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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-09-1993MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA MARCH 9, 1993 CALLED TO ORDER CONFERENCE ROOM SANTA ANA LIBRARY 26 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA 6:20 P.M. ATTENDANCE COUNCILMEMBERS Present: MIGUEL A. PULIDO, Mayor Pro Tern (7:43 p.m.) TOM LUTZ LISA MILLS TED R MORENO RICK NORTON (6:42 p.m.) Absent: DAN YOUNG, Mayor ROBERT L. RICHARDSON Present: DAVID REAM, City Manager JANICE C. GUY, Clerk of the Council EDWARD J. COOPER, City Attorney Absent: None BUDGET PRESENTATION Although a Council quorum was not present, the Councilmembers proceeded to discuss the proposed FY 93-94 City budget. A quorum was attained when Councilmember Norton arrived at 6:42 p.m. crrY COUNCIL MINUTES 100 MARCH 9, 1.993 CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE City Manager David Ream described the program reductions proposed for the City Manager's Office, noting the position of Senior Management Analyst was being eliminated and cuts were being made in numerous line item accounts including among other activities, Council travel, lobbying activities, and capital items. In response to Councilmember Moreno's request, the City Manager indicated details concerning the line item reductions would be provided to the Council. In response to Councilmember Lutz' inquiry, the City Manager reported approximately 40 of the 84 positions proposed for elimination were currently filled, but he anticipated retirements and job transfers would put the total number ultimately laid off at 15-20 employees. CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE City Attorney Edward Cooper reviewed personnel and other administrative reductions proposed for his office in the FY 93-94 budget including the elimination of one Deputy Attorney position. In response to Councilmember Lutz' concern about increased liability as a result of budget cuts, the Attorney indicated that the most likely impacts on his office would be indirect as a result of more hazardous conditions as an outcome of a decreased Public Works and other operating department budgets. He also noted, in response to Councilmember Norton, the City's reserve for legal settlements was significantly underfunded, but added should the City suffer an exceptionally large claim, the claim might be paid over a 10-year period. CLERK OF THE COUNCIL OFFICE Clerk of the Council Janice Guy reviewed program reductions proposed for the Clerk's budget and noted that although no full-time positions were being eliminated in the FY 93-94 budget, successive budget reductions in the last two fiscal years had rolled back the Clerk's staff to its 1972-73 level of five full-time employees. She indicated the Clerk's staff was searching for creative solutions to carry out its mandated workload in the face of declining resources. FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief Bud Carter presented program and personnel reductions which included "E-rating" one Deputy Chief and two Battalion Chief positions and eliminating nine dispatchers. He also explained several revenue enhancement strategies whose proceeds were earmarked for the Fire Department including establishment of a Utility Users tax on cable television, a $35 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 101 MARCH 9, 1993 inspection fee for businesses, and new charges for several categories of paramedic services such as night calls. Carter explained the Department had solicited proposals to contract dispatching which he anticipated would lower costs through economies of scale. Councilmembers discussed the Chief's proposals. Councilmember Mills expressed concern regarding raising fees in the current recessionary economy. By unanimous informal consent, the Council agreed to defer discussion on the Police Department and Planning and Building Safety Agency to the next budget session. Councilmember Lutz requested the City's flags be flown at half mast in honor of Garden Grove Police Officer Howard Dallies who was killed in the line of duty. ADJOURNED - 8:00 P.M. · Guy Clerk of the Council CITY COUNCIL MINIJTES 102 MARCH 9, 1993