HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 - MINUTES - 5/12/2004 STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
MAY 12, 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
Ed Chuicello, recommended that no cuts to Fire Service be considered; that time
is of the essence for most patients that the paramedics respond to.
Joel Douglas, stated that no word had been heard regarding the naming of a
street in honor of his father, Kirk Douglas and questioned the status; and added
that safety services should not be cut and that funding to the Palm Springs
International Film Festival could be decreased or cut.
Mike Kovaloff, PSPOA President, recommended no cuts to safety services; and
added that both entitles are being over extended as it is.
Chris Kramer, Fire Department, recommended no cuts to safety services and
added that service calls are increasing and staff is decreasing.
Christine Hammond stated that funding should be designated for the
Neighborhood Involvement Program.
E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS
Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended.
Mill reviewed a memo dated April 22, 2004; copy attached and voiced objections
to the reviewed memo.
City Attorney stated that an ordinance concerning the Taxi signage would be on
the upcoming agenda.
McCulloch requested a report on the status of set asides of land for the Palm
Springs Classic Project and the status of relocation of Station 5.
F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager stated the Director of Planning & Zoning would be giving a written
report on the status of the Chino Cone Specific Plan in the weekly report.
G. STUDY SESSION
1. FISCAL YEAR 2004-05 PRELIMINARY BUDGET
John Stiles, Chairman Budget Task Force, reviewed a handout dated 5-
12-04, copy attached.
Sharon Lock, Budget Task Force Member stated that an in-depth study
should be done to bring all bargaining units under the same type of health
insurance plan; that choices in the plan should be limited; that employees
should participate in the payment of the premium; and that a cafeteria plan
should be set in place allotting each employee the same amount of money
for use in the purchase of health plans.
Tom Mulhall, Budget Task Force Member stated that review was
conducted of the Fire Department and City Attorney expenses; that there
are significant savings already and reviewed a handout, copy attached.
Fire Chief stated that State Law precludes the Department from transport
of patients; that the radio system is obsolete and does need to be
replaced; that an 800 Mhz system should be purchased; that it is time for
the City to get an ISO rating; that the rating is based on Fire Department
staffing, communication systems, water systems; that currently the City is
a Class 3; that the rating does reduce fire insurance premiums for
businesses; that reduction in personnel will drop the rating as will closing a
station; that the ambulance service does have a penalty clause for when
the time of response exceeds 10 minutes; that a new contract has
enforced stringent penalties; that there are a number of violations; that the
penalty funds are given to the City to enhance ALS response; and that it is
high risk when penalties are enacted.
Mr. Stiles stated that the goal of the budget task force was to review
service levels; that consideration has to be given on how many police
officers are needed on the street; and in the fire department review was
given on how many earn over $100,000 a year; and that the question is
whether or not they need to earn that much; that for revenue
enhancement the admission tax and increase the UUT with sunset is
recommended; but is the head count of employees was reduced, then
long term benefits will happen; that it is recommended that both police and
fire services have County bid performed; that it may be that the Citizens
should be asked it would support paying additional designated funds; that
employee benefits are of highest concern.
City Manager stated the overriding issue is the budget deficit; that
currently it is pegged at $4.5 million; that there is a poll survey being
performed at this time to indicate what the citizens would support.
Director of Finance & Treasurer reviewed handout, copy attached.
Council consensus to allow Public Safety to review suggested City
Manager cuts and come back to Council with recommendation.
2. COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
A) Neighborhood Subcommittee – withdrawn
b) Sunline Transit Agency – withdrawn.
ADJOURN