MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Hermosa Beach, California, held on Thursday, May 24, 2001, at the hour of 7:19 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Police Chief Mike Lavin

ROLL CALL :
Present: Dunbabin, Oakes, Reviczky, Mayor Bowler
Absent: Edgerton (arrived at 7:35 P.M.)

PRELIMINARY BUDGET REVIEW

1. OVERVIEW OF BUDGET CHANGES AND REVENUE CHANGES

City Manager Burrell gave an overview of the budget for fiscal year 2001-02, noting that it reflected a good economy. He cited uncertainties regarding the energy crisis, noting that expenditures for electricity purchased by the City were projected to grow by an estimated $100,000 and the revenue impact was unknown at this point. With regard to the possible impact on the City's revenues and expenditures, he noted the State's past history of taking money from local governments to balance its own budget when shortfalls occur. He said any required City budget revisions due to the loss of funds to the State would take place in August, after the State's budget is approved. He then reviewed revenue changes, noting a projected four-percent increase to the General Fund. He said property tax represented 30 percent of total General Fund revenue, followed by sales tax at 18 percent and the utility user tax (UUT) at 12 percent, noting that retention of the UUT would be decided by voters at the November 2001 due to a recently filed initiative. He reviewed changes in staffing, noting the proposal to expand three part-time positions (Code Enforcement Officer in Community Development Department, Clerk Typist in Community Resources Department, and Community Service Officer in Police Department) to full-time positions to meet higher service demands. He said recent street and park projects represented a step in the right direction, but there was still a great deal more to do, including the City Yard. He suggested doing a thorough study of the needs of the City.

(Councilmember Edgerton arrived at 7:35 P.M.)

Finance Director Copeland responded to Council questions concerning revenues.

Councilmember Reviczky expressed concern about parking lot revenues and suggested that the City explore all options, including simply metering Lot A. Councilmember Edgerton said the parking lot was safer with a person on duty at the gate. There was a Council consensus to review the options, and City Manager Burrell said he would report back at the next meeting on the issue.

2. REVIEW OF DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES

City Manager Burrell responded to City Council questions pertaining to department expenditures.

The meeting recessed at 8:35 P.M.
The meeting reconvened at 8:58 P.M.

3. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP)

Action : To direct staff to investigate and report back on the feasibility of increasing the CIP funding by $300,000 for street improvements.
Motion Reviczky, second Edgerton. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

Public Works Director Williams presented the five-year CIP plan and also reviewed the street and sanitary sewer capital improvement map, which was on display. It was noted that with the completion of the master pavement management program, streets have been prioritized for future repairs, and residents may simply check the list to determine when particular streets are scheduled to be paved.

City Manager Burrell said staff would bring the budget back with the changes at the meeting of June 12, 2001.

 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION :

Coming forward to address the Council at this time was:

Michael Keegan - Public Works Commissioner, suggested increasing the Public Works staff with the hiring of one or two inspectors due to the amount of work, noting $9 million worth of projects this year and the same for next year; expressed concern about three people in the undergrounding area who have not done their individual hook-ups, which were supposed to have been done by July 2000, noting they were holding up the project.

ADJOURNMENT - The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Hermosa Beach adjourned on Thursday, May 24, 2001, at the hour of 10:00 P.M. to an Adjourned Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 30, 2001, at the hour of 7:10 P.M., for the purpose of conducting a joint meeting with the Public Works Commission.