HomeMy Public PortalAboutA 2008-11-11 - WOMEN'S COMMISSION
CITY OF LYNWOOD
LYNWOOD WOMEN'S COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
November 11, 2008
10:00 AM
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
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RE~~-vED
NOV 0 6 2008
CITY GP LYNWOOD
AGENDA / CITY CLEF'~ti~OEFIC,E
Margaret Araujo, Chairperson ~ Cam'
Sylvia Herron Gloria Jaimes Olga Real Martina Rodriquez
Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Vice Chair
CaII to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Roll Call
IV. Certification of Agenda Posting
V. Minutes Approval for October 14, 2008 Regular Meeting
VI. De-Brief on Women's Power Half Hour -October 23, 2008 Event
VII. Women's Commission Programs to be Presented to City Council
VIII. Plans for 2009 Events
IX. Board Orals
X. Public Orals*
"limited to two minutes per speaker
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn to the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday,
December 09. 2008 at 10 AM in the City Council Chambers located in City Hall, 11330
Bullis Road, Lynwood, CA 90262.
City of Lynwood
Lynwood Women's Commission
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
10:00 A.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
Call to Order:
Chairperson Margaret Araujo called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Commissioner Martina Rodriquez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
Chairperson Margaret Araujo -Present
Commissioner Gloria Jaimes -Present
Commissioner Sylvia Herron -Absent
Commissioner Olga Real -Present
Commissioner Martina Rodriquez -Present
Attendee
Laura Alderete, Staff Liaison
Certification of Agenda Posting: Agenda was duly posted.
Chairperson Araujo called for a motion to approve the September 9 minutes, the minutes were
approved. Motioned by Commission Rodriquez and seconded by Commissioner Real.
Presentation of the Utility Users Tax:
Ms. Alderete asked that the presentation of the Utility User's Tax be presented by the City
Manager Haley at the beginning of the meeting.
Chairperson Araujo stated that the Utility User's Tax is not on the agenda and that the
Commissioners will have to discuss it. She stated that she always likes to acknowledge a person
when they come to make a presentation. Chairperson Araujo asked for a motion to have City
Manager Haley make the presentation on the Utility User's Tax. It was motioned and seconded.
City Manager Haley thanked Chairperson Araujo and the Commissioners for allowing him to
present the Utility User's Tax presentation and he stated that he would make the presentation
brief. City Manager Haley also stated that before he presents the presentation, he would like to let
the Commissioners know that the City is not allowed to advocate a particular issue on the ballot
regarding measures.
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He stated that the purpose of this presentation it not to try and get anyone to vote yes or no, it is
just to share information regarding the Utility User's Tax and the three Ballot Measures that will be
on the ballot on November 4. City Manager Haley stated that he is not here only to share
information, but he is here to also answer questions regarding the Utilities User's Tax should there
be any. City Manager Haley went on to present and explain five (5) bullet points.
UTILITY USER'S TAX (5) BULLET POINTS:
City Manager Haley explained the major factors impacting the City's budget which are
• City's FY 2008-2009 Budget:
• Sheriff contract increased from $7.6 million to $8.03 million ($415,000 increase)
• Fuel Cost Increases
Lower revenues due to poor economy (property tax, sales tax, interest earnings
• Budget reduced by over $4 million
^ 21 positions eliminated (some layoffs required)
• Employees asked to do more with less
• Enhancements made to City organizational structure to increases efficient delivery of
SVCS
• Services will be impacted
• Utility User's Tax and Public Safety
UUT adopted in 1990 to fund public safety
10% tax on electric, gas, telephone and water
Disabled and senior Citizens are exempt
• Cable TV Services exempt
• Internet Services exempt
• Trash Collection exempt
• Generates $6.1 million annually
Represents 20% of the City's General Fund Budget
• Helps pay for nearly 50% of the $13 million in Public Safety funding
• Sheriff $8 million and Fire $5 million
• November 4`h Ballot Measures
Measure II
• Not a new tax
• Not a tax increase
• Reduces the UUT from 10% to 9%
• Continues the UUT exemption for senior citizens and disabled persons
• Does not apply to trash, intereet or cable services
• Protect $6.1 million in revenue that pays for important City services
Measure HH
• Advisory vote asking the residents how they want their UUT dollars spent
• Makes tip priority for use of UUT revenue:
o Law enforcement
o Gang suppression
o Crime and drug intervention
o Graffiti abatement
o Prosecution of those engaged in prostitution
• Why is UUT on the Ballot?
• City Council placed Measure II (Reduction and Ratification of UUT) on ballot to reaffirm
UUT at a reduced rate of 9%
• After it was adopted in 1990, there were changes to State law and technology
• Lynwood wishes to amend the UUT ordinance
• Requires a vote of the people
•:• What will change if the UUT is not reaffirmed by the voters?
• Potential impacts could include reductions in:
o Sheriff and Fire services
o Youth and Recreation Programs
o Neighborhood services, including graffiti removal, street maintenance and park
maintenance
o Hours of operation at the Senior Center, Youth Center and Community Center
o Parking enforcement and other essential code enforcement programs that maintain
citizens' quality of life
In summary City Manager Haley stated that Utility User's Tax will enable the City of Lynwood to
continue fighting crime, gangs and help rid our community of drugs, prostitution and graffiti., He
stated which will make our city a safe place to work, visit and will advance our City's revitalization
and economic development?
City Manager Haley mentioned that Bob Torrez, Assistant City Manager/Administration and
Community Services, is the person heading the Utility User's Tax. He stated that if the
Commissioners had any future questions regarding the Utility User's Tax, to contact Bob Torrez.
Commissioner Real stated she had no questions. Commissioner Rodriquez stated that many of
the discussions she's heard regarding the Utility User's Tax were positive ones. She stated that
she thinks the City is doing well for the community. She stated that many people don't know what
is going on in the community, because most residents do not attend the council meetings. She
also stated that she thinks people will support the Utility User's Tax. Commissioner Rodriquez
mentioned to City Manager Haley that they were waiting for him to share information regarding the
Utility User's Tax with the community. She stated, and that is what you are doing now.
Commissioner Rodriquez commended City Manager Haley for informing the Commissioners and
the community about the Utility User's Tax.
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City Manager Haley thanked Commissioner Rodriquez for her comments. He stated that what the
Council wanted to do is to leave the decision to the citizens. He also stated that he gives the
credit to the Council for taken this time to inform the community.
Commission Jaimes stated that a resident asked her about the Utility User's Tax and she
explained the important of the Utility User's Tax passing to that person. She stated that we need
to give more information to the residents, because they do not know anything about the Utility
User's Tax. Commissioner Jaimes mentioned that going door to door is a good way to get the
information out to residents.
City Manager Haley stated that the City has an outreach campaign and that the residents will be
receiving information in the mail. He also stated that flyers have been sent out to the residents
and that if the residents have any questions regarding the flyer to please contact Bob Torrez our
Assistant City Manager.
Chairperson Araujo stated that some of the people she's spoken with would like to know when
residents will receive the information on the Utility User's Tax. She stated that the Utility User's
Tax percentage has not always been 10%. She stated that is was 3% at one time and was
changed to 9% and she mentioned that she thought the percentage should be cut by 2%.
Chairperson Araujo stated that in the general election she received her voter's booklet and in her
booklet is has a 1% tax cut that the state is proposing to use for Fire and Sheriff's. Chairperson
Araujo asked City Manager Haley if he knew off hand the amount the City has been funded
through the county to pay the sheriff's. She stated that one of the seniors was concern about this.
Chairperson Araujo asked City Manager where specifically in the Ballot measures does it say that
the 6.1 million dollars that we vote on for the Utility Users Tax is not just going to the general fund
to be used for everything. She stated that the community wants the monies to basically be used
for the points that City Manager Haley mentioned, such as gangs, graffiti, prostitution etc. She
also stated that residents wanted to know because they are confused. She stated that she needs
this information so she can give the correct information to residents when they ask question
regarding the Utility Users Tax.
Chairperson Araujo stated to City Manager Haley that he mentioned cutting staff she suggested
that instead of having to spend ,money on overtime for the staff that works the counters in Water
Billing, she thinks that the office should be open on Fridays and maybe the volunteers could work,
because the City has a very good volunteer program.
City Manager Haley stated to Chairperson Araujo that the County doesn't pay for these services,
but the City has to pay for the County Sheriff's deputies and County Firefighters to come to
Lynwood to protect its citizens.
City Manager Haley explained the budget for public safety to the Commissioners he stated that
the City still has to pull from other sources, such as, sales and property taxes to pay for public
safety because public safety is a huge budget to deal with.
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City Manager Haley stated that he's glad the Commissioners are asking these questions so they
can better understand the Utility User's Tax and what the money will be used for.
City Manager Haley addressed Chairperson Araujo's comment about staff working on Friday, that
it is something that the City will probably have to consider because of the budget situation. Also
mentioned, the City of Norwalk has V-car that deals with enforcing prostitute situation and other
specialized crime; Haley stated that the City of Lynwood has a program that provides more
specialized services and they respond to specific issues. Chairperson Araujo also had concerns
regarding loud parties. She stated that she was under the impression that parties had to be over
by 11:00 pm. Chairperson Araujo stated that maybe the Council will try and get the Code-
Enforcement department to work on the weekend to monitor the parties. City Manager Haley
stated that he would mention this to Captain Hellmold. He stated that he can not promise that the
Sheriff's will respond to all parties, but the Captain can direct a patrol officer to go out and check
on it. City Manager Haley thanked the Commissioners once again for allowing him to present this
information.
Discussion on the "Women's i?ower Half Hour" event:
Ms. Alderete informed the Commissioners of the status of the Women's Power Half Hour Event.
Ms. Alderete stated that the invitations were mailed out. The Commissioners viewed the flyers for
approval and they also went over the main points for the Women's Commission Breakfast. Ms.
Alderete stated that the presentation will be 30 minutes. She stated the date, time and location
have been confirmed, but no confirmation on the food yet. She stated that staff had contacted
caterer, Victor Ibarra.
Ms. Alderete also mentioned the cost of the event and what it entailed. She stated that Bateman
Hall does not supply paper plates. Chairperson Araujo asked if the caterer could donate paper
plates. Ms. Alderete stated that the caterer is donating the food. Chairperson Araujo suggested
getting the paper plates from various markets such as Superior Warehouse, and 99 cent store etc.
Ms. Alderete stated that she will speak with Bateman Hall regarding the cost for linens and plates
to see if they would lessen the cost. Ms. Alderete stated that she thought using Bateman Hall
dishes would make the setting look better.
Chairperson Araujo stated that the flyers were very nice and she stated that some people at the
school district might like to attend the breakfast. Ms. Alderete suggested that the Commissioner
invite 5 persons each. 'She .asked if the Commissioners would like to invite the other
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Commission & Boards to the breakfast. Chairperson Araujo made a suggestion to invite other
Commission Chairpersons not all.the Commissioners.
Ms. Alderete make a suggestion for the November meeting to recap on how the Women's Power
Halt Hour breakfast went and also plan. for the next event. She stated that she doesn't know if the
Commissioners would like to have an event in December. Chairperson Araujo stated that
December is the month for the Commissions and Block Watch dinner is usually scheduled.
The Commissioners requested a calendar so they can have a schedule of all the events that take
place in the City. It was stated that Ms. Johnson gave a calendar to the Commissioners at the
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September meeting with the meeting date filled in. Chairperson Araujo stated that they needed a
blank calendar so they can enter their events. The Commissioners also requested a calendar for
all the City events. Ms. Alderete stated that all the departments keep there own calendar of
events. Ms. Alderete stated that on November 4, depending on if the Utility User's Tax passes or
not, will impact the event calendar.
Ms. Alderete stated that if the Utility User's Tax does not pass. The City will not have the
Commissioners and Block Watch dinner or the employee dinner. She stated if the Utility User's
Tax does pass we may be able to keep the events or add a few events in this year's budget
process.
The Commissioners discussed the usage of using head sets when translation is needed at an
event. It was stated that this will ensure that everyone will be able to understand what the speaker
is speaking on.
Chairperson Araujo stated that we can borrow the head sets used for the City Council meetings
and have an area where we could have a translator. Chairperson Araujo stated that this would
make is easier for people to understand what the person is saying, because some people get
offended if only Spanish is spoken. She stated that it might turn some people away if the program
is only in English. Ms. Alderete stated that she will speak with Human Resource to see if they will
let us use the head sets. Commissioner Jaimes stated that she thinks that is would be easier to
stick to one language, because it is hard to keep going back and fourth.
Commissioner Real was a little upset because she received a reminder letter regarding her two
(2) absences. Ms. Alderete explained that it is a standard procedure that staff sends a reminder
letter to the Commissioners, if they have two (2) absences within that fiscal year. Commission
Real asked if the two (2) absences she had prior to taking the oath counted. Ms. Alderete stated
that staff would check with the Clerk's Office and let her know at the next meeting. The
Commissioners and staff assured Commissioner Real that she is not going to be removed from
the Commission.
Board Orals: None
Public Orals: None
Commissioner Jaimes made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Real and approved. The meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
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