HomeMy Public PortalAboutCity Council_Minutes_1993-03-25_Regular 19931
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CITY OF TEMPLE CITY
JOINT ADJOURNED MEETING
BUDGET STUDY SESSION
CITY COUNCIL
AND
TEMPLE CITY COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
MARCH 25, 1993
INITIATION:
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Pursuant to the Agenda posted on March 15, 1993, Mayor McGowan called the Adjourned Meeting
of the City Council and the Temple City Community Redevelopment Agency to order at 6:05 p.m.
on Thursday, March 25, 1993.
2. ROLL CALL:
PRESENT:
Councilmembers- Breazeal, Budds, Wilson, Manning and McGowan
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Ovrom, Community Development Director Dawson,
Assistant to the City Manager Kravitz, Community Services Director
Chadwick, Economic Development Director Sims, Financial Services
Director Maldonado, Public Services Director Hart and Julie Estrada from
the Pasadena Star News.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Kaitlyn Bryden, Third Grader at La Rosa Elementary and Stacey
Bryden, a sixth grader from Cloverly Elementary.
Mayor Pro Tem Manning presented Kaitlyn and Stacey Bryden with a souvenir agenda and city
pins.
City Manager Ovrom introduced the new Administrative Assistant, Robert Carroll. Robert
provided background information relative to his work at Santa Fe Springs. He also indicated he
is looking forward to working in Temple City and thanked the Council for the opportunity.
Councilmember Breazeal inquired if he had any experience with AB 939.
Robert responded that he did.
The City Council welcomed him to Temple City.
City Manager Ovrom also took the opportunity to recognize Mel Picazo for all his hard work and
effort which helped get the City through the interim period.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A. Adjourned Meeting of February 22, 1993 -
B. Adjourned Meeting of March 11, 1993 -
Councilmember Breazeal moved to approve the minutes of February 22, 1993 and March
11, 1993, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Manning and unanimously carried.
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
City Council/Agency Adjourned Meeting
March 25, 1993 Page 2
A. REVIEW OF COUNCIL MISSION STATEMENT AND PRIORITIES -
The City Manager provided background information by stating the Council conducted a
workshop on March 13, 1993. The purpose of the workshop was to develop a Mission
Statement and to discuss, evaluate and come to consensus on overall priorities. The
Council accomplished their goals and she then read the Mission Statement into the record.
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide the leadership and vision to assure the quality of life we enjoy
in Temple City through:
By:
Safe Neighborhoods
A diversified and successful business base
Well - maintained infrastructure
Strong youth and senior services
Ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of services
Fostering communication between the community and the City
Allocating available resources that are responsive to the
needs of our community
Striving to attain financial self - sufficiency
Providing a positive work environment for our employees
City Manager Ovrom indicated that this mission statement will be printed, distributed and
posted at all city facilities. At the workshop the Council also established priorities and
ranked them in four categories. Number one priorities are items in which all the Council
ranked as number one; Number two priorities are items which four of the
Councilmembers ranked as number one; Number 3 priorities are items which three of the
Council ranked as number one priorities and then there were other issues which were in
a fourth category. Some of the services and issues that were in the lower priority list
were not rated as top priorities as the Council felt the allocation of resources for those
services was adequate at this point. The list of number one priorities included the
revitalization of the downtown, Community Oriented Policing, Patrol, Traffic Enforcement,
Sheriff's breakfast, school crossing guards, street construction and maintenance, traffic
signal maintenance, traffic signs and striping, trees and parkways, graffiti abatement, after
school programs, summer recreation/aquatics, fee classes, senior services, street sweeping,
Camellia Festival, Festival and Craft Faire, Lower Azusa/Industrial manufacturing area
and the City newsletter.
Councilmember Breazeal commented that the Student and the Law and Sane Programs
are on the number three priority list because although they are very important programs
they are provided through our General Funds only to the Temple City Unified School
District and we have a large number of students that go to both the Arcadia and El
Monte School District. Some Council felt these are very important programs but should
not be paid for by the City because we are using General Funds for only a certain part of
the population.
Mayor Pro Tem Manning moved to receive and file, seconded by Councilmember Wilson
and unanimously carried.
B. REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION AT ADJOURNED BUDGET MEETING OF
MARCH 11, 1993 -
City Manager Ovrom presented an overview of the actions taken by the City Council at
the March 11, 1993 Budget Study Session. In summary, there was a decrease in General
Fund expenditures in the amount of $101,650; we appropriated certain Gas Tax
expenditures to other capital improvements and there was a net increase in revenue in
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City Council/Agency Adjourned Meeting
March 25, 1993 Page 3
the Lighting and Landscape District in the amount of about $27,000. In Capital
Improvements there was a deferral of a number of projects. Staff will return to Council
in reference to the La Rosa facility as part of the budget process. The Council reallocated
dollars which resulted in a $20,000 increase in the Lighting and Landscape District for the
re- roofmg and interior improvements of the multi- purpose room at Live Oak Park. In
addition, there was a savings as a result of deferring vehicle replacement, the elimination
of the Traffic and Safety Commission and a review is being conducted by a subcommittee
of the Council of the Community Services Commission. Staff has the information for
Councilmember Budds and Councilmember Breazeal this evening. Additional information
on salary and benefits will be part of the budget process. In addition, representatives of
the L.A. County Sheriff's Department will provide requested information to the Council.
There was also a designation by the Council for various projects in the Lighting and
Landscape District and they authorized staff to proceed with the assessment process.
Councilmember Breazeal moved to receive and file, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Manning
and unanimously carried.
C. REVISED FIVE -YEAR REVENUE/EXPENDITURE/FUND BALANCE PROJECTIONS -
Financial Services Director Maldonado stated that based on the action that was just
reviewed from the March 11th Budget Study Session, the five -year projections have been
revised. With the elimination of the Traffic & Safety Commission and memberships there
was a $4,650 reduction in General Fund Operating Expenditures. By deferring the three
vehicles in Equipment and Vehicle Replacement there is a $50,000 reduction and by
deferring several City Hall and EOC projects there is a $47,000 reduction in Capital
Improvements. The Gas Tax fund was reappropriated so there was no adjustment in the
five -year projections. The possibility of an increased assessment in the Lighting and
Landscape Mainentenance District had already been anticipated, however, an adjustment
was made for the Capital Projects at Live Oak Park which was an additional $20,000. The
Council reviewed a graph which reflected the five -year projections. The graph illustrated
that the revenue which stays fairly level at the $5.5 million is exceeded by expenditures
in 1994 and increases substantially in 1996. The figures which are mainly emphasized are
for the General Fund because that is where the deficit occurs. With revisions for the
current year FY 93 -94 there is a $22,400 deficit, in 1994 -95 there will be a $642,335
deficit; 1995 -96 there will be a $1,338,825 deficit; and in 1996 -97 a $1,000,000 deficit which
does include capital projects since we do not have the figures estimated which would make
that deficit estimate larger.
City Manager Ovrom stated the revenue and expenditure summary is for planning
purposes and there are certain assumptions used when it is done. We are currently in the
middle of preparing the budget for FY 93 -94 and the good news is that we will probably
be coming in lower than the $5.2 million figure. The initial numbers which we are getting
from departments are below the 4% COLA which is used for planning purposes. The
figures still include the 4% for salaries and benefits and at the time the Council discusses
that issue in May, the number would fluctuate.
Financial Services Director Maldonado stated indicated in 1992 -93 we are above the zero
line and from that point on there is a deficit. There are five main areas which affect the
deficit. The first area is the continued increase in law enforcement costs and as a
reminder we are using the figure of 12% for projection purposes although it may be
adjusted from time to time, depending on the COLA and the liability issue. Another area
which is causing the deficit is the General Fund subsidy to other funds. The City has
funds such as the Gas Tax program which when monies decrease the General Fund
subsidy increases. There has been a lifting of a maintenance of effort which allows us to
utilize about $200,000 per year for three years. At the end of the third year we must
meet the maintenance of effort or we will no longer have that money. Therefore, $200,000
between 1995 -96 takes a large hit on the General Fund.
City Council/Agency Adjourned Meeting
March 25, 1993 Page 4
City Manager Ovrom indicated that if we do not match the maintenance of effort then we
lose those Gas Tax dollars, so not only would we not have money on the General Fund
side but we would also lose Gas Tax dollars.
Financial Services Director Maldonado stated that the other area which is affecting the
deficit is Capital Projects. Without Gas Tax funds, the General Fund needs to absorb the
difference and fund some of those projects. We are looking at a major project in 1996
when if there are no Gas Tax Funds available and it must be done, then General Fund
would pay about $500,000 for one major project.
City Manager Ovrom stated that staff will try to balance this out and when we get to
1994 -95 we may try to defer some of these projects by a year or so to even out the impact
on us.
The City Council inquired as to what the specific projects are.
Ms. Maldonado provided an overhead which summarized the Capital Projects which
include $71,000 in FY 93 -94 for general government buildings; in FY 94 -95 there is $97,000
for General Government Buildings. However, the large figures represented street
construction at $510,000 in FY 95 -96 which is the Reno/Ivar project. These projects are
available for gas tax dollars, however if the maintenance of effort is not maintained then
this would have to be subsidized wholly by General Fund dollars. Another overhead was
provided which showed the what the City has absorbed in the loss of revenue from the
State. Over the past four years and with FY 93 -94 being estimated at $230,000 we are
looking at the continued increase of loss of revenue from property and cigarette tax. In
FY 90 -91 the reason that it is larger than the following year is that was the second year
in which Temple City was to receive property tax allocation. The State decided after the
second year that they were going to reduce it to the first years allocation which was a
large hit to the City of over $100,000. The very last column in the graph reflects the total
amount of over $400,000 which we have absorbed by losses to the state through FY 93 -94
which doesn't reflect additional reductions. If the State continues at the 45% reduction
for property tax it will continually increase $230,000 per year. Another overhead graph
reflected the affect on the fund balance which showed it would be completely depleted
by the year 1998 unless, we fmd some source of revenue to handle the areas that the
General Fund is currently handling or the loss of revenue that we are currently funding.
City Manager Ovrom provided Council with the estimated dollar numbers of Federal and
State mandated programs. The figures went back to 1991 and projected through the year
2000. The three high years, 1993 -95 are a result of ADA requirements. This illustrates
that these programs impact our budget over $100,000 per year.
Financial Services Director Maldonado stated that during the last budget study sessions
there were several reductions made. For FY 92 -93 Budget, we reduced the budget in
June by $66,245. These were primarily General Fund reductions although there were
other reductions. In October the budget was reduced an additional $84,580 when the
affects of the State became known. In anticipation of the FY 93 -94 budget we have
reduced the budget or deferred items in the amount of $101,000. We are looking at a
total $252,000 which is about 4 % of our operating budget for FY 93 -94 which has already
been reduced. Other cost saving measures have been taken.
City Manager Ovrom provided a list of cost saving measures which have been
implemented. She highlighted a few stating that we saved $6,000 by going to a newspaper
format on the City Newsletter; the City belongs to a number of consortiums which has
saved us thousands of dollars such as Air Quality Consortium, membership in the San
Gabriel Valley Solid Waste JPA, Animal Control, partnerships with the school district in
operation of the high school pool and additional partnerships which would be of benefit to
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City Council/Agency Adjourned Meeting
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the community, including the summer recreation program. We have automated City Hall
operations including the lap top computer, vehicle replacement costs have been spread
through a lease purchase option; leased more efficient copiers, renegotiated contracts
including auditing services which saved us over $5,000; automated animal control licensing
operations; participating in the City /Commerce consortium which has helped us be
involved in a valley -wide economic development program, as well as provided free training
to our counter staff; continue to use volunteers; consolidated insurance on city property
and automobiles which saved us $3,000; consolidated employee life and travel accident
insurance; we discontinued certain office equipment maintenance contracts; we rented La
Rosa and we re- evaluated the rental fee for the Camellia property; audited our tax
increment and assessment revenues; we prepared five -year financial projections; increased
the use of other County, State and Federal funding, a good example of that is our ability
to do the Rosemead Boulevard Project as well as the Las Tunas Project without General
Fund dollars; we have increased fees to recover costs for city services where there are
specific beneficiaries; we prepared the five -year Capital Improvement Program which
enabled us to predict out maintenance expenditures; reviewed city commissions and
committees; we streamlined our facility use permit process in the Community Services
area and we use less expensive vendors for permanent storage paper and business cards.
In addition, there is another list which we will be looking at in the future which include
review processing regulations for overnight parking; consider a deposit fee or charge for
the use of picnic shelters at Live Oak Park; consider charging for the trimming of
shrubbery and trees which overhang on public property; investigate using CDBG dollars
for improvements to the Emergency Operations Center; discuss with youth groups their
additional contribution towards sports lighting expenses at Live Oak Park; consider a fee
for Banner Permits; actively pursue legislative and legal avenues to assure City revenue
stream; inventory existing recreational facilities in community, assess community needs,
develop plan to maximize City's use of existing facilities; review alternate contract
arrangements for Los Angeles County Building/Public Works services; consider high school
community services credit for City volunteer services; and pursue sponsorships to help
cover expenses related to the City's special events.
Councilmember Wilson asked about discussing with youth groups for additional
contributions towards sports lighting expenses at Live Oak Park. In 1990, the Council was
asked to help the youth groups with the lighting.
City Manager Ovrom responded that the financial help was for one year however would
look for Council direction on this issue.
Councilmember Wilson stated that it was supposed to be done every year.
Councilmember Breazeal asked that the minutes be checked because he thought it was
a 50% policy for every year.
Mayor McGowan suggested that the City of Encinitas renews their dog licenses every
three years.
Councilmember Breazeal stated that the City of Paramount is issuing citations for code
violations and Stephanie is gathering the information on this. This becomes even more
important if cuts are made in the District Attorney's office. He suggested that a copy of
the list be given to the Council so they may add their ideas.
Financial Services Director Maldonado stated that this brings us to the point of what we
can and cannot fund. We can fund the current operations for FY 93 -94, that includes the
eliminations and deferrals which have been taken in the amount of $101,000. What we
are not funding are any additional hits by the State above the $230,000 which we are
anticipating or an additional code enforcement position. For FY 94 -95 we are looking at
maintaining the same level of service and programs as FY 93 -94. What is not funded is
City Council/Agency Adjourned Meeting
March 25, 1993 Page 6
the deficit of $640,000 which affects all the General Fund Capital Projects, any equipment
replacement which is primarily the three vehicles which were deferred from this year, it
does not cover any CPI for operating expenses, in other words we are maintaining the
same services for the same dollar amount as 1993 -94. Also a portion of law enforcement
may not be able to be funded. The additional items on top of that are, any additional loss
of revenue from the State above the $230,000 which has been projected, the same
additional Code Enforcement position and by 1994 -95 if there is defmitely the need for an
additional law enforcement patrol unit, we do not have the funds for those items. The
list continues to grow each year as the deficit increases. When it is referred that we are
funding the same level of services, we are funding at same dollar amount as 1993 -94 with
no CPI increases. Again it is the General Fund Capital Projects that are not funded,
equipment replacement, portion of law enforcement and by this point we are not able to
fund any other Gas Tax programs, or any other funds that the General Fund is
subsidizing. The last year 1996 -97 it would be the same items but within the area of
'same level of service' we would have to do a 6% reduction in the current costs that we
have set aside in 1993 -94 besides not even having the CPI increase. As you can see the
deficit continues to grow, it does affect more areas which we are not able to fund.
D. DISCUSSION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT COSTS -
City Manager Ovrom introduced Sergeant Shields and stated that he would provide an
overview of how L.A. County Sheriff's Department calculates it's rates and costs of
services.
Sergeant Shields provided background information stating that Contract law enforcement
started in Lakewood in 1954. Lakewood was concerned about being taken over by the
City of Long Beach so they incorporated and did not have sufficient funds to fund a police
department and asked the Sheriff's Department to provide law enforcement services in
their city since they were already providing services in fines and forfeitures. This
arrangement was done for several years until some of the cities which had their own police
departments raised questions relative to the payment of property taxes which supports
the County budget and the Sheriff's Department. They were also paying for their own
police department and it seemed as though they were funding law enforcement in
Lakewood. A fee structure was developed to remedy the situation which continued for
several years. In the early seventies there was a point where there was a fee increase
discussed and the cities felt they were being overcharged, the County felt they were not
charging a sufficient amount and the cities together hired Booze Allen Hamilton to conduct
an independent audit of the costing procedures. When the study was completed it was
found that the County was severely undercharging for services which upset the cities,
however a settlement was negotiated for that year and the County adopted the Booze
Allen Hamilton method for calculating fees for services. The cities went the legislation
route which was signed by Governor Reagan and stated that the County could not charge
for overhead costs related to overhead which would be present even if they were not
contracting with the city. The county adopted a 2% overhead in 1973 and it has not
changed since.
Councilmember Breazeal indicated that in the figures the Council received last year there
is a 139% overhead cost attached to the cost of a car.
Sgt. Shields clarified that he is referring to 2% county wide costs and general county
overhead and is not referring to Sheriff Department overhead which is separate. The only
thing that was limited was the overhead in the County as a whole as it relates to providing
the service.
Councilmember Breazeal asked what the 2% was based on.
Sgt. Shields responded that it is based on the cost of the salaries and supplies and factors
that relate to the per unit service levels cost for the Sheriff's Department service level
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costs. There are a lot of overhead costs that cannot be charged. The costs are
determined on a consolidated station cost model. What that means is that all the patrol
stations in the County are combined into one pool and the costs of providing the service
are broken down into support costs and direct costs. The direct service level would be the
units actually out in the field providing service. Those draw support and all the positions
within the station provide support to those units. The way it works is the number of units
in the field, regardless of whether they are County or Contract unit, and the total amount
of support are divided and put into a per unit cost. When you look at all the salaries,
benefits and overtime costs, car replacement costs you come to a total unit cost at the
station level to provide a unit of service and then a maximum of 2% for county overhead
can be applied to that amount. There are other charges for department overhead but the
only department overhead charges are for units within the department which provide
direct support to the patrol function. For example, if it is a county wide service then
those charges are not included in the costing model. The Information Bureau, Swat
Teams, certain parts of the training facility are included. If they do not provide direct
benefits or support to what the line units in the field are doing then the costs are not
charged against the cars. The Sheriff's Department provides so many services that
everything was analyzed and the costing is based on dollars and function.
Councilmember Budds asked if this review is done every year; and, if during the course
of negotiations with the employee union, the employees are granted a 3 year contract with
a 5% raise each year then is that factored into the cost of the car? He inquired if there
is any discussion at the bargaining table regarding the costs of putting Deputy Sheriff's
out of jobs because the costs are going out of site? Does vehicle replacement factor in
and keep the costs down? He also asked Sgt. Shields if he knew what the impact would
be if there was a closing of stations.
Sgt. Shields responded that a review is done every year and employee contract provisions
are factored into the cost of a car. He indicated that vehicle replacement is factored in
and some significant changes were made for the current budget year which reflected a
decrease due to the deferment of car related costs. He stated that until FY 92 -93 year,
the Contract Law Enforcement Bureau could get a fairly good idea of the upcoming fiscal
year costs simply because the entire model providing support and services at the bottom
of the pyramid was relatively stable. Cities may have bought a few more or deleted a few
units but stations were not added nor were any large numbers of support personnel and
it was relatively stable. Wages and salary changes were factored in and a fairly good
estimate was reached. This year there are numerous factors impacting costs
simultaneously which makes it very difficult to predict what the final rates will be.
Numerous cities were downsizing their forces which meant the base that was supporting
all the support costs were affected and at the same time the department was suffering
budget cuts which resulted in cuts in positions. When discussing the cost model, not only
is the amount of the budget cuts important but also where they occur. If the department
cuts county wide service units it results in no savings in cost of the service unit if it is
patrol related. The reductions have to come in either a unit that provides support to
patrol or actual patrol stations. Since the County did not put out its fmal budget until
October 29, 1992, we did not know how many budgeted positions were on the department
until then. It was difficult to know the amount of available funds and where cuts were
going to be made which made it difficult to project a cost increase. In addition, the liability
issue was also in a state of flux. This year we are in a similar situation only more dire.
Although last year many painful cuts were made, they were cuts that the department
could live with if they had to hopefully, on a temporary basis. This year those types of
cuts don't exist anymore so the cuts this year will be into the bone of the organization.
The talk is anywhere from $52 to $152 million dollar cut for the department. Until that
decision is made it is difficult to predict how that will impact the per unit cost.
Councilmember Budds inquired if Captain Mirabella needs an additional secretary or
support person at Temple Station to help with the work load, does that automatically get
City Council/Agency Adjourned Meeting
March 25, 1993 Page 8
factored in for the cost of the cars operating out of the entire Temple Station or does that
get thrown into the County wide pool?
Sgt. Shields responded that the pool makes no distinction of station and it is based on
function. If Captain Mirabella did receive an additional clerical support person at Temple
Station then the cost of that person would be included next year and would be factored
in for all contract services in the county.
Councilmember Budds asked if there are any discussions between Contract Law and
Contract Cities Association Subcommittee to review the impacts of additional personnel
requests?
Sgt. Shields stated there has not been any discussion with regard to this but he also added
that he is not aware of any station receiving an increase in internal staffing that did not
have at least some sort of significant increase in direct service purchases. The only person
that can authorize a temporary increase would have to be the Undersheriff and above.
Councilmember Budds stated that it seems that the Cities that are paying for the service
do not have any input in negotiations of staffing and some of the overhead which we are
discussing.
Sgt. Shields responded that if you look at the costs of City Police Departments and
compare to LA County Contract City services, you will find that contracting is significantly
less expensive. This is not due to lower salaries, wages and benefits since they are fairly
standard but instead because of the shared overhead expense.
Councilmember Budds stated that for example if the City of Arcadia would contract with
other cities they would be under the same principal.
Councilmember Breazeal said that the Sheriff is saying he may have to cut 2,000 deputies.
We already contract for a certain number of deputies so then does that mean costs will
go down and the coverage would not change?
Sgt. Shields restated again that it depends on where the cuts are made. It was his
understanding that the majority of those cuts were projected in custody and perhaps 4 or
5 cuts in custody facilities. Cuts in custody would not impact field services.
Councilmember Breazeal stated that you can cut services to the unincorporated area
because they do not have representation. So will there be a rush to annex?
Sgt. Shields responded that the Board of Supervisors serves as the Council for the
unincorporated areas and there are many groups that have some amount of influence with
the Board of Supervisors.
Councilmember Budds inquired why do they do a percentage instead of a fixed amount
for the liability trust fund. Do you have any idea as to how it is arrived at.
Sgt. Shields stated he cannot respond to the question.
Councilmember Budds stated that if the cost of a car is $200,000 then 8% goes into the
pool and when the car increases to $220,000 the percentage stays at 8 %. The cities get
a double hit. The fact of the matter is there was a liability trust fund and whether it was
2% or 3% is irrelevant because the money was going into the fund and nobody knows how
it was being spent. The County Counsel was not monitoring the fund. Liabilities which
were incurred for unincorporated areas were being paid out of the Contract Cities Liability
fund and when the whole issue of liability payouts and jury awards came up, all of a
sudden somebody said there is no more money in this fund, then someone asked the
question where did it all go and nobody could answer the question.
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Sgt. Shields did point out that a handout is given to the City Managers which reflects the
cost of a one -man patrol unit, 56 hours, 7 days a week car. If you look at the cost of
salary and benefits, about 70% of the cost of the car goes to the station level employees.
Again, these costs are spread out among the entire county.
Councilmember Budds stated that this model formula is done by computer now.
Sgt. Shields indicated it was done by hand until about four years ago. The Auditor
Controller calculates these costs. The Sheriff's Department provides information which
the Auditor Controller requests. To answer another question which was asked earlier
about salary increases, about 90% of the cost of the car is related to salary and benefits
for both sworn and civilian personnel. If we are talking about a 5% increase in the
contract for all the personnel then you would be talking about a 4h% direct increase.
Mayor McGowan thanked Sgt. Shields for all the information he provided.
Captain Mirabella stated he intends to begin to help Council to focus on some short and
long range considerations for law enforcement needs and budget. He encouraged Council
to feel free to ask any questions if items were not clear. He showed a graph relative to
Calls for Service and indicated there has been ups and downs over the years per month
and the trend analysis is that the calls for service are continuing on a gradual incline.
These calls are not necessarily negative. Over the years it has been found that 'calls for
service' go up for a variety of reasons. If you have a very preventative oriented
community and when people see suspicious things they call. Community awareness affects
calls for service, as you enhance the Neighborhood Watch program and the degree of
alertness goes up so will the number of calls. Also, the greater confidence the community
has in its law enforcement agency, the Balls will go up. On the negative side, calls will go
up when there is more crime, more conflict or anxiety within the community. We also see
crime go up as law enforcement is needed because other services begin to fade away. As
government services begin to fade there are more calls for services and law enforcement
picks up the slack as the only 24 -hour seven day operation service. The assisting calls
trend is rising more dramatically than just the calls for service control. This may reflect
a greater number of high risk type calls, such as family disturbances, suspicious persons,
crimes in progress, and calls that involve weapons. The second graph shows the crime
trend and reflects the more serious type crimes which is not overly impressive versus the
miscellaneous lower level type crimes such as public nuisances. You don't see the crime
trend going up significantly as compared to the galls. People are calling more often but
the amount of crimes actually being reported is not as dramatic.
Councilmember Breazeal stated that even though we have not had a dramatic increase in
population we don't see that much of a increase in crime.
Captain Mirabella stated that this is due to preventative type calls which do not
necessarily become a crime.
Lt. Bob Osborne indicated that Temple City is not known as a Part 1 crime town. The
types of crimes that occur much more frequently are the Part 2 crimes. You may feel
safer because the Part 1 crimes are fairly flat there is still a fairly significant increase in
reported cases that are reflected in the types of crimes that occur in Temple City. Part
I crimes are robberies, rapes, homicides, aggravated assaults, etc.
Captain Mirabella presented a graph which illustrated crime reports. He stated that not
all calls result in a written crime report. Based on the average number of reports per
month we have a lower number of crime reports. This reflects miscellaneous type reports
such as mentally ill person, a suicide, missing person, person dead, domestic violence, etc.
The middle line is the Part 1 crimes which are murder, rape, robbery, burglary, arson,
grand theft auto, etc. The next line is the low scale or Part 2 crimes which includes
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March 25, 1993 Page 10
forgery, narcotics, possession of weapons, vagrancy, vandalism and they took a dramatic
peak in 1991 -92 and took a decline in 1992 -93. If that trend holds true then we have been
doing something right. The next graph is interesting and somewhat substantiates the fact
that even thought the Sheriff is responding to more calls, the type of calls do not
necessarily result in arrests. Even with the increase of Part 2 type crimes they do not
necessarily result in an arrest. The type of serious crimes is not going up significantly and
the type of element we are dealing with in the community is not becoming more criminal
in nature. Another factor that looks at the effectiveness of the department is response
times. In 1991, the average response time was 3.7 minutes and in 1993 it is 3.9 minutes.
The times have remained fairly consistent and are a direct result of having a station in
your city since any car would respond in your city whether or not a contract car is
available. The next graph showed the response time to routine calls at an average of 28.8
minutes. He stated that as the department expands the use of para professionals and
community service officers or if law enforcement calls for service goes up, that response
time will increase but it is not one that we should have to worry about since there is no
threat or risk and instead we should watch the emergency line extremely closely. In
summary, calls for service in general are going up which means the demand on officers and
deputies will increase. High risk assistance type calls are going up slightly more than the
general non - assistance type calls which means that we are more likely to have 2 or 3 cars
tied up in a single call at a given time. Crimes rates are rising steadily with a possible
downturn this fiscal year which could be permanent or temporary but one year is not
enough to alter the long term projection. Crime reports are down for FY 92 -93 and are
a good sign, response times are consistent so overall, with a consistent incline we have
adjusted the staffing patterns, modified resource hours and are keeping with the changes
as they occur. We are looking at one last alteration which is the time of the overlap car.
Once we make that adjustment, we believe we have maximized our flexibility with the
existing staff. We should begin to look now for future needs and the possibility of an
additional car. We must be prepared for what has been the past trend. If we don't need
it we are still better off as long as we are prepared.
Mayor McGowan stated that we have talked about the perception being very important
and there is a perception in town that the cars take 45 minutes to get there. With more
and more calls coming in there, will there be a change of policy in handling calls.
Captain Mirabella stated in traditional law enforcement the response is that we will be
right there and it takes 20 minutes people are upset. If we say we will be there within
the hour and get there in 50 minutes, we get letters of commendation. He stated he is
dealing with a systematic change and moving in that direction however, he must have
concurrence by all the cities that they recognize when we say we will be there in one hour
and the City Council/City Manager does not tolerate that. Personally with routine calls
he is comfortable with saying they will arrive in an hour. We are looking at alternatives
and the cities must be prepared to embrace the policy.
Councilmember Breazeal commented that he is impressed with response time for
emergency.
Councilmember Budds inquired as to how many of the assists are taking a traffic car away
from traffic enforcement.
Captain Mirabella responded that across the board traffic units are being used anywhere
from 30 -60% of the time on criminal assists depending upon the City and the shift.
Mayor McGowan asked what would happen if there was an incident and all of our cars are
tied up in South El Monte.
Captain Mirabella stated in that case you would get a car from Rosemead and that is the
advantage of the system. There are some times when you are left without a car and on
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City Council/Agency Adjourned Meeting
March 25, 1993 Page 11
the flip side there are equal times when surrounding cities are left without cars.
Councilmember Budds indicated that he is concerned with the shrinking resources of the
Sheriff's Department which will reduce the amount of available County cars in the
unincorporated areas to respond to Temple City and any other cuts by other cities relative
to law enforcement will diminish those pools.
Captain Mirabella stated that if that does happen the mutual response becomes even more
significant and valuable.
Councilmember Budds stated that he is more comfortable with relying on what we provide
in our City for ourselves rather than relying on what other cities are providing.
E. DISCUSSION OF DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY
PERMANENT PART TIME EMPLOYEES -
City Manager Ovrom provided background information stating that in the staff report
Council would fmd a description of each permanent part -time positions that we currently
have in the City. The primary service as well as the specific duties have been identified
for each position. She suggested that the Council continue review of this until the next
budget study session of April 29.
Councilmember Breazeal moved to consider this item at the next Budget Study Session
on April 29, seconded by Councilmember Budds and unanimously carried.
F. DISCUSSION OF DESIGNATION FOR CERTAIN ONE -TIME DOLLARS -
Financial Services Director Maldonado requested Council direction on an item which has
not been discussed. We have set aside in the reserve funds for CRA litigation of about
$2,000,000 and we have also set aside about $1.7 million for the bond payment in CRA.
This is required because if the CRA is unable to pay the bond payment then the City is
on the line for it. There is also money set aside for the amount the Agency owes back to
the City which is $2.6 million in loans that the City has given over time. Each year as the
CRA is able to make a payment both on the City loan and the bond payment then these
monies are freed up. These monies currently flow back into the unreserved General
Fund. We would like Council direction on these one time funds and the use of it to
possibly earmark it for capital projects, one time expenditures or other items.
Councilmember Breazeal stated it should be placed in unreserved funds.
City Manager Ovrom stated she would recommend Council use these funds earmarked for
one -time expenditures because these funds will eventually be non - existent.
Councilmember Budds stated he would feel more comfortable with a list of what they
could be used for.
City Manager Ovrom stated it should be set aside and decided on a yearly basis.
Councilmember Wilson moved to earmark these funds for one -time expenditures, seconded
by Councilmember Breazeal and unanimously carried.
Financial Services Director Maldonado asked Council for direction on each fiscal year, if
there are savings and the expenditures do not come out at the 4 %, could those funds be
earmarked for one -time expenditures also.
City Manager Ovrom indicated that at the end of year the goal is to have more revenue
than expenditures. The question is does the Council want to designate these savings for
one time projects or to flow into fund balance. These are not on -going dollars, they are
one time year to year savings. You may wish to consider expanding your motion to include
that, handle it separately or think about it.
City Council/Agency Adjourned Meeting
March 25, 1993 Page 12
Councilmember Budds stated that the one time use could be to replenish the reserves.
The policy issue is would we rather have it earmarked for specific use rather than using
it as general operating dollars.
Councilmember Budds moved to earmark year -to -year savings for specific use, seconded
by Councilmember Breazeal and unanimously carried.
G. CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF UTILITY USERS TAX -
City Manager Ovrom stated that what is needed is the approval for the $3,000 that is
necessary for the public outreach program and authority to conduct the public education
program.
Councilmember Budds said that basically this commits us to nothing.
City Manager Ovrom suggested that the Council may wish to talk a bit about the public
education program. She stated it was her interpretation that generally we would earmark
revenue from a utility user's tax for Law Enforcement, Code Enforcement and to make
up the gap from the state reductions.
Councilmember Breazeal stated that he has no objections telling the public why it is
necessary but they should know they are general fund dollars and in the future they could
be used for other things.
City Manager Ovrom stated that she does not have clarity on the Code Enforcement issue
and inquired what the direction of the Council would be on this issue. She stated Council
has talked about various means for paying for Code Enforcement which included the
business license on rentals which the Council has deferred until a decision is made on the
Utility User's Tax. She requested policy direction from the Council is leaning towards.
She also requested direction on the freezing of the business license tax.
Councilmember Budds stated that it was his understanding that part of the Code
Enforcement Officer's responsibilities would be to respond to the needs of the business
community and as part of the implementation of the Specific Plan or the revitalization of
downtown, when we have people in violation of the code, we have somebody to respond.
City Manager Ovrom asked if it was fair to say the intent of the Council is to add Code
Enforcement resources in the near future and the Utility User's Tax may be a means of
providing the funding for that.
Mayor Pro Tem Manning stated she is strongly in favor of Code Enforcement in the
community.
Mayor McGowan stated that it is one of the big issues when people call the hotline.
Councilmember Budds moved that Code Enforcement be a part of the package, seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Manning and unanimously carried.
City Manager Ovrom inquired about the Business License Tax freeze for the coming year.
What has been talked about is freezing business license tax for the next year.
Councilmember Budds moved to freeze the Business License Tax for FY 93 -94, seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Manning and unanimously carried.
City Manager Ovrom restated the Council direction to proceed with a community outreach
and education program to discuss the City's financial condition and potential options
primarily the Utility User's Tax which may include additional Code Enforcement. In
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March 25, 1993 Page 13
addition we will be freezing the Business License Tax for FY 93 -94.
Mayor McGowan stated the importance of having more of the community involved in this
education process.
City Manager Ovrom indicated that we are learning from what other cities have done. For
instance the City of Norwalk did a very elaborate public outreach program. Not only do
we need to have community meetings but we also need to go to people, to the PTA and
not wait for them to come to us.
Councilmember Budds stated that when going the public it needs to be made very clear
that what we are talking about is a very small portion of money. When we do a street it
is different monies which could only be used for streets.
Councilmember Wilson asked if it was a package deal for the $3,000?
City Manager Ovrom stated the $3000 is our estimate for the cost of doing a special
newsletter. The other public outreach is staff time.
5. TIME FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO SPEAK:
As no one wished to speak, Councilmember Breazeal moved to close, seconded by Councilmember
Budds and unanimously carried.
Councilmember Breazeal noted that last year the periodical acquisition budget was cut 64 %. Dave
Camp has indicated that they will lose all their periodicals by next year.
Councilmember Breazeal moved to request an article in the June newsletter requesting periodicals
for the library, seconded by Councilmember Wilson and unanimously carried.
Councilmember Breazeal also suggested we solicit more volunteers for the City in the June
newsletter.
Councilmember Budds inquired if Councilmember Breazeal and Community Services Director
Chadwick can get together regarding the Community Services Commission.
6. ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Pro Tem Manning adjourned in memory of Mayor Jay Price who was a Councilmember in
the City of Bell since 1958 and former Councilman Don Nardela from the City of Diamond Bar.
The City Council and Redevelopment Agency adjourned at 8:02 p.m. to their Joint Meeting with
the Temple City Unified School District Board on Tuesday, March 30, 1993 at 7:00 p.m.
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MAYOR