HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 - MINUTES - 6/30/2004 STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
JUNE 30, 2004
CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
A. Call to Order-Large Conference Room-Pougnet absent.
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. FIVE YEAR BUDGET PLAN
Director of Finance & Treasurer reviewed various handouts; see attached
copies, and added that the projection of retiree medical insurance costs
will be rising and that the costs are built into the 5-year projection; that the
issue of the retiree health insurance does need to be addressed due to
amount of funding needed.
In answer to questions by Council, Director of Finance & Treasurer stated
that gaming mitigation funds were segregated into accounts; that the total
amount funded is $897,000; that part of the contribution is for a fire truck;
that funding was allocated for three paramedics; 2 casino officers, I PAL
and one DARE officers; that should the funding go away the Council will
need to determine whether to continue the funding from the General Fund;
that the Mayor did indicate that a report will be forthcoming from the Tribal
Council regarding the allocations and the compact; that the retiree
insurance PERS should be leveling out after the tremendous spiking for
the past several years; that there may even be savings in 2007-08; that in
1998-99 the City did not have to pay PERS due to the rebates given by
PERS back to the City; that the surplus, super funding, did assist the City
during hard times; that eventually public safety will need to be increased;
that projections of leisure services will be given to the Council, the
projection will include not just keeping the service, but expansion also; and
reviewed projections for revenue and expenditures for the projected five
years.
2. PROPOSED BALLOT INITIATIVES – NOVEMBER 2, 2004 ELECTION
Assistant City Manager reviewed handouts, copies attached.
Foat stated that a small amount of voters could levy a tax on the entire
community and that it may be better to require a 2/3 vote for passage.
ACM discussed the various activities that would be included in the
admission tax, i.e., golf, that there are several different ways to levy the
tax, from a set percentage to a sliding scale; that the sliding scale is more
complicated and is not the preferred method; that the Utility User Tax,
hand outs attached, could be expanded to include cable; that it is
suggested to increase the UUT to 8%.
Mills stated that the UUT is the best vehicle; that the additional 3% could
be implemented for a period of 5 years and sunset at that time; that the
voters may support the admissions tax, but that more than likely it is the
UUT that would be the best to recommend for the ballot.
3. MEDALLION/FRANCHISE SYSTEM – TAXI OPERATORS
Assistant City Manager review handouts, copy attached.
Mills stated that Palm Springs used to regulate the taxis and was glad
when Sunline assumed the duties; that the issue is one of regional interest
with a group such as CVAG or Sunline regulating it or subcontracting the
regulation with a company.
Mayor requested a report on subcontracting of regulation of taxi’s to be
provided to Council.
ADJOURN