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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-1993MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA APRIL 15, 1993 CALLED TO ORDER ATTENDANCE CONFERENCE ROOM SANTA ANA LIBRARY 26 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA 6:28 P.M. COUNCILMEMBERS Present: MIGUEL A. PULIDO, Mayor Pro Tern TOM LUTZ LISA MILLS TED R MORENO ROBERT L. RICHARDSON Absent: DAN YOUNG, Mayor RICK NORTON STAFF Present: DAVID N. REAM, City Manager EDWARD J. COOPER, City Attorney JANICE C. GUY, Clerk of the Council Absent: NONE BUDGET PRESENTATION City Manager David Ream reviewed the proposed FY 93-94 budget, projected a budget deficit of some $19 million, and explained City staff proposed to close the deficit through a combination of revenue increases, program reductions, and personnel cuts. Ream also noted Santa Ana's ratio of 5.25 City employees per 1,000 population was the lowest among California's eleven largest cities. Mayor Pro Tern Pulido noted the Council faced hard choices in resolving the budget deficit, and declared the Council was open to questions and suggestions. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 145 APRIL 15, 1993 Councilmember Moreno suggested the budget discussion proceed by department. As the discussion proceeded, Assistant City Manager Debra Kurita recorded the budget issues raised by the Council and the related dollar amounts. FIRE DEPARTMENT Councilmember Moreno opposed the imposition of a Utility Users Tax on cable television to fund fire services and the contracting out of fire dispatch services. Council discussed various aspects of these issues at length. Councilmember Lutz requested Fire Chief Bud Carter review a letter received by the Council suggesting ways to increase Fire Department revenues. In reply to Mayor Pro Tem Pulido's question, City Attorney Edward Cooper opined the City could charge the County for paramedic services provided to County jail inmates. City Manager Ream reported that the various Orange County cities' Fire Chiefs have been contemplating a regional approach to fire services to increase efficiency. Councilmember Richardson supported the idea of regionaiizing fire support services, but not fire fighting services, and suggested that staff investigate making Santa Ana a hub as a regional fire services provider. POLICE DEPARTMENT In response to Councilmember Lutz' concerns, Police Chief Paul Walters explained that providing a temporary jail was more crucial than increasing the number of police officers because the lack of detention facilities currently caused 40% of arrestees to be cited and released which demoralized the Department. In response to Councilmember Richardson's question, Police Chief Walters explained the mechanics of receiving asset seizure monies and noted the department would be informed well in advance of any funding changes. Councilmember Richardson requested staff investigate the feasibility of "privatizing" the removal of abandoned vehicles to enhance revenues and improve the aesthetics of the City. PLANNING AND BUILDING AGENCY Mayor Pro Tem Pulido and Councilmember Mills requested Planning and Building Agency Executive Director Robyn Uptegraff review the Agency's various fees to ensure that the cost of doing business in Santa Ana remains competitive with other jurisdictions, particularly the Central Orange County area. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 146 APRIL 15, L093 Councilmember Richardson asked Director Uptegraff to provide Council with historic data correlating Agency staff size and personnel costs with workload, e.g., number of development projects. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY Mayor Pro Tem Pulido and Councilmember Richardson requested that the proposed cuts in Economic Development be made an issue for further discussion. RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Councilmembers Richardson and Moreno expressed reservations about Recreation and Community Services' proposal to raise $40,000 through new and higher fees. LIBRARY SERVICES Councilmember Lutz suggested the use of Clinton Administration Weed and Seed money to fund the McFadden Branch Library as a "seed" program. By unanimous informal consent, the Council voted to reject the proposal to close the McFadden Branch Library. Councilmember Mills asked staff to disseminate this information to the public to spare McFadden Library supporters the inconvenience of attending the April 19 Council Meeting. Councilmember Moreno asked that the proposal to cut the book budget be discussed further. Rudy Moreno, Rancho Santiago College faculty member, spoke in support of the McFadden Branch Library and of joint education-related ventures involving the City of Orange, the Rancho Santiago College District, and the City of Santa Ana. Councilmember Lutz inquired as to the ability of the City's Library Board to raise additional funds. Councilmember Richardson asked staff to work with the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) to encourage evening operations at high school libraries and/or opening satellite City library branches at SAUSD high schools. Maggie Brown, a volunteer representative, reported on citywide efforts by various volunteer groups to keep the McFadden Branch Library open. PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY In response to Councilmember Mill's query, City Manager Ream and Public Worka Agency Executive Director Jim Ross explained that staff was not recommending the contracting out of street sweeping services at this time based on other cities' negative experiences with contracted street sweeping. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 147 APRIL 15, 1993 Councilmember Moreno asked staff look into the feasibility of operating a City-owned towing service. Councilmember Mills expressed concern regarding the proposed water rate increases. Councilmember Richardson requested staff to provide Council with statistics showing Santa Ana's ranking relative to other jurisdictions on water rates. PERSONNEL Councilmember Moreno asked staff to quantify the budget impact of a voluntary Santa Ana City Employees Association/Service Employees International Union action to forego its 3 % pay raises scheduled for FY 93-94. FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES Councilmember Moreno asked staff to quantify the budget impact of management bonuses and car allowances. CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE Mayor Pro Tern Pulido expressed concern over the proposed deletion of Senior Management Assistant Jill Arthur's position, noting negative impacts on the City's lobbying efforts. SUMMARY DISCUSSION City Manager Ream indicated that the budget issues raised by the Council would require further cuts and/or revenue increases in the amount of $3,776,310. Councilmembers Richardson and Mills stated they would reserve the right to comment further on the budget as the approval process proceeded. Mayor Pro Tem Pulido acknowledged the tremendous effort needed for seven Councilmembers to reach a consensus on the budget. ADJOURNED - 8:19 P.M. Clerk of the Council CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 148 AIqOL 15, 1993