06-17-1978 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilman Bricken moved to tentatively approve a 15% reduction in the Library Department's Operating Budget with the proviso that the bookmobile and "shut-in" services be continued and to instruct the Library Director to recommend the hours of operation for the libraries and services. Councilman Ward seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously 6:0. CA 65B TREE REPLACEMENT & SIDEWALK REPAIR Mr. Rodrigo Ramirez, 402 S. FRANKLIN, DAISY & S. CEDAR STREETS South Franklin, represent- REFERRED TO STAFF ing the Southwest Neigh- bors, described the status of the tree replacement and sidewalk repair programs for South Franklin and Daisy Streets. He stated that the neighbors had complied with Staff's request for a petition to remove and re- place the parkway trees and repair the sidewalks damaged by them; that it was agreed that all trees on South Franklin would be removed from the parkway because many are illegal and are not designated for parkway planting; that a letter dated June 1S, from the Director of Recreation and Parks, specifies that there are only seven addresses on South Franklin where tree removal is scheduled after July 4, instead of the 18 locations agreed upon previously; that while it is true some of these locations no longer have trees, they do have severe sidewalk and curb damage, none of which has been repaired, and therefore pose a hazard for pedestrians; and that the Southwest Neighbors had been promised removal of all trees and repair of sidewalk, curb and drainage problems by the end of the year. Others who spoke on the matter, in support of Mr. Ramirez' comments, were: Mrs. Beatrice Alvarez, 409 S. Franklin; and Rosie Montoya, 2039 South Hickory Street. Mrs. Montoya stated that the tree removal project on South Cedar Street had also failed to commence on schedule, with no communication from the Staff, and she requested a definite starting and completion date for the Cedar Street tree removal. Councilman Yamamoto moved to refer the matter to the City Manager for study and report back to Council if it cannot be resolved prior to the next regular Council meeting, June 27. Councilman Ward seconded the motion, which carried 4:2, with Councilman Garthe and Mayor Evans dissenting. CA 52; CA 35 RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT Robert ~resham, Director OPERATING BUDGET of Recreation and Parks, 15% REDUCTION - TENTATIVELY APPROVED distributed written proposals to reduce his $2,876,000 Department Operating budget for 1978-79 by 5%, 10% and 15% or by $143,665, $287,330, $460,000, repsectively. He then described the impacts of each, stating that a 5% reduction would eliminate 4 positions (all currently vacant), effect the closure of 15.4 acres of parks (S parks), and a 10% reduction of the total part-time recreation program; a 10% reduction would further eliminate 8 positions (4 currently vacant), effect the closure of 33.4 acres of parks (8 parks), a 25% reduction of efficiency in tree maintenance, and a total reduction of 31.4% of the entire part-time recreation supportive program; a 15% reduction would further effect the closure of all 6 swimming pools; reduce potential revenue $20,000, effect the closure of 14 parks; and eliminate 11 positions (4 vacant). During Council's discussion, all were agreed that parks should not be closed, using the strict interpretation of that word; and they directed that parks be watered and mowed. Councilman Bricken favored maintaining therapeutic recreational programs, even if it meant increased Little League fees, and he suggested that volunteer assistance be used wherever possible. Mayor CITY COUNCIL MINHTES 226 JUNE 17, 1978