CC Min 1992-10-19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Manager Everett described the various staff meetings over the last two months, the process by which each department reduced its budget between 2% and 4%, and how the final proposals were reached through consensus of all managers. City Manager Everett reported that the following guidel ines were used: Council policies; the least reduction of services; reorganization; and, the knowledge that this process would have to be repeated next year, and probably the year after that. Council discussed the proposal reducing the City Newsletter from four to two editions in the City Manager's budget with Mayor La Berge and City Manager Everett stating it reached a different audience than other publications and it enhanced the City's image, while Councilman Claire stated $20,000 was too much money for mailing and production of two newsletters, and information could be sent with the water bills. In response to Council questions, Park and Recreation Superintendent Hartman described the department's proposals to eliminate a $7,000 matching grant focusing on older youths which would probably be difficult to match at this point, and $12,000 for casual labor. Council discussed the City Attorney's reduction proposal and referred it to the Legal Services Committee. MEMO 10/20/92 Finance Director Ramchandani confirmed that all vacant positions proposed to be eliminated in the current budget reductions would be permanently eliminated. In response to Council questions, Police Chief Guardino described the service level impacts resulting from his proposed budget reductions and assured the Council that although more work will be created with fewer people, he would not recommend the cuts if he thought they would have a drastic effect on his department's ability to protect Redwood City. In response to Council concerns, City Manager Everett described the meet and confer process that is going on with the one employee whose job is being eliminated through reorganization. In response to Council questions, Library Director Light advised that the proposed reduction of $11,000 from the Project Read program for at risk youths would still allow an increase in services over last year. Councilmembers again discussed the proposed reduction from four to two editions of the City newsletter, and the San Luis Obispo newsletter as a model. M/S: CLAIRE/MURRAY TO DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO REVIEW THE NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION TO SEE IF THE COST COULD BE REDUCED; RETAIN THE $12,000 IN CASUAL LABOR IN THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT IF OTHER ALTERNATIVES CAN BE FOUND; AND RETAIN THE $7,000 FOR YOUTH PROMOTION IN THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT AND LOOK FOR MATCHING FUNDS AND CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THIS PROGRAM; AND, REPORT BACK TO THE COUNCIL Regular Meeting Minutes October 19, 1992 Page 8 MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 Page No. 225 - -.. . T -.. .-