CC Min 2013-02-11 Joint w/ Successor

Browse Search

_ �._.� __.._ � . u � . _ One Council Member noted that she is concerned with doing more with less. She is aware that a lot of positions have been cut and each department has figured out a way to live that reality. This Council Member does not want to burn people out and push it too far. Dr. Bell thanked her for her comments because staff has been reduced and we do have to ponder before embracing more. With regards to the youth initiative, he said a lot of it is already done for other segments of the population so this will be a way to capture those facts. Brian Ponty, Finance Director, provided the report on the state of the national economy (presentation on file). He also covered details on the regional and county economy including unemployment rate. Mr. Ponty went over the Reserves policy. He presented various scenarios regarding the upcoming budgets and possible state takeaways including issues related to the Successor Agency. Mayor Aguirre thanked Mr. Ponty for his work with the Oversight Board. Dr. Bell asked for confirmation on the direction for the next budget. He also elaborated on the threats that are looming out there which include: Excess ERAF (Education Revenue Augmentation Fund), Self-Insurance Funds, Public Safety Overtime and PERS. He spoke about the Exit Incentive Programs (EIP) and how if it wasn't for these the expenditures would be higher. He asked for concurrence from Council to pay the Exit Incentive Programs back to the General Fund. One Council Member asked that if we repay the EIP, will we have the funds available. Dr. Bell confirmed. He noted that essentially the goal is to create a rate stabilitizaton fund to cover any other threats. He shared a list of threats and how this fund could end them. He also noted that if we find that the DOF (Department of Finance) approves the funding of the pensions, then these funds will stay. One Council Member asked if the three reorganizations have been completed. Dr. Bell confirmed that the Police Department, Library, and Parks and Recreation Departments completed their reorganizations. This Council Member was supportive of those actions. One Council Member spoke about the need for shared services and inquired if more budget analysis was going to occur. Dr. Bell said that based on the recommendation the goal is to implement and continue what staff has been doing. Furthermore, if need be, come back next year to look at other issues if we are in deficit, then staff will do that. City Manager is not looking for any direction regarding changes based on what is already in the budget. This Council Member said he is not sure if we have a clear picture of the numbers, what the costs will be, and if our staffing levels are correct. He is not happy just leaving the budget as is, and he would like to give the City Manager some budget to continue analyzing options. He wants to leave it open and is afraid of approving an inadequacy regarding staffing levels. He would like the City Manager to study behind the scenes if the organization is at its right size. He believes in shared services and regionalization so he likes to analyze all options. This Council Member believes that eliminating vacancies is the easy way out. Dr. Bell said that in doing the reorganizations, staff has done the analysis of staffing levels and of what new classifications are needed. Dr. Bell said that in terms of what JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD February 11, 2013 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 64 Page No. 278