HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPCC Minutes 1989-06-27SRRA/SRCC MINUTES (Special Joint) BUDGET HEARIN, 6/27/89 Page 1
IN THE WEBB ROOM OF THE SAN RAFAEL PUBLIC LIBRARY, TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 1989
AT 7:00 PM.
Special Joint Meeting: Present: Lawrence E. Mulryan, Chairman/Mayor
San Rafael City Council/ Albert J. Boro, Member/Councilmember
San Rafael Redevelopment Dorothy L. Breiner, Member/
Agency Councilmember
Gary R. Frugoli, Member/Councilmember
Joan Thayer, Member/Councilmember
Absent: None
Also Present: Pamela J. Nicolai, Executive Director/City Manager;
Jeanne M. Leoncini, Agency Secretary/City Clerk
Ransom E. Coleman, Finance Director
1. BUDGET HEARING - PRELIMINARY 1989/90 BUDGET - File 8-5 x R-103
Executive Director/City Manager Nicolai stated the Recreation Department's
budget reflected a Consolidated General Fund budget and Revolving Account,
noting there is no change in the General Fund budget. She stated staff
is asking that $3,000 be transferred back into the General Fund from the
Revolving Account to offset the General Fund obligation.
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES
RECREATION - PAGE 30
Recreation Director McNamee stated everything remains generally the same
and indicated there is a change in rentals which are leveling out now
that Pickleweed Park is stable and its programs formulated.
In response to Member/Councilmember Thayer's question whether ethnic services
are available in the community, Ms. McNamee responded they have an interna-
tional program for senior citizens which includes ethnic cooking and Ti
Chi classes.
In response to Member/Councilmember Boro's query of the two clerk typists
added last year, Ms. McNamee replied one is in the child care program
and the other is at the San Rafael Community Center where 70% of department -
wide registration is done.
Member/Councilmember Frugoli moved and Member/Councilmember Breiner seconded,
to tentatively approve the Recreation Department's budget in the amount
of $423,953.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
TRANSPORTATION & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
PUBLIC WORKS - PAGE 38
Executive Director/City Manager Nicolai stated Public Works Department
is status quo with regard to the number of positions compared to last
year. 4 positions continue to remain frozen; in the Garage, Street, Park
and Engineering Divisions. She noted there is one transfer from the Adminis-
trative Engineering Division of an Assistant Civil Engineer to Land Develop-
ment, as well as one-half of a clerk, but noted these are not new positions.
Public Works Director Bernardi explained the positions of the Assistant
Civil Engineer and one-half clerk stating there is a difference in the
Land Development portion, noting that included in the Salaries and Wages,
there is funding for a temporary Building Inspector Council authorized
in March. Also included in Administration/Engineering, is the cost of
living increases that are already in the existing contract with the Union.
In response to Member/Councilmember Thayer's question if the Corps of
Engineers will be funded by the Redevelopment Agency when they work on
the Flood Control study, Mr. Bernardi replied it is one of the options
to have this funded by the Redevelopment Agency. He indicated that the
City's share will be around $6 million, noting they are not far enough
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along in the process to know what the total cost will be or what the Federal
Government's position will be on cost sharing. The assumption is made
based on what the Corps of Engineers have done so far, with the Federal
Government putting up 850. Some of the ways to fund the project are; through
the Redevelopment Agency, the formation of a Harbor District, selling
of bonds or forming an Assessment District, but Mr. Bernardi noted using
the Redevelopment Agency would be easiest.
Ms. Nicolai explained that the study being done now by the Corps of Engineers
has the City sharing part of the cost which is budgeted in Redevelopment,
with the majority of the staff work being done by Public Works, and that
Lloyd Strom (Assistant Public Works Director) is the key staff person.
In response to Member/Councilmember Boro's inquiry on funding for Peacock
Park, Mr. Bernardi stated the funding for maintenance is not in the budget,
noting timing of the construction project means the department does not
have to take over maintenance until this time next year. Construction
of various items will be scheduled and the contractor will be required
to provide maintenance as part of the contract. He noted when this was
discussed with Council, it was a way to forestall maintenance costs, yet
have the park built, giving them a chance to see what the revenues would
be the following fiscal year.
Mr. Bernardi indicated he did some research on parks and maintenance going
back to the 1979/80 budget and found staff had 12 employees and after
10 years we now have 13, which means only one person has been added within
that time period. Since then, between 1980/85, 22 acres of park maintenance
have been added in turf or landscaping, and between 1985 to the present
time, another 10k acres have been added which includes all the school
district facilities. Now with the upcoming Peacock Park having 4h acres
and the future Shoreline Band of 27 acres or 22 miles along the Bay front,
this represents about half more than what was maintained before.
In response to Member/Councilmember Boro's question on how funding will
be done between the City and County on CSA -23, and with Terra Linda Open
Space supposedly coming to an end this fiscal year, Mr. Bernardi stated
it depends on Council and the Board of Supervisors and the level of activity
they wish to have on open space lands. He noted alternatives being studied
are, full involvement, full activities with picnic tables, construction
of trails, bike facilities, etc. On the other hand, one could simply improve
some of the access to open space, leaving it as is. If the latter is
taken, there will be some costs to improve the entrances to the open space
and providing some maintenance such as erosion control and control of
the grasses. Mr. Bernardi stated there is nothing in the budget to cover
these costs, but added the City now receives a stipend from the County,
and that at the conclusion of this study the County may be willing to
negotiate upwards the amount the City was getting that would help pay
toward the costs. However, at this point, he did not know whether the
City would be paying anything and noted it might be covered by what the
County contributes.
Regarding the Garage budget, Mr. Bernardi stated most vehicle body work
is done outside with mechanical repair done in-house. The computer system
enables fuel savings and the highest priority in maintenance is to be
certain all police vehicles are on the road.
Patrick Webb, Vice -Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission stated
there are 48 miles of trees, islands and roads without an incremental
increase of maintenance work and at the same time new residential districts
are being added. He hoped people moving into new residential districts
do not go through what the Peacock Park people have gone through. He also
stated the walkways in Terra Linda have not been cleared in months, and
asked Council to fund at least one position.
In response to Member/Councilmember Breiner's question as to what the
cost will be regarding downtown landscaping being transferred to the Rede-
velopment Agency, Ms. Nicolai replied it is about $9,000.
Member/Councilmemer Breiner suggested that the Parks Commission look at
the different "parkettes" having less maintenance and to work on what
usage would be and bring recommendations back to Council.
Mr. Bernardi stated one of the more labor intensive devices at these parkettes
is that there are older irrigation systems that need to be turned on manually
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and the cost of upgrading to an automatic system would cost about $3,000
or $5,000.
Melanie Lemacher, resident of Terra Linda, said there are weeds and broken
glass in the Terra Linda area, that maintenance is being done only once
a year, and asked that this be budgeted.
Member/Councilmember Frugoli suggested having the California Conservation
Corps do some tree trimming and maintenance, and that staff find out what
the costs would be. Mr. Bernardi stated his department, supplemented with
the California Conservation Corps could clean some of the walkways, but
noted there is the ongoing question of maintaining the walkways. He noted
they now are using the island and parkway crews to supplement the maintenance
of the parks, indicating landscaping maintenance per se is not allowed
to be funded through the Redevelopment Agency.
Ms. Nicolai stated these are some of the items identified with the Revenue
Options Committee, and noted no matter how they look at this, there is
not enough money to cover everything.
Mr. Bernardi stated they have not filled the tree maintenance positions
but have budgeted as if these positions were to be filled. Therefore,
they could take some of that money and hire the California Conservation
Corps to work in the Terra Linda area and pedestrian areas.
Mr. Bernardi responded to Councilmember Thayer's question on tree maintenance
stating a minimum of six is needed to maintain trees, noting some options
to be considered are to abandon maintenance on some trees and behind side-
walks which would take care of about 400 of the trees. Regarding park
maintenance, he stated 32 and one-half acres have been added. He said
looking at Peacock Park, other landscaped areas and subdivisions, minimum
staffing would be two people for that area. When taking the man-hours
and translating them to the Shoreline Band, mitigation pond and Russom
Park, etc. employees quickly add up.
After further discussion, Public Works Director was directed to come back
to Council with a plan on time savings regarding the maintenance of parks
and other areas.
Member/Councilmember Frugoli moved and Member/Councilmember Breiner seconded,
to tentatively approve the consolidated Public Works budget in amount
of $5,125,279.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
SAFETY SERVICES
FIRE DEPARTMENT - PAGE 68
Executive Director/City Manager Nicolai stated there are no dramatic changes
in the budget, but noted they are requesting money for disaster preparedness
with training to take place next year. She noted there is one error in
the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) budget, where the Salaries and Wages
Account is $33,000 short, noting there is a differential regarding the
paramedics; instead of it being in a base salary, their differential was
dropped by mistake and therefore was not reflected in the budget and the
discrepency was found last week. She noted the EMS budget is funded by
the paramedic tax, indicating they anticipate receiving more revenue than
projected in the budget because they were unable to get information from
the County on the actual residential units that will come on line this
year or the number of square feet of commercial space. She stated the
County will have this information available sometime in August, but mean-
while the budget projects exactly what the department has this year, knowing
a slight increase will take place to cover this discrepency.
In response to Member/Councilmember Breiner's query about structural fires,
Fire Chief Marcucci replied structural and vehicle fires are on a down
trend but medical emergencies have gone up by 61%. He stated most fires
are single or multi -family dwellings, indicating inspections on commercial
property are working.
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In response to Member/Councilmember Thayer's query if money is received
from the County for work in their area, Ms. Nicolai responded, affirmatively,
in CSA -19 and Marinwood.
Member/Councilmember Frugoli referred to emergency medical services being
outstanding, but noted he would like to see ambulances in Terra Linda
East San Rafael. He asked the Chief to come back to Council in the future
with figures on costs.
Fire Chief Marcucci spoke on the average response time when paramedics
reach the emergency area, stating the engine companies respond within
3 to 4 minutes and paramedics within 6 minutes including the Terra Linda
area. He then gave background on the EMT automatic defibrillator program
for victims having heart problems.
Ms. Nicolai stated in order to acquire the defibrillator, expense would
be with each engine company, including training costs, noting it also
depends on the actual billing through the County for paramedic tax that
will come before Council at a future time. She suggested this year having
a partial funding to purchase some of the defibrillators, including training
with some of the engine companies, and next year purchase the balance
of the equipment. Ms. Nicolai asked Council to endorse the program and
authorize them to proceed ahead, and Council agreed, without motion.
The cost would be approximately $6,500, and Marinwood should be included.
Member/Councilmember Frugoli moved and Member/Councilmember Thayer seconded,
to tentatively approve the budget for the Fire Department, in amount of
$4,334,390 (City) $680,517 (CSA -19) and $874,326 (EMS) and that Fire Chief
Marcucci begin the Emergency Medical Technician Defibrillation Program,
and to come back to Council with a status report the end of 1989.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
SPECIAL PROJECTS - PAGE 80
Executive Director/City Manager Nicolai stated this list will be using
the carryover projected for this year with exception of the last three
items authorized in last year's budget; Police Radios (carryover 1988/89
- $45,000), Terra Linda Base Mapping (carryover 1988/89 - $73,860; this
project has been completed) and Tide Gate Repair (carryover 1988/89 $30,000)
and this is not incorporated within the $750,000. Most other projects
listed come from the Capital Improvement list, Category "A", having to
do with leaking roofs and facility repairs. It is not expected the amount
of money will fund repairs for Falkirk and Boyd House, but matching funds
could be provided and other methods used to help bring those buildings
up to seismic safety.
The Field Mapping of Storm Drains - $20,000. Council authorized staff
to have aerial mapping done, however, their problem is that people have
to be sent out into the field to locate the drains and put them on the
map, indicating many of the drains are not visible from the air. Costs
are being shared with the San Rafael Sanitation District and Redevelopment
Agency, as part of what is being mapped is the sanitation sewer system.
Sidewalk Repair - $60,000. Last year staff placed asphalt on cracks as
a stop gap to eliminate tripping hazards. Approximately $400,000 worth
of concrete has been identified for temporary repair work.
Member/Councilmember Thayer suggested that the Boyd House repair work
be deferred until other greater needs are worked out, noting sidewalks
and storm drains should be considered, listing liability as a concern
to the City.
Member/Councilmember Boro stated it is important to protect the City's
heritage, and felt the City has an obligation in maintaining the Boyd
House and other such facilities.
Member/Councilmember Frugoli also felt it is the City's responsibility
to maintain at least the foundation of Boyd House so it would avoid the
possibility of crumbling should an earthquake take place.
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Member/Councilmember Breiner agreed that work on the foundation should
be done.
Chairman/Mayor Mulryan agreed to the list presented and indicated having
Boyd House repaired presents an opportunity to generate matching funds
and other means to have the money to do the work needed.
Ms. Nicolai stated Fire Station #6 received bids that were higher than
the money set aside for it, therefore, it was on the Worthy but Unfunded
list last year, noting the station is in bad condition.
Member/Councilmember Frugoli moved and Member/Councilmember Boro seconded,
to tentatively approve the budget for Special Projects, in amount of
$902,500.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
BOND RETIREMENT - PAGE 79
Finance Director Coleman stated each year Council sets a tax rate to cover
the debt service, noting Terra Linda Recreation Bonds will be paid off
in 1991 with Open Space Bonds paid off in 1993.
Member/Councilmember Breiner moved and Member/Councilmember Frugoli seconded,
to tentatively approve the budget for the Bond Retirement Fund, in amount
of $198,420.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
GAS TAX PROGRAMS - PAGE 83
Executive Director/City Manager Nicolai said based upon what the City
will receive from gas taxes from the State, a certain amount is allocated
to Miscellaneous Right -of -Way Improvements and tranfers from this account
are made to the General Fund for the street maintenance crew, some traffic
controller replacements and street resurfacing, totalling $796,000.
Member/Councilmember Breiner moved and Member/Councilmember Frugoli seconded,
to tentatively approve the budget for the Gas Tax Programs, in amount
of $796,000.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
PARKING MANAGEMENT SERVICES - PAGE 82
Assistant Executive Director Ours stated there are no dramatic changes
except for increases in salaries, utilities and vandalism, noting the
parking garage will be paid off on June 30, 1989.
Member/Councilmember Thayer moved and Member/Councilmember Breiner seconded,
to tentatively approve the budget for the Parking Management Services,
in amount of $231,750.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY - PAGE 85
Assistant Executive Director Ours stated the budget reflects costs incurred
by the City and reimbursed by the Agency along with the hiring of a new
Senior Planner position, with projects adding up to $5,976,000 for the
coming year.
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In response to Member/Councilmember Frugoli's question as to why costs
a. were expensive for work done on the two-way "A" Street, Mr. Ours responded
it also included replacements of parking meters and other improvements.
Member/Councilmember Boro referred to the General Fund Budget and suggested
long term strategies for Redevelopment be devised with specific objectives.
Member/Councilmember Boro and Chairman/Mayor Mulryan asked to be involved.
Discussion was held on the overall Strategic Plan for the Downtown area.
Member/Councilmember Frugoli moved and Member/Councilmember Breiner seconded,
to tentatively approve the Redevelopment Agency budget, in amount of $702,000.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
WORTHY BUT UNFUNDED - PAGE V
Member/Councilmember Breiner moved and Member/Councilmember Frugoli
seconded, to tentatively approve the Worthy But Unfunded budget, as listed,
and to have any monies saved used as a top priority toward the Sidewalk
Repair Program.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
OUTSIDE REQUESTS - PAGE V
Executive Director/City Manager Nicolai stated requests were in from the
following: 1) Chamber of Commerce, $47,000 (Redevelopment); 2) Mediation
Services, $10,000 (Redevelopment); 3) Rental Rebate, $17,509 (Redevelopment)
and 4) Marin Coummunity Clinic, $3,000 (Do not recommend funding).
Chamber of Commerce - Request for $47,000. (See letter request).
Mediation Service - The City has continued to give this agency $10,000
over the past four or five years, which serves the community having tenant/
landlord disputes.
Rental Rebate - The City has participated in this program for several
years, with money coming from the Marin Community Foundation matching
$2 for every $1 coming from any individual community, with contributions
going directly to residents in San Rafael.
Marin Community Clinic - This is the third consecutive year Marin Community
Clinic has asked for money, and for the last two years, Council has not
chosen to fund this request.
After the budget was printed, requests were received from Marin Abused
Women's Services (MAWS), and the Sun Valley Neighborhood asking the City
to contribute matching funds in amount of $3,500 in order to build a trail
in the newly acquired open space. Ms. Nicolai agreed with the Sun Valley
donation, stating it is a worthwhile project.
Commitment '89 (homeless shelter) - Requesting $21,000. Ms. Nicolai urged
the Council to defer a decision on this item until a Countywide study
is made.
Member/Councilmember Breiner moved and Member/Councilmember Boro seconded,
to tentatively approve $3,500 for Sun Valley Slope Open Space Committee
Neighborhood Thirteen.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Chamber of Commerce - Elissa Giambastiani, Executive Director gave background
covering the Transient Occupancy Tax and marketing program consisting
of a group of San Rafael hotel/motel owners with managers and members
of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce.
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After further discussion, Member/Councilmember Breiner moved and Member/
Councilmember Boro seconded, to tentatively approve $24,350 to the San
Rafael Chamber of Commerce from the Redevelopment Agency budget.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Member/Councilmember Frugoli moved and Member/Councilmember Breiner seconded,
to tentatively approve $10,000 to the Mediation Services from the Redevelop-
ment Agency budget.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Member/Councilmember Breiner moved and Member/Councilmember Boro seconded,
to tentatively approve $17,509 to the Rental Rebate Program from the Redevel-
opment Agency budget.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Members/Councilmembers did not vote to approve funding for the Marin Community
Clinic or the Marin Abused Women's Services.
Executive Director/City Manager Nicolai stated the City Clerk's Office
asked for microfilming, which was supposed to be included in the Worthy
But Unfunded portion of the budget. This subject was brought up last year
and was to be considered this year, noting the cost of $10,000 has been
reduced to $6,400.
Member/Councilmember Boro moved and Member/Councilmember Frugoli seconded,
to tentatively approve $10,000 for the use of microfilming in the City
Clerk's Office.
AYES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Chairman/
Mayor Mulryan
NOES: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS/COUNCILMEMBERS: None
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.
JEANNE LEONCINI, Agency Secretary/
City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF
CHAIRMAN/MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
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