HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 - MINUTES - 10/22/2003 STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
October 22, 2003
CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
A. Call to Order-Large Conference Room-Hodges absent.
B. Flag Salute
C. City Attorney Report on Matters Discussed in Closed Session-See Page 2 of
Agenda this date.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
PSHS Student ABS representatives thanked the Mayor for founding and
supporting the Homecoming Parade for Pal Springs.
Rick Leeson AND Ed Pollard, representing various hoteliers, requested support
the Senior Softball event to be held in Palm Springs and requested Council
consideration of financial support.
Mike Cohall, PSPOA President, expressed appreciation for the police support on
Biker Weekend.
E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS
Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended.
F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS - None
G. STUDY SESSION
1. BACK TO BLACK PRESENTATION
Lola Goetz, Dirk Voss and Susan Guandino, City Employees, were presented
with Certificates for innovative, cost saving recommendations.
2. QUARTERLY BUDGET REVIEW
F/Y 2003-04, 2004-05 & OVERVIEW OF GOLF COURSE FUND
Director of Finance & Treasurer reviewed a handout, and added that last
fiscal year budget ended with $465,000 deficit; that the projections listed in
the handout include bond advancements for the Convention Center; that
PERS costs will be rising; that the PERS costs are estimated by that
Agency; that the rates will continue to go up for retirement costs until all
costs are covered; that golf rounds are projected to come in around
40,000 rounds; that the original estimate; that some courses do have
higher rates; that the competition is not just valley wide, but through the
pass; that the discount cards are issued for residents; that the cards are
issued an a calendar basis.
City Manager stated that the reason that the item is being reviewed is that
with the projections, corrective action for the upcoming budget can be
started; that grants are being reviewed as well as any vacancies within the
city structure.
Director of Finance stated that the percentage of growth estimates by the
CVA do differ from what is projected for future TOT; that the figures given
by the City likewise include the smaller hotels, while the CVA is only group
meeting hotels; that utilities are projected to be somewhat even, due to
probable increases for SCE and probable decreases with DWA and the
Gas Company; that growth in the property values is projected at 71/2 to
8%; and that TOT should go up an additional 4%.
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FUNDING:
City Manager stated that there are many requests that come in from the
Community that are not funded in the budget and that direction is needed
on whether the requests should be brought to Council or held for the next
budget cycle for consideration.
Councilmember Mills stated that the request for the assistance for the
Senior Softball does bring a great benefit to the City; that the assistance of
$37,000 from the City is needed; that there are extended stays generated
from the event; that many of the seniors bring partners or friends with
them; and that additional trips to the City are generated, from the initial
visit.
Councilmember Oden stated a more comprehensive report with a
recommendation should be brought back at a later date so that the
Council can make an informed decision.
RSVP:
City Manager stated that it is requested that the City sponsor a table to
seat volunteers for the annual event.
Councilmember Oden stated that there are many volunteers that serve the
City; that the investment made is higher than the City could ever pay and
that the table should be sponsored.
Mayor directed that action be brought forward for Council consideration at
the next regular meeting.
3. BUDGET TASK FORCE REPORT AND FINDINGS
City Manager stated that the Task Force has been meeting for the past 8
months and that at this time is ready to give its reports.
Chairman Stiles reviewed a power point demonstration, copy attached.
Sharon Lock, employee benefit member, stated that many cities were
contacted for comparison of benefits; that health benefits were the first
item reviewed; that the City hosts several different insurance plans
differing of the bargaining unit; that there payment within the plans is not
one set rate but based n the type of coverage, which does result in an
inequity to the employees; that it may be beneficial to the City to offer a
flat rate to each employee such as $650 - $700; and that the amount
should be consistent to all employees; that regarding CalPERS, it is
recommended that the employees contribute 2 – 4% while the City is not
super funded; that retiree health insurance is another matter; that it is
recommended to fund the retiree insurance at 50% of payment of
premium and no more than that; that it is recommended that a cap be
placed on leave time of 440 hours; that a longer term bank could be
established to some type of catastrophic event, but would not be allowed
to cash out in any manner; that it is recommended that individual contracts
be given to exempt employees; that it is recommended that a specialized
consultant be hire to do each groups negotiations to allow on expert
advice to the Council regarding level of benefits.
Ginny Foat, Revenue Report member, stated that there are two things to
do and that is to increase revenue and cut costs; that a special
assessment could be formed by adding additional fees upfront that get
passed to a homeowner, but that caution needs to be in place to not out
price the buyers; that there does need to be an equitable distribution of
taxes, fees and assessments; that fees do need to be examined.
Lynne Bushore clarified that the Budget Task Force as a whole did not
review the revenue enhancement report.
Mayor stated that part of the perception of establishing the Budget Task
Force was to help the citizens to understand and review data and to
educate the Community on who to be a better community and thanked the
member for serving the City
ADJOURN