HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 4/3/2001 * PLEASE NOTE: Since the Glendale City Council does not take formal action at
the Workshops, Workshop minutes are not approved by the City Council.
MINUTES
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP SESSION
5850 West Glendale Avenue
April 3, 2001
8:00 a.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Scruggs, Vice Mayor Eggleston, and Councilmembers Clark,
Frate, Goulet, Lieberman, and Martinez.
ALSO PRESENT: Martin Vanacour, City Manager; Ed Beasley, Assistant City
Manager; Rick Flaaen, City Attorney; and Pamela Oliveira, City
Clerk.
FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002 BUDGET PROCESS
CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Dr. Martin Vanacour, City Manager; and Mr.
Charlie McClendon, Budget and Research Director.
This was the first of the scheduled City Council workshops to review the Fiscal Year
(FY) 2001-2002 Annual Budget. At this meeting, staff was present to provide an
overview of this year's budget process, focusing on the Police and Fire Departments
and the departments within the Appointed Officials Group.
The November City Council Goal-Setting Retreat was the first step in the Fiscal Year
2001-02 budget process. At a December follow-up session, the Mayor and Council
adopted a list of goals that include enhancements to the City's Geographic Information
System (GIS), additional right-of-way beautification procts throughout the City, funds
for property acquisition, a traffic study in the area of 83 Avenue and Union Hills Drive,
and additional programming at the Glendale Adult Center.
Additionally, the Council approved additional police officer and police support positions,
and the positions required to staff Fire Station No. 158, which will be located at 83ru
Avenue and Bethany Home Road.
The City Manager has reviewed the budget requests of all departments and has
prepared a balanced budget for presentation to the City Council.
Public meeting notices were posted in the same manner as regular Council workshops.
The City Council will review the Fiscal Year 2001-02 budget during April of 2001 . The
recommendations made at these workshops will direct staff in preparing for final City
Council budget review and adoption in June of 2001 .
The recommendation was to review the Fiscal Year 2001-02 Proposed Annual Budget
and provide staff with direction.
INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS
Dr. Vanacour stated that they had gone through a compressed budget process. He
explained that each of the departments had balanced their budget to the assigned
target of 100% of last year's base. He noted that needs which did not fit into that base
were submitted as supplementals. He stated that the Deputy City Managers and the
Assistant City Manager carefully reviewed each supplemental request and eliminated
many of them prior to submission to the management team. He said each department
had been asked to submit a maximum of five top priorities because there was not a lot
of discretionary revenue due to the slow economic growth period. He stated that there
was $13 million of additional money, $4 million of which was generously allocated by
the Council for the new salary package, along with another $3.2 million of ongoing and
$2.7 of one-time monies. He said that leaves $1.6 million in ongoing and $1.5 of one-
time monies.
Mr. McClendon reviewed the calendar of upcoming meetings. He explained that he had
included material regarding the Utilities Department, but Utilities would not make their
presentation at this time because of the special Utilities Fund workshop scheduled in
May. He stated that they prepared provisional supplementals because they did not
know the effect of the census on Glendale at the time of the City Manager's balancing
meeting. Mr. McClendon noted that previous years resulted in considerable increases
in revenue for the City. He explained that they put approximately $1.5 million in
supplementals on the provisional list. He noted that the Fire Department shop and fuel
increases and the overtime increase have since been funded.
Mayor Scruggs asked how water and sewer would work in relation to the Council's
approval of the budget in June. Mr. McClendon explained that the calendar dictates
they adopt the budget at a certain time. He recommended that Council publish the
budget and put it through the preliminary hearing scheduled for June 5"'' with the
current water/sewer capital and with the recommended water/sewer budget included.
He explained that they can always go back and cut things out of the budget, but they
cannot, by law, add things into the budget once it has been adopted. Mayor Scruggs
asked when they would see the water/sewer and landfill items. Mr. McClendon stated
that they would come with the packet for Public Works in mid-April. He explained that,
in order to provide a comprehensive view and to ensure everything was validated, they
went through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process in February to hire an outside
firm to look at and adjust the rate model. He said the consultant required a 90-day
timeframe to do the work which, in turn, dictated the timeframe in which they could get
the information to the Council.
Mayor Scruggs questioned how items such as the West Side Patrol Bureau's sworn
officer ended up being provisional when they were identified as Council goals based on
the figures that the Council was given. Mr. McClendon said the figures quoted to the
Council were accurate at the time; however, increases in utilities and other items ended
up being higher than expected. He noted that the West Side Patrol Bureau's sworn
officer is going to be funded on a regular basis. He said overtime was put at the top of
the list and, had the census numbers not allowed them to fund it, there was a backup
plan to shift the base budget. Mayor Scruggs asked about standby pay. Mr.
McClendon explained that police officers are paid according to the City policy to be on
call. He said money would be transferred out of salary lapses to cover the standby pay.
He said the item needs to be worked into future budgets.
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Councilmember Lieberman noted that $1.5 million had already been funded for regular
overtime in the Police Department's budget. Dr. Vanacour said he told the Police
Department to cut overtime in order to balance the budget, but , if the funds were spent
during the year, he would make it up either by contingency or some other savings. He
agreed that standby pay needs to come back as an ongoing item.
Councilmember Clark asked how Sahuaro Ranch ranked second on the provisional
supplemental list. Mr. McClendon explained that, in some instances, it was based on
the amount requested and how it fit into the budget.
Mayor Scruggs stated that the Council had set the goals they did, based on the budget
they were given. She asked what had increased so dramatically that the Council goals
now put the budget out of balance. Mr. McClendon stated that the Council goals did
not put the budget out of balance. He explained that they have had, and continue to
have, enough set aside to cover the goals. He said other basic costs, including fuel,
electricity, and employee insurance, were higher than anticipated. Mayor Scruggs
suggested that staff do a critical analysis of the estimated operating costs for the new
capital projects that will be coming on line in the near future. Mr. McClendon said they
ask each department to review and update those estimates as part of the capital update
to ensure their accuracy.
Councilmember Martinez asked if the budget had to be completed by June 5. Mr.
McClendon said June 5th is the date for the preliminary adoption, but the budget has to
be ready a couple weeks prior to that for publication. Councilmember Martinez asked if
they could then go back and make changes. Mr. McClendon explained that money can
be moved within accounts and items can be taken out of the budget at any time;
however, once the preliminary adoption occurs, the total number cannot be increased.
Councilmember Lieberman asked if the anticipated increased cost for the clean air
diesel fuel was accounted for in the budget. Mr. McClendon said supplementals for fuel
charges should have been accounted for by the individual departments. Mayor
Scruggs asked if it was likely that departments would have been aware of the increase.
Mr. McClendon suggested that the Council ask the Public Works Department this
question when they make their presentation.
Councilmember Clark asked for clarification that staff was asking the Council to
approve the budget prior to the Utilities Fund meeting, which may or may not include a
rate increase. She said, without the ability to view the entire picture, they could blindly
approve rate increases. Mr. McClendon said there will be plenty of opportunity for the
Council to remove amounts after the Utilities meeting. He clarified that nothing would
take effect with regard to rate increases until the Council took specific action to do so.
Councilmember Lieberman noted that previous year models have shown an increase in
property values. He asked if a possible leveling off of those values were taken into
account. Mr. McClendon stated that they received preliminary assessed valuation
information from the County Assessor's office and, based on that information, their
projections for the upcoming year are solid. He noted that they use fairly conservative
growth estimates in assessed valuations throughout the course of the capital plan.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
City Staff Presenting This Item: Mr. David Dobrotka, Police Chief; Ms. Teresa Corless,
Police Department Management Assistant; and Mr. Randy Henderlite, Police
Commander.
Mr. Dobrotka explained that decisions regarding how the 24 additional officers would be
utilized were based on the strategic plan for 2001. He mentioned six critical issues
identified in the strategic plan: (1) Human Resources Management and Employee
Development; (2) Focus Service Delivery at the Neighborhood Level; (3) Community
Policing; (4) Maintaining a Positive Image; (5) Employ and Develop Effective
Technologies; and (6) Long-Term Planning. He said Focus Service Delivery at the
Neighborhood Level drove most of their discussion. He stated that they have made
significant and radical changes within the organizational structure of the Police
Department so that they are flexible enough to respond to the varying needs that exist
throughout the City. Mr. Dobrotka stated that preliminary work had already begun on
the Westside Public Safety facility. He explained that their intent was to establish a
third command, with each commander having similar resources. He said, based on that
intent, they had determined that they wanted to create an additional motor squad, a
neighborhood response unit, a bike squad, two additional Community Action Teams,
two additional detectives, and two additional school resource officers. He said,
although the grant for 16 officers did not materialize, they had received a grant for the
two school resource officers. He noted that the funding for school resource officers is
on a higher level.
Councilmember Lieberman noted that they had set aside $440,000 in December in the
event the grant did not come through. He asked if it was still in effect. Mr. Dobrotka
said it was. He explained that the 24 positions were fully funded. He clarified that the
grant for the 16 officers had not come through as yet, but it may sometime in the future.
Councilmember Lieberman said they had questioned five legislators about the
Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
program, none of whom indicated that it would not continue to be funded. He said they
let the legislators know that the City wants the program to continue.
Councilmember Martinez asked if they had ever considered having one Community
Action Team (CAT) per district. Mr. Dobrotka stated that this would be difficult to do
because of the unique design of the districts. He predicted that they would start with
two CAT teams working for the Foothills commander, two CAT teams working for the
Westside Commander, and three CAT teams working for Central.
Councilmember Clark asked if the increase in vest replacement funds and training
officer special pay supplementals were now funded. Mr. Dobrotka explained that
another supplemental for overtime was funded in the amount of $70,000. He said it
was their intent to take a portion of those funds to fund the FTO program. He stated
that they anticipated receiving a grant for the vest replacement program and, while they
do not expect it to fully cover the expenditures, they anticipated fewer officers needing
replacement vests.
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Councilmember Clark asked if the $50,000 uniform allowance in the administrative
budget reflected the actual cost of uniforms. Mr. Dobrotka explained that, several years
ago, sworn officers were given a check for $500 twice a year for a uniform allowance.
He said they had requested a supplemental a couple years ago, giving all police officers
assigned to uniform responsibilities an additional $250, paid through reimbursement.
Councilmember Clark asked if the radar units with smart boxes would come under the
budget of the Police Department or the Traffic and Streets Department. Mr. Dobrotka
said it would come under the Police Department budget. Councilmember Clark asked if
they had made any provision for purchasing more units. Mr. Dobrotka stated that they
did not. He noted that the units cost approximately $2,000 each. He also noted that
each patrol motor unit has an ongoing budget of $10,000 for related equipment. Mr.
Dobrotka explained the smart box technology for Councilmember Clark.
Councilmember Clark said the smart boxes provide very useful information and she
would like to see more units made available. Mr. Dobrotka said they would give her
suggestion very serious consideration.
Councilmember Lieberman asked what Police Retirement O-T referred to. Mr.
Dobrotka explained that they are required to make contributions to social security, the
respective retirement systems, and Medicare when police officers are paid overtime.
Councilmember Lieberman asked when the 24 officers would be on the street. Mr.
Dobrotka estimated that they would be out on the street in approximately one year.
Councilmember Lieberman asked if the 24 officers would reduce the amount of
overtime being paid. Mr. Dobrotka said, while they plan to scrutinize it more closely,
their intent is to hold the amount of overtime being paid constant. He explained that a
certain amount of overtime is inherent because of the nature of their schedules,
required court appearances, and training sessions.
Councilmember Goulet asked how many of the new officers would be bilingual and
what percentage of overtime pay is due to the lack of Spanish speaking officers. Mr.
Dobrotka said he assumed that, on occasion, overtime has been paid because of the
need for a bilingual officer; however, usually someone on duty is able to respond. He
stated that they currently have a number of bilingual officers and employees. He noted
that they are paid for those skills. In terms of hiring, he said they always work to ensure
that the Police Department, in general, is representative of the community. He noted
that they continue to have difficulty recruiting women.
Councilmember Martinez asked if officers are required to enter information into the
computer prior to leaving their shift. Mr. Dobrotka explained that certain crime
categories require officers to enter information into the computer before they go home.
He added that other crime categories provide officers with up to 72 hours to enter the
information. He said there would be an increase in overtime if they required every
officer to enter information on all crimes prior to going home.
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Councilmember Martinez asked how many officers the Police Department currently has.
Mr. Dobrotka stated that the City currently has 309 sworn police officers.
Councilmember Martinez asked what percentage of those 309 officers were bilingual or
minorities. Mr. Dobrotka estimated that 12% to 15%.were bilingual or minorities.
Councilmember Clark asked if domestic violence calls were increasing. Mr. Dobrotka
said domestic violence had been adopted as a focus issue by the Commanders. Mr.
Scott Smith, Police Commander, said the domestic violence numbers have remained
basically the same; however, other issues regarding domestic violence, including
prevention, have been addressed.
Councilmember Frate pointed out that all organizations incur overtime and the amount
of overtime incurred by the Police and Fire Departments is in line with other cities.
Mayor Scruggs referred to budget cuts which were identified in the Police Department
Budget Summary by Department. She asked how they could consider adding
additional officers when the budget was being cut. She asked what Operating Capital
was and why it was being reduced by 91%. Mr. McClendon explained that they often
see reductions because the previous year's budget includes carryover from the prior
year and one-time supplementals. He stated that, once supplementals are added into
the budget, those numbers would increase.
Mayor Scruggs asked if there was a shift in deployment of patrol officers from the
Foothills Public Safety Facility to the Central Public Safety Facility and what that shift
means to people being served by the Foothills Public Safety Facility. Mr. Dobrotka said
it should make no difference at the Foothills at this time. He explained that some of the
increase at the Central Public Safety Facility reflects the new officers hired for the third
command. He said their intent was that, by next July, both in terms of budget and
organization, they would start operating with the third command even though they would
not be in the new building. Mayor Scruggs asked where the 24 new officers were
reflected in the budget. Mr. Dobrotka explained that the Fiscal Year 2001/2002 budget
does not reflect the 24 new officers, but it does reflect the 19 officers approved in July
of 2000. Mr. McClendon explained that the 24 officers were coming in through
supplemental funding and would be added to the budget once approved by the Council.
Mayor Scruggs asked to see how the boundaries would change when the West Side
Command is added.
Councilmember Lieberman asked if some of the funds for the 24 new officers would
carry over into the Fiscal Year 2002/2003 budget since they would not be online to
absorb all of the money being put into the supplemental. Mr. McClendon explained that
the item would be funded through an ongoing source; however, by Council policy they
do not carry salary savings over from one year to the next.
Mr. McClendon confirmed for Vice Mayor Eggleston that the base budget does not
include supplementals.
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Councilmember Martinez asked when the third command would go into effect. Mr.
Dobrotka said they intended to start functioning in July of 2002. He explained that they
had not as yet allocated the 19 officers the Council had authorized in July of 2000. He
said they were placed in the Central Patrol Bureau because they needed to be included
in the budget. He said the decision as to where those police officers are actually
located will be made soon. Councilmember Martinez expressed concern about the
reduction of officers at the Foothills facility. He said he hoped to see no reduction once
the Council reviews the final budget. Mr. Dobrotka assured Councilmember Martinez
that there has not been, nor would there be, any reduction at the Foothills facility.
Councilmember Clark asked if they use data from the Police Resource Optimization
System (PRO'S) to configure beat areas. Mr. Dobrotka said they had, but they were
currently reviewing other scheduling packages because PRO'S has become obsolete.
Councilmember Clark asked how often they analyze the data and reconfigure the size
of the beat areas. Mr. Dobrotka said it is done once a year, prior to the bid. He
explained that beat areas are based on two factors, calls for service and reported
crime, with geographic boundaries also being taken into consideration.
Mayor Scruggs asked how they factor in the drive time to get from one incident to
another and the residents' desire to see a police presence when dealing with a large,
less densely populated area. Mr. Dobrotka stated that they try to keep response times
in the districts somewhat comparable. Mayor Scruggs pointed out that one of the best
things the City can offer its citizens is a feeling of safety and security.
Mayor Scruggs asked Mr. Dobrotka to hire police officers regardless of whether women
want to join the force or not. Mr. Dobrotka said they intended to be very aggressive.
He noted that they were the first, if not the only, police agency fully staffed. He assured
Mayor Scruggs that they would hire new officers, with an eye towards diversity. With
regard to response times, he explained that they receive a detailed report based on
crime reports made, accidents handled, citations issued, and patrol time. He said the
national average recommends that police officers spend approximately 30% of their
time being proactive. He said the proactive patrol time has diminished over the past
three years and is one of the reasons why they are adding 14 of the 19 officers which
were approved last year.
Councilmember Lieberman said he was glad to see that the number of officers in his
district increased from 95.5 to 130.5 over the three-year period.
Councilmember Clark said they all supported the addition of police officers because
they are continually trying to catch up with the population growth. She said the reality is
that people will not see patrol officers because they are busy answering calls for
service. She said it is important for the City to place more emphasis on Block Watch
programs and encourage neighbors to be proactive on their own behalf.
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Councilmember Goulet asked Mr. Dobrotka if the Shot Spotter equipment was readily
available and how soon it would be online. Mr. Dobrotka said it was readily available
and would be implemented within three to six months. He explained that the length of
the implementation period is due, in part, to the Department's internal processes,
including bid proposal and contract approval. Mayor Scruggs asked if the internal
process could be started immediately. Mr. Dobrotka said, once the Council gives its
approval, they would begin the process.
Mr. Dobrotka discussed Fund 02. He noted that they still receive revenues from the tax
reform which was passed several years ago.
Councilmember Martinez asked why the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization
(RICO) fund was reduced. Mr. Dobrotka explained that the numbers only reflect budget
authority, and not money received through revenue seizures. Councilmember Martinez
asked if the revenue has to be spent combating the type of crime from which it was
seized. Mr. Dobrotka stated that the monies have to be spent for law enforcement
purposes.
Mayor Scruggs expressed her appreciation for police officers who attend neighborhood
meetings. She said they do a great job of listening and understanding the concerns of
the citizens. Mr. Dobrotka thanked the Mayor and Council for their consistent support
and commitment to the Police Department. He assured the Council that the Police
Department takes citizen comments very seriously.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
City Staff Presenting This Item: Mr. Brooke Edwards, Fire Chief; Mr. Carl Austerman,
Deputy Fire Chief, Emergency Services/Operations; and Ms. Sandy Van Winkle, Fire
Department Management Assistant
Mr. Edwards stated that the Fire Department's first priority was to keep nine units on the
streets 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He explained that he had his staff start
with a zero base budget to give a clear picture of what they spend and how. He said
they have been working on the construction of Fire Station 58 and will come to the
Council at a later date with their recommendations. He noted that two other fire
stations are being built in the northwest and southeast sections of the City. He said
they were currently in the process of recruiting and hiring. He noted that this was the
first year in the history of the Glendale Fire Department that a female was the number
one candidate. He stated that they had been going through the accreditation process
for the past two years and hoped to submit their documentation for review sometime in
the month of May. Mr. Edwards said they had been doing westside training because
the Phoenix academy has been full. He explained that they needed to put seven
candidates in each of the upcoming academies in the months of September, January,
and May. He said they had been active in the grants process and would be coming to
the Council next month with a grant from the Weapons of Mass Destruction program.
He explained that this grant would give them $280,000 to stockpile the necessary
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equipment and resources in the event a biological problem or a catastrophic incident
should occur in the Valley. He reported having received another grant for
approximately $250,000 from the Department of Justice. He said another $100 million
is available for Fire Departments across the country and, if they were successful in their
application, it would allow them to use the money for training, fire prevention, and so
forth.
Mr. Edwards pointed out that, with the increase in population, the City of Glendale has
seen an increase in the volume of calls. He noted that, last year, they had responded
to almost 24,000 calls.
Councilmember Clark asked how many calls were actually generated in Glendale
versus other surrounding communities. Mr. Edwards said the number is available in the
Fire Department's annual statistical report. Councilmember Clark asked if the number
of calls generated in Glendale were accurately tracked, regardless of which city
responds. Mr. Edwards stated that they were accurately tracked. He noted that 18,282
calls were dispatched in Glendale.
Councilmember Lieberman asked if the Fire Academy in Phoenix had space for
Glendale's candidates or if another source for training would need to be found. Mr.
Edwards said they had been assured that space would be available. He acknowledged
the fact that the problem will continue to get worse as the Valley expands. He stated
that this was the reason why the City of Phoenix had asked for a new training facility.
He said he felt it was necessary for Glendale have its own training facility in the near
future.
Councilmember Clark asked what the cost was to train firefighters and paramedics.
Ms. Van Winkle said it typically costs $6,000 to put a firefighter through the academy
and $21,000 to put a person through paramedic school.
Councilmember Martinez asked if the File Department requires a certain number of
paramedics at a given station. Mr. Edwards stated that their minimum staffing requires
two paramedics per company.
Mr. Edwards reviewed the Fund 04 requests.
Councilmember Clark asked what the national standard was in terms of response
times. Mr. Edwards stated that a national standard would be adopted in May. He
explained that there are three components to response times: call processing, with a
standard of 60 seconds or less; notifying the emergency crew, with a standard of 60
seconds or less; and the time from when the trucks leave the station until they arrive on
the scene. He said the national standard for EMS (emergency medical services) will be
four minutes or less from the time the truck leaves the station until it arrives on the
scene. He stated that the national standard for fire response will be eight minutes or
less. Councilmember Clark noted that 70% of the calls are answered in six minutes or
less. She asked if Fire Station 158 and the two new fire stations would keep response
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times to six minutes or less. Mr. Edwards explained that the budget document reflects
response time from the time a call is received until the time the trucks arrive on the
scene, not the national standard. He said the additional stations will help them reach, if
not exceed, the national standard.
Mr. Edwards reviewed the Operations Overtime requests. He noted that they staff 38
FTE (full-time employee) positions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He said there
are 48 people on each shift to fill those 38 positions and the firefighters work 56 hours a
week. He pointed out that, according to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the City is
required to pay time-and-a-half for any hours worked beyond 52 hours a week. He
noted, however, that in lieu of the time-and-a-half pay, firefighters are given a "Kelly
Day" every six weeks. He said there are three or four people off on a Kelly day every
shift and with another two to three people off sick each day and three firefighters on
vacation each shift, the Department is always in an overtime situation. He said the
overtime budget will continue to increase as the Department gets bigger and a solution
needs to be found.
Councilmember Martinez asked what the health center was. Mr. Edwards explained
that firefighters are required to go through an annual physical and they do so on
company time.
Councilmember Goulet asked Mr. Edwards to distinguish between the Miscellaneous
and Special Operations categories. Mr. Edwards explained that Special Operations
include trench rescues, HazMat calls, mountain rescues, and so forth. He estimated
that 15% of the calls are true emergencies. He said miscellaneous calls would include
bee swarms, people who have locked their keys and children in the car in the summer
months, and so forth.
In response to Mayor Scruggs' question, Mr. Edwards explained that they cannot train
all of the 21 firefighters at the same time; therefore, they have staggered the hiring of
those people over the course of nine months, starting in September. He said that will
give them the ability to bring people on in groups of six or seven, dramatically reducing
overtime. He said the funds saved as a result of the reduction in overtime will be
redirected to fund the training supplemental. Mayor Scruggs asked if the Fire Pals
program would be cut back if adequate funds were not available. Mr. Edwards said
$28,000 is budgeted annually for the Fire Pals program, guaranteeing five hours a
month at each of the schools. He said he anticipated using available salary savings to
further fund the program.
Councilmember Clark asked if various items, including rescue mannequins, burn
materials, smoke machines, and training slides had moved into a different budget or if
they were removed. Ms. Van Winkle said those items were still being purchased out of
Fund 04.
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Councilmember Martinez asked how many thermal-imaging devices the City has and if
they are considered a big priority within the Department. Mr. Edwards stated that they
currently have two cameras. He said they would like to get to a point where one
camera is available on every unit. He said they would request more cameras next year
because having a camera available on every unit makes use of the cameras instinctive.
Councilmember Martinez noted that the City of Phoenix has seven cameras and the city
of Mesa has 20 cameras.
Councilmember Lieberman suggested that they include one camera for every engine
company in this year's supplemental budget. Mr. Edwards stated that they had
requested one additional camera in this year's budget. He noted that the cameras cost
approximately $12,000 each. Councilmember Lieberman recommended that they
request more cameras and see what happens at the final balancing review.
Mayor Scruggs noted that the Fire Department does not have the opportunity to put the
cameras into this year's supplemental budget because the supplemental has already
been submitted. Mr. Edwards agreed with Mayor Scruggs. He noted that there are
other higher priority needs and limited funding. He stressed the fact that the
Department's priorities are to keep firefighters on the street, to make sure the
firefighters are safe and well trained, and that the public is educated. Dr. Vanacour
offered to come back with additional information on the Department's priorities at the
last budget hearing.
Councilmember Frate expressed his support of the Fire Pals program.
Councilmember Martinez suggested that money which is not earmarked for other things
should be considered for the purchase of additional cameras. He explained that the
cameras have the potential to save lives. Mr. Edwards clarified that a camera is on the
scene at every fire, but instinctive use of the camera will only come when cameras are
available on every company.
Mayor Scruggs asked for confirmation that the two supplementals would be funded.
She said the Council wants to work with those items identified as being necessary to
achieve the objectives of the Fire Department. She stated that a definite answer
regarding funded or unfunded supplementals will be necessary at the last budget
hearing. She noted that there was not majority support for going forward with additional
cameras. Mr. Edwards said he was fairly sure that training would be covered through
the salary savings. He explained, however, that he could not guarantee there will be
enough salary savings to support the Pals program.
In response to Councilmember Lieberman's question, Mr. McClendon explained that
they did not make departments count items identified as Council goals against their top
five priorities. Mr. Edwards identified the Fire Department's top priorities as being: (1)
overtime for constant staffing of their apparatus; (2) overtime for the Computer Aided
Dispatching (CAD) contract increase; (3) shop charges; (4) training; and (5) the Fire
Pals program.
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Mayor Scruggs questioned why some of the items identified were considered
supplementals when there is no choice but to fund them. Mr. McClendon explained
that anything above the previous year's base has to be in the form of a supplemental
request. He said supplemental items which are believed to be essential to continuing
service have been funded. Mayor Scruggs asked how much new money they would get
from the census and where it would go. Mr. McClendon said the new census money,
totaling approximately $550,000, has been allocated to fund provisional supplementals.
He explained that the increase is calculated on the City's population, as a percentage of
the state's entire population. Dr. Vanacour said he always knew that certain
supplementals could be funded. He explained that this year was somewhat different in
that the City's revenue as a whole did not increase as much as in previous years.
Councilmember Clark said there is typically a 2% or 3% increase in the base budget,
which absorbs increases in basic costs. Dr. Vanacour agreed. Councilmember Clark
explained that the lack of an increase in this year's base budget resulted in basic cost
increases being brought forward as supplementals.
APPOINTED OFFICIALS GROUP
CITY ATTORNEY
City Staff Presenting This Item: Mr. Rick Flaaen, City Attorney; Ms. Nancy Khiel, City
Prosecutor; and Mr. Charlie McClendon, Budget and Research Director.
Mr. Flaaen explained that they had two supplemental requests: (1) an increase in the
outside counsel budget of $100,000; and (2) $41,860 for a Senior Secretary. He
pointed out the fact that the outside counsel budget has an anticipated deficit of
$247,000. He explained that, although the majority of the deficit is attributable to a
specific land use action, construction and water actions also factor in. He said they
anticipated a budget of $100,000 being adequate for the next fiscal year because most
of the activity on the land use issue occurred this fiscal year. He explained that the
Senior Secretary position was originally a request for a new Assistant City Attorney. He
noted that there has not been any increase in staff over the past ten years. He said, in
recognizing the shortage of available funds, they had attempted to shift lower level
duties to a Senior Secretary in order to allow Legal Assistants to perform at a higher
level, thereby postponing the need to hire a new Assistant City Attorney. He said they
would come back next year with a request for additional staff in the Prosecutor's Office
and the City Court to support the increased number of police officers.
In response to Vice Mayor Eggleston's question, Mr. Flaaen explained that they were
asking for one additional full-time employee and they hoped to get contract help to free
up in-house prosecutors.
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Councilmember Clark said the arrest rate seems to be fairly constant. She asked what
justifies the hiring of another prosecutor. Ms. Khiel explained that, while the arrest rate
might remain constant, people are brought out from the Madison Street jail who have
warrants in the Glendale system.
CITY CLERK
City Staff Presenting This Item: Ms. Pamela Oliveira, City Clerk; and Mr. Charlie
McClendon, Budget and Research Director.
Mr. McClendon pointed out that a large portion of the carryover in the City Clerk's
budget is required for elections that will be held next year.
Ms. Oliveira said the City Clerk Department was looking at a complete records
management system and was retaining money to begin that program. She stated that
the new digital archive writer supplemental was funded and would save an average of
24 weeks of work by eliminating the need to manually microfilm documents. She
explained that the increase in legal advertising and public notice supplemental would
allow them to advertise in other newspapers, including minority newspapers. Dr.
Vanacour confirmed that the additional advertising supplemental would be funded.
CITY COURT
City Staff Presenting This Item: Ms. Jean Baxter, City Judge; and Mr. Charlie
McClendon, Budget and Research Director
Ms. Baxter explained that the City Court adjudicates all misdemeanor and traffic cases
that occur in the City of Glendale. She reviewed facts regarding volume and caseload
indicators for Fiscal Year 1999/2000. She explained that those facts drove their funded
supplementals. She stated that the interpreter and Public Defender positions are
required by law. She said all of their work is provided to them by the Glendale Police
Department and, therefore, the two additional Court Information Clerk positions are
necessary to support the increase in the number of police officers.
Councilmember Lieberman asked about the 45% increase in Court security. Ms. Baxter
explained that, when the law was changed regarding persons carrying firearms into
buildings, she decided that it would be in the best interest of the Court to have an officer
posted by the security station. Councilmember Lieberman asked if administrative costs
for Court security would be reduced if lock boxes were installed. Ms. Baxter said it
would stay the same if the officer remained. She expressed her opinion there are many
benefits to having an officer onsite. She noted that the amount includes security
remodeling and access upgrades.
Mayor Scruggs asked what the impact would be of not funding the provisional items.
Ms. Baxter explained that the duties of the Security Accounts Specialist would have to
be spread out over existing staff, possibly increasing overtime expenditures. She said,
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with regard to Jail Court staffing, the current practice would be scaled back. She stated
that her initial concern was whether there would be a cause and effect in terms of
increasing jail costs.
Vice Mayor Eggleston asked where fees collected by the Court are placed. Mr.
McClendon explained that approximately $2.3 stays with the City of Glendale, while the
rest goes to the state.
In response to Councilmember Martinez's question, Ms. Baxter stated that the Court
receives $4.175 million. She said approximately $2.3 million of that amount goes to the
General Fund, with the remainder going to the State. Councilmember Martinez asked if
there was any way officers could be funded out of the fees collected. Ms. Baxter
explained that the $2.3 million returned to the General Fund is divided amongst all
departments.
Mayor Scruggs pointed out the fact that the cost of collecting the fines runs $2.8 million,
resulting in a $500,000 deficit. She stressed the fact that the Court does not profit from
the citations. Ms. Baxter noted that they are the only collection point in the entire
criminal justice system and, therefore, all of the expenditures involved at the Police
Department, Prosecutor's Office and the Court need to be taken into account.
Councilmember Martinez asked if the mandated portion that goes to the State is a
percentage or a set fee. Ms. Baxter replied that it is a mandated percentage. She
pointed out that the $135,000 grant awarded to the Court reflects a portion of the
State's surcharges.
Councilmember Clark asked why Court revenue dropped from $5 million to $4.2 million.
Ms. Baxter offered to get back to Councilmember Clark with an answer to this question.
In response to Councilmember Lieberman's question, Ms. Baxter stated that, when they
are able to collect a fine, they collect the entire fine, including surcharges. She noted
that they are required to submit surcharges and the State has become increasingly
stringent on that matter. She confirmed that the surcharges are mandatory.
Mayor Scruggs asked for clarification of the impact of not funding the two full-time
employees and the 40-hour per week temporary employee. Ms. Baxter stated that the
impact cannot be assessed ahead of time. She explained that the service they offer
allows defendants to take care of everything in one day, reducing the chance of their
not appearing at a later date. She said they also need to take into consideration the
impact that putting people in jail would have on the jail costs. She said the service
could be dropped, but she felt it was very beneficial. She confirmed that the increased
staff was based on the increase in police personnel.
Ms Baxter acknowledged that jail court is not a life and death matter or a safety issue
such as thermal cameras.. She stated that she would not place it at the top of the list of
priorities for the City.
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CITY MANAGER
Mr. Charlie McClendon, Budget and Research Director; and Ms. Jennifer Reichelt,
Management Assistant II in the City Manager's Office.
Mr. McClendon noted that the City Manager's budget includes a carryover item for the
Community Action Program, which will come before the Council, together with the
Auditor and Intergovernmental Relations presentations.
Ms. Reichelt stated that the City Manager's Office was not bringing forward any
supplemental requests at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
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