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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 - MINUTES - 5/26/2004 STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION CITY OF PALM SPRINGS May 26, 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 - None E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended. F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS - None G. STUDY SESSION 1. PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY RESULTS Jennifer D. Franz, JD Franz Research, reviewed a power point presentation, copy attached and survey used, copy attached. Consultant stated that the survey did indicate that the Citizens did want a lot of information; and that if an increase is passed on the UUT it should have a sunset of no more than 5 years. Mills: Voters historically in Palm Springs support tax measures if the measure is fully explained; that the voters in this City are aware of needs; that a full education informational plan should be designed to give to the voters for November. Foat: Informal subcommittee should be formed to work with a group of citizens to determine the best use of the funds from the sale of the WWTP. 2. 2004-05 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AIRPORT BUDGET Airport Director stated that some position will be eliminated; that the Procurement Director has indicated a $300,000 per year savings for janitorial services; that the RFP is ready to release; that the major funding problem is the increase in PERS, health costs and fuel; that a 5 year projection was made; that with the staff cuts over the course the airport budget should be ok; that there are $2.7 million in reserves; that the reserves must be retained due to bond indebtedness; that the bid rates are guaranteed for two years. GENERAL FUND City Manager stated that the 9-1-1 fee is being reviewed by the City Attorney; that it is anticipated that the fee can be adopted and used to supplement dispatch services. City Attorney stated that written materials are being prepared on the issue and that it would be best to discuss the matter in closed session. Pougnet questioned the impacts of 21, 22, 25 & 26. City Manager stated that the city clerk department had a retirement and the duties are being contracted out at a lesser cost; that the Procurement Director is retiring, the position will be deleted and a division manager position created. Pougnet questioned if there was someone internally with knowledge of procurement, City Manager stated that the department will fall under Finance; that the library personnel cuts were recommended by the Library Board; that 17 positions were eliminated in the 2003-04 year; that the airport has $400,000 for marketing, $150,000 will be given to the tourism fund for joint advertising; and that some special events end up with a loss rather than a gain for the City. Police Chief stated that with the proposed cuts prevention program will be at risk; that it is hoped DARE & PAL will be funded thru gaming compacts; that the elimination of a Commander does increase the span of command for the managers of the department; that the two officers eliminated will stretch services and results in the elimination of task force participation. Fire Chief stated that $317,000 has been requested for staffing from the Indian Compact Funds and it is anticipated the funding will be granted. Foat stated that most questions have been answered; that Item 20 is for the TIP Program; that all cities in the Coachella Valley participate; since the City Manager is giving up his raise those funds could be allocated to the TIP program, as it is embarrassing for Palm Springs not to support the program. Fire Chief stated that the TIP Program replaced a functional volunteer program that successfully existed for many years and the program members are willing to reactivate; and that Cathedral City does not participate in TIP. City Manager stated that all training and travel in all departments will be cut by 50% and only mandatory training will be approved. Mills stated that under the Personnel reductions a detailed report of what happens to the Department, cost allocation is contracts will be used; that this is a big change on how we do business and the numbers are important; that the City is growing more police and fire personnel are needed; that support to safety cuts can not be given; and questioned the upgrade of the Fleet Operations position. Human Resource Director stated that the position has been vacant for two years and that the person filling the position has been working out of class for that same amount of time. Mills requested the chain of command for reprographics to be provided; the cost if the golf course and parking structure debt is retired. Oden stated that the airport contribution for funding dedicated to tourism; that there is some concern for travel and training being cut; that some way needs to be determined to not lose the prevention program at the police department; that the City should participate in the Coachella Valley task forces and the TIP Program; that the positions that are being cut need to be weighed against the costs of contracting out; that when jobs are privatized in the long run it typically does not difference; that in public works if the City takes over regulation of taxis, more position may be needed; that in the procurement department with the Director leaving we may need to reexamine the credit card program; and approval amounts and overall the cuts need to be examined on how service will be affected. JOINT MEETING BETWEEN DESERT WATER AGENCY AND CITY COUNCIL 1. PROPOSED SALE OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT All members of the City Council were present; representatives from Desert Water Agency as follow: Mr. Boyd, Mr. Burns, Mr. Kieley, and President Starrs. Public Comments: Art Lyons submitted a brochure detailing the Film Noir Festival, copy attached. Gloria Montayne, representing TIP requested Council consideration of funding the program for the upcoming year. Hal Stone, Palm Springs stated that the first sewage treatment plant was located north of Gene Autry Trail and Ramon Road; that the bond issue did include interceptor lines; and that he did serve to assist in the establishment of the wastewater treatment plant. Fred Noble stated that the public would be well served with the sale. Members of the Desert Water Agency and the Palm Springs City Council discussed the sale of the Wastewater Treatment Plant from the City to the Agency; language for the agreement is being worked out; subcommittee of both entities are still meeting; that new technology will be employed; that it is possible that ponds 5 & 6 will be relocated; that usage of reclaimed water will be expanded. ADJOURN