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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-27-2010 Adopted CC Sp Mtg~ Or' DU~~~ MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL ~,,` OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN ~- ~ -~ sz ~ // SPECIAL MEETING - April 27, 2010 '^\ ~ < ~i/ Call to Order A special meeting of the Dublin City Council was held on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, in the Council Chambers of the Dublin Civic Center. The meeting was called to order at 6:04:16 PM., by Mayor Sbranti. • ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Biddle, Hart, Hildenbrand, Scholz, and Mayor Sbranti ABSENT: None • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The pledge of allegiance to the flag was recited by the City Council, Staff and those present. Cm. Hart stated, "I am an Alameda County employee, and work in the Sheriff's department. One of the items slated for discussion this evening, relating to a proposed reduction in the Dublin Police Services staffing levels at Hacienda Crossings, might result in an amendment to the City's Police Services agreement with Alameda County. I will therefore recuse myself from all participation in that matter, and ask the City Clerk to include my statement in the minutes of this meeting." Assistant City Attorney Stephen Muzio stated, "To expand on Councilmember Hart's statement, I would like to provide some additional background. The Government Code prohibits City Councilmembers from taking part in discussions that may result in modifications to agreements in which they have a financial interest. As an employee of the County, Councilmember Hart is deemed to have a financial interest in the City's Police Services Agreement with the County. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES ~ VOLUME 29 ~oF~ SPECIAL MEETING 19'~~ '_,~ `~ April 27, 2010 ~~~~~~ ~~ ~ The City Attorney's office has reviewed the agenda materials for this evening's meeting, and has concluded only one item, the proposed reduction in staffing levels at Hacienda Crossings, would require an amendment to that agreement. Though the Council will be discussing other issues relating to Dublin Police Services, none of these discussion items could result in an amendment to the Police Services Agreement. Since no amendment would be required on those matters, Councilmember Hart is legally permitted to take part in those portions of the Council's discussion." 2. Public Comment 6:07:50 PM No comments were made by any member of the public at this time. 3. Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Budpet Reduction Recommendations (330-20) ~•n~•~A PM City Manager Pattillo presented the Staff Report and advised that the City Council would consider specific actions to reduce the City's Fiscal Year 2010-2011 projected General Fund budget shortfall. Cm. Biddle confirmed the reductions presented by the City Manager included the elimination of one vacant office position. City Manager Pattillo stated that was correct. Mayor Sbranti asked, in terms of reductions in the category of Culture and Leisure, what was included in "reduction in maintenance of parks". City Manager Pattillo stated that it included tree maintenance and turf aeration. This had been discussed with MCE and the Parks and Community Services Department. Cm. Hart stated this would then be a reduction in staff hours. City Manager Pattillo stated yes, and there were also savings as it related to supplies. Vm. Hildenbrand asked how the sports parks would be affected. Cm. Scholz left the dais and the meeting at 6:18:29 PM. Mayor Sbranti asked if there would be any prioritization of sports parks continuing to be maintained in these reductions. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2 VOLUME 29 0~ SPECIAL MEETING 19,~ , ~ ;~ April 27, 2010 `~~ ~ ~, Dean McDonald, MCE representative, stated most of the reductions were to take the aeration completely away from neighborhood parks. As far as sports parks were concerned, they were aware of the need to continue to maintain these fields. Fertilization had been reduced from five times to three times. He was not anticipating any problems with a reduced schedule. Cm. Hart asked if the changes to the field maintenance would have any significant impacts. Mr. McDonald stated that he did not anticipate any impacts. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended Operating Budget reductions, as detailed in the Staff Report: General Government, $49,655; Public Safety, $548,380; Transportation, $1,628; Culture and Leisure, $182,881; and Community Development, $120,565, for a total reduction of $903,109. Mayor Sbranti read into the record a statement left by Cm. Scholz before her departure due to illness. She stated, "Be cognizant of the State. If the State does take any of our designated funds, what are we going to do, or what is the plan for that? What is Staff going to do about that?" City Manager Pattillo stated it was a mystery to everyone. Sacramento had been very silent. That was a cause for concern. The proposed deficit for the coming year did not take into account any State takeaways. Mayor Sbranti continued with Cm. Scholz's statements, "We will need to continue to re- evaluate as the year moves forward. We will retain good if not superior service with the plans presented. I accept the plan as presented. Staff does a great job." City Manager Pattillo discussed the additional recommended Operating Budget Reductions of $641,426, including General Government, $34,312; Public Safety, $193,857; Transportation, $38,532; and Culture and Leisure, $374,725. General Government Reductions: City Manager Pattillo discussed the proposed reductions in General Government. Mayor Sbranti stated if a maintenance issue was to arise that would incur greater long term costs, then that item should not be reduced. City Manager Pattillo stated Staff would continue to have cost benefit discussions. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES a VOLUME 29 ~~pp~~ SPECIAL MEETING ,9;~~~~~~ April 27, 2010 ~~ ~ ~ ~4GIFpR~~~ Public Safetv: City Manager Pattillo discussed the proposed reductions in Public Safety. Mayor Sbranti asked how many Police Academies were held now. City Manager Pattillo stated there were two academies. Now there would be one. Cm. Hart recused himself at 6:26:48 PM from the Chambers during discussion of the reduction of a police officer. Cm. Hart returned at 6:28:14 PM Mayor Sbranti asked if the reduction in Street Sweeping would impact compliance with the Regional Quality Control Board. City Manager Pattillo stated that was taken into consideration and the City would still be in compliance. Transportation: City Manager Pattillo discussed the proposed reductions in Transportation. Culture and Leisure: City Manager Pattillo discussed the proposed reductions in Culture and Leisure. Cm. Hart asked about if there had been any significant designation for equipment replacement. Parks and Community Services Director Diane Lowart stated that one of the recommended improvements was to replace the stretch wall in the Community Library Room. Money had been left in the budget for HVAC repair. Critical items remained in the budget. Mayor Sbranti asked, in terms of reduced park maintenance, how this was different from the similar reduction recommended earlier. Mr. McDonald stated this amount encompassed all the previously mentioned reductions, and more. They would take a better look at materials being used for field renovations and use materials more wisely. Cm. Biddle asked if winter programs were already planned. City Manager Pattillo stated the winter concerts were almost cost neutral. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES a VOLUME 29 `~OFDp SPECIAL MEETING 19' ~~ ~ April 27, 2010 ~`~~j~~ `~GI R~ Mayor Sbranti asked about the average attendance at the movie nights. Assistant Director of Parks and Community Services Paul McCreary stated the average was about 900 attendees. Vm. Hildenbrand asked about the frequency of use of the Teen Website. Mr. McCreary stated that there were about 4,000 hits per quarter. Use had been trending downward. Mayor Sbranti asked how many people used the Dublin pool in May. Mr. McCreary stated there were primarily swim lessons at the pool in May. The pool was currently heated from February through September. The proposed reduction would have the pool heated only from February through the end of August. The City Council and Staff discussed the proposed reductions included in General Government. Cm. Hart stated that the City was not proposing to eliminate services, just reducing services. This was a huge point. If the City was going to consider this additional $641,426 in reductions, it would be appropriate to put on the table for consideration the $125,000 that was previously directed to the Community Grants. This item was not currently on the reduction list. It should be part of this consideration. Vm. Hildenbrand asked if he was saying the City should not fund the Community Grants. Cm. Hart stated he was not saying that, but they should be considered as part of these reductions and discussed. Mayor Sbranti stated he did not necessarily agree with Cm. Hart's proposal, but direction could be given to Staff for consideration. Cm. Hart stated this might be the time to discuss this reduction. It should be on the table as well. The City might not eliminate them, but they needed to be part of the conversation. Mayor Sbranti asked if there were any other suggestions for reduction that were not part of the Staff presentation. Cm. Biddle stated he did not have any at this time, but he might have some later. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES s VOLUME 29 SPECIAL MEETING `~OFDpB~ i; ;~ ~~ April 27, 2010 ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~'~I~~~S By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended additional General Government reductions, as detailed in the Staff Report, in the amount of $34,312. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended additional Public Safety reductions, as detailed in the Staff Report, in the amount of $14,167. This amount did not include the reduction of one Hacienda Crossings Officer in the amount of $179,690. This item would be discussed last to allow Cm. Hart to recuse himself from the discussion. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended additional Transportation reductions, as detailed in the Staff Report, in the amount of $38,532. City Manager Pattillo stated that the Culture and Leisure proposed reductions would be discussed individually. Cm. Hart asked, in terms of the two items regarding library hour reductions, about the hours of operation, Monday through Friday, if both items were approved. City Manager Pattillo stated library hours would need to be discussed with Alameda County as they needed to work with staffing once direction was given. The library was currently opened 59 hours a week. The City currently funded 31 of those hours and the County funded 28 hours. These hours had grown over a number of years. If the City reduced hours by six per week, service levels hours would be equivalent to those of 2006-2007. Cm. Hart asked if there were any considerations by the County to cut hours. City Manager Pattillo stated the County had already reduced hours in relation to three day holidays. Mayor Sbranti asked that the hours reduced be during the least used library times. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended reductions in the Cultural and Leisure category related to Library - Reduced General Operating Hours -$114,082. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended reductions in the Cultural and Leisure category related to Library - Elimination of Friday Hours -$129,356. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended reductions in the Cultural and Leisure category related to Library - Holiday Lights -$2,078. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6 VOLUME 29 SPECIAL MEETING qpFpUB 19;~~~~;~ April 27, 2010 ~~ ~ ~ ~4GIFOR~~ By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended reductions in the Cultural and Leisure category related to Library - Reduced Equipment Replacement -$7,500. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended reductions in the Cultural and Leisure category related to Park Maintenance - Reduced Park Maintenance -$77,480. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended reductions in the Cultural and Leisure category related to Teen Programs - Operational Reduction -$2,366. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended reductions in the Cultural and Leisure category related to Teen Programs - Eliminate Teen Website -$9,466. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended reductions in the Cultural and Leisure category related to Senior Programs - Eliminate Trips & Tours Program -$3,411. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended reductions in the Cultural and Leisure category related to Senior Programs - Reduce Newsletter/Webpage -$5,937. Vm. Hildenbrand asked, in relation to the Senior Programs - Modify Lunch Service Program item, about Spectrum's quality of food. Would it be a lot of processed food? City Manager Pattillo stated they had very strident dietary guidelines for senior diets. Mr. McCreary stated the vendor met nutritional guidelines. They currently cook out of the Pleasanton Senior Center. They were utilized by both Pleasanton and Hayward and they were pleased with the food and services. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended reductions in the Cultural and Leisure category related to Senior Programs - Modify Lunch Service Program -$12,852. Mayor Sbranti asked that the lunch program be monitored. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended reductions in the Cultural and Leisure category related to Aquatics Program - Reduce Swim Season -$5,793. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7 VOLUME 29 ~~OFDpB~ SPECIAL MEETING 1;~~~;~ April 27, 2010 ~~ ~ ~~ ~'~,~a~s Vm. Hildenbrand proposed that the City eliminate the concert series altogether. Attendance was not that large. There were more people that went to the outdoor movies. The City had a niche when it came to movie nights. City Manager Pattillo stated that the Dublin Activity guide had three concerts listed. The City needed to find out if it was contractually obligated to go through with the concerts. Mayor Sbranti stated there was a larger draw for the movie nights. The demographics were different for the different events. Vm. Hildenbrand stated the City would still have the winter concerts. Cm. Hart asked what would be the additional savings if the additional three concerts were reduced. City Manager Pattillo stated it would depend on the artist. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget revised recommendations in terms of Cultural Activities - Reduced Summer Concerts -$6,965. All concerts were to be eliminated as long as there were no contractual obligations in place. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget revised recommendations in terms of Community Events - Reduced Family Movie Nights -$6,070. The three scheduled movies would be kept in the budget. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff not to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended reductions in the Cultural and Leisure category related to Community Events - Eliminate Tree Lighting Event -$2,955. The Tree Lighting Event would be continued. Cm. Hart stated that City was making significant cuts and reductions. City Staff had not received a salary increase in the last few years and there were significant cuts across the board both operationally, as well as to parks and the library. The Community Grants had been excluded from discussion today due to the approval process associated with the grants. If there was going to be a discussion of reductions, then the Community Grants should also be put on the table. Mayor Sbranti stated the community groups did a lot of work and the City did not have a full social services department. So many of the community groups did a lot of outreach and work within the community and they were getting cut in a lot of areas. Because it was late in the City's process for funding these groups, they were planning on the funding that had been pledged. It was not final until the budget was adopted. But these groups were DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES s VOLUME 29 `~OFDpe~ SPECIAL MEETING i;~~~;~ April 27, 2010 ~~ ~ ~~ ~4LIFOR~~ counting on the funds from the City. He would like to see the discussion take place for FY 2011-2012. Cm. Hart stated the City had not agreed to fund these groups. The City had never made the kind of cuts the City was proposing right now. Vm. Hildenbrand stated that she agreed with Mayor Sbranti that the point to consider not funding the groups had passed for the coming fiscal year. She would be willing to discuss it for the following fiscal year. These groups had already gone through the process. They were setting up their budgets with City funds in mind. At this point, she would be willing to look at it next year for the FY 2011-2012 budget. Cm. Hart stated that no one would say these services were not needed within our community. In November of next year, he would immediately be saying he could not recommend the funding of the Community Grants. Mayor Sbranti stated Cm. Hart's point was well taken. He just was not comfortable in considering it for FY 2010-2011. City Manager Pattillo proposed to the City Council, as it related to the Community Grants out of the General Fund, if the budget was adopted, the letters that went to the organizations about funding for FY 2010-2011 could contain information that there would be a discussion of possible elimination of funding by the City Council. The information would be included to the community groups in a letter in July. At 7:15:21 PM, Cm. Hart recused himself from the dais for discussion of Police - Reduce one Hacienda Crossings Officer - $179,690. Mayor Sbranti asked about the hours of coverage for the third officer at Hacienda Crossings. City Manager Pattillo stated it was not good practice to discuss the officer's patrol function. None of the proposed reductions were easy. This was an area that needed to be reviewed operationally. Mayor Sbranti stated that there would still be two officers at Hacienda Crossings. Vm. Hildenbrand stated she was uncomfortable with this proposed reduction. There had been incidents at Hacienda Crossings. She was concerned that if an officer was eliminated, there might be an increase of incidents, particularly during the holiday season. From a public safety aspect, she was uncomfortable with this proposal. City Manager Pattillo stated that, if there were issues, the Police Chief would make the City Manager aware. She would monitor this with the Police Chief. This past holiday season, DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES s VOLUME 29 F~ SPECIAL MEETING 19'` '_~ `~ April 27, 2010 ~~~ % ~, ~ the crime suppression team put together by Chief Nice led to no disturbances at Hacienda Crossings during the holiday season. Vm. Hildenbrand stated having the extra officer presence helped deter crime during the holiday season. This was a difficult cut for her. Where would funding come from if the City had to reinstitute the officer? City Manager Pattillo stated funding would come out of reserves. Cm. Biddle stated if a problem arose, officers could be shifted. It was not as if there would never be another officer at Hacienda Crossings. Mayor Sbranti stated the $179,690 cost was a full time officer, fully loaded with overhead. Was there a way that there could be a third officer at the busiest times at Hacienda Crossings? City Manager Pattillo stated she would leave that discussion with the Police Chief. The crime suppression during the holidays had been quite successful under the leadership of Chief Nice. The City Council needed to lend its consideration for deployment of police resources to Chief Nice. Mayor Sbranti stated he was comfortable going with the recommendation, while closely monitoring the situation. If there seemed to be a need to increase officers at Hacienda Crossings, the City would do that. Vm. Hildenbrand reiterated her concerns with this proposed reduction. Cm. Biddle stated that public safety was not the sole responsibility of Police Services. The patrons of the shopping center and the community had some responsibility, as did business owners and parents. They should never assume that it was solely Police Services responsibility. By majority vote (Vm. Hildenbrand voting no, Cm. Hart recused, Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council directed Staff to incorporate into the FY 2010-2011 budget the recommended reduction in the Public Safety category related to Police - Reduce One Hacienda Crossings Officer - $179,690. At 7:28:23 PM, Cm. Hart returned to the dais. City Manager discussed City Council -Initiated Objectives - General Fund: By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council agreed to Implement a formal, year- round volunteer program for groups, families and individuals by a Volunteer Clearinghouse using Volunteer Center of the East Bay with an associate cost of $0. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES ~o VOLUME 29 ~oF~ SPECIAL MEETING ,9;~ ~_~ ,~ April 27, 2010 ~~~~~ ~~ ~, ~~ Cm. Biddle stated, in terms of establishing a tobacco retailer license and zoning restrictions, he could not think of a school that had a business within 1,000 feet where they could sell tobacco. Mayor Sbranti asked if there were any model ordinances. Was there any way to reduce the estimated cost? City Manager Pattillo stated that Staff had looked at other cities' ordinances. Cm. Hart stated he would like to defer this goal in light of tonight's recommended cuts. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council agreed to defer "Establish tobacco retailer license and zoning restrictions (i.e. Conditional Use Permit to set up 1,000 ft. near schools, residential, libraries, etc.), estimated cost of $6,175. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council agreed to defer "Sponsor an art/photo competition that will engage the community, estimated cost of $1,500". By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council agreed to delete all "Staff Initiated/Essential Objectives - General Fund" goals, except as noted below. By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council agreed to include in the FY 2010-2011 budget, "Implement web-based business license applications and renewals. (Costs associated with next phase of Tyler/EDEN Business License implementation process.), estimated cost $5,000." By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council agreed to utilize the Economic Stability Reserve to address the Operating Budget deficit. Mayor Sbranti asked when the City would have a better idea of the present year budget deficit. City Manager Pattillo stated it would probably be in August or September. Notes regarding the budget process included: • Capital Improvement Projects requiring additional General Fund support will be presented at Budget Hearing. • City's Financial Condition not expected to improve notably in near future. • Economic Stability Reserve could be depleted in as little as finro years. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 11 VOLUME 29 ~oFO~B SPECIAL MEETING ,,;~~` ~ ~~~ April 27, 2010 '~~~~~~ '1GIFpR~ By consensus (Cm. Scholz absent), the City Council designated the Budget hearing date and start time as June 16th, at 5:30 p.m. If the City went to Kansas City, MO for the All America Cities Awards, the Budget hearing would take place on June 23, at 5:30 p.m. • ADJOURNMENT 10.1 There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:56:24 PM in memory of Staff Sgt. Sean Diamond and our fallen troops. Minutes prepared by Caroline P. Soto, City Clerk ' T~_ ~,J w~-- , >~;~ Mayor ATTEST: ~ ~ 1~~U`I~ City Clerk ::~'a-~ DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES ~2 VOLUME 29 G`~~oFD~~y SPECIAL MEETING 19,~~~,~ April 27, 2010 ~~ ~j /~ C'.~~~R~S