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Councilmember Moreno suggested the budget discussion proceed by department. As the <br />discussion proceeded, Assistant City Manager Debra Kurita recorded the budget issues raised <br />by the Council and the related dollar amounts. <br /> <br />FIRE DEPARTMENT <br /> <br />Councilmember Moreno opposed the imposition of a Utility Users Tax on cable television to <br />fund fire services and the contracting out of fire dispatch services. Council discussed various <br />aspects of these issues at length. <br /> <br />Councilmember Lutz requested Fire Chief Bud Carter review a letter received by the Council <br />suggesting ways to increase Fire Department revenues. <br /> <br />In reply to Mayor Pro Tem Pulido's question, City Attorney Edward Cooper opined the City <br />could charge the County for paramedic services provided to County jail inmates. <br /> <br />City Manager Ream reported that the various Orange County cities' Fire Chiefs have been <br />contemplating a regional approach to fire services to increase efficiency. <br /> <br />Councilmember Richardson supported the idea of regionaiizing fire support services, but not <br />fire fighting services, and suggested that staff investigate making Santa Ana a hub as a <br />regional fire services provider. <br /> <br />POLICE DEPARTMENT <br /> <br />In response to Councilmember Lutz' concerns, Police Chief Paul Walters explained that <br />providing a temporary jail was more crucial than increasing the number of police officers <br />because the lack of detention facilities currently caused 40% of arrestees to be cited and <br />released which demoralized the Department. <br /> <br />In response to Councilmember Richardson's question, Police Chief Walters explained the <br />mechanics of receiving asset seizure monies and noted the department would be informed <br />well in advance of any funding changes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Richardson requested staff investigate the feasibility of "privatizing" the <br />removal of abandoned vehicles to enhance revenues and improve the aesthetics of the City. <br /> <br />PLANNING AND BUILDING AGENCY <br /> <br />Mayor Pro Tem Pulido and Councilmember Mills requested Planning and Building Agency <br />Executive Director Robyn Uptegraff review the Agency's various fees to ensure that the cost <br />of doing business in Santa Ana remains competitive with other jurisdictions, particularly the <br />Central Orange County area. <br /> <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 146 APRIL 15, L093 <br /> <br /> <br />