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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 ~ ~a~~~ 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. 1 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. 3 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. 4 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 ,,: 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 5 r 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. 6