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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - unsigned - 1992-10-281 10/28/92 City Council, Adjourned Regular Meeting October 28, 1992 Convention Center Redding, California 1:00 p.m. The Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Moss with the following Council Members present: Anderson, Arness, Dahl, Kehoe, and Moss. 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, Police Captain McKinnie, Police Captain Dirks, Director of Community Services Gorman, Director of Finance Downing, Director of General Services Masingale, Director of Recreation and Parks Riley, Director of Information Systems Kelley, Director of Personnel Bristow, Director of Airports Ruff, Budget Services Officer Starman, Public Information Officer Bachman, Police Investigator Brenner, and City Clerk Strohmayer. STATE OF THE CITY REPORT (P-145-800) City Manager Christofferson stated that staff is progressing on the State of the City Report and the State of the City luncheon will be sponsored by the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce in late January. Public Information Officer Bachman presented Council with an update on the status of the State of the City Report. He noted that the theme of the Report will be meeting fiscal challenges while continuing to provide excellent basic services. Council Member Dahl noted that the general fund budget has been reduced by over 20% and the public should be aware of that. He also suggested that the Report mention the working relationship between the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the City, and note that the City is a major funding source. He also asked to send a message that the EDC is the lead entity for industrial development. CRUISE ORDINANCE & GANG ACTIVITY (P-150-150) Lieutenant Byard presented an update on gang activity and related problems in the City of Redding. He stressed that it is a community problem requiring community solutions and there is still time to take preventive measures. Captain Dirks presented an update on the proposed no-cruise ordinance, and a video of "cruise" activity was shown to Council. Captain Dirks explained how the ordinance would be enforced, and noted that the ordinance is a tool that can prevent future problems. Captain Dirks stated that another report will be presented to Council at a later date. Council Member Kehoe asked if, as a result of the no-cruise ordinance in the Downtown Area, the cruise problem will be shifted to another locale. Captain Dirks said that is possible; however, the department is prepared to meet that challenge. In response to Council Member Dahl's question, Captain Dirks explained that the cruise ordinance pertains only to the Downtown Area. Council Member Anderson asked when the ordinance will come before Council for consideration. Captain Dirks replied that the proposed ordinance is being reviewed by the City Attorney and will be submitted within 45 to 60 days. Regarding gang activity, Council Member Kehoe inquired how many young adults are involved in gang activity. Police Investigator Brenner responded that there are 40 different groups which range in size from eight to 100 young people at any one time. The total number of youth affiliated with gangs is in excess of 400. Police Investigator Brenner explained that it is common for people to think this problem is caused by outside influences; however, the reality is that local young people are very much involved. 2 10/28/92 Council Member Anderson complimented the Police Department on an excellent job in traffic and apprehension and inquired if there was anything Council could do to assist with community prevention measures to suppress gang activity. Lieutenant Byard said Council can assist in mobilizing the community and make the public aware of the problem and encourage community involvement. He added that the Department is working closely with school districts and sending a message that this type of activity will not be tolerated. GOLF COURSE PROPOSAL (P-050) Recreation and Parks Director Riley reviewed the progress of the proposed development of a public golf course on property located at the Stillwater Sewage Treatment Plant. Mr. Riley explained that two years ago, Council authorized staff to conduct a golf market and feasibility study and ultimately accepted the study. Copies of the study were distributed to firms in the golf industry and the following three firms expressed interest in getting involved in such a project: Blue Tee Golf from Southern California, First Golf from Denver, Colorado, and Roger Baird Design from Tennessee. Each firm subsequently visited Redding to tour the proposed site. He asked if Council favored the project and invited Council to give staff guidance. Council Member Dahl asked about the financial impact to the City. Assistant City Manager McMurry explained there are a range of financing options available. If the City chose tax exempt financing for the project, the financial return is greater and there is some risk. Conversely, if a developer finances the project, the financial return and risk are smaller. Council Member Kehoe asked who is responsible for addressing environmental concerns. Mr. McMurry conveyed that as the landowner, the City would be responsible for environmental issues; and he stressed the importance of working with the Department of Fish and Game during the design phase. Mayor Moss said there is no doubt that a first-class golf course can be built that will also enhance the environment. He pointed out that a golf course will be a profitable venture for the City, and he suggested that Council move forward and ask for presentations from those interested in developing the project. Council Member Dahl pointed out that irrigating the golf course with wastewater will mitigate the amount of wastewater flowing into the river. Council Member Anderson said this is a wonderful addition to the park and recreation system and a potential revenue source for the City. Mr. McMurry indicated there are two courses of action Council may take: (1) Ask firms to present their qualifications and after conducting a quality check, select five to ten firms to submit proposals; and (2) Send out a detailed request for proposals and have everybody respond. MOTION: Made by Council Member Anderson, seconded by Council Member Arness, directing staff to ask firms to present their qualifications for developing a golf course and invite the top-rated firms to submit a detailed proposal; and continue to pursue the feasibility of developing a golf course on property located near the Stillwater Sewage Treatment Plant. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes Council Member Kehoe said it may behoove the City to maintain contact with the City of Anderson on the progress of the project. Mayor Moss said he will send a letter alerting Anderson that the City of Redding is moving forward with the golf course. PRIVATIZATION STUDY (B-050) City Manager Christofferson recalled that staff submitted a report to Council on August 18, 1992, regarding privatization of City services. Noting that staff identified various City services and rated them according to feasibility for privatization, Mr. Christofferson invited Council to test staff's rating and rate the services for feasibility. 3 10/28/92 Council Member Dahl agreed that Council should rank City services and during the next budget process, those departments that are affected by those services ranked feasible can look at privatization as an alternative. He added that the time and money to conduct a major study on this issue is not available. Mr. Christofferson agreed and added that if Council decided on five, ten, or fifteen areas for consideration, staff can work on them on an incremental basis. Council Member Anderson asked if staff has considered the possibility of the County and cities of Redding and Anderson forming a joint powers venture for services such as vehicle maintenance, etc. Mr. Christofferson conveyed that vehicle maintenance has not been considered; however, SHASCOM is a good example of multiple agencies working together. Noting that it is the consensus of Council to rate various services for the feasibility of privatization, Mr. Christofferson said staff will merge Council's findings and focus on those services that rate the highest. Council Member Kehoe asked for copies of material on privatization that Council Member Arness and Assistant City Manager McMurry indicated were available. WORK FORCE MANAGEMENT PLAN (P-100-200) A copy of the Work Force Management Plan was submitted to Council. Personnel Director Bristow conveyed that the Plan includes departmental organizational charts and class specifications for positions. He noted that the Skills Bank Inventory Survey given to employees resulted in a 30% response and the next step is to enter the survey results into the computer for retrieval on an as- needed basis. Council Member Kehoe complimented staff for a fine job and said it clarifies how the pieces fit together. He believes it is a valuable working tool. MOTION: Made by Council Member Anderson, seconded by Council Member Kehoe, to accept the Work Force Management Plan: The Vote: Unanimous Ayes COUNCIL GOALS (A-050-060) City Manager Christofferson recalled that a Mission and Goals Statement was developed by Council a couple years ago and Council recently reaffirmed that statement, as well as a policy on the environment and economic development. Mr. Christofferson said the next step is to consider long-term goals up to thirty years in the future. Mr. Christofferson opined that it is beneficial to have some sort of process to look at long-term goals, and several options involving the public in the process were outlined. He asked Council which direction they would like to move in. Council Member Arness noted it is difficult to say where Council wants to go in the absence of knowing how to fund it. He suggested discussing fiscal aspects first. Council Member Anderson asked if Council would be duplicating the Community Needs Assessment Report or is the Report the source document and it is only necessary to find the funds. Mr. Christofferson stated that the fiscal aspect is important; but, a dream must be developed and as leaders of the community, Council should define the dream. Council Member Anderson suggested using the Community Needs Assessment Report as a source document, add fiscal figures, and Council can opt to hold a public hearing on the plan. Council Member Arness pointed out that the Community Needs Assessment Report was driven by the Community Development Block Grant program, and it pertains to issues such as low- and very low-income housing compared to widening the Interstate 5 intersection or completing Enterprise Park. The Report is a first step, but he opined it should not be the focal point. 4 10/28/92 Mayor Moss opined that Council is rehashing the issues discussed at the last Council meeting including whether or not to hire an outside consultant to put together a long-term fiscal plan for the City. The decision was made to defer action until Council had a better look at the budget, and he suggested sticking with that decision until the financial picture clears. Mayor Moss said he does not favor designating a blue ribbon committee to define community goals because a broad spectrum of views is important. Noting that the Community Needs Assessment Report contains a broad spectrum viewpoint, he suggested Council review that document and not make any decisions until budget proceedings. Council Member Dahl concurred. He opined that Council is not in a proactive mode and the general fund has been cut 20%; and although needs assessment is great, it adds up to money that is not available. Mr. Christofferson clarified that long-term goals is a much broader effort than needs assessment. Long-term goals are more accurately characterized as a dream of where Council wants to be in thirty years. Mayor Moss opined that the timing is not good for Council to be addressing long-range community goals when it is currently struggling to balance the budget. Council Member Dahl stated that the City's focus and energy for many years to come will be a matter of providing basic services, and people will have to look at government differently. Mr. Christofferson said that is precisely what he is asking for. If Council wants to focus on basic services only, that needs to be known. Council Member Kehoe said it is obvious that within the next five years, the City will be developing projects in partnership with the community, be prudent in fiscal management, provide a high level of basic services to the public, and maintain basic infrastructure. Mr. Christofferson noted that the comments made by Council Member Kehoe are helpful; but, the question is whether Council wants to broaden the process to bring in more involvement, evaluation, and deliberation. He said it was his understanding that Mayor Moss was not interested in proceedings with the development of long-term goals at this time. It was the consensus of Council to defer moving ahead on addressing long-range goals at this time. PRIVATIZATION OF SOFTBALL COMPLEX (P-050-600-200) Recreation and Parks Director Riley outlined the history of the proposed softball complex. Since Council expressed interest in privatizing the project, staff solicited information on this matter. He conveyed that Daniel Saccani and Bill Green have indicated an interest in developing a softball complex and they are present to answer any questions. Council Member Dahl recalled that the project was denied because of its impact on the general fund and concern over potential litigation. He opined that the site was perfect, but it was not politically feasible; and it was his belief that the site was dead. Council Member Dahl said he is not opposed to privatization of the project, but the issue is one of choosing an alternative site. Council Member Arness said he shares Council Member Dahl's concerns, but he still views the Riverland site as viable. Council Member Anderson opined that it is probably the best site in Redding; however, he shares concerns that the project can ever be built there. Council Member Dahl asked if Messrs. Saccani's and Green's proposal is site specific, and Council Member Anderson questioned whether they would be willing to put up funds for legal defense. 5 10/28/92 Phil Green explained how he and Daniel Saccani became interested in developing and operating a softball complex. He outlined their proposal to develop the project in conjunction with the City providing the land and infrastructure. Mr. Saccani opined that the design plan is excellent and their only proposed change is to enlarge the restaurant. Mr. Riley stated that the estimated cost to the City for construction of certain off-site improvements for the Riverland Drive site would be approximately $300,000.00. Mr. Saccani conveyed that the project will be family-oriented and they would try to organize tournaments every weekend. It was his opinion that they are not locked into that site; however, it is an outstanding plan, and it had been his understanding that the legal bickering was over. From a business standpoint, he doubted they would take on the legal aspects because they could not convince investors to sit on their dollars pending the outcome of litigation. Council Member Dahl asked how many acres are necessary to build this project. Mr. Saccani conveyed that a minimum of 30 acres is necessary for the proposed design. Council Member Anderson asked if Messrs. Saccani and Green have explored any other City-owned properties to which Mr. Saccani replied no. Council Member Dahl pointed out that the Recreation and Parks Commission will be holding a study session to discuss the use of funds designated for the softball project. He suggested that surplus City-owned land be identified and discussed as possible sites for a softball complex. Mr. Riley agreed, and noted that if the Riverland site is not going to be used for a softball complex, its possible use for something else or its sale should be discussed. Mayor Moss suggested that due to the overriding legal problems, the Riverland site be eliminated. Council Member Anderson suggested that Recreation and Parks Director Riley show Messrs. Saccani and Green alternative sites. MOTION: Made by Council Member Anderson, seconded by Council Member Kehoe, to not proceed with investigating a softball complex project at the Riverland Drive site at this time. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Anderson, Dahl, Kehoe, and Moss Noes: Council Members - Arness Absent: Council Members - None Council Member Arness questioned if Council must solicit alternative proposals if a developer approached the City with a proposed project. Mayor Moss expressed his view that once the decision is made to proceed with a project on a certain basis under privatization, then Council would have an obligation to put out a Request for Proposals (RFP). If, on the other hand, a viable package was submitted which could be duplicated by someone else, Council would be breaking trust in going to an RFP. Mr. Riley clarified that if a site is found for Messrs. Saccani and Green to proceed with a softball complex project, Council has no objection to discussing a viable project, rather than soliciting bids. Mayor Moss said that is Council's consensus. Council Member Anderson stated that the financial viability of the group would be important. Noting that there have been environmental objections, legal challenges, and fiscal problems with this project, Council Member Kehoe questioned why Council was still considering this site. Council Member Arness said it was his belief that the Land Use Element aspect was being cleared up and it was still a viable site. 6 10/28/92 Mayor Moss noted that the Churn Creek Bottom opposition is not a monolithic group, and there is probably more support for the sports complex than opposition. Rather, it is a fairly small group of people willing to pay the cost of litigation. Council Member Dahl said his main concern was the litigation potential, and he believed the project was dead. Mayor Moss noted that Council Member Anderson specifically stated in the motion "at this site at this time." Council Member Anderson noted that he did not say the project could not rise again. FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL FORECAST (B-130-070) Director of Finance Downing submitted the Long-Range Financial Plan covering the period July 1, 1992, through June 30, 1997, providing estimates for revenues, expenditures, and available fund balances. Ms. Downing conveyed that the Plan has been revised based on Council's recommendations after the original presentation to Council on June 4, 1992. Budget Services Officer Starman reviewed the Long-Range Financial Plan. In response to Council Member Dahl, Mr. Starman indicated that costs relating to the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Assessment Districts had not been factored into the Plan. Council Member Arness pointed out that the City will be taking in less money from community facilities assessment districts than it costs to provide services. Council Member Anderson said it would be useful to Council if expenditures could be broken down by categories such as personnel costs, materials and supplies, etc. Council Member Anderson said he would like to see the budget reserve increased to 10% over time. He questioned if Council should adopt the Financial Plan now or wait until the direction the economy is taking is known. Mr. Christofferson noted that the Plan will be revised mid-year and Council could reconsider the document in January. Ms. Downing clarified that the Financial Plan is a living document and adjustments can be made based on available information. Mayor Moss pointed out that figures on the First Quarter sales tax, etc., will be available by January, and there is no reason to make a decision at this point. MOTION: Made by Council Member Anderson, seconded by Council Member Dahl, to defer action on the Five-Year Financial Forecast at this time. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes Council Member Arness opined that the document is not very conservative. Council Member Anderson asked for expenditures to be broken down by categories when Council reconsiders the Financial Plan in January. Mayor Moss expressed concern over the expenditure assumptions for the Police and Fire Departments which are projected to increase by the rate of inflation plus growth after fiscal year 1993-94. Mr. Christofferson explained that while staff has provided for certain expenditures projections, Council may opt to spend less and the budget is obviously ahead by whatever the difference is. BUDGET POLICIES (B-130-070) 7 10/28/92 Director of Finance Downing submitted copies of City Council's Budget Policies for review. In addition, a list of specific budget issues was submitted for Council's consideration. Mayor Moss suggested that Council wait until December when the Board of Equalization tax figures come in before Council gives guidance. Council Member Anderson concurred. Council Member Dahl noted that when a vacancy arises and the position is not filled because of the hiring freeze, funds are still budgeted to fill the position. He asked if Council's intent is to eliminate the position and reduce the service level or not. He said staff needs direction. Council Member Dahl pointed out that if a position is added after the budget is approved, a supplemental appropriation must be adopted. Inversely, if there is a vacancy and a hiring freeze and the intent is to eliminate that position permanently, the budget should be amended to show that. Noting that Council Member Dahl is asking if Council wants to change the authorized personnel level of a department every time someone leaves, Mayor Moss said he can foresee problems with that. Council Member Anderson clarified his intent was to create empty slots; and before eliminating the hiring freeze, those empty slots would be reviewed to eliminate as many as possible. Those that cannot be eliminated would become available to fill. Mayor Moss said that was his understanding. City Manager Christofferson said staff is currently taking that course. So far, three positions have been affected, and staff is aggregating the number of dollars that represents which will become part of the box score. He noted that one of these positions should be filled, and staff will try to fill the position and leave the least essential job vacant. Mr. Christofferson pointed out that when personnel is short, the amount of overtime increases and that impacts the budget. Council Member Dahl suggested that when Council approves its next budget, Council consider those vacant positions and levels of service during budget study sessions. Council Member Arness said he hoped that some level of service would be formulated and then at the end of next fiscal year, Council would have a good handle on where things are with COLAs, step increases, and the number of personnel. Council Member Kehoe asked if the box score on the hiring freeze can be tied to the departmental organizational charts in future reports. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 4:40 p.m., Mayor Moss declared the meeting adjourned. APPROVED: ________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ City Clerk