HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 - MINUTES - 1/14/2004STUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
JANUARY 14, 2004
CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
A. Call to Order-Large Conference Room-All Present
B. Flag Salute
C. City Attorney Report on Matters Discussed in Closed Session-See Page 2 of
Agenda this date.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Howard Lapham, stated that the sewer fees assessed for the sinks installed at
Smoke Tree are unfair; that the fees do not make common sense and requested
the Council to assist in the review and correction of the fees.
Larry Miller, read a prepared statement re: sewer connection fees, copy on file in
Office of the City Clerk.
Queen Shaharrazah, invited the Council and public to attend the upcoming
Riverside County Date Festival held in Indio, February 13 – 22, 2004.
E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS
Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended.
F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS - None
City Manager scheduled a Joint Meeting with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla
Indians on March 25, 2004 at 6:00 p.m., at the Spa Hotel.
G. STUDY SESSION
1. QUARTERLY BUDGET REVIEW
Finance Director reviewed the budgets for Fiscal Years 2003-04 and
2004-05, copies of handouts on file in Office of the City Clerk; and added
that the yearly budget process for the Departments will be starting towards
the end of the month; that measures are being reviewed that would be
presented to the Council concerning possible ballot questions for public
safety funding; that a specific tax would require 2/3’s vote, whereas a tax
for general purposes is a simple majority vote; that a conservative
approach was used for projections; that the admission tax questions is
being reviewed; that Mello Roos fees for new development are likewise
being discussed.
Assistant City Manager stated 17.5 positions had been cut from City Hall
in the past fiscal year budget; that any more cuts within city hall will impact
the services; that the savings was approximately $1 million; that the Indian
Revenue Gaming Fund is being decided and the potential is not known at
this time of any possible revenue from that source.
Council consensus that the Directors of Departments review possible
budget cutting in departmental budgets; that revenue ideas likewise be
discussed; that back to black submittals be reviewed and implemented;
that hiring practices should be reported to the Council; that the Budget
Task Force does need to be contacted to determine if the members will
continue to meet and recommend alternatives to the Council; that
estimates should be provided concerning the possible revenue from the
annexation of Parc Andreas, and Belle Monte; the selling of names for
City facilities; the possible safety tax; refinancing of bonds; that the update
on the budget should be ongoing and that the issues need to presented at
a study session for Council prioritization.
2. DEVELOPMENT FEE STUDY
Assistant City Manager reviewed a handout, copy on file in Office of the
City Clerk; and added that the recovery costs are regulated; that only the
action costs to produce the service can be charged; that a profit for
services performed by the City can not be charged; that the fees are
comparable to other Cities; that most of the fees are based on a time and
resource value; that project evaluation was not done; that the fees would
be paid on a deposit type basis; that most the time the final fees are
caught up when the building permits are issued; that construction sites are
reviewed and spot checked for verifying the value submitted; that the BIA
has reviewed the fees and did have some questions and did request the
cost allocations; and direction is needed on whether the Council desires
full cost recovery or just a portion thereof.
Council consensus that there is a potential to recover what the City is
spending for services; that the proposal does need to be formalized; that a
recommendation is sought from the BIA; that the recommendation does
need to be brought forward quickly; and that overall most projects should
not be subsidized by the City and each project should bear its fair share.
3. ROLE/STRUCTURE OF BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
City Attorney reviewed handout, copy on file in Office of the City Clerk.
Foat: Mission statements are needed for each Commission as well as
work plans, goals and accomplishments; there may be some commissions
that could be combined, or some that may need additional funding and
that the Commissions should indicate how better to serve the community.
Oden stated that the council cabinet does need refining that staff is
directed to develop a format for the work plan to include how each
commission could better serve the community; that there are some public
agencies that would like to participate with our Commissions and that the
commission should reviews its structure to consider other entity possible
participation.
ADJOURNMENT: 10:10 p.m.
ADJOURN