06-22-2000 - Special 2 Meeting - Minutes•
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MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
NNE 22, 2000
The special meeting of the West Covina City Council was called to order by Mayor Herfert at 6:45 pm
in the Management Resource Center at City Hall, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina.
ROLL CALL Mayor Herfert, Mayor Pro Tern Wong, Councilmembers Howard,
Melendez, Wong
Others Present: Hobbs, Fields, Tucker, Hatch, Greene, Swink, Mayer, Bommarito,
Smilowitz, Hernandez, Garcia, MacDonald, Pidgeon, McIsaac,
Wills, Schimanski, Chung, Shott, Morgan, Batt, Samaniego, Berry
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Carrie Buckingham Carrie Buckingham, 1321 Randall Way, stated that her child cur-
rently attends the California School Day Care Program, which is
provided by the City. She opposed the proposed 90% increase in
the program fees. It would create a great hardship on her.
STUDY SESSION — FEE AND CHARGE PROGRAM
City Manager Hobbs explained that the fee and charge program is
a tough issue because no one likes to raise fees. The day care
programs cost money and either the users pay for it or the
taxpayers pay for it through the General Fund. Neither is good or
bad, but it is a policy call that rests with the City Council.
Finance Director presented the history of setting the fees and the
years that followed where the fees stagnated at the rate they remain
at today.
Councilmember Melendez felt a reasonable fee increase would be
acceptable, but a 90% increase is not reasonable.
Councilmember Howard reminded the audience that there were
other programs available too. For those residents falling below a
certain income level, they can qualify for CDBG funds that can be
used towards the child care programs.
Discussion ensued regarding the financial aspects of running the
programs without increasing fees (for six years), coupled with a
reduced number of participants.
Community Services Director Hatch reviewed the five key
elements significantly impacting the Fee & Charge Fund and
responded to Council's questions:
* Six years without fee increases.
* $120,000 charge for property and liability for part-time
staff.
* $50,000 charge for improved maintenance standards.
* Proposed salary increases for part-time staff.
* Capital equipment costs and/or one computer and printer
for each site.
Council Minutes of 6/22/00
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Additional comments were offered by the following individuals:
Joyce Huskey Joyce Huskey, 1315 E. Carlton, addressed the Palm View Park and
the willingness to pay a reasonable increase in fees.
William McKenna William McKenna, 910 S. Indian Summer Avenue, addressed the
program he places his son and objected to the proposed high rate.
Cathy Reid Cathy Reid, 1403 Shamwood, commended the director in charge
of the Palm View program.
Ed Kopszywa Ed Kopszywa, YMCA Director, reminded Council that the YMCA
is another reasonable option available to parents and outlined the
Y's rates.
Council Comments
Councilmember Melendez felt the City should continue to provide
childcare and not for more than $75.00.
Councilmember Touhey concurred with the comments made by
Councilmember Melendez, but didn't have a monetary figure in
mind.
Councilmember Wong favored charging non-residents the full
100% for participating in the City's program. However, in relation
to the City's residents, we do need to look at a reasonable increase
and setting future incremental increases. Programs at the various
centers that aren't making it should be terminated.
Councilmember Howard noted that this is an example of why
government should not be in the business. It makes sense to
provide these types of services through the YMCA or other private
enterprise. She suggested that City staff take a hard look at the
failing sites and other issues, and then; Council can consider
changing fees.
Mayor Herfert opposed any rate increase with a minimum increase
of 10 to 15% for non-residents. He complained that the Youth
Sports Coordinator isn't performing the duties for which he was
hired. He did support 10% pay increase for; the part-time workers.
City Manager Hobbs requested Council, direction as to their
preference in addressing the General Fund deficit of $400,000
relative to the fee and charge programs.
Upon conclusion of the Council's comments, Finance
Director stated that stab will zero out the fee and charge deficit at
year end, using budget savings first and then general fund reserves.
Recess Mayor Herfert called a recess at 8:37 pm. The City Council re-
convened at 9:03 pm with all members present.
STUDY SESSION — FISCAL YEAR 2000/2001 BUDGET WRAP-UP
Mayor Herfert began on Page 10, taking each item one by one:
Mike Miller Questions:
Questions relative to the City's self-insurance program were
provided to Mr. Miller.
County Assessor GIS Program.
Council took a wait and see position as the CIP projects have not
yet been discussed.
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Council Minutes of 6/22/00
Administrative and Overhead Charges:
Councilmember Touhey still needs to touch bases with the Finance
Director.
Water Department Stranded Costs Report:
• Councilmember Melendez stated that he would discuss this item
further at a later time.
Annex Report:
Council concurred with the staff recommendation to approve the
transfer of $9,126 from the Maintenance Division Budget to the
Community Services Department Budget for part-time staff
assistance in the Annex. Staff will also monitor the traffic and
services, and report back to the City Council.
General Plan Revision:
Council concurred with the staff recommendation to delay this
project until after the Visioning Project is completed.
Fee and Charge Pro rams:
Council just concluded a lengthy discussion on this issue this
evening.
Senior Meals Program:
Council considered this issue at the regular Council meeting of
June 20, 2000, but left a $29,000 deficit still needing to be
addressed. Council concurred on using funds from the non -
departmental reserve appropriation account.
Day Care Costs: City vs Private Enterprise:
Council just concluded a lengthy discussion on this issue this
evening.
City Council Chamber Chairs:
Councilmember Howard is happy with the one she has now. The
other Councilmembers decided not to request new chairs. With
the portion of the $7000 that was earmarked for new chairs, each
Councilmember received $1000 in their travel account.
National Innovation Groups (IG):
Council concurred with the staff' recommendation to approve
$5000 for IG membership dues from the City Manager's budget,
with the proviso that if innovative ideas to not prove fruitful by
twice that amount in the next year, it be cancelled before the next
budget.
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Membership:
Council discussed the importance of participating with the various
groups without necessarily joining all the groups.
City Council Reserve Appropriation Expenditure
Council concurred with the staff recommendation to approve
. $50,000 to correct budget errors, address minor emergencies and
take advantage of one-time opportunities.
ICRMA Cost for Pooling Risk.
Councilmember Touhey noted that he would be meeting with the
Finance Director on Monday to ask his remaining questions.
Cost of 4`s Person on Fire Truck:
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Council Minutes of 6/22/00
In response to Council's questions, Fire Chief Greene stated that
the firefighters are quite in favor of four -man teams. Council
agreed that a good start date would be January 1, 2001. It would
take about six months to make all the preparations for the change.
Council discussed funding the additional man per truck. Several
Councilmembers stated their willingness to again look at ALS fees
• to cover the fourth man costs.
Motion by Wong and seconded by Melendez to hold action
on this item. Motion failed 2-3 with Howard, Touhey, and Herfert
voting no.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to approve the
fourth man on the fire trucks with a start date of January, 2001.
Motion carried 4-1 with Wong voting no.
Medicaid/Medicare ALS Payments:
Council concurred on directing staff to come back with additional
information.
Fire Equipment: Leasing vs Purchasing:
Mayor Herfert noted that this information would be coming back
to Council during the CIP study session.
West Covina Service Group Overtime:
Council accepted the information provided in the report by the
Police Chief.
Hurst Ranch:
Mayor Herfert noted that this item was considered and handled at
the June 20, 2000 Council meeting.
Life Insurance:
Council directed staff to include this item when they consider the
CIP projects.
ADJOURNMENT Mayor Herfert adjourned the meeting at 10:10 pm.
Attest:
U l
City Clerk Janet Bc
is
LA
Mayor St eT fe
M