work on this issue, and react if it becomes necessary. But reacting now or reacting later is still based on actions of the State; and therefore, she supports continuing this matter. 3 6/24/91 Council Member Moss said he is not sure it is wise to wait until the State takes action. The utility tax has been available for use by cities since 1970, and almost 80 cities, including Chico, Oroville, Roseville, Sacramento, and Ukiah have availed themselves of that resource. Council has considered the tax as a fallback source of revenue--the City has a marginal reserve, a no-growth personnel policy, an 8% growth rate, and Council cannot consider this same posture in the future without additional revenues. After the budget is adopted, there will be a litany of badly needed projects that should be addressed. Development fees will increase, but there is a limit to how much the City can grow on just development fees--general fund involvement is needed. Council Member Moss reiterated that the State is considering implementing a utility tax and limiting the city's use of a utility tax. He is sure the State, as well as the County, will avail itself of this tax; and those cities that have an effective utility tax will be better off than those who do not. He explained that the utility user tax is flexible in that it can be changed from year to year. It is not regressive, and it rewards those who conserve. Council Member Moss said he has evolved from just defending our right to implement a utility tax to one of putting a utility user tax in place. He said he will work toward implementing a utility user tax to improve those areas that have shown a demonstrative need, such as the library, traffic projects, and civic facilities. He proposed not to continue the matter, rather, Council should consider this as a revenue source at the present time. Council Member Buffum stated that the cities Council Member Moss mentioned are not like Redding--very few of those cities have their own electric utility. She said 80 cities out of a total of 450 California cities means that not even a quarter of the cities have a utility tax. She said if the City does have a utility tax, it should be for a specific purpose, perhaps for the library. It is her belief that sales tax and bed tax are not down; and although the City had an 8% growth rate, it is now down to 4%. She said having a utility user tax on the shelf, like a cocked gun, to build new City buildings is not fair to the voter nor is it appropriate. Council Member Buffum said she applauds Council Member Moss' comment that the City needs to protect itself from the State, but she cautioned that the State would change whatever law it needed to do whatever it wants. She said this matter is far from being thoroughly discussed, and Council does not need to rush into it. Council Member Moss commented that although only 80 cities have a utility tax, (those cities include Sacramento, San Jose, San Francisco, Stockton, Modesto, Los Angeles, and almost all of the incorporated areas in Los Angeles), those cities covers well over one-half the population of California. Mayor Dahl stated that this matter should be continued to the next meeting. It would be appropriate to hold a public hearing and Council be given time to consider all the information. He said there is misinformation circulating, and it is his belief that there cannot be a dedicated tax. What can and cannot be done must be cleared up. He asked that position papers be prepared, and a spread sheet on some of the major capital projects be prepared. Council Member Moss asked if Council Member Fulton is willing to continue this matter to a date specific. Council Member Fulton said he preferred to table the matter. Council Member Arness pointed out that, at public hearings, one does not get proponents, one tends to get opponents. He pointed out that Council has always been willing to listen. Council can adopt the ordinance tonight, but the tax will not be established except by resolution at a later time. He pointed out that people want services, but they are not always willing to pay for them. Council Member Moss said he would not like to vote on this matter without the benefit of public response. His comments were not only to inform, but in response to what he thought was Council Member Fulton's motion to table the matter entirely. He said he does not want to see that done. MOTION: Made by Council Member Fulton, seconded by Council Member Buffum, to continue the matter of the utility user tax to July 2, 1991. 4 6/24/91 Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Buffum, Fulton, Moss, and Dahl Noes: Council Members - Arness Absent: Council Members - None 5 6/24/91 RESOLUTION - Completion of Compensation Study (P-100-320) Personnel Director Bristow stated that there were certain unresolved compensation issues for unrepresented employees that needed to be addressed. Department Directors identified the most serious compensation issues and submitted them to the City Manager's office for study and recommendation. Staff is making 28 recommendations for the non-department director category and six for department directors. A summary of the compensation recommendations was submitted to Council. Mr. Bristow clarified that the cost will not be absorbed in the first year, but will occur over several years. With relatively few exceptions, and only to bring an employee to the minimum of the approved new pay ranges, no employee will receive an automatic salary increase. Mayor Dahl stated that the Personnel Subcommittee is in agreement with staff's recommendations. MOTION: Made by Council Member Fulton, seconded by Council Member Fulton, seconded by Council Member Moss, that Resolution No. 91-251 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding amending Resolution No. 90-546, partially amended by Resolution Nos. 91-103, 91-122, 91-123, 91-129, 91-171, and 91-250 by: A. (1) Deleting the existing Employee Classification Schedule and Salary Plan as of Midnight, June 22, 1991: (2) Establishing a new Employee Classification Schedule and Salary Plan effective June 23, 1991. B. (1) Deleting, as of Midnight, June 22, 1991, the current Executive Management Pay-for-Performance Salary Plan; and (2) Establishing a new Executive Management Pay-for-Performance Salary Plan effective June 23, 1991. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Arness, Buffum, Fulton, Moss, and Dahl Noes: Council Members - None Absent: Council Members - None Resolution No. 91-251 is on file in the office of the City Clerk. RESOLUTION - Budget Amendment for Redding Power and Clover Creek Drainage Projects * (B-130-070 & C-070-010 & S-070-300-090) Director of Finance Downing recalled that City Council authorized the down payment in the amount of $750,000 for acquisition of the Redding Power Generation Plant. In order to complete Council's earlier action, it is necessary to appropriate funds for said acquisition. In addition, the Clover Creek drainage project was approved, and a $35,000 appropriation was established in April 1990. The contract was not awarded prior to the end of the 1989-90 fiscal year. The appropriation expired and was not included for re-budgeting in 1991-92. It is the recommendation of staff to adopt a budget resolution to complete action pertaining to the Redding Power Plant and the Clover Creek drainage project. In response to Council Member Moss' question, Ms. Downing stated that the appropriation for the Clover Creek drainage project will come from the storm drain fund. MOTION: Made by Council Member Arness, seconded by Council Member Moss, Moss, that Resolution No. 91-252 be adopted, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding approving and adopting the 56th Amendment to the City Budget Resolution No. 90-362 appropriating $750,000 for the Redding Power Plant acquisition and appropriating $35,000 for the Clover Creek drainage project. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Arness, Buffum, Fulton, Moss, and Dahl Noes: Council Members - None Absent: Council Members - None Resolution No. 91-252 is on file in the office of the City Clerk. 6 6/24/91 BUDGET STUDY SESSION (B-130-070) Mayor Dahl conveyed that he supports the budget as proposed; however, with all of the uncertainties in the State's budget, adjustments may be made as the City determines what its revenue will be. Council Member Moss agreed. He stated that staff reached the budget goals Council set, and no matter what, Council will have to react to the State's budget. The following actions were taken during the budget study session. Public Works Position City Council concurred that recruitment for the Industrial Waste Analyst be allowed, but that no one will be hired until Council approves. Other positions that will be mandated can be brought to Council incrementally. DARE Officer Chief of Police Blankenship requested an additional allocation of $25,000 to fund the DARE officer position. He noted that it may be possible to fill the position through attrition in November. Staff is also working with other local agencies to create a county-wide DARE program and the position may become funded in great part through the Shasta County Office of Education. Council Member Arness suggested that the Chief of Police find the necessary funds for the position in the current Departmental budget. MOTION: Made by Council Member Fulton, seconded by Council Member Moss, to allocate an additional $25,000 to the Police Department for the DARE officer position and directing staff to utilize attrition to fill the position and continue to work with local agencies to coordinate a county-wide DARE program. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Buffum, Fulton, Moss, and Dahl Noes: Council Members - Arness Absent: Council Members - None PowerStat Pilot Project Director of Utilities Customer Service Vokal recommended that the PowerStat Pilot project be included in the 1991-92 budget. Electric Utility Director Lindley expressed reluctance to implement the PowerStat project at this time because of its impact on staff time. Mayor Dahl stated that it is the concurrence of Council to leave money in the budget for the implementation of the PowerStat Pilot project. Shasta County Library After discussion was held on the allocation of funds for the Shasta County Library and the Regional Library Commission, the following action was taken. MOTION: Made by Council Member Buffum, seconded by Council Member Arness, to allocate $150,000 to the Shasta County Library and allocate $15,240 to the Regional Library Commission in the fiscal year 1991-92 budget. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes Shasta County Arts Council Lisa Whipp, Executive Director of the Shasta County Arts Council, and Jamie Hollomon, Interim President of the Shasta County Arts Council, presented information about the status of the Arts Council. The fiscal year 1991-92 budget, a performance attendance report, and activities calendar for January 1 through June 30, 1991, were submitted to Council. The Arts Council is requesting one-time additional funding in the amount of $10,000. Community Services Director Gorman indicated that staff is also supporting the Arts Council by providing in-kind services. MOTION: Made by Council Member Buffum, seconded by Council Member Fulton, to allocate an additional $10,000 one-time funding to the Shasta County Arts Council. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes 7 6/24/91 Superior California Development Council Bob Nash, Executive Officer of the Superior California Development Council (SCDC), reviewed the background of the SCDC. He conveyed that funding is provided by the Federal Economic Development Administration with a 25% local match provided by the counties in the district. A report of its activities and a list of industries assisted by the revolving loan fund were submitted to Council. Mr. Nash stated that SCDC is requesting $7,000. Council determined that by assisting Shasta, Trinity, Modoc, and Siskiyou County, the City of Redding is enhanced. MOTION: Made by Council Member Moss, seconded by Council Member Fulton, to allocate $7,000 to the Superior California Development Council. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Arness, Buffum, Fulton, and Moss Noes: Council Members - None Absent: Council Members - None Abstain: Council Members - Dahl Approval of 1991-92 Budget City Manager Christofferson submitted a list of adjustments to the proposed budget (City Manager's Report to City Council dated June 24, 1991). The changes are those which are new additions or modifications and those which represent a re-budget or carryover of a currently budgeted item. It is the recommendation of the Finance Department to approve the changes. Mayor Dahl reiterated that when the State's budget is adopted, adjustments can be made to the City's budget. City Manager Christofferson explained that staff will prepare a resolution adopting the budget for consideration at City Council's next regular meeting. MOTION: Made by Council Member Moss, seconded by Council Member Buffum, to approve the 1991-92 fiscal year budget, and include allocations approved by City Council regarding funding for the Police Department DARE officer, Shasta County Library, Shasta County Arts Council, and Superior California Development Council, and changes recommended by the Finance Department, in concept, and direct staff to prepare a resolution to adopt the budget. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes CLOSED SESSION (L-100) Mayor Dahl stated that Council will adjourn to closed session pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(a) to discuss the status of pending litigation in the case of Danny Lee Baughman v. Paul Andre Ebersole, et al., Shasta County Superior Court Case No. 97842. At the hour of 7:30 p.m., Mayor Dahl adjourned the meeting to closed session. At the hour of 7:55 p.m., Mayor Dahl reconvened the meeting to regular session. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 7:58 p.m., Mayor Dahl declared the meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., July 2, 1991, at 1313 California Street, Redding, California. APPROVED: _____________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________________ City Clerk 8 6/24/91