06-06-1994 - Special Meeting - MinutesM I N U T E S
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
June 6, 1994
The special meeting of the West Covina City Council was called to order
by Mayor McFadden at 5:45 pm in the Management Resource Center at City
Hall, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina.
ROLL CALL Mayor McFadden, Mayor Pro Tem Herfert, Councilmembers
Manners, Touhey, Wong
Others Present: Starbird, Wylie, Orr, Greene, Panas, Yoshizaki,
Miller, Glover, Koniarsky, Berry
West Covina Chamber representatives: Harvey, Dunn,
Canzoneri, Connor, Landers
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
No comments offered.
WEST COVINA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Susie Harvey, Vice President of the West Covina
Chamber of Commerce, presented an overview of the
Chamber's programs since her arrival in January of
1990 and additional programs for the upcoming fiscal
year. She noted that within the last three years,
the Chamber has experienced a 25% decrease in
personnel, provided ongoing services, and implemented
several new programs - all with the same amount of
Business Improvement Tax each year.
Greg Landers, incoming Chamber Treasurer, briefly
reviewed the Chamber's proposed budget for FY 94/95
in the amount of $379,380.00 and requested Council's
approval.
Council Comments Councilmember Manners suggested that the Chamber
check with neighboring cities when preparing for an
event to avoid conflicting schedules.
Councilmember Touhey expressed displeasure with the
upcoming Chamber Installation Dinner being held out-
side West Covina. He made the same comment regarding
the Chamber's annual retreat. He felt strongly that
West Covina businesses should come first, including
the contracting for printing and other services. He
added that the City needs to use the same approach.
Outgoing Chamber President Dunn explained that the
Chamber agrees with that approach in general, but
because it isn't always possible, the Chamber does
patronize and support services available to it
through its members who may be located in other
cities. In relation to printing jobs, Vice President
Harvey explained that the better price is not always
with a local firm.
Councilmember Touhey noted that 65% of the Chamber's
budget is devoted to payroll. He stated that the BIT
should be used strictly for business promotion. Ms.
Dunn commenced a discussion on the difference between
providing service as opposed to producing products,
and commented that service -oriented businesses are
heavy in personnel.
Minutes of June 6, 1994
2
Councilmember Wong noted that if the Chamber did not
receive the BIT, they would a) need to increase
membership fees and conduct fundraisers, and b) would
serve only their members. The BIT allows the Chamber
to serve all businesses in the City.
• Incoming Chamber President Connor assured Council
that during his term all Chamber events will be held
within the boundaries of the City. He also noted the
Chamber is available to help the City. He encouraged
everyone to come to the business meetings, not just
the annual meeting, as input is valuable and
welcomed.
Councilmember Manners stated that she has worked with
the Chamber over a long period of time and found it
to be a great organization.
Mayor Pro Tem Herfert stated that he would not
comment or vote on the BIT at this point in time
because in his view the BIT should be considered in
light of other outstanding budgetary issues. He
suggested that .sometime in the next three months,
Council review the BIT and the business license tax.
The budget can always be changed, even after
approval, once the Council makes its review.
Councilmember Manners had no problem with the
Chamber's proposed budget.
AT 8:04 pm the Chamber representatives retired from
the Council table.
City Manager Starbird distributed the staff report for
the next budget session scheduled for June 8, 1994 at
5:30 pm in the MRC.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Herfert, seconded by Manners to adjourn the
meeting at 8:05 pm. Motion carried by a 5-0 vote.
Attest:
C/
City Clerk Janet Herry
17
7-1
JrZZ� P, �
Yayo Brad McFadden