City Council Minutes May 23, 2002 - Hermosa Beach

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MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Hermosa Beach, California, held on Thursday, May 23, 2002, at the hour of 7:25 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Firefighter/Paramedic Paul Hawkins

ROLL CALL: Present: Keegan, Reviczky, Yoon, Mayor Dunbabin
Absent: Edgerton (arrived at 7:30 P.M.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Mayor Dunbabin announced (1) the annual pancake breakfast at the Fire Station Sunday, May 26, from 7 A.M. to 12 noon, at a cost of $5 per person, with children under 5 years old free; (2) the puppet show in the Pier Avenue Second Story Playhouse Saturday, May 25, at 10 A.M., 11 A.M. and 1 P.M.; (3) the Hermosa Fiesta over the entire Memorial Day weekend; and (4) the Hermosa Arts Foundation telethon on Sunday, June 16, which will air on Channel 10 starting at 3 P.M. She said the City Council would adjourn its regular meeting of Tuesday, May 28 in memory of Jane Turner and Norma Goldbach, but wanted to announce that the funeral service for Norma Goldbach would take place May 24 at 11 A.M. at King Harbor Church, 219 N. Broadway, in Redondo Beach. She said the funeral service for Jane Turner would take place June 1.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - None

PRELIMINARY BUDGET REVIEW

Overview of Budget Changes - City Manager Burrell provided an overview of the budget changes and reviewed the supplemental information presented this evening, noting concerns about the weak economy statewide and the projected State budget deficit, as well as the Beach Cities Health District proposed budget cuts, and the effects those issues would have on the City.

(Councilmember Edgerton arrived at 7:30 P.M.)

Overview of Revenue Changes - Finance Director Copeland provided an overview of the revenue and expenditure changes, noting a three-percent increase in General Fund revenue and pointing out that the budget is balanced.

Coming forward to address the Council at this time were:

Paul Hawkins
- Firefighter Association president, submitted a letter and related information in support of increasing the daily Fire Department staff level from six to eight personnel to increase safety for the citizens and the individual firefighters; noted new regulations and an increase in the number of emergency calls; said the one constant finding of the several reports and studies done over the years is the need for more staffing;
Mike Garafano
- Firefighter/Paramedic, spoke in support of the requested staff increase from six to eight, noting that the standards call for a daily staff of nine; said if there were not enough firefighters at a fire scene, they would have no choice but to watch the building burn; and
Kent Caldwell
- referred to a letter he submitted this evening with signatures in support of modifications to 28th Street at the Valley Drive intersection, noting a safety issue.

By Council consensus, the Fire Chief was directed to report back with an evaluation of necessary department staffing, along with potential funding mechanisms.

By Council consensus, staff was directed to bring back consideration of the public request for improvement of the 28th Street/Valley Drive intersection during the preparation of the future Capital Improvement Plan.

Capital Improvement Projects - City Manager Burrell reviewed the schedule of projects with the use of an overhead projector; noting the need for a master plan for the Police and Fire departments; spoke of limited funds and the need to prioritize and pick the top one or two issues.

(Councilmember Edgerton left the meeting at 9:05 P.M.)

Public Works Director Williams responded to Council questions, noting there was no grant funding for the improvement of local streets.

The meeting recessed at 9:30 P.M.
The meeting reconvened at 9:40 P.M.

Review of Department Expenditures - The Council then reviewed the departmental budgets and staff responded to questions.

By Council consensus, staff was directed to report back on the possibility of discontinuing the current Dial-a-Ride program (WAVE), with the understanding that a 12-month notice would be required to discontinue the program with Redondo Beach. It was noted that anyone could ride the WAVE, including students, while the cab voucher system was currently set up for only seniors and disabled people, with the suggestion to consider expanding the taxi service to include those who currently do not qualify. (Edgerton absent)

By Council consensus, staff was directed to report back with options of solutions for reducing restaurant grease in the sewer system, and to add the item to the Council goals. (Edgerton absent)

By Council concensus, staff was directed to bring back recommendations, including a survey of neighboring cities, with regard to increasing the City's business license fees. (Edgerton absent)

By Council consensus, staff was directed to analyze and report back on the feasibility of hiring an additional person, probably a contract employee, in the Public Works Department to supervise and provide construction management for all capital improvement projects. (Edgerton absent)

ADJOURNMENT - The Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Hermosa Beach adjourned on Thursday, May 23, 2002, at the hour of 10:40 P.M. to the Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2002, at the hour of 7:10 P.M.

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