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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 - MINUTES - 5/31/1995 )�0 } CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 31, 1995 An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by Mayor Maryanov, in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tah1uitz Canyon Way, on Wednesday, May 31, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Hodges, Kleindicnst, Lyons, Reller-Spurgin, and Mayor Maryanov ' Absent: None The meeting was opened with the Salute to the Flag, and a moment of silence. REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Council procedures on May 26, 1995. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: 1. JOINT MEETING WITH CATHEDRAL CITY - CONSOLIDATION OF FIRE ,SERVICES On March 29, 1995, the City Councils of Palm Springs and Cathedral City met in joint study session to discuss proposal to consolidate fire services, and directed that a joint meeting be scheduled for this date and time, for further review and/or possible action. City Manager Hazen stated that the staffs have met with the chiefs and city managers, and costs have been detailed, and the solution is felt to be ready for implementation; that it is a two-stage proposal, with the second phase resulting in a savings in excess of$900,000, if fully (087 implemented, followed by the first year's savings of $209,000; that one position in each 001) jurisdiction is currently vacant; that a worse-case scenario would be that after one year, the administration dissolved, there will have been a$209,000 savings, and each community would return to its own fire administration; and that dispatch has been looked at; that the, proposal provides for a joint powers agreement, which is in draft stage, and nearly completed. ' City Manager Parkins reported that all employees have been notified, and there are still some concerns around pay, benefits, Enid seniority, and those operational i9ssues are best resolved by the employees themselves, and their involvement in the consolidations process will answer many of their questions; that Fire Station 5 was originally proposed to be closed, and that would be delayed for a number of reasons, to be discussed; and resolutions have been prepared, if desired by the Council. Chief Trupelli reported that the revised Proposal2A could be implemented as early as July 1, 1995, involving the administrative/managerial positions; and he reviewed the organizational and financial implications, as set forth in the staff report, a copy of which is on file with the City Clerk, which enables 3-tnan engine companies, continued ARFF, reserve fircftglrter program, an overall reduction from i00 positions to 93, continuation of paramedic programs as they exist, and closure of Station 445; and added that consolidated dispatch is net included in the cost savings, which could increase the savings by about $200,000. As a result of questions and responses, the following points were noted: a) The difference in task functions of the fire services manager versus a division chief. b) No changes in the way paramedic services are currently being delivered. c) Savings projected are based on current costs and expected salary adjustraci is in 95- 96. Costs would have to be adjusted to move into Phase 11, which will depend upon what is implemented, and results of meet and confer process, recognizing there will be a period of adjustment to bring into alignment the two departments. d) Open issue remains as to how each city guarantees its funding to the other city. e) There is no problem of a JPA between general law and charter cities, the entity created is limited in power to those the agencies have in common - basically, those of the most restrictive of the participating agencies which create the JPA. n Reserve program is a trade off for reduced overtime. Council Minutes 5-31-95, Page 2 1. JOINT MEETING WITH CATHEDRAL CITY-CONSOLIDATION OF FIRE SERVICES g) Fire Station 5 closure would save $30,000 in facility operation, otherwise needed to keep it open. There is no resolution yet as to whether it will be closed. h) A 72-hour work schedule was not considered; could save 1/3 of direct salary costs; ' meet and confer would be required; savings might be consumed by increased overtime. City Managers asked to look at potential savings from this possibility. i) Two councilmembers from each city to visit the Scottsdale operation. j) Both cities' resources needed to achieve cost savings; split shown on Page 5 of staff report; and estimated $960,000 savings is close to a 50-50 savings for each city. Mayor Berry expressed opinion that while he considered the savings substantial, they were not all that great, and that there is potentially more savings to each city, at the same efficiency level; that there are hidden costs, and reversionary costs if the consolidation does not work; that he preferred looking at all of the costs and savings and implementation at one time, rather than speculate on the largest element (labor costs in Phase II); that there is not a big hurry to get underway; and he recommended that the elected officials, city managers and finance staff look at the proposal, and come up with the implementation plan, after looking at all aspects, including privatizing services; and providing data to the public. Mayor called for public comment on this matter. Jon Schonberger, representing the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and its Executive Committee, supported the consolidation as long as it will result in cost savings and no reduced level of services; that there seem to be unanswered questions; and that it was hoped those questions could be answered, and the consolidation move forward as the first step :n consolidation of other mutually beneficial municipal services. Dean Springer, P.S. Firefighter, local resident, expressed opinion that there will not be the savings projected, and that there is not enough information for a decision; that lie suggested an alternate proposal, i.e., that Palm Springs contract to provide the services to Cathedral City, which would generate hard-dollar savings to Cathedral City, generate revenue to Palm Springs, maintain Prop. 172 finding, provide 24-hour incident commander for both cities, a fire prevention bureau, code enforcement supervisor, full-time training officer, facility and pump test pit, and retain Station 5. I-le provided a copy of his proposal to each councilmember, a copy of which is on file with the city clerk. Fred Bell, Executive Director of the Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce, supported the premise of consolidation. Fred Ebeling, local resident, stated that quality, reliability and control over services must be considered, as well as responsiveness to wishes of the people who pay the bill. Steve Grasha, local resident, asked that the points of the JPA be disclosed; that if there is to be a subcommittee, it should not be of city managers; and that the Palm Springs fire dispatch is currently handled at the police department. City Manager Parkins stated that the JPA draft is that of the Cove Communities. There were no further public comments Councilmember I-lodges stated that there has been a lot of discussion, yet exactly how much will be saved is not yet known, and she suggested setting up the JPA, effective July 1, 1995, and during the first year, a committee comprised of two city councilmembers, the city manager, and the finance officer from both cities be appointed to work through with the fire associations and employees, and other legal issues be resolved, and put all of that data together, with a report to the councils on a quarterly basis, and with completion in nine mouths, in order to know by June, 1996 if consolidation will proceed. Mayor-Maryanov stated that there has been a subcommittee working on this for the past two years, which included representation from both city councils, respective city managers, fire units and management, the public, and it had resources it needed to generate data and discussion. cs Council Minutes 5-31-95, Page 3 1. JOINT MEETING WITH CATHEDRAL CiTY - CONSOLIDATION OF FiRE SERVICES (Continued) Councilmember Lyons agreed with Mayor Berry, that if it were left to the fire departments, it will proceed with what is now in place; and that it is tip to the cities to implement the plan that will be best for the cities. Couicihneinb'cr Hodges slated that the unions exist, and the Council cannot just implement a plan without meeting and conferring, and working together with them,; that if the administrative portion is accomplished, Patin Springs will not have to fill its positions, but it may have to do so by [he end of the year if Phase I is not accomplished, aid that Cathedral City may be in (lie same position, in which case, the purpose of Phase I will have been defeated. Councilinember DeGr,, idi stated it felt as if the councils were back to two years ago; that both most move ahead slowly before the plan is up and running, otherwise the consolidation will not be completed; that theie will never be enough data; that Councils will change anti the same members will not be addressing the issue; and that November elections may result in new people starting over. Mayor Berry restated his suggestion for a committee, which could come back with a report in three weeks, including getting the legal counsels involved; and then have another joint meeting to see if anything else needs to be added; and that it would be from the political and financial perspective, in that city managers know the workings of the departments, and the politician answers to the public. Cathedral City Motion adopted, sub-comminee members: Pettis and Berry. Council discussion followed as to which members should serve, in which it was suggested that Councilmember Hodges and Reller-Spurgin be designated. Councilurtember Hodges stated that she felt it would be a daily task to achieve the results in G weeks, and because of her full-time cniploynicnt, she did not feel should would be able to devote the dime required; and she did not think it realistic to think it would take less time. Mayor stated be slid not believe it will be full time, and the committee is not starting from scratch. It was moved by Reller-Spurgin, seconded by Lyons, and unanimously carried, that the subcommittee include Councilmcrnbers Reller-Spurgin and Kleindiciist, the city nmtiager, and the Director of Finance; that it report back in six weeks on what it will take to accomplish the frill consolidation in one stage, hard dollar costs, Scottsdale's operation, and looking at possible savings of near $1 million from each city. Discussion followed as to the date of the next joint meeting. Conclusion: July 17, in Cathedral City, provided it can be televised. City Attorney stated that it may be necessary for each cities' subcommittee to report back to the separate councils, in order to comply with the Brown Act. In response to question by Councilinctnber Kleindienst, City Manager was directed to place this item on the study session each week for Council update. Cathedral City Council adjourned. CLOSED SESSION REPORT: City Attorney - None PUBLIC COMNIENTS: a) Steve Grasha stated he did not receive any answers to his questions; that lie has a problem with not having a public meeting to hear further discussion; that this is the most important issue to be faced, and he felt it inappropriate that it is of so much (087- importance, and there has been no public involvement; and drat the Council needs to 001, halt the process, and take a hard look at what it is doing. b) John Booth stated he agreed with a lot of the discussion, mid was concerned that it revolved around the Cathedral City Fire Chief; and supported offering to provide the service from Palm Springs to Cathedral City; that he was concerned about the reserve program, as not being the safest level of service. C, Council Minutes 5-31-95, Page 4 1. JOINT MEETING WITH CATHEDRAL CITY - CONSOLIDATION OF FIRE SERVICES (Continued) c) Chuck Hubbard commented regarding the Council's May 17 meeting, and opinion that the Council and staff should have better prepared to address the issues which were raised; that critical questions remain unanswered; that the Director of Aviation should not have been the only resource; and he expressed opinion regarding other speakers and the newspaper. d) Jim Macican, PSFD Batt. Chief thanked firefighters and Springs Ambulance for their work in combatting a recent fire at El Dorado Mobilehome Park. e) Mildred Johnson, local resident, urged the Council take a hard look before auctioning fire department services. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: None ADDED STARTERS: ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned to July 5 at 5 p.m. LAUDITH SDMICH City Clerk 1 1