Item 07 - Minutes from the Regular Meeting of March 18, 2025

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BUSINESS CALENDAR MINUTES: At 7:54 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered. 15. Early Direction for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Department(s): Finance and Management Services Recommended Action: Provide direction for preparation of the proposed FY2025- 26 budget. MINUTES: Acting Finance and Management Services Director Alex Trinidad provided a presentation regarding the Mid -Year Budget Update. Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez expressed support for improvements to the Senior Center, City jail, new bus shelters, code -blue upgrades, funding for future pension costs, city events, and arts initiative. He is in support of stadium upgrades and requested more information regarding the stadium improvement plan. Councilmember Lopez inquired about the Civic Center Plaza demolition plan, emphasizing the need to salvage artwork on the exterior of the State building. She expressed support for dedicated pension funding and suggested exploring revenue -generating options like private land leases or an enterprise fund for the conference complex. She requested further discussion and a cost -offset analysis regarding the proposed jail upgrades. She also proposed engaging local venue promoters in stadium design discussions and supported using one-time funds for street, sidewalk, and alley repairs, as well as park restroom renovations and playground shade structures. Councilmember Hernandez expressed his support for an equitable approach to budget adjustments across all departments. He supported setting aside $5 million of Measure X funds for reserves and utilizing one-time spending for revenue - generating projects, specifically investing in the Bristol and Edinger parking lot. He also expressed support for expanding the Senior Center to create community meeting spaces, upgrading the stadium to increase capacity and amenities for high -profile events, transferring county ownership of the Plaza of the Fountains, and salvaging and maintaining the artwork on the exterior of the State building. Councilmember Bacerra asked City staff to engage with state officials and request an extension for the state building demolition deadline. He requested more details regarding the proposed cost estimates for the Bristol and Edinger parking lot upgrades and recommended the allocation of at least $1 million for future pension obligations. He expressed support for the modernization of the jail and requested to see the proposed projects at the Senior Center. He requested a cost analysis for natural and artificial turf options at the stadium and inquired about the scope of additional improvements. CITY COUNCIL 12 MARCH 18, 2025