HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 4/29/2003 *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 29, 2003
8:00 a.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs, Vice Mayor Thomas R. Eggleston and
Councilmembers Joyce V. Clark, Steven E. Frate, David M. Goulet,
H. Philip Lieberman, and Manuel D. Martinez
ALSO PRESENT: Ed Beasley, City Manager; Pam Kavanaugh, Assistant City
Manager; Rick Flaaen, City Attorney; and Pamela Hanna, City
Clerk
1. FISCAL YEAR 2003-04 BUDGET PROCESS
This is the fourth of the scheduled City Council workshops to review the proposed
Fiscal Year (FY) 2003-04 Annual Budget.
Over the course of these workshops, the City Manager will present his recommended
balanced budget for FY 2003-04.
Budget presentations will focus on service impacts of budget reductions, alternatives to
address these service impacts and discussion of any supplemental requests submitted.
Today's meeting will include a continuation of the discussion on the Parks and
Recreation zero based budget and also focus on departments within the Public Works
Group. Several reports are attached to this communication including a memorandum on
fuel costs, the Solid Waste zero-based budget documentation, and the cemetery.
The November 15 City Council Goal-Setting Retreat was the first step in the FY 2003-
04 budget process. At that meeting, staff presented the economic forecast for the city
and the Mayor and Council discussed the national and local economies and their effect
on Glendale's FY 2003-04 budget.
At the retreat, the City Manager discussed the measures the city has implemented to
address the revenue shortfall for both Fiscal Years 2002-03 and 2003-04. These
measures included citywide budget reductions and revenue enhancements.
Department heads presented their departmental budgets to the Leadership Team at a
series of administrative review meetings in March.
The agenda for this City Council workshop has been posted and all legal requirements
for notification have been met.
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The City Council will review the FY 2003-04 budget at workshops during April. The
recommendations made at these workshops will direct staff in preparing for final City
Council budget review and adoption in June.
The recommendation was to review the FY 2003-04 Proposed Annual Budget and
provide staff with direction.
ZERO BASED BUDGET PRESENTATION
Parks and Recreation
CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Warren Smith, Parks and Recreation
Director, Shirley Medler, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director and Pilar Aguilar, Acting
Budget Director
Ms. Pilar Aguilar continued the Zero Based Parks and Recreation Budget presentation.
She explained the zero based budget exercise had the department identify the cost of
providing the current level of services.
Mr. Warren Smith stated the City's Parks and Recreation Master Plan, adopted early
last year, recommended 24 strategies that are designed to improve the effectiveness of
service delivery by employing best practices. He said one of the strategies was to
develop a comprehensive fee philosophy and pricing model. He reported the process
has been completed and is currently being implemented. He explained the process
included quantifying the cost of all programs and services, analyzing trends, reviewing
surveys and reviewing the Master Plan's Needs Assessment. He explained people
were asked during the Needs Assessment,: 1) what is the role of Parks and Recreation;
and 2) what are the priority programs and activities the department should provide. He
said, based on all of their review and analysis, they then prioritized the programs and
services, distinguishing between core and tiered programs. He stated the pricing model
allowed them to critically assess programs and processes as well as the outcomes of
those programs and processes. He said those assessments were very useful when
later asked to recommend cuts to assist in the city's FY 03/04 budget.
Mr. Smith stated a second, in-depth, comprehensive review began in late-November,
using components of the zero based budgeting concept. He said the process began
with identification of the four core service areas: Recreation Programs, Parks
Maintenance, Administration and Support, and Construction Management. He said the
four core service areas were then broken down into 19 different service areas and
which were further broken down into 75 activities and functions. He said the budget
was then built from zero, identifying required staffing, supplies and contractual
expenses.
Support Services
With regard to Support Services, Ms. Shirley Medler explained the Park Rangers
program has four full-time Rangers and five temporary Rangers who patrol 62
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neighborhood, community and regional parks every week, covering a total of 1,704
acres. She said the Rangers responded to 470 calls for service last year and filed over
1,530 reports yearly.
Councilmember Clark asked why temporary Rangers make more than full-time
Rangers. Ms. Medler explained the Temporary Rangers' Salary item is a culmination of
all of the temporary Rangers' salaries.
Ms. Medler stated Audio Visual processes 229 audio and visual services requests from
the department every year, impacting over 120,000 people. She said the department
also provides Council support, handling 97 requests for service yearly and providing live
and taped programming for KGLN Channel 11. She said they also provide support for
city wide special events, support external customers, perform preventative maintenance
on equipment and consult on the audio visual component of construction and design
projects.
Ms. Medler explained the Special Operations department manages 270 pieces of
equipment and department vehicles, provides department, citywide and external
customer support for large games and portable stages, and prepares meeting rooms for
city functions and general public use. She noted Special Operations handled 653
requests for service last year, requiring 2,862 man hours.
Ms. Medler stated the Recreation Administration and Support Department provides
customer service; "department-wide support"; plus accounting, payroll and
management support. She said they also administer 17,159 facility reservations;
17,596 activity registrations; 13,900 inquiries, registrations and reservations from walk-
in customers; and 25,700 phone-in registrations annually. She stated Department
Management/Administration provides general management of the programs and
services. She said they work with citizens and elected officials to plan for the future of
Parks and Recreation programs, services and facilities.
Ms. Medler stated the Marketing Department serves a very important function,
maintaining the department's 130 web pages; producing and delivering over 332,000
Glendale Parks & Recreation Quarterly magazines yearly; creating over 300 flyers,
brochures, and 40 news releases, plus support material for department programs and
activities; in addition to assistance with planning grand openings and special events for
the department. She noted the advertising revenue generated from the Glendale Parks
and Recreation Quarterly magazine is used to assist in the cost of producing the
magazine.
Ms. Medler reviewed the expenses associated with the Support Services functions,
noting the Support Services budget totals $1,939,855.76.
Park Development and GIP Monitoring
Ms. Medler stated the Park Development and Capital Improvement Project Monitoring
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function assures the department is advancing the master plan to provide an equitable
distribution of parks and recreation amenities. She said residents are given an
opportunity to participate in public meetings involving the design and planning of parks
and facilities. She pointed out $29,000,000 in CIP projects are currently being
managed and 276 acres were involved in CIP projects in FY 2002/03. She noted
$1,217,000 in grants and donations were utilized.
Income
Ms. Medler said, last year, the department collected $1,175,246.50 through the Self-
Sustaining Fund, $198,000 from the Glen Lakes Golf Course lease and $5,000 in
concession money. She said annual donations, partnerships and volunteer hours
contributed over $15,000 last year.
Mayor Scruggs asked about the lease agreement for the Desert Mirage Golf Course.
Mr. Smith explained the first five years of that lease agreement were rent free. He said
they will begin paying three percent of gross revenues starting in December 2004. He
noted the Glen Lakes lease agreement is approximately 16 percent of gross revenues.
Councilmember Lieberman asked if the department receives income from the tennis
facility. Mr. Smith explained the agreement with the Paseo Racquet Center was
renegotiated and rent payments will not begin until 2005. He said, similar to the Desert
Mirage lease agreement, the percentage paid will increase over the years.
Mayor Scruggs asked why the Director's salary is not adjusted to reflect that only 30
percent of his time is spent on CIP monitoring.
Councilmember Clark asked why televising Council workshops is done through the
Parks and Recreation Department rather than the Cable Department. Mr. Smith
explained the Cable and Parks and Recreation Departments work in cooperation to
televise the Council meetings. Councilmember Clark asked if their collaboration results
in duplication of equipment. Mr. Smith explained Parks and Recreation provides the
audio feed, while the Cable Department does the video.
Councilmember Lieberman pointed out the Director's salary should be listed as
$33,023.40, rather than $23,772.60. Ms. Medler acknowledged there are some errors
on the sheet. Councilmember Lieberman asked for updated and corrected figures.
Mr. Smith discussed the results and outcomes of the zero base budget analysis, stating
the process allowed the department to critically assess what it does and identify
$315,381 in cuts with minimal impact to the clientele it serves.
In response to Councilmember Martinez's question, Mr. Smith explained the Zero Base
Budget process identified $128,000 in savings. The savings identified during the zero
base budget process, were used as part of the analysis for the reduction of $315,000.
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Councilmember Clark asked if next year's base budget will reflect the savings identified
in the Zero Base Budget process. Ms. Aguilar responded yes.
Mr. Smith explained the $9,009,678 is the FY 03/04 budget, which, after subtracting out
the projected increase in Self-Sustaining funds and the three percent growth in benefits
and increased participation in the retirement system, reflects the $315,000 in budget
cuts.
Councilmember Clark asked if they reallocated any personnel or eliminated or altered
any programs as a result of the zero base budget process. Mr. Smith responded yes,
explaining they used components of the Zero Base Budget process to identify programs
that could be shifted to Self-Sustaining. He said the citizens' survey identified family,
youth/teen and after school programs as priorities, therefore they tried to keep those
programs intact. Councilmember Clark asked if any programs were eliminated. Mr.
Smith said yes, noting some programs will not return unless they have a sponsor or are
self-sustaining.
Councilmember Lieberman asked if the total budget includes Arts Maintenance, Arts
Commission and sinking funds. Mr. Smith answered yes.
Councilmember Frate asked how many programs does the city currently offer. Mr.
Smith estimated there to be 275 and 350 programs. He assured Councilmember Frate
that the quality of the programs offered will be maintained, stating, however, the length
of the programs could be decreased.
Solid Waste
CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Ken Reedy, Deputy City Manager, Sherry
Schurhammer, Field Operations Deputy Director, and Pilar Aguilar, Acting Budget
Director
Ms. Schurhammer stated the Solid Waste Department's mission is to provide
comprehensive and cost effective solid waste services through refuse and recycling
collection programs and disposal programs. She said they serve approximately 51,375
households weekly, totaling 67,300 tons in refuse, 14,000 tons of loose trash, and
19,325 tons of residential recyclables. She said they also collect 1,250 tons of
commercial recyclables and 76,600 tons of commercial refuse. She explained
$12,366,986 in Sanitation Services revenue is comprised of two main revenues
sources; Residential Revenue totaling $7,865,760 and Commercial Revenue totaling
$4,501,226. She identified $12,557,000 in total Sanitation Fund costs, with $7.9 million
in Residential and Loose Trash collection and $4.6 million in commercial collections.
She stated staffing accounts for just over $4 million of the costs, Lease Debt and Shop
Charges account for $3.3 million, Internal Charges, Contract Services, Insurance,
Rentals and Supplies account for approximately $2 million and Disposal Fees account
for $3.2 million.
Councilmember Lieberman asked Ms. Schurhammer to break down the Shop and Fuel
Charges. Ms. Schurhammer offered to provide those details at a later date.
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With regard to Landfill Services, Ms. Schurhammer said they expect to bring in 280,730
tons of refuse, with 81,300 coming from residential and loose trash collections, 78,600
tons from commercial collections, 32,250 tons attributable to their Contract customer
and 88,580 tons coming from other sources. She said the Landfill Fund revenue,
totaling $9,152,847, comes from four main sources: Landfill Revenue totaling
$6,501,407; Woodwaste totaling $8,324; Recyclable Sales totaling $1,632,541, and
Residential Revenue totaling $1,010,574. She explained the $8,324,920 in Landfill
Fund Costs include operating costs only and are comprised of: $3,695,920 in Landfill
costs; $337,000 in Gas Management, $1,077,000 for Inspections and Recycling
Education; $409,000 in woodwaste processing, and $2,806,000 for the materials
recycling facility. She noted the Inspections and Recycling Education costs include a
$500,000 debt repayment for recycling containers distributed to residents when the
recycling program began.
Mayor Scruggs asked why the debt repayment was not separated out, explaining it
would make more sense to state the Inspections and Recycling Education Program
costs $577,000.
Councilmember Clark pointed out there are deficits in both the Woodwaste and MURF
programs. Ms. Schurhammer agreed.
Councilmember Lieberman asked if the Woodwaste Program could be eliminated. Mr.
Reedy stated they plan to discuss that option with Council next week.
Councilmember Clark noted most of the woodwaste material is used by the city
because it is not of a quality that could be sold commercially. Mr. Reedy agreed,
explaining it is used predominately on the slopes of the landfill. Councilmember Clark
asked what it would cost to replace those materials if the city no longer offered the
Woodwaste Program.
Mayor Scruggs asked if there are employees designated solely to woodwaste
production. Ms. Schurhammer responded yes, explaining, however, three of the four
FTE positions assigned to the Woodwaste Program are vacant. She said a contract
provider currently does the work that would be done by the three unfilled FTE positions.
Mr. Reedy suggested the Woodwaste Program has, perhaps, run its course, stating
they need to look at the cost of providing the service in comparison to the revenue it
generates to determine if the city should continue to offer the service.
Councilmember Martinez asked if the city contracts for the grinder itself. Mr. Reedy
responded no, stating, however, the city contracts for the operation and maintenance of
the grinder.
Ms. Schurhammer continued her presentation, stating Landfill Fund costs are
comprised of: $2.5 million for Staffing; $2.8 million in Lease Debt and Shop Charges;
$3 million for Internal Charges, Contract Services, Insurance, Rentals and Supplies.
Councilmember Clark asked if the MURF charges are in addition to the ones previously
discussed. Ms. Schurhammer responded no, noting the $1.2 million lease debt is
spread out over seven years and 15 years. Councilmember Clark asked how long has
the facility been in operation. Ms. Schurhammer said the facility was fully implemented
in December 2000.
In conclusion, Ms. Schurhammer reported Sanitation revenues do not cover estimated
expenses for the current year and Landfill revenues do not cover all costs currently
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included in the Landfill Fund.
Ms. Aguilar explained staff will return to Council on May 6 and provide options for
dealing with the funding shortage.
Mayor Scruggs said Council has had discussions in the past as to who should bear the
cost of closing the landfill. She asked if any steps have been taken to equalize the
burden of closing the landfill and beautifying the land among existing residents and
those that will move to the city in the future. Ms. Aguilar stated the only post-closure
cost-per-ton included for current ratepayers is for the south cell which is expected to
close around 2015. She stated the north cell cost component is not included, therefore
future ratepayers will pay that cell's closure costs. Mr. Reedy explained they estimate
the tonnage each resident generates and charge them according to that estimate. Ms.
Aguilar noted the Landfill Development Plan reduced the rate from $3.25 to $2.15 per
ton, per month. Ms. Schurhammer pointed out closure of the north cell will cost
considerably more than the south cell because it will have to be lined.
Vice Mayor Eggleston asked if money is set aside in a separate fund for closures. Mr.
Reedy said not at this time. Vice Mayor Eggleston pointed out the cost to close the
landfill could increase, depending on the EPA. Mr. Reedy agreed, stating they assume
the regulations will become more stringent.
Councilmember Lieberman asked if the city had a contingency fund for landfill closures
at one time. Mr. Reedy responded no. Mr. Mike Hoyt said a certain amount of the
Landfill Fund is set aside by ordinance for closure and other capital costs.
Councilmember Lieberman asked when staff anticipates lining the north cell. Mr. Hoyt
said they will start looking at that approximately five years before the south cell closes.
Councilmember Lieberman asked when will the city reach the landfill's capacity. Mr.
Reedy stated in approximately 46 years.
In response to Councilmember Frate's question, Mr. Hoyt stated the south cell is
approximately 140 acres in size and the north cell is about 120 acres. Councilmember
Frate asked how soon after closure can the land be used for other purposes. Mr.
Reedy stated the master plan shows the land as open space and used for recreational
purposes. He explained the land will experience changes in grade level over time,
therefore, it will not be appropriate for industrial or commercial uses.
In response to an earlier question, Ms. Aguilar said the Fund's total balance to date is
$18,409,000, including $2 million set aside for landfill closures. She noted there are no
restrictions on any of the funds. She explained the funds are used for ongoing
operations and outstanding debt. Mr. Reedy stated whatever additional money is in the
fund could be use for expansion to the north cell, noting excavation of the north cell will
have to begin before the south cell closes in order to have dirt available to close the
south cell. Mayor Scruggs clarified that current ratepayers are paying for the north cell,
just not closure of the north cell. Ms. Aguilar agreed.
Councilmember Clark asked if closure costs include redevelopment of the site. Mr.
Reedy said the costs include returning the land to an acceptable level, but do not
include developing the land for recreational uses. Councilmember Clark expressed her
opinion redevelopment of the site should come out of the same fund. Mr. Reedy
disagreed, stating the reality is that customers are paying for landfill service, not for
future development of the site.
Ms. Schurhammer stated they presented the new Landfill Development Plan in 2001, in
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which conceptual ideas for final use of a landfill were discussed. She said, at that time,
however, it was much too early to make any final decisions.
Councilmember Martinez asked if the city decided against purchasing the 10 acre
property near Foothills Park because it was previously used as a landfill. Mr. Reedy
explained it is never a good idea to purchase someone else's unauthorized landfill
because it creates a significant liability for the city. He said the city would be required to
bring the land into compliance with federal law. He said, conversely, the city knows
what has been put into its landfill and that federal regulations were followed.
Councilmember Martinez asked if the property could have been developed as a parking
lot, regardless of the previous landfill's contents. Mr. Reedy said, while the property
could have been used for several purposes, the question was whether the city was
willing to accept the liability that would come with owning the property.
Mr. Flaaen advised Council not to discuss the status of the property referenced by
Councilmember Martinez because the item was not posted.
Councilmember Lieberman asked how much does the Contingency Fund grow
annually. Mr. Reedy said the answer to that question will depend on the decision
Council makes next week. Councilmember Lieberman asked if the city had to pay to
ensure the landfill on Northern Avenue in Peoria was safe. Mr. Reedy stated the city
has used a number of different properties for landfill space over the last 60 years.
The meeting recessed for a short break.
PUBLIC WORKS GROUP
Public Works Administration
CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Ken Reedy, Deputy City Manager, and Pilar
Aguilar, Acting Budget Director
Mr. Ken Reedy stated the Public Works Group includes the Administration, Utilities,
Field Operations and Environmental Resources Departments.
Administration
Mr. Reedy reported a base budget of $172,173, no carryover and no supplemental
requests.
Utilities
Mr. Reedy stated the base budget for the Utilities Department totals $27,153,131, with
$230,000 in carryover and no supplemental requests. He explained the two carryover
items were a $150,000 request for RSPS Trash Removal and an $80,000 request for a
WARF Odor Control Cover.
Field Operations
Mr. Reedy reported a base budget of $39,321,778, made up from a variety of sources,
including $6.5 million from the General Fund; $7.2 million from the Streets Fund; $5.1
million from the General Services Fund; $50,000 from the Vehicle Replacement Fund;
$8.3 million from the Landfill fund, and $12 million from the Sanitation Fund. He said
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the Field Operations Department identified a budget reduction of $327,926, has no
carryover requests and $1.5 million in supplemental requests. He explained the budget
reduction will be achieved through a reduction in professional development for Field
Operations Administration; a reduction in Street Maintenance pavement management
and right-of-way maintenance funds, and thermostat adjustments in city buildings.
Mayor Scruggs expressed concern about the five mile per year reduction in pavement
overlays. Mr. Reedy stated those five miles will continue to deteriorate until such time
as the city can do the overlay. He said, therefore, they will have to shift their priorities
to ensure those miles are covered in the future. Mayor Scruggs asked what analysis
has been done to determine the impact reductions in street overlays will have on the
amount of repaving the city has to do in the future. Mr. Reedy suggested they bring the
item back to Council at a workshop for a more in-depth discussion. He agreed every
decision effects both current and future costs. He said, while they can forego the cost
this year, it is important that the money be returned to the fund as soon as possible to
allow overlays to be done before streets begin to fail. Mayor Scruggs questioned
whether there will be an opportunity to add money back into the fund later, pointing out
more streets are added every year. She expressed concern that the problem could
grow exponentially and get out of control. She asked to have this issue added to the list
of items to be brought back to Council for further discussion.
Councilmember Martinez agreed the issue has to be addressed, noting he often
receives calls regarding the condition of streets. Mr. Reedy explained street surfaces
have to be rejuvenated to protect them from moisture and to prevent them from
breaking down to the point where they can no longer be restored through a simple
overlay. He said the solution that can be used varies depending on the street's
condition and location.
Councilmember Clark agreed with Mayor Scruggs, stating she will not support staff's
recommendation.
Councilmember Lieberman asked how many miles of arterial streets does the city have.
Mr. Jim Book, Transportation Director stated approximately 92 miles. Councilmember
Lieberman pointed out the proposed reduction would mean arterial streets would have
to go 10 years before they could be overlayed.
Vice Mayor Eggleston stated he agrees with the Mayor that the item should be brought
back for further consideration.
Mayor Scruggs pointed out the fund has already been cut by $600,000 since 2001.
She expressed her opinion it is a safety and quality of life issue.
Mayor Scruggs asked what the use of personal fans and heaters is estimated to cost
the city, stating a restriction on their use seems excessive. Mr. Reedy said, while he is
not concerned about fans, he is concerned about fire and energy issues associated
with heaters. Mayor Scruggs said so employees can use fans. Mr. Reedy said yes.
Councilmember Frate asked if potholes and cracks will continue to be addressed. Mr.
Reedy said they will continue to try to meet the current level of service with regard to
repair requirements.
Mr. Reedy updated the Council on national fuel cost projections. He said the city has
about 46,000 gallons of storage for unleaded and another 46,000 gallons of storage for
diesel fuel, allowing the city to purchase approximately 10,000 gallons at a time. He
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stated the city utilizes a number of vendors to obtain the best possible price. He said
they anticipate paying $1.30 per gallon in the coming year, noting prices have already
started going down. He stated, however, it is possible that an additional $250,000 will
be needed to augment next year's appropriation. He said, rather than setting aside
$250,000 now, a mid-year transfer will be made out of the Contingency Fund.
Mayor Scruggs pointed out some departments used fuel savings as a way to balance
their budgets. Mr. Reedy clarified the Fire and Police Departments recommended
operation changes that are expected to result in fuel savings. Mayor Scruggs did not
recall hearing about the operational changes implemented by the Fire Department.
She said a better explanation of the efficiency measures being put into place to offset
proposed reductions would have made the reductions appear less like a potential harm
and could have made a difference in Council's conclusions. Ms. Aguilar explained a lot
of the budget cuts were proposed prior to the rise in fuel prices. She said, since that
time, departments have gone back and identified efficiency measures that can be taken
to offset the proposed reductions. Mayor Scruggs explained that, without knowing that
measures are being taken to improve efficiency, Council is left feeling the budget is
being balanced through questionable reductions. She asked staff to be sure future
presentations explain the steps departments will take to offset proposed reductions.
Ms. Aguilar stated, prior to the balancing meeting, Council will be given a list of all the
changes made and efficiencies identified as a result of the previous budget hearings.
Chief Mark Burdick noted shop and fuel costs went down over the last quarter, despite
an increase in fuel costs. He said the department did a very comprehensive analysis
and identified areas where better efficiency could be achieved.
Councilmember Martinez asked about the zero funding for Field Operations equipment
replacement. Mr. Reedy said their goal is to extend the life of all computers and
vehicles one more year. He acknowledged accidents or other unforeseen events could
require some level of replacement. Ms. Aguilar pointed out the appropriation will be
adjusted to add emergency vehicle replacements. Councilmember Martinez asked
about the large reduction to Operating Capital. Ms. Aguilar explained a large portion of
Operating Capital typically comes out of the Vehicle Replacement Fund.
In response to Councilmember Lieberman's question, Ms. Aguilar explained they
deferred all payments into the Vehicle Replacement Fund this year and next year. She
said, however, they will continue to replace emergency vehicles next year. She said
Enterprise Funds will continue to pay into the Vehicle Replacement Fund if they have
vehicles in the fund.
Mr. Reedy continued his presentation stating the General Fund supplemental items
include a $90,000 appropriation request for professional and contractual services; a
$271,000 appropriation request for vehicle supplies and maintenance; a $272,750
request for utility costs for new facilities, and a $77,036 ongoing and $68,000 one-time
request for a Building Maintenance Worker. He said Landfill Fund supplemental items
include a $30,000 request for Recycling Division advertising and a $27,500 request for
Recycling Division compliance activity.
In response to Mayor Scruggs' question, Ms. Aguilar offered to provide details about the
supplemental requests so Council can make a decision on whether or not to fund them
at next week's meeting. She said, conversely, they can defer reviewing the
supplemental requests until next week's presentation. Mayor Scruggs asked staff to
defer the item until next week's presentation.
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Environmental Resources
Mr. Reedy reported a base budget of $1,662,852, with $45,900 coming from the
General Fund and $1,616,952 in Water/Sewer Fees. He said the budget reduction
recommendation totals $1,463 and would reduce the number of employees that receive
annual environmental training. He stated no carryover or supplemental requests were
identified.
Councilmember Martinez asked if responses to meth-labs falls under HazMat Incident
Response. Mr. Reedy said meth-labs are in the Police Department's budget.
Vice Mayor Eggleston asked about the Water Quality Services. Mr. Reedy explained
the water quality laboratory was previously transferred from the Utility Department to
Environmental Resources to address conflict of interest concerns. He said they
conduct approximately 11,000 tests per year to ensure the city's water supply is safe.
He noted water conservation has also recently been added to Environmental
Resources. He said the water quality laboratory employees total 11 technicians and
chemists. He noted the funds for water quality still come from the total Enterprise Fund.
Councilmember Lieberman asked if a lot of the training is mandated by federal
regulations. Mr. Reedy stated they do a lot of cross training with other departments to
ensure individuals know how to comply with federal requirements. Mr. Doug Kukino,
Environmental Resources Director said, while some of the training is legally required,
there are no requirements for annual training. He stated they take an aggressive
approach to training employees that deal with environmental issues or hazardous
material spills.
Ms. Aguilar reviewed the budget workshop schedule, stating the total compensation
package and solid waste assessment will be reviewed on May 6. She said staff will
wrap up all issues and review revenue options and the final balancing at the May 13
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
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