Regular City Council Meeting October 6, 2020

0:05:16Anything council member fidelity of my fidelity I. Your sound.

0:05:22Your sound.

0:05:23It's good to you.

0:05:23Your video is good as well.

0:05:25So I'll be bugging me to prayer.

0:05:27Thank you.

0:08:07Good evening.

0:08:07Council member produced komodo needed a quick sound check one.

0:08:13Oh sure.

0:08:15In q you're coming and lodging clear.

0:08:17I'll put you back on mute by now.

0:11:04It may have I made you do a quick sound

0:11:06check on sound check.

0:11:08One, 2, 3.

0:11:08Thank you, sir.

0:11:09I'll put you back on mute for now.

0:13:14I wanted to be dramatic and take it off like our president did.

0:20:33Holly I assume we're waiting on customer Ableton.

0:20:39That is correct.

0:20:40She is currently on the phone with our team.

0:20:43Thank you.

0:24:34OK Good evening council member April 7.

0:24:57Can you check your audio form.

0:24:59Yes perfect.

0:25:01We can hear you and see you.

0:25:02Thank you so much.

0:25:04You me.

0:25:04And I mean, we do have all of the council members

0:25:06accounted for on the court.

0:25:08Now All right.

0:25:15The October 6th concurrent special meeting

0:25:19of the Alfredo public financing authority the employee pension

0:25:23trust board and the regular city council meeting

0:25:26is called order.

0:25:27At 11 minutes after the hour of 7 will

0:25:30the city clerk please call roll.

0:25:33Mayor Lyman.

0:25:34Present mayor Patton finally here

0:25:38once a member able thing here.

0:25:40Council member Pardo Okamoto council

0:25:44member canto and immediate.

0:25:48Now council member keen to present.

0:25:51Thank you.

0:25:51We have a quorum.

0:25:59Q and that concludes our roll call.

0:26:04We'll now move on to item 1 teleconference

0:26:07and comment instructions.

0:26:10Thank you, Mayor those city council members

0:26:13and staff who are participating as panelists today.

0:26:16Please remember to keep your microphones muted whenever you

0:26:19are not speaking for all participants on the call

0:26:21today, except for direct chat to the host

0:26:24for technical questions.

0:26:26The chat feature has been disabled if you wish to speak.

0:26:30Please use the hand icon to raise your hand.

0:26:32This icon is found on the participant panel.

0:26:36If you cannot locate the icon please refer

0:26:38to the document linked on page one of the agenda

0:26:40for the raise hand feature.

0:26:42Please note this feature is not available for those

0:26:44calling in your phone.

0:26:46Only members of the public who wish to provide

0:26:49oral testimony today.

0:26:50The mayor will announce the time to raise

0:26:52your hand and request to speak for each applicable item.

0:26:56If a member of the public has joined by phone

0:26:58only a request to speak, can be submitted to city clerk at C

0:27:03that El.

0:27:04So rito that C a that us the email

0:27:08must contain in the subject line requests to speak.

0:27:11And the agenda item number and provide

0:27:13a name and phone number that is used to call

0:27:15in for identification purposes.

0:27:18Written comments received by the posted deadline today have been

0:27:21provided to the city council and posted online

0:27:23with supplemental materials.

0:27:25Any written comments submitted after the deadline will

0:27:27be provided to the city council and included

0:27:30with supplemental materials.

0:27:31After the meeting No written comments

0:27:33will be read into the record.

0:27:35Mayor Lyman we're ready to move on to the next item that

0:27:41includes item 1 and will now move on to item

0:27:432 council staff communications.

0:27:48Are there any staff announcements.

0:27:51Yes your honor.

0:27:52Thank you very much.

0:27:53I'm Karen Pinkus city manager.

0:27:56First off, I wanted to let the city council know I have

0:27:59already let you know via email.

0:28:01But let you know that actually I've

0:28:03been in communication today with the state auditor's office.

0:28:07We are going to be kicking off the state audit shortly.

0:28:12We are working to put an conference together

0:28:15with our staff and with their staff.

0:28:16So probably within the next week or two.

0:28:19So I just wanted to let you know that that is moving forward.

0:28:22And we're working with a team from the state

0:28:25auditor's office.

0:28:26And when I've talk to them on the phone already

0:28:30and we've agreed that we will try to do as much as we can

0:28:33electronically and virtually via videoconference or phone

0:28:37or being able to provide them electronic documentation.

0:28:42They may come on site if necessary.

0:28:44We're going to sort of play that by ear

0:28:45but we're looking forward to working with them.

0:28:47And we will be happy to cooperate with them

0:28:50whichever whatever they need.

0:28:52So that's beginning again, within the next week or two.

0:28:55And then I would also like to call Chief Mike

0:28:58boni to the presenter channel.

0:29:05So that he can give you an update on what's going on

0:29:08with the El cerrito fire department

0:29:10and various activities that they've been engaged in.

0:29:21There we go.

0:29:22Now I'm on muted.

0:29:23Good evening mayor council members.

0:29:25Now Michael we're going to your fire chief as all of us

0:29:29are aware to share 2020 it continues to be

0:29:32a record breaking year on.

0:29:33So many different fronts, including our year round.

0:29:37What's become a year round fire season this year alone,

0:29:41we've experienced 8,300 wildland fires

0:29:45and at this point over four million

0:29:47acres of our wildland forests et cetera have burned.

0:29:52I'm sadly 31 people statewide have died

0:29:55and almost 8,000 structures have been destroyed

0:30:00and probably twice that many have been

0:30:02damaged to some point of it.

0:30:05As of this morning, the latest update

0:30:08there still 23 major wildfires burning in the state.

0:30:13More than 16,000 firefighters assigned to it.

0:30:16As of this morning, including nine of our own personnel.

0:30:20Although four of them returned home

0:30:23this app late this afternoon very tired.

0:30:26But safe from the glass fire in Napa and Sonoma County.

0:30:32We still have one engine up there assigned to that with it

0:30:37since August 16 and I know we talked about this at

0:30:40the last city council meeting.

0:30:42But since August 16, we have had two engines

0:30:46and anywhere from 8 to 10 personnel

0:30:48committed to more than a dozen fires throughout the state.

0:30:51Most of them sadly within the North Bay Area.

0:30:55With that we got a short break very early last week when

0:30:59all of our resources came home forges a few days

0:31:04until the engine 372 was dispatched a week ago

0:31:09Sunday about 1:30 in the morning as part of a county

0:31:14initial strike team to respond to the East part of Santa Rosa

0:31:18this was to the glass fire, which as you know

0:31:21started on the East side of Napa County off the Silverado trail

0:31:26and jumped West into Sonoma County.

0:31:29Kind of deja Vu of the Tubbs fire in 2017

0:31:33and raced over the hills and into the East part

0:31:38of Santa Rosa.

0:31:41Our crew or the strike team from the county that engine

0:31:44372 was part of was deployed.

0:31:47And for those that might know that area out

0:31:49there was deployed off the malaita road area.

0:31:53Engine 372 by itself because they spread everybody out

0:31:58was on actually malaita caught a very high end housing area.

0:32:02Some very expensive homes out there

0:32:04to protect against the fire that was racing down the hill.

0:32:08Many of the houses did catch fire on the sides.

0:32:12The crews were able to move back and forth between I think

0:32:16it was seven or eight homes.

0:32:18And I believe, while damage was incurred on many of them.

0:32:23They were able to save.

0:32:24I believe all of them, but one home

0:32:26that, unfortunately, they just could not they could not get

0:32:30put out.

0:32:32Basically it was a night that extended for 36 hours

0:32:35without sleep or any relief there closer to home.

0:32:40We experienced our own excitement a couple of days

0:32:43ago.

0:32:44I know many of you saw the communication.

0:32:48And I put out.

0:32:49But for those that are for those in the public about 5:00

0:32:52AM Sunday morning fire department

0:32:55was dispatched to a vegetation fire on the Southwest side

0:33:00of the Hillside natural area.

0:33:02Basically it's at the base of the eucalyptus Grove

0:33:05that's above park vista and CPU place

0:33:09kind of North of where the shoddy display is

0:33:11goes every year.

0:33:13When they arrived on scene, they found approximately a 50 foot

0:33:18by 50 foot area burning in the field

0:33:21and moving underneath the eucalyptus

0:33:23trees and some logs and chips that were in the area.

0:33:28You know do their hard work.

0:33:30And the fact that we had three resources to throw it

0:33:32on to throw at it very quickly.

0:33:35They were able to deploy progressive hose lines.

0:33:38They attacked a fire with two engines.

0:33:41Now we had the third engine that was used

0:33:43for a contingency on Baron and Earl core had

0:33:47the fire started to make a run.

0:33:50Those would have been the first houses impacted.

0:33:53Once the fire was contained which they were

0:33:55able to do fairly quickly that engine was used to shuttle

0:33:59water to him since there was no hydrants in that area for this

0:34:03was the area that we talked about last year that PG&E

0:34:07came in and really moved I believe,

0:34:09if I remember correctly upwards of 75

0:34:12a eucalyptus trees and data lot of cleaning

0:34:16up while most of the brush lands were chipped in place.

0:34:20The since there were several logs

0:34:22that were too large to check that were left there.

0:34:26Fire department did a fairly thorough investigation

0:34:30unable to determine.

0:34:31I mean no signs of any actual arson.

0:34:35But you know obviously no overhead

0:34:37electrical no other sources of ignition were found.

0:34:42But the investigation is still ongoing

0:34:44between the fire department and also PD is assisting with that.

0:34:48Checking with neighbors trying to hopefully we

0:34:51don't have an arsonist that's working in the area.

0:34:55Public works came out helped brought

0:34:58a backhoe out helped drag the logs out into the open.

0:35:01So we could finish mopping up and also

0:35:04just to get some of the ground.

0:35:05Feel away from the canopy floor.

0:35:08So the work that was done last year

0:35:11it was coordinated between public

0:35:13works the fire department and PG&E.

0:35:15It reduced not only did they remove a number of the trees

0:35:18that reduced the ladder fuels in the area,

0:35:21and it prevented this fire from getting

0:35:22into the canopy of the trees, which would

0:35:24have posed another problem.

0:35:27This type of prevention.

0:35:29It provides great rewards and it's the driving force

0:35:32behind two of the public hearings

0:35:34that we'll be having a little bit later tonight

0:35:37for our weed abatement.

0:35:38So I'll just end with the fact that I'm

0:35:42extremely proud of the men and women of our fire department.

0:35:45And despite the dangers that our personnel face every day,

0:35:49not only from the fires.

0:35:51But the viruses that are out there,

0:35:53they continue to give their all.

0:35:56Not only within the city but obviously,

0:35:58as we go out and help our neighboring counties

0:36:02and cities.

0:36:04You know they are they're doing everything possible

0:36:06out there on the other.

0:36:08The support from the council is also well appreciated.

0:36:12And it means the world to all of us for it.

0:36:15So thank you.

0:36:16And if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

0:36:22Chief this is a great line.

0:36:24I think it's very important for us

0:36:26to hear from you in a more extended manner.

0:36:31And so I'm wondering if there is an opportunity for us to share

0:36:35more about your plans for expanding the fire prevention

0:36:38program and your other concepts for making l-3 to a safer place

0:36:46helping the insurance industry keep our insurance rate

0:36:49at lower rates as to increasing them or discontinuing

0:36:53how much is there.

0:36:55Is there some idea about when you might be able to present

0:36:59to us some of these thoughts.

0:37:02That's that's an excellent question.

0:37:04And actually some good timing with it.

0:37:07We've been discussing with the city manager

0:37:09and at right now, we are looking at the next state

0:37:13council meeting.

0:37:15I believe that's I forget the day.

0:37:18But anyway, the next city council meeting.

0:37:20We are going to be making a presentation on what we are

0:37:24doing from a fire prevention standpoint, what

0:37:27we're doing to expand matters.

0:37:30Also as I have put into some of the city manager updates

0:37:34we're also in the middle of the ISO re-evaluation updates

0:37:41that are continuing we'll probably going

0:37:43on for about the next month.

0:37:45And so at the next meeting, we will be making.

0:37:49We will be making a presentation to the city

0:37:51council on all of those.

0:37:54And again, not only the fire prevention basically

0:37:59what this fire season holds for us the plans and the work we're

0:38:02doing on evacuation a little bit of just pretty

0:38:07much all touch on everything and obviously

0:38:09be available for questions.

0:38:11Great, thank you.

0:38:12Any other questions of the fire chief.

0:38:17Yeah Hi.

0:38:17Actually thank you for your work on the electrical fire.

0:38:22I heard that that's the new spot for socializing

0:38:26and that may be where teens hang out and smoking happens.

0:38:30Is that an indication of that.

0:38:34I mean, it is a possibility.

0:38:35It is very close to a known spot that we've

0:38:40had problems with years ago just slightly

0:38:42up the hill from there.

0:38:44The logs I mean, you know this area is a little bit secluded.

0:38:49It's not one of the main walking areas,

0:38:51but it is one along one of the trails in fact,

0:38:56earlier today some of our personnel

0:38:57were back up there checking the area.

0:39:00And there were some people walking their dogs

0:39:02coming up through that area.

0:39:04The way the logs were and among the trees.

0:39:06It is very inviting for people to sit and gather.

0:39:12And again, that's another reason I'm not only from the fire

0:39:16not only to completely extinguish

0:39:19the burning logs that we have.

0:39:21But also to kind of take away that nice cozy

0:39:25sitting area that the down logs presented under the trees

0:39:29there.

0:39:30So we're going to continue to monitor it.

0:39:33You know I mean, typically those areas you know we'd normally

0:39:36find litter and maybe cigarette butts or evidence

0:39:41that people are hanging out there.

0:39:44And we did not find any of that.

0:39:46We did not find evidence of a bonfire.

0:39:50You know more.

0:39:51So the letter, but you know that if it is from gathering people

0:39:56maybe they're conscientious enough that they

0:39:58brought their letter with them.

0:39:59But but we will be monitoring the area and checking it out.

0:40:04Thank you.

0:40:08Any other questions.

0:40:14All right Janet.

0:40:16Go ahead.

0:40:17Oh I don't have a question, but I

0:40:19just want to say thank you very much to the fire department.

0:40:25And I know how difficult it is to be gone

0:40:30for extended periods of times.

0:40:33And I appreciate the sacrifice that the fire department

0:40:38members are making for our benefit

0:40:42and to say I appreciate it.

0:40:44You are most welcome.

0:40:45And I will definitely pass that on to the crews many of whom

0:40:49are watching tonight.

0:40:50But I'll make sure everybody knows that.

0:40:53Thank you.

0:40:57All right.

0:40:59That concludes staff staff.

0:41:02OK Any messages from city council members seeing none

0:41:10I wouldn't make to nominate require support from Mr

0:41:13quito and Mr Fidel like we.

0:41:17Mr Padilla and I attended the West county mayors conference

0:41:21and there was a presentation about a hospital.

0:41:25The hospital situation in West county and Pomona

0:41:29hand it over to you at this point

0:41:31because I think you have a better understanding

0:41:34of the issues that were going on and potentially you can provide

0:41:38us some more input on the topic and not much,

0:41:44but it was the broad general discussion among the mayors

0:41:47and especially San Pablo mayor was concerned

0:41:50about not having a hospital.

0:41:52And the issue came up about emergency rooms coming

0:41:56in as opposed to a hospital.

0:41:58The same difficulties continue to be discussed

0:42:01and there is that legislative issue

0:42:03where certain groups do not want emergency rooms

0:42:07and a hospital could be attained through legislation locally.

0:42:13The good news.

0:42:14I heard from a farm supervisor Toya

0:42:17is that possibly after COVID winds down

0:42:21the Richmond Kaiser is contemplating

0:42:24expanding pretty dramatically.

0:42:27And maybe doubling its emergency room,

0:42:30which could alleviate some problems around here locally.

0:42:36I know Kaiser has been not doing a lot of testing.

0:42:40And I think there has been a new edict from the county

0:42:43supervisors that California should open up

0:42:46and do some more COVID testing.

0:42:49But mainly it was a discussion about the problems.

0:42:51The lack of money side are not moving in a way that's

0:42:56positive for West county.

0:43:00So that was it.

0:43:01Are we going to continue actually

0:43:02to have some guest speakers for the county

0:43:04made for the West county marriage

0:43:06to come and talk specifically and Kaiser

0:43:08may come and speak as well.

0:43:10Yeah, it's definitely an issue that's not going away

0:43:12that the West county mayors are going

0:43:14to continue to talk about it to put a little

0:43:17more numerical spin on it.

0:43:19In essence, the running of a public hospital

0:43:21is not feasible in Contra Costa because Kaiser

0:43:26has such a significant portion of the market, the market

0:43:30share.

0:43:31You're not going to find another private entity

0:43:33coming into West county.

0:43:35So that the two things that are potentially feasible

0:43:38or one a standalone emergency room and Paul

0:43:41you touched on that.

0:43:43That's actually not legal in our state at the moment.

0:43:46Is it to have a standalone emergency room.

0:43:49Currently state law requires all emergency rooms

0:43:51to be attached to a hospital.

0:43:54And so we would need to get some legislative changes

0:43:56in Sacramento in order for us to move to have

0:43:59a standalone emergency room.

0:44:01The other option is the one Paul you did touch on,

0:44:04which is having Kaiser expand to have

0:44:07more urgent care or more services

0:44:10at a larger hospital in the area.

0:44:12So those are the two topics that are very

0:44:16viable for the near future.

0:44:19So just wanted to make sure everybody

0:44:20knows that we are discussing hospitals

0:44:23out of West county level and it will

0:44:25be continued to be a dialogue.

0:44:27Rochelle I just want to expand on the standalone emergency

0:44:33rooms.

0:44:35As a nurse.

0:44:36I've got to say that alone emergency

0:44:38room is a horrible idea.

0:44:40It's like having a body without any legs or any arms if you

0:44:43have an emergency room without surgery and ICU your delaying

0:44:46the care that the patient needs in a standalone.

0:44:49That's why a standalone emergency

0:44:50rooms are legal in the state of California.

0:44:57And so the other meeting that I attended

0:44:58was the Contra Costa County mayors session where we had

0:45:03a long, lengthy presentation on the regional housing needs

0:45:06assessment and the allocation of housing

0:45:09to the various communities in the Bay Area,

0:45:12the nine counties and the most recent allocation

0:45:17actually may have changed since last Thursday.

0:45:19But the most recent allocation that

0:45:22was presented did not actually the compared to the Bay Area

0:45:30plan for 2050 and where the various jobs would occur plan

0:45:36to Bay Area 2 to 2050, had allocated to some degree,

0:45:42some housing numbers.

0:45:43And as they were going through their allocation process

0:45:48those they did not rely on that they actually used a status

0:45:52quo well with a slight modification

0:45:56to influence from plan 2050 and it resulted in San Mateo

0:46:02County not necessarily carrying its share

0:46:05they would be carrying if they had 14% of the growth of jobs.

0:46:12They were only going to carry about 8% of the housing.

0:46:16So the mayors of Contra Costa have gotten together

0:46:19to request the NTSB to meet the Metropolitan

0:46:23Transportation corporation no.

0:46:28What is the sea commission.

0:46:31Metropolitan Transportation Commission two.

0:46:33And the.

0:46:34A bag association of Bay Area governments

0:46:37to reallocate the numbers or consider an alternate

0:46:40to the one that's been most recently proposed,

0:46:44which would more fairly distribute the numbers

0:46:47based on the plan of where jobs of growth will occur.

0:46:52So I don't know Mr Keto if you want to add anything to that.

0:46:56Yeah as chair of the mayor's conference this year.

0:46:59I'd like to say that it is very unfair to add all

0:47:05the housing and Costa County.

0:47:07They want 154% higher than what it was before.

0:47:12So that is adding a lot of housing.

0:47:16And we're going to have gridlock here.

0:47:17And we already have gridlock here.

0:47:20So this is not fair.

0:47:22So I am supporting what we're trying to do here in Contra

0:47:28Costa County and I did send a letter representing the mayors

0:47:33to a bank president Jesse Aragon who is the mayor of Berkeley

0:47:39and he did receive that.

0:47:41And I believe you also have a signed letter

0:47:44mare that is on consent.

0:47:48This evening.

0:47:48So we will vote on that coming up.

0:47:53But this is something that you're

0:47:57seeing what happens when all of the jobs

0:48:02are down there in Silicon Valley.

0:48:05They do not want any type of infill.

0:48:07They want to spread it out of the communities

0:48:12and have a burden.

0:48:13And especially in Contra Costa where we

0:48:16provide the Affordable housing.

0:48:18So I support what the 19 mayors are doing in Contra Costa

0:48:22and along with Mayor Gregg Lyman.

0:48:25And one thing I also wanted to mention

0:48:28is that we will have an aid bag opening representing Contra

0:48:33Costa County and that will be.

0:48:38That was Julie pierce is not allowed to continue

0:48:44as a county representative.

0:48:47After she is out of office in December.

0:48:50At the end of December.

0:48:52So we do have an opening.

0:48:53And if any of my colleagues are interested in being that a bag

0:48:58representative I believe it's been a very long time

0:49:01since we've had our representative from West county

0:49:05representing a bag.

0:49:07So please send an intent to run to me

0:49:13and executive director rerecording

0:49:16and we will deal with that in the month of December,

0:49:20November and December.

0:49:22Thank you, Mayor.

0:49:23Yep and to build on two of your comments.

0:49:26One about the representation to a bag that would

0:49:30just be for about six months.

0:49:32The position of miss Pierce's is not

0:49:35able to fulfill her four year term

0:49:39and her four year term expires in June.

0:49:42And then with regards to shoot there was

0:49:51another one to build in another comment

0:49:52you made about the Rena numbers.

0:49:57Certainly there is going to be growth.

0:50:01And we anticipated the growth.

0:50:03But it needs to be borne across all the nine berry counties.

0:50:12Absolutely now I recall I just want to make sure

0:50:14everyone knows that the item that Gabe, you're referring to

0:50:18is item 4b.

0:50:21We did pass a previous resolution.

0:50:26This the action tonight is to authorize correspondence

0:50:30in support of using our plan barrier at 2050

0:50:34for the allocation of Reno housing

0:50:40any other city council updates Mr federally.

0:50:43Yes I think I should go based on talking about people living

0:50:47their jobs to mention that with the CTA the Contra

0:50:52Costa transportation authority.

0:50:55Randy Osaki has announced that he will be leaving as

0:50:58well by at the end of the year.

0:51:00So that is another job opening it sounds like they're going

0:51:03to go for a national search because C

0:51:06CTA has gotten that national reputation

0:51:09for doing great work.

0:51:14Thank you.

0:51:14Great, thank you for that and see where are you guys.

0:51:20Which goes all go.

0:51:21There you are.

0:51:21Any other comments tonight under council announcements.

0:51:26All right.

0:51:27Let me get over to a script.

0:51:30At this time.

0:51:31That concludes item two.

0:51:33Council staff communications.

0:51:35We move on to item three communications

0:51:38from the public remarks are typically limited

0:51:41to three minutes per person.

0:51:43The mayor may reduce the time limit per speaker

0:51:45depending on upon the number of speakers

0:51:48and may limit the total time for public comment

0:51:50to facilitate the completion of business on the agenda.

0:51:52Comments regarding non agenda presentation

0:51:55and consent calendar items will be heard first.

0:51:58Comments relating to items appearing on the public hearing

0:52:00or policy matters portion of the agenda

0:52:03will be heard prior to council taking action on each

0:52:05of those matters at this time.

0:52:08Members of the public who wish to provide comments regarding

0:52:12matters not on the agenda consent items

0:52:14and presentation items should use the Raise

0:52:18and feature to request to speak.

0:52:21And I believe.

0:52:22How you're going to present all of the items

0:52:24that came to us in advance.

0:52:27Well thank you, Mayor prior to the 4:00 PM deadline today

0:52:31we did receive written comments not on the agenda from Cordell

0:52:34Himmler and Sherri.

0:52:35Rovner and comments on agenda item five regarding county

0:52:39measure x from Iowa.

0:52:40Here now Daniel Schulman and Kathy and Bill those

0:52:44have been posted online and provided to the city council

0:52:47in advance of the model.

0:52:48And I am also putting up on the screen.

0:52:50Now the instructions on how to navigate

0:52:52to the race and each year if any members of the public

0:52:55on the call wish to speak.

0:52:57And at this point.

0:52:58I do see only one hand race from members of the public.

0:53:01I mean, I mean, if you could confirm

0:53:03that three minutes time, we will confirm

0:53:06three minutes at this time.

0:53:08If you could on Mr Abner will have her speak.

0:53:11OK, here you are unmuted and yes you can begin your time now.

0:53:15Oh, great.

0:53:15Thank you.

0:53:16Good evening, everyone.

0:53:17I actually just wanted to publicly appreciate

0:53:21that human relations commission for a really

0:53:23incredible program on Saturday.

0:53:27I think their leadership and their discussion

0:53:31about systemic racism was outstanding.

0:53:34And I hope that the presentation.

0:53:37I think they mentioned, will be accessible to you online.

0:53:42So other members of the public have an opportunity to see it.

0:53:47It was really done well.

0:53:49And it was a really great model of how volunteers

0:53:53in our community can bring issues forward and hopefully

0:53:57think about how we can develop policy from the work

0:54:00that they're doing.

0:54:02And I look forward to the second part of their project

0:54:05that they say there they'll be working on in November.

0:54:07So I just really wanted to say it was a wonderful program.

0:54:10And I encourage other people to take a look.

0:54:15Thank you.

0:54:16And I concur with that all council

0:54:19members were in attendance.

0:54:20And I will say that it was a fantastic event.

0:54:23So thank you for reminding us that we now

0:54:25were flying a Black Lives Matter flag at our flag pole

0:54:31at city hall.

0:54:34Thank you.

0:54:34And we will now bring this basket to the microphone.

0:54:40So I need it.

0:54:41And can begin your time.

0:54:43Thanks Holly appreciate it.

0:54:45Hi, Greg.

0:54:46Hey gang.

0:54:48So following in Sherry's footsteps on the Black

0:54:54Lives Matter.

0:54:56Flag raising.

0:54:57And while I agree with her.

0:54:58It is a really amazing.

0:55:00And inspiring presentation.

0:55:04I need to severely criticize the board members

0:55:07because these symbolic gestures mean

0:55:09nothing at the end of the day.

0:55:14The city really hasn't done anything about diversity

0:55:17on an actionable level.

0:55:20And the city council specifically

0:55:25who are also members of the El Reno Democratic club

0:55:28have ignored my emails regarding anti-racism training regarding

0:55:33the George Floyd resolution donations

0:55:37and regarding double blind syndrome for women in politics.

0:55:43It's troublesome at best and sad because this

0:55:50is a reflection of who you are and not who my community is.

0:55:53Nor is it a reflection of who I am as a black woman.

0:55:56So Yeah the flag raising was phenomenal.

0:56:01The human Rights Commission is an amazing body

0:56:05of dedicated people, and we need to do more

0:56:10and we need to do more.

0:56:11Now Thank you.

0:56:13I'm going to go on you.

0:56:14Holly thank you.

0:56:17And we did.

0:56:19Holly just receive.

0:56:20I don't know if you saw my email late submission that, I

0:56:24will go ahead and read in.

0:56:27This is from Denise Sangster.

0:56:30Good evening counsel.

0:56:31I have two questions.

0:56:33One during red flag events.

0:56:35What is the staffing levels of fire

0:56:36and police or public safety staffing levels increased.

0:56:39And if so, by how much.

0:56:412 at the February 2020 town hall meeting.

0:56:45The fire chief and the city manager

0:56:46agreed to track overtime for.

0:56:48Oh yes events separately from regular overtime

0:56:51shifts for our public safety.

0:56:53Is this being done.

0:56:55If not why not.

0:56:56And when will this happen.

0:56:58Finally a word of Thanks to our public safety

0:57:00for your superb work and keeping us safe as

0:57:02well as other communities.

0:57:04Thank you Disney Sangster and I know we don't address

0:57:10these comments at this time.

0:57:12But I find that most of those comments

0:57:15would be good comments for us to address at our October meeting

0:57:21where cheap begonia has said that he's going to come

0:57:23and give a presentation to us.

0:57:25So chief I hope those questions can be forwarded to you.

0:57:29So that you can address those at our upcoming meeting.

0:57:35Thank you, Mayor and that does conclude the public comments

0:57:38at this time.

0:57:40Great That concludes.

0:57:41Item three communications from the public

0:57:43will now move on to item 4, which is adoption

0:57:46of the consent calendar.

0:57:48All items on the consent calendar

0:57:49shall be acted upon in one motion

0:57:51unless a member of the city council or staff requests

0:57:54separate separation of the separate consideration.

0:57:59Are there any requests to pull any of the items.

0:58:02Rochelle yes I'd like a Paul item C for C, which

0:58:07is approval of the league.

0:58:08California cities 2020.

0:58:10Annual conference resolution packet concert

0:58:12pulled any other items that anyone else would like

0:58:17to pull can I get a motion to approve items for a, which is

0:58:22the National arts and human national arts

0:58:25and humanities month proclamation for B. Authorized

0:58:28correspondence in support of plan Bay Area

0:58:312050 and item D appointments to the Committee on aging.

0:58:41Seconded by Paul I sighs I read his lips a move

0:58:45by Purdue Okamoto and seconded by Fidelity.

0:58:49Can we have a roll call vote, please.

0:58:50May I. I mean, yes mayor pro tem probably you do

0:58:56have to unmute for the vote though.

0:58:58Yes, thank you.

0:59:00OK council member Abel sin council member Abel sin.

0:59:08I Council member part 2 Okamoto yes

0:59:12council member canto I a great item for C.

0:59:20Do you have questions.

0:59:24Crucial questions that I have a statement on it.

0:59:30Proceed OK.

0:59:31So I serve for the League of cities public safety committee.

0:59:38And we discuss this resolution at the last public safety

0:59:42committee and I'd like to share with the council

0:59:45that this resolution barely passed out of the state

0:59:49of public safety committee.

0:59:51It was a vote of 19 for an 18 against I

0:59:57was part of a coalition from the East Bay and beyond.

1:00:02That was against this solution.

1:00:06It was our neighbors join voters from the Emeryville city

1:00:12council was very eloquent in his speech

1:00:15on why we should be against this.

1:00:17As we all know Emeryville has been a very hard hit

1:00:22during these times in terms of some damage

1:00:25to their properties.

1:00:28However, it is the belief of Mr Bowers from Emeryville

1:00:35and my belief, as well, that this will actually potentially

1:00:42really stomp on First Amendment rights being able to get out.

1:00:47Protests having your voice stifled

1:00:52by internet various internet companies.

1:00:56I feel like we are surveilled enough

1:00:59and we don't want to stop people from going out and doing

1:01:02whatever kind of protest.

1:01:04It is whether it be the police or some other topic.

1:01:07Our neighbor from Albany Peggy McQuaid

1:01:11was also very much against this.

1:01:14And I just wanted to let the council know that this did not

1:01:18pass the Public Safety Committee with fine covers helpers

1:01:22and many people were against it.

1:01:25Before you consider voting on this item.

1:01:30Is there a staff member that can give us

1:01:32a quick overview of this case.

1:01:35Members of the public have not reviewed this item.

1:01:50No I wasn't muted.

1:01:54I don't.

1:01:55I was I don't know that we have any staff that are

1:01:58on the Public Safety Committee.

1:01:59I think that counts member party Okamoto pretty much stated what

1:02:05I had heard the same thing.

1:02:06So other than that.

1:02:08I mean, this resolution is meant for the League

1:02:11of California cities to take this formal position.

1:02:14So certainly the city council can

1:02:15choose to can choose to do what it

1:02:21feels is proper I could do a brief summary for people

1:02:28at home.

1:02:29They're not.

1:02:30If you would.

1:02:31I remember I read it, and it was one

1:02:34of those ones that on the face of it does make sense.

1:02:38But the nuances that you've added or make me

1:02:42wonder if I misread the package.

1:02:44So I'm going to have to pull it up and read it.

1:02:47You give a quick overview.

1:02:49OK So basically, what the resolution would do

1:02:53is it would.

1:02:54It's not.

1:02:55It's asking.

1:02:56It's not something that we're doing

1:02:57here necessarily in California.

1:02:59But we're asking the United States

1:03:00Congress to review this issue and we're

1:03:03asking they would be asking.

1:03:05I should say to allow cities to sue internet companies

1:03:12such as Facebook, Twitter.

1:03:14It could even be a newspaper or some other small online forum

1:03:19and they could be sued based on what they're the people

1:03:24that are making comments say.

1:03:26So if they believe that the people that are making comments

1:03:30on these forums are trying to organize some sort

1:03:34of criminal activity online.

1:03:37It is up to Facebook, Twitter the East

1:03:41Bay Times whoever is leading these forums

1:03:44to basically police.

1:03:47What is going on.

1:03:48And if they fail to catch criminal activity being

1:03:52planned on their platforms.

1:03:54And this city suffers damage save for looting or breaking

1:04:01windows of stores or something like that, then we

1:04:06as a city would be able to sue Facebook

1:04:12and yes on the surface.

1:04:14I mean, none of us want to ever have criminal activity

1:04:18is that does that happen.

1:04:20There are currently already ways in which police can interact

1:04:26with these platforms to request information

1:04:30and to go after suspects.

1:04:32But this would add the litigious process of actually the city

1:04:37being able to sue Facebook, Twitter these times

1:04:42et cetera if some sort of criminal activity

1:04:46occurred basically on their watch which would, of course,

1:04:51very much increase the already what we consider to be high

1:04:54surveillance on these companies for citizen activity.

1:05:00And just overall who gets to decide

1:05:03what is considered criminal and who gets to decide what

1:05:07is taken down.

1:05:08And when.

1:05:09It just seems like it would potentially

1:05:11stop protests from happening.

1:05:14And it would potentially add to increased

1:05:17surveillance of people.

1:05:21I want to read the three resolution that the action

1:05:26pieces that they want.

1:05:27So there is a US Congress to amend section 230

1:05:31of the Communications Decency Act of 1996

1:05:34to condition the immunity from civil liability

1:05:37and the following one online platforms

1:05:40must establish and implement a reasonable program to identify

1:05:43and take down content that solicits

1:05:44criminal activity to online platforms

1:05:48must provide to law enforcement information, which will assist

1:05:51in the identification apprehension of persons who use

1:05:54the services of the platform to solicit and engage

1:05:56in criminal activity.

1:05:58And 3 an online platform that willfully or negligently fails

1:06:03in either of these duties is not immune from enforcement

1:06:06of state and local laws which impose

1:06:08criminal or civil liabilities for such failure

1:06:12again on the face of it, it looked like it was pushing

1:06:15the burden to do to monitor these platforms

1:06:21onto the platform hosts and you know again,

1:06:27it is reasons to particularly do that.

1:06:31But I definitely understand you are in Mr voters position

1:06:36discussion question by hand.

1:06:41OK, Paul and then Janet.

1:06:44Yeah, I just want to thank Rachelle for this.

1:06:46I really had problems with this as well,

1:06:48because I think we're putting way too much policing authority

1:06:52to our social media and these are battles the feds are having

1:06:56with each of these companies as it is now about how much they

1:06:59should be taking down.

1:07:00And what they should be doing.

1:07:01If you if you read the materials about the city of sari those

1:07:05putting police out in a shopping mall

1:07:06because there were rumors that there

1:07:08might be some action there.

1:07:10And they had to spend money.

1:07:11Well, you know, it's not appropriate

1:07:15for us to be asking for social media to be doing our policing

1:07:20and having police going out to places where they shouldn't be.

1:07:25So I was hoping that this would be pulled

1:07:28and that I would at least not have to vote for it.

1:07:31So thank you for this.

1:07:35Janet So I won't repeat what Paul said,

1:07:38but another aspect of this sounds

1:07:41like it would be a civil suit.

1:07:44Is that true.

1:07:45Can it.

1:07:46Does anyone know we have to sue them.

1:07:51And so we would have to it's not a criminal action,

1:07:56it would be a civil action, which

1:07:58means that we would have to file a lawsuit against,

1:08:03for example, Facebook correct.

1:08:06Spending a lot of money right.

1:08:11I don't know how well a lot of it would go to Facebook.

1:08:18I don't know how well a lawsuit would

1:08:19go between us and Facebook with lawmakers versus ours.

1:08:25I think they have deeper pockets.

1:08:27Exactly and it just doesn't seem like freedom of speech

1:08:34Among other things.

1:08:37So I. I'm glad that you brought this up.

1:08:40Rochelle with that there probably is not a motion

1:08:51to approve this measure if I would suggest a motion

1:08:56to give the voting delegate direction

1:08:58on how to vote on this item.

1:09:01So the motion could be for the delegate

1:09:03to not to vote in favor or to vote

1:09:06in favor of the resolution.

1:09:07It all right.

1:09:11I would make a motion on game we'd like to say something

1:09:14and lets you remain in the game.

1:09:17Again thank you, Michelle.

1:09:20I am a delegate and I will vote according

1:09:24to the wishes of the council.

1:09:28We shall go ahead.

1:09:31OK Then I will go ahead and make a motion

1:09:34to vote no on this resolution at the League of cities

1:09:38conference second motion by Purdue Okamoto

1:09:44seconded by Ableton.

1:09:45Can we have a roll call vote, please.

1:09:47Smith alignment.

1:09:49Yes on the motion to vote no.

1:09:51May I pretend to Delhi.

1:09:52Yes on the motion.

1:09:54Some memorable thing.

1:09:57Yes on the motion.

1:09:58Council member panda Cam.

1:10:00Yes on the motion.

1:10:01Council member Kinkle yes on the motion.

1:10:04Motion carries.

1:10:06Thank you very much get back to my script here.

1:10:13I believe that concludes.

1:10:15Item four and brings us to item 5, which is presentations.

1:10:20We have two presentation three presentations this evening

1:10:23five days a presentation on Contra Costa County measure

1:10:27x 5b is the citizen street oversight committee

1:10:30annual report in five C is the much postponed since our July

1:10:37meeting the annual sunder shoddy Garden Club awards, which I've

1:10:41seen two of them there in my neighborhood I've walked

1:10:44by them recently with that, we will move on to item five a

1:10:49which is receive and file a presentation on the Contra

1:10:51Costa County measure on the November 3 ballot transaction

1:10:56and use tax to be administered by the California

1:10:58Department of tax and fee administration welcome count

1:11:03the spinmeister John joya up.

1:11:09Can you.

1:11:10Can you hear me.

1:11:10Go ahead and Marianna Moore, who is co-chair our tax

1:11:15working group is on as well.

1:11:17So hopefully she'll be able to speak as well.

1:11:21And I know you have a slight act.

1:11:23So let me just make preliminary comments.

1:11:26First Thanks for your time, and I

1:11:30want to sort of give a little context for the purpose

1:11:33of this measure and let me say other counties in the Bay Area

1:11:39other large counties like San Mateo Santa Clara Alameda San

1:11:44Francisco all have local sales tax measures

1:11:49to fund county services.

1:11:52We do not.

1:11:53So I want to make clear this would be the first sales tax

1:11:57that for county government in Contra Costa

1:12:01we have run a very efficient county government.

1:12:05We have a triple-a credit rating,

1:12:07which is the highest credit rating that you

1:12:09can have in local government.

1:12:12We do not have as robust a property tax base

1:12:16as these other counties like our neighbor

1:12:19as our neighboring counties like Alameda Santa

1:12:21Clara San Mateo San Francisco.

1:12:24So without a robust property tax base

1:12:27and without a local sales tax we do not

1:12:32have a strong ability to fund some services

1:12:35that we would like.

1:12:38So with that, let me just move on.

1:12:40What is measure x.

1:12:42So it is a sustainable revenue source for essential services.

1:12:46And it's based upon a needs assessment

1:12:49that was developed between community groups and labor.

1:12:54And let me just say something about that process.

1:12:58We felt it was important to have the community really

1:13:02prioritize the greatest needs in the county and county

1:13:06government is funded by a combination of federal revenues

1:13:10state revenues.

1:13:12I should say federal and state reimbursements

1:13:15often and local property tax.

1:13:19And it's important to note that most of the revenues we get

1:13:23from the federal, state government

1:13:24are what we call categorical revenues that

1:13:27means we have to spend them on certain things.

1:13:30And if we wanted and increased services in those areas.

1:13:33We usually supplemented with our property tax dollars which

1:13:37are discretionary revenues.

1:13:39So for example, we are the largest preschool provider

1:13:41in the county where we run head start preschool

1:13:44for low income children.

1:13:45And that's predominately paid by federal dollars.

1:13:48We run a hospital and 11 clinics plus a health

1:13:53plan, which are mostly funded by federal Medicaid

1:13:57reimbursements.

1:13:57Medicare and Medicaid.

1:13:59We run welfare to work.

1:14:00We run CalFresh food stamps.

1:14:03Those are predominantly state dollars.

1:14:05We run the foster care system.

1:14:07Those are state dollars.

1:14:08So we run mental health, which is a combination

1:14:11of mostly state some federal but mostly

1:14:13state and local property tax.

1:14:15So I think it's important to note our financing is revenue

1:14:19is very different from cities.

1:14:22So this measure is a half general sales

1:14:25tax that it's for 20 years.

1:14:28And it would raise about $80 million per year in pre-K

1:14:33all the time.

1:14:35And we are working with Marianna Moore can talk about this later

1:14:40on with community to set up an oversight structure where we

1:14:45will account for the dollars and have

1:14:47a residents commission make recommendations on the dollars.

1:14:53And you'll see what came out of the needs assessment.

1:14:56Next slide let me see here.

1:15:02The next slide there.

1:15:04So we did polling in March.

1:15:06And in June, we felt that while we did polling in late March

1:15:11that was very supportive.

1:15:12We did another poll.

1:15:13And in mid to late June, which so very strong support.

1:15:17It may be that county health and social services have been very

1:15:21visible during the pandemic.

1:15:23County has spent over $100 million

1:15:25responding to the pandemic.

1:15:28Much of it through health and social services.

1:15:33And you can see there was very strong

1:15:34support in polling for these areas that are shown here.

1:15:42Mental health, safety net programs

1:15:45emergency preparedness firefighting after school,

1:15:48things like that.

1:15:49Next slide.

1:15:53So the needs assessment did identify some main areas they

1:16:00identified the importance of services like the ones noted,

1:16:05we just give you an example.

1:16:08And we've talked about hospitals maintaining a public hospital

1:16:11is very difficult. And as all of you

1:16:15have heard the discussion stand alone public hospitals have

1:16:19a very tough time surviving the county's system

1:16:23is broader because it has 11 clinics

1:16:25two of them in West county and a health plan nearly 200,000

1:16:31people who live in this county out of our 1.1 million

1:16:34residents actually get their health

1:16:36care through the Contra Costa health plan

1:16:38county doctors county nurses.

1:16:42And so that we have increased the general fund property tax

1:16:49contribution into our county hospital and clinic system,

1:16:53which is a billion and a half dollar system from $25 million

1:16:57to 75 million a year just over the last three years.

1:17:01And because of federal reimbursement rules.

1:17:04That's going up.

1:17:05Think about that we tripled our investment in our hospital

1:17:08and clinics to keep it to close the gap from the lack

1:17:12of federal financing.

1:17:14And that will go up more.

1:17:18We understand we run as you know, the emergency services

1:17:24system for most of the county including

1:17:26El Serino that's ambulance service through Contra

1:17:30Costa fire and Amar.

1:17:32We also work.

1:17:33We understand there is a important need

1:17:36you know our fire system, which is county wide.

1:17:40Is everyone is dependent on each other

1:17:42and East Contra Costa County Fire gets half of a tax rate

1:17:49than Contra Costa County Fire for example,

1:17:52it gets $0.08 of the tax dollar compared to $0.16.

1:17:55So we want to also be able to help fire across the county

1:17:59that is underfunded.

1:18:02We we understand and we have a robust program to prevent child

1:18:07elder domestic abuse.

1:18:10We run the social safety net program.

1:18:13And you can see.

1:18:14So these are the types of services that

1:18:16would get funded from this measure public

1:18:22and community health, behavioral health subs abuse,

1:18:25things like that.

1:18:26Next slide.

1:18:31So I won't repeat what I was just saying.

1:18:34Early childhood safety net county

1:18:36hospital fire MS. Next slide.

1:18:41Actually let me just go back to that last slide.

1:18:44We are looking at this from a county wide perspective.

1:18:48For example, there were three fire stations lost closed

1:18:52in East Contra Costa County.

1:18:54That is a dangerous situation.

1:18:56And our own Contra Costa fire ends up

1:18:58having to respond in to that.

1:19:01We want to fix that problem.

1:19:03And because it can't fire covers West county central and East.

1:19:08And so when it has to respond more into forest county

1:19:13that impacts all of us.

1:19:16Some of the largest users of health and social services

1:19:19is in West Contra Costa County.

1:19:21In terms of folks who use our social services who

1:19:23use our clinics.

1:19:26Next slide.

1:19:28We have put together as broad a coalition

1:19:31as you will ever see for a measure from business

1:19:35to labor to progressive organizations.

1:19:39So you can see organizations like the East Bay leadership

1:19:46council which is business.

1:19:47The Contra Costa central labor council

1:19:49as well as the Contra Costa building

1:19:50trades individual unions foundations racial justice

1:19:54organizations like lift up Contra Costa progressive

1:19:58organizations like the neighboring Richmond

1:20:00progressive alliance first five Contra Costa United Way.

1:20:04So it is truly been an effort to bring together

1:20:11community with labor to be able to provide

1:20:16health and social services.

1:20:18Many of the cities in Contra Costa have sales taxes.

1:20:22But those predominately fund city services, which are public

1:20:25works planning law enforcement cities like yourself have fire

1:20:31only a couple of cities in this county

1:20:33have fire panel Richman El Serino most fire tends to go

1:20:39through special districts.

1:20:41So I'm going to have Marianna Moore just say a few words she

1:20:44co-chaired the working group am in helping

1:20:49them do the needs assessment and put the measure together.

1:20:53So Mary on it.

1:20:54Would you like to add Marianna Moore is the executive director

1:20:57of ensuring opportunity to end poverty in Contra Costa

1:21:00County supervisor Georgia.

1:21:04And can you all hear me OK.

1:21:07Thank you.

1:21:08So thank you so much for this opportunity to present.

1:21:11Well as supervisor joy.

1:21:13This is very near and dear to my heart.

1:21:14I'm ensuring opportunity as a supervisor mentioned

1:21:18as for five years been working countywide although we're based

1:21:21in Richmond at RCA to address the root causes of poverty,

1:21:27including racism and also just systems

1:21:30that are not working well for folks that are

1:21:31struggling to make ends meet.

1:21:33And we do our work by connecting dots and working across sectors

1:21:36and across perspectives and sort of bringing folks together

1:21:39and have the challenging and necessary and inspiring

1:21:42conversations to figure out how to fix things.

1:21:46So in that context, I want to really speak from the heart

1:21:49of the community on this.

1:21:50So for many years, and even 10 years prior

1:21:52to this current role that I have I work in this county

1:21:55and countless times I and many allies and organizations

1:21:59or other senior organizations or children's

1:22:01serving organizations mental health organizations, community

1:22:04clinics we've all come from the board of supervisors

1:22:06and said our communities are hurting and we need your help.

1:22:11And we need your help in the form of funding

1:22:13to expand or start programs to help residents that are hurting

1:22:19and the supervisors generally would just have to respond.

1:22:22That sounds really important.

1:22:24And we don't have any money because as a supervisor

1:22:26mentioned, most county funding is

1:22:28sort of reserved and categories and ways, it has to be spent.

1:22:32And there's just not a lot of flexibility to be responsive

1:22:35or to expand pilots that work well, et cetera.

1:22:40And I also want to give a very specific example.

1:22:42There's a lot of work that a lot of us in the community have

1:22:44done around hunger and especially right now

1:22:46in the time of culture, but even pre COVID there was just

1:22:50so many people applying for CalFresh

1:22:53food benefits that the county staff cannot keep up.

1:22:56And the county staff are wonderful

1:22:58and there's just not enough of them.

1:23:00And because of the way that the federal and state governments

1:23:03choose to structure the funding and the timing of the funding

1:23:08that's just not been feasible for the county to expand.

1:23:11And that's just one example of many I could provide

1:23:14of like there are people in El Reno right now

1:23:16who are more hungry and are turning

1:23:18to the county for that safety net support

1:23:21that cities can't provide.

1:23:22And that's the county's job and the resources

1:23:25just aren't there.

1:23:26It just breaks my heart.

1:23:27So I just want to really make sure to convey the real world.

1:23:30I know you all know this, but the need

1:23:32and the potential impact of $80 million a year into this county

1:23:35will be transformative in people's lives

1:23:38strengthening the systems.

1:23:41The last thing I want to say is that the oversight body

1:23:45that the supervisor alluded to this

1:23:47is something really important to everyone working on this.

1:23:51We want to make sure that the funds that

1:23:54are raised for the sales tax.

1:23:56We know we're asking a lot of our community to support this.

1:24:00We want to make sure that the funds are accounted

1:24:02for and reported on and most importantly took

1:24:06to mean, a lot of folks in the community side

1:24:08that there is an annual.

1:24:09So it's like an oversight body that conducts an annual needs

1:24:13assessment county wide where all of those different issue

1:24:16areas in every region of the county

1:24:18and every city in the county is contributing their data

1:24:21and their wisdom is there.

1:24:22How are our residents doing in cities across the county

1:24:26and what are the gaps and what's needed.

1:24:28And then from there to then make recommendations to the board

1:24:31to supervise others around how each annual allocation can best

1:24:36be invested to help our communities.

1:24:38So they're very rigorous thoughtful process.

1:24:41And that's why you see.

1:24:41So many folks at the table that they're seeing that there's

1:24:44a lot of care and attention being paid to how do we

1:24:47put this together.

1:24:48How do would be accountable to the communities

1:24:50and to the taxpayers.

1:24:52And how do we make sure that these dollars

1:24:54lift up lives in all of our communities across the board.

1:24:59Thanks Marianna.

1:25:00And as you know, the Contra Costa times,

1:25:03which doesn't support that many taxes actually

1:25:07endorsed our measure.

1:25:08Well they did not endorse similar sales taxes in Concord

1:25:12and aranda they endorsed ours and the San

1:25:15Pablo sales tax extension.

1:25:20So if you have any questions, we'd love

1:25:23to have the city's endorsement.

1:25:25They also of Democratic club your own home club

1:25:28here endorsed.

1:25:30And if the city wishes to endorse

1:25:33you're welcome to do that.

1:25:36We folks say so how does it help El Serino.

1:25:39Well there is l street residents who are in the social safety

1:25:43net not all of them are folks who are middle class

1:25:49and don't need services.

1:25:52There are actually many elderly residents

1:25:54who also use our county health system as you know,

1:25:57our own DNS services do cover Elsa rito.

1:26:06There there are also, there is the libraries

1:26:10you know right now, the funding we get for libraries comes

1:26:13from a line that comes out of our order

1:26:16the property tax you know, as the oversight body would look

1:26:23at all these issues from year to year

1:26:25there is that there's more funding

1:26:27on the table for potential literacy library programs

1:26:30as well.

1:26:31So it provides opportunities in many areas.

1:26:36John the script.

1:26:37I know you're familiar with return to source

1:26:39type concepts and formulas from some

1:26:41of the other funding agencies.

1:26:44Obviously, we have our own fire department.

1:26:46So we're not necessarily going to need that type of return

1:26:51to us.

1:26:52But so how will you know we're going to be generating revenue

1:26:59for the county is there any type of assurances

1:27:02that we'll get whether it's more library

1:27:05hours or more library services or better

1:27:08health services in the area.

1:27:10Is there any type of return to source

1:27:12funding formula in this now.

1:27:15Thanks for that question.

1:27:17As you know well.

1:27:19Tax will be collected from every from all sales

1:27:22in the county in cities or unincorporated areas.

1:27:24Which is how all county sales taxes have generally

1:27:27worked in the Bay Area.

1:27:29I'm not certain what their annual revenue would be from El

1:27:33Serino in terms of your I would imagine

1:27:37we're going to be collecting a lot from high sales

1:27:39tax places like Walnut Creek and Walnut Creek mass.

1:27:43The same thing.

1:27:44So my response is we sort of live in a community.

1:27:48At this county where is the safety net for Health

1:27:51and Social services we spend our money, where they are

1:27:55the greatest needs, and we also geographically

1:27:58geographically spread it out.

1:28:01And as I said earlier West county

1:28:04residents generally are some of the highest users

1:28:07of health and social services.

1:28:10I think if you were to take the property taxes paid by people

1:28:13who live in the San Ramon Valley who

1:28:16are less users of our social and health services

1:28:20as they probably contribute more and receive

1:28:25don't receive as many services.

1:28:27But that's the reason they have county

1:28:29government is we want equity.

1:28:32We want to raise everybody up.

1:28:34We all do better when we all do better.

1:28:36I think in El Serino right.

1:28:38There's issues of possibly a library.

1:28:40I don't want to underplay the benefit

1:28:42to Alfredo residents who are lower

1:28:46income who use our services.

1:28:49We know that firsthand.

1:28:52We are our paramedic response.

1:28:57Well Serino has great fire and response as well.

1:29:00The actual ambulance transport has come from through Contra

1:29:04Costa County.

1:29:05It's a partnership between the county consolidated fire

1:29:08district and EMR.

1:29:11So having a healthy fire system county wide helps everyone.

1:29:16And as I say, we do provide that ambulance service in El Serino.

1:29:22There are seniors we provide senior services.

1:29:26And you have a robust and growing senior population.

1:29:29We'd like to be able to support more

1:29:31of that with senior centers programs at senior centers.

1:29:35I think that's an opportunity for El Serino.

1:29:37So I think L street will get a good, fair share back.

1:29:41We don't have as we don't know yet how much sales tax will

1:29:45be generated from every city.

1:29:49But I'm not metrorail street is as big of a sales tax generator

1:29:53as some other cities, but I think Elm

1:29:54Street will get its fair share.

1:29:56But Thanks that's a good.

1:29:57I think it's important to note, there

1:29:58will be benefits tell Serino.

1:30:01And frankly though, to the extent we improve the economic

1:30:07the economy for everyone in West Contra Costa County

1:30:12that that helps all the cities in West Contra Costa including

1:30:15El Serino policy your hand.

1:30:18I think gave I saw yours.

1:30:20And then we're show you.

1:30:22Thank you.

1:30:22Hi, John.

1:30:23Thank you for this.

1:30:24I think in the COVID, post carbon world we're

1:30:28going to need some safety net.

1:30:29So this is very proactive here.

1:30:33Every city as you mentioned, is dealing with financial issues.

1:30:36We'll be talking about that later.

1:30:37And our council meeting today.

1:30:40I'm very happy to see that there's

1:30:41some homeless functions on this as well

1:30:45as displacement for tenants.

1:30:48Thank you for offering that assessment.

1:30:51That's correct.

1:30:51You read.

1:30:52You read the needs assessment.

1:30:53Those are the two issues and El Serino that we've talked about.

1:30:57We had a task force that was supposed

1:30:58to deal with displacement issues and homeless.

1:31:01We haven't been able to do our share.

1:31:03So as a county as a city contribute and maybe this

1:31:06is how we can do our share.

1:31:07But the question I have John and I think I've

1:31:09asked you in another venue.

1:31:11I just want to ask you again here at council

1:31:14is there's a lot of talk about mental health in the county

1:31:17program you're exploring ways to lessen

1:31:20police loads and their burdens and going

1:31:23out to certain circumstances.

1:31:25Is this an opportunity for the county

1:31:28to talk about the think about mental assistance or police

1:31:32not having to show up throughout the county.

1:31:35Yes I think I mean, we have an underfunded mental health

1:31:39system in this country generally in this state

1:31:42and that translates down to mental health

1:31:44funding in Contra Costa.

1:31:47We while we are the largest funder

1:31:49of mental health services.

1:31:51We can clearly use more.

1:31:54And we as you know, there was a discussion

1:31:57at the Contra Costa mayor's conference

1:31:59sadly with our mental health director talking

1:32:01about how we can develop program additional programs with cities

1:32:05on response where mental health response in place

1:32:10of or with law enforcement make sense saying that I mean,

1:32:15we have right a number we provide funding

1:32:18to a number of community organizations

1:32:21throughout the county including in West county

1:32:23to provide mental health services

1:32:25and they provide services, including in schools.

1:32:29And then we also have adult children's

1:32:32mental health center in San Pablo

1:32:33that serves all of West county.

1:32:35So we are committed to looking at in a partnership with cities

1:32:40about how are our mental health services

1:32:44can increase in terms of a quick response working with you.

1:32:49Which cities in.

1:32:53In lieu of a law enforcement response.

1:32:55Clearly there are going to be times where you

1:32:57need law enforcement and mental health

1:32:59in a dangerous situation.

1:33:01You know our own nurses at the county hospital

1:33:04have dealt with that.

1:33:05I know Rochelle knows that as a nurse herself and all debates

1:33:10that time when you're dealing with the psychiatric ward

1:33:14at the county hospital nurses also need help.

1:33:17They can't go in and do it alone.

1:33:19So yes, we will need all those units for partnerships.

1:33:24I just want to reiterate, I didn't see the words

1:33:26mental health stand out or police

1:33:29and do we have to specify that to be able to be in line if,

1:33:33in fact, this path.

1:33:35Let me because so behavioral health services.

1:33:39It has been discussed and is an area that we want to focus.

1:33:43It is a general measure and therefore,

1:33:46because it's a general measure you cannot lock in funding

1:33:50and that probably is not a bad thing because county needs

1:33:54differ from year to year, sometimes there may be more

1:33:56money needed on the social service side the health side

1:34:00the behavioral health side.

1:34:02But one of the things we heard loud and clear.

1:34:05And I want to be really Frank about this from the community

1:34:07is this is really not intended to be funding

1:34:10for the Sheriff's department.

1:34:12And that type of law enforcement.

1:34:14It is meant to be funding for more of the health

1:34:19and social service and emergency response

1:34:22via those kinds of things.

1:34:23And other Human Services I guess you could say that.

1:34:27I think that would merit.

1:34:28Mariana can tell you those community discussions

1:34:31have been pretty clear.

1:34:32I think that's why having a strong oversight body

1:34:36is going to be very important.

1:34:39And you can see the deputy Sheriffs

1:34:41Association actually did not join to participate

1:34:45as part of this effort.

1:34:46We respect them.

1:34:46They provide input.

1:34:47They're good people.

1:34:49They provide important services.

1:34:51But clearly the focus here was really

1:34:53on other types of services.

1:34:58Thank you.

1:35:02John Yep.

1:35:03Gabe then Rochelle.

1:35:05OK, thank you, Mayor.

1:35:07Thanks for being here.

1:35:08And Thanks for speaking at the mayor's conference

1:35:09on last Thursday.

1:35:12You mentioned library.

1:35:14This can possibly be more funding for library hours.

1:35:18That that right now cities are strained

1:35:24and can barely afford it.

1:35:25We certainly cannot afford it.

1:35:28Start with measure x help with additional hours

1:35:32to keep the additional hours to 40 hours to keep it.

1:35:37I think that's going to be part of the discussion right

1:35:39by our oversight body, which is going to look

1:35:43at where their great needs.

1:35:45And I think if you look at the input you'll see some

1:35:49of the things that come to the top

1:35:50are like after school programs and things like that.

1:35:54And to the extent that, let's say more library hours and the

1:35:57after school hours are also, let's

1:36:00say, high value, not just for adults, but for children

1:36:04and where they have a place to go and programs.

1:36:06I think that would be could be one of the areas

1:36:11the general measures designed to have this community

1:36:15input to give in.

1:36:17And I know we've heard from community, the importance

1:36:19of the after school hours.

1:36:20And I think libraries could be included in that.

1:36:23And then also looking at and seeing the protests

1:36:28that we've had here.

1:36:29And elsewhere rito with the Black

1:36:31Lives Matter movement activists wanting more services

1:36:37and know that these services that they want,

1:36:42which includes more mental health

1:36:43more services for homelessness for drug addiction alcoholism

1:36:49housing covered dental health, all that is done by the county.

1:36:56So there's a lot of this information

1:36:58that folks are saying.

1:37:01And they would like that they would like the city of El Reno

1:37:04to take care of that.

1:37:06But all this is taken care of by the county.

1:37:08So this is a way measure x for the people that have

1:37:12been asking for more services.

1:37:15This is a way to get these services.

1:37:19So why I support what you're doing John

1:37:23and I appreciate you speaking on this because at the mayors

1:37:27conference we did have all 19 mayors

1:37:31asking for more services.

1:37:33And this is a way where all 19 cities

1:37:36can get these services despite more funding

1:37:40and now no little else read out.

1:37:43Most of our people here.

1:37:45Do have insurance and don't have the problems

1:37:47that the other cities have.

1:37:50But this will help some of our residents and as you know,

1:37:54our poverty rate is very low.

1:37:56It's up 5% 6% and these are the ones

1:38:00that are staying in that very affordable housing

1:38:03that we have on San Pablo Avenue all around there.

1:38:07And the new housing that we have.

1:38:09So this will help those communities.

1:38:12And this will help seniors.

1:38:14It will help people who don't have

1:38:15insurance and have medical.

1:38:18So but I definitely support this.

1:38:20And thank you, John.

1:38:21You know Gabe, I appreciate you raise

1:38:23that because this issue in measure

1:38:26is an equity measure, which is why there's an organization

1:38:29to work on equity issues supporting this,

1:38:33whether it's our health department, which has

1:38:34for years had a reducing health disparities

1:38:38program for example, number of years

1:38:40ago when it was determined that there were some higher

1:38:43rates of breast cancer in African-American women

1:38:46because it wasn't being detected early enough,

1:38:49they actually had work develop strategies to address that.

1:38:55And actually closed that gap on disparity

1:38:58because of very intentional work.

1:39:00In fact, the health department is hiring an equity officer

1:39:04as you know supervisor Glover and I are taking a proposal

1:39:07to our board this month for an office of racial equity

1:39:10and social justice to expand not just coordinate but expand

1:39:15the work the county does across departments

1:39:18our social service, most of the folks

1:39:21who are served in our social service through many

1:39:23of our social service programs are African-American and Latino

1:39:27Latina Latinx community.

1:39:30And we they we are very focused on culturally

1:39:36competent cockpit cultural competency and programs.

1:39:40And if you think about the work of those departments

1:39:44those are designed to actually close disparities and focus

1:39:50on improving equity and even our own district attorney

1:39:57or progressive district attorney has programs like with the rise

1:40:00youth center in Richmond to do alternatives

1:40:04to the juvenile justice system where young people actually

1:40:08have an opportunity to be at a youth center which actually

1:40:11as a co-founder of that youth center

1:40:13and it gets a lot of funding from Contra Costa County.

1:40:16It's focused on closing inequities and racism

1:40:22in the juvenile justice system.

1:40:24We actually have an initiative that's the racial justice

1:40:29oversight body that we formed a couple of years ago,

1:40:33which has community and county folks and educators focused

1:40:38on the systems, whether it's our probation system our district

1:40:42attorney, the court system, the Sheriff's department

1:40:46to look at how to close those gaps.

1:40:49And there's still a lot of there's a lot of work to do.

1:40:53But there's they produced a report about a year and a half

1:40:56ago, and the district attorney actually

1:40:58is implementing some of those.

1:41:01Thank you, John.

1:41:01And thank you.

1:41:02Mariana sorry.

1:41:10Go ahead, Michelle and Janet you're next.

1:41:16I'd also like to thank you supervisor

1:41:17joya for your presentation.

1:41:19And I just wanted to add a little piece

1:41:23about the hospital.

1:41:24And after the closure of doctors hospital

1:41:29telling residents in West Contra Costa County

1:41:32are now forced to go to the county hospital in Martinez

1:41:37and making sure that that facility

1:41:40is still there to help serve them in West county Waller.

1:41:44Well we're waiting for another hospital to be built here.

1:41:47Quite honestly is absolutely invaluable

1:41:53as we've seen with COVID our health is everyone's health.

1:42:00We have outbreaks of COVID and certain communities.

1:42:04It slows down the businesses in El Serino

1:42:07it slows down the schools and also rito.

1:42:10So we really have to take care of everybody's health

1:42:12and not everyone can afford private insurance.

1:42:16And so I just want to say thank you for the work

1:42:19that you're doing on this and to just point out how important it

1:42:23is even if there's not a lot of direct recipients of this money

1:42:28from residents at all.

1:42:30Serino that it is still affecting us in a broader way.

1:42:35And I just want to thank you for bringing this forward

1:42:39and Thanks for your advocacy.

1:42:40Just over the years on health care, the hospital issue.

1:42:44I know you've been really at the forefront of that

1:42:46because you know it firsthand.

1:42:47And I appreciate that.

1:42:49It's an important your voices from both health care provider

1:42:52and an elected is important.

1:42:54And just to highlight an example of what you mentioned,

1:42:58we a couple years ago expanded.

1:43:00We health care to individuals, regardless

1:43:04of immigration status.

1:43:05That includes those who are not documented.

1:43:08We could not pay for that with the federal dollars

1:43:11that we receive to fund our health system.

1:43:13If we could use it for children but we

1:43:16couldn't use it for adults.

1:43:18And so we wanted to expand that care because as you said,

1:43:22we are all healthier right.

1:43:24Would you live in Eldorado or Alamo or Richmond you're

1:43:28healthier when all parts of the county

1:43:30are healthy you know communicable diseases as we've

1:43:33seen with this pandemic.

1:43:34Don't pick and choose right there.

1:43:39There are those who get infected.

1:43:41You can be rich or poor, and we by using

1:43:46we use general property tax dollars

1:43:49leveraged with hospitals.

1:43:50We do the matching thing with hospitals

1:43:53to put money for preventative health care

1:43:56for again adult immigrant population

1:43:58who are undocumented.

1:44:00We can do more things like that with this type of money

1:44:04because it's because it's not categorical dollars it's

1:44:08flexible dollars which is really valuable

1:44:10to fund things like that.

1:44:12In this case, the federal government wasn't

1:44:14going to reimburse us for that.

1:44:20And Janet, you know I just want to thank

1:44:23you, John, for this proposal.

1:44:27I think it's an excellent solution to a great variety

1:44:31of problems that we do have in this county

1:44:34and it gives us flexibility in how we solve the problems

1:44:41and because it's a very flexible funding source that is to say,

1:44:50it doesn't have to be spent on a particular thing.

1:44:54It'll mean that we can fill the gaps.

1:45:00Right and it'll be really good.

1:45:02I think it filling the gaps and the first issue

1:45:06will be to figure out which are most critical gaps because we

1:45:10have I think so many gaps that this

1:45:14will be great in doing that.

1:45:16And so I hope it passes.

1:45:19Thank you.

1:45:22And John, thank you for coming tonight.

1:45:24I want to acknowledge that we did

1:45:25have public comments on this.

1:45:26Most of the public comments were concerned with the control

1:45:30of the funds or how it funds would get used and making sure

1:45:33the funds get used for the stated purposes

1:45:36that are being stated for the purposes of garnering support.

1:45:40I think John, you've touched on that quite eloquently including

1:45:44the discussion of an oversight body that would

1:45:47do an annual needs assessment.

1:45:49So that the funds would be distributed in a way

1:45:52that's according to a needs an actual use.

1:45:58And one other point, I'm just going to raise

1:46:01and he is needs change over time.

1:46:05And our revenue sources change over time.

1:46:08If the federal government cuts back funding in one area

1:46:11we may need to make up for it.

1:46:13So what's great is we can do needs assessments

1:46:16with the community whenever needed,

1:46:19whether it's every few years to be able to say,

1:46:23our needs have shifted maybe we need a little more in this area

1:46:26versus another area.

1:46:28So I think we want to be able to respond to those changes

1:46:32and needs over time gave you had additional question or comment.

1:46:38No I don't.

1:46:39I'd like to make a motion.

1:46:43Yes I'd like to make a motion for the ailsa Reno city council

1:46:47to endorse yes on measure x Janet.

1:46:56I second that motion.

1:46:58Motion by Cato seconded by Ableton.

1:47:00Can we have a roll call vote, please may I Lyman.

1:47:03Yes mayor pro tem FLE.

1:47:05Yes council member Abelson yes.

1:47:08Council member part 2 Okamoto yes.

1:47:11Council member canto I. Motion carries.

1:47:15Thank you.

1:47:15And look forward to our continued partnership on.

1:47:20So many things.

1:47:21And I still think back of the partnership,

1:47:24the old was at the hotel Idaho.

1:47:25Was that what it was.

1:47:26Many years ago that was converted with the city helped

1:47:30take the lead with county was involved others funders

1:47:35to create single room occupancy housing

1:47:39for people who were formerly homeless with services.

1:47:42I mean, those are the kinds of things we want to be

1:47:44able to continue to do more of.

1:47:50Thank you, John.

1:47:51Thank you.

1:47:52And at this time, we'll move that concludes item five

1:47:55a we'll move on to item five B, which

1:47:58is that report a annual report from our citizens street

1:48:01oversight committee.

1:48:08Good evening.

1:48:09Mayor Lyman and council members.

1:48:11I hope you can hear me.

1:48:13My name is Matt Kelly.

1:48:14I'm the outgoing chair of the El cerrito citizens

1:48:17street oversight committee.

1:48:19And I'm happy to be here tonight to present

1:48:21the committee's findings for fiscal year 2018 2019.

1:48:26I'd also like to thank my fellow members of the Oversight

1:48:28Committee for their service.

1:48:30This past year.

1:48:31That's Paul Allen.

1:48:32I mean Kathy Fleming and our new chair Vanessa hill.

1:48:37So on August 3 the committee convened to review expenditures

1:48:41of revenues collected pursuant to chapter 4.60

1:48:45of the electorate of municipal code to determine whether these

1:48:47funds were spent for the purposes specified

1:48:51in the street repair and maintenance expenditure plan

1:48:54as approved by you, the council expenditures for fiscal years

1:48:5818, 19 were reviewed by the committee along with

1:49:01the auditors agreed upon procedures report,

1:49:04which indicated that the city complied with the terms

1:49:07and conditions of the master installment sale

1:49:10agreement related to the bond issuance

1:49:13also at our August meeting.

1:49:15By unanimous vote the committee found the fiscal year 18,

1:49:1819 expenditures were an appropriate use of the pothole

1:49:23and local street improvement and maintenance

1:49:25transactions and use tax.

1:49:27It's a mouthful.

1:49:28As approved by the council the committee is hereby reporting

1:49:32their findings to the council and the citizens of El

1:49:35cerrito pursuant to section a 1.320

1:49:39C of the city's municipal code.

1:49:42Additionally, the committee both acknowledges and supports

1:49:45that the council in their resolutions authorizing fund

1:49:48expenditures as budget amendments

1:49:50are thereby confirming that the expenditures are

1:49:53an appropriate use of the pothole

1:49:56and local street improvement and maintenance transactions

1:49:59and use tax.

1:50:01And that's my report tonight.

1:50:03Thank you for your time this evening.

1:50:05Matt it's been a real pleasure having you serve

1:50:09on our oversight committee for the last,

1:50:11I think it's eight years is that correct somewhere

1:50:15between five and eight.

1:50:16I'm not exactly sure.

1:50:18Well thank you.

1:50:19Thank you for your service.

1:50:21It's been greatly appreciated to have

1:50:23such a dedicated professional working on the Subcommittee

1:50:27on our behalf.

1:50:29And I see a counselor.

1:50:32Woodruff you've popped up on my screen

1:50:35is there some additional information that you need

1:50:37to impart on us at this time.

1:50:40No just being prepared in case any questions came up about it.

1:50:44God and I will now look to my council members

1:50:46to see if there's any questions at this time.

1:50:51Seeing none the.

1:50:55Again thank you to you.

1:50:56The committee and the incoming chair.

1:51:00Hill for your report.

1:51:03That's a great report.

1:51:04I would let this time call for an action to receive

1:51:08and file the report some of.

1:51:13And again seconded by Ableton moved like two seconds

1:51:16by labels and roll call, please me.

1:51:18And I in.

1:51:19Yes may I pretend fidelity.

1:51:21Yes council member Ableton.

1:51:23I can't remember Prabhu Okamoto.

1:51:26Yes and remember quito I machine case.

1:51:30Great, thank you very much, Matt.

1:51:38That concludes item five B. Public

1:51:40hearing or sorry presentation on this

1:51:42isn't street oversight committee annual court will now move on

1:51:45to item 5c which is the annual sender shady Garden Club

1:51:53awards receive and filed a brief presentation and knowledge,

1:51:56the contest winners.

1:51:58And as I mentioned, I've actually

1:51:59walked by two of these neighbors recently, and they were there.

1:52:08The awards were very prominently placed in their yard.

1:52:11So I want to certainly take the time to.

1:52:15So we can see some of the images of some of these gardens

1:52:20or think you may like.

1:52:22Mayor Lyman and Thanks to the city council

1:52:24for giving us this opportunity.

1:52:27Since we can't do it in person, it.

1:52:29We were thrilled to be invited to come tonight

1:52:33just a bit of background.

1:52:34They also read a Garden Club sponsors the annual send

1:52:38our shoddy award, which is given each year to three

1:52:43outstanding front yard gardens within the city limits of Elsa

1:52:47rito and these awards are given in memory

1:52:50of the generous and creative ways

1:52:53that Mr shady shared his own beautiful front garden up

1:52:59on the Arlington with all his neighbors and pass her by

1:53:03and his idea was that a garden that is visible from the street

1:53:07should be a gift to everyone who goes by.

1:53:10And that is what the Garden Club is honoring when

1:53:12we give this award this year, we had 23 gardens nominated which

1:53:18might be a record and nine judges viewed and assessed

1:53:23each location taking into consideration

1:53:26the overall design the topography,

1:53:30the interesting use of plant special features

1:53:33and most importantly, the curb appeal the judge's scores were

1:53:37tallied and then the eight top scoring gardens were all viewed

1:53:42a second time by the judges and we scored

1:53:47and the scoring was very close.

1:53:49But the three winners rose to the top

1:53:52with their own special form of elegance and excellence.

1:53:56The committee was delighted that three different neighborhoods

1:53:59of El cerrito were represented and that the winners turned out

1:54:03to be three very different styles of garden and Holly

1:54:09if you could please start the video,

1:54:11and I'll try to talk along with it in the Northeast

1:54:15part of the city.

1:54:17The garden at 2,007 cockiness Avenue

1:54:21is owned by Morris and brown and mark Barrett

1:54:25and their friend David fakes a professional landscape designer

1:54:30helped them create a stunning garden on their steep slope

1:54:34adding curved terraces and moving many of their existing

1:54:39plants to new locations, both when we visited the garden

1:54:43in the spring and later in mid-june

1:54:47we were startled and delighted by the bright color

1:54:50combinations of the many succulents in bloom.

1:54:54And the rich array of textures.

1:54:56The interesting under plantings and some whimsical touches

1:55:01this large bell hanging from this stately and beautifully

1:55:06groomed pine tree has a wonderful deep pleasing

1:55:10gong on a windy day and it gave the garden a wonderful quality.

1:55:16Here are some of The Masked members of the Garden Club

1:55:19presenting the award on the sidewalk to mark

1:55:23and Morrison and David we were giving the sign and the check

1:55:29and trying to keep social distance.

1:55:32So that was the garden on cockiness really very stunning.

1:55:41Then in the Fairmont area at 1 to Mona

1:55:45Avenue is the cottage garden of Monica and Ricky.

1:55:49Adair knows.

1:55:51And when we visited in the spring,

1:55:53we saw this astounding waist high explosion of color

1:55:57from a field of blue flax Larkspur sweet peas

1:56:02tulips lips renowned killers anemones daffodils poppies

1:56:08all propagated by Monica herself and neatly note mowed grass

1:56:13paths and rock edges really showed

1:56:16off the beautiful flower beds.

1:56:19There were also handsome boarders.

1:56:22And several raised beds with vegetables

1:56:24planted intended by Ricky.

1:56:27In our summer visit there were caused most Holly Hawks

1:56:31lavish terra and sunflowers on Show so it

1:56:35really changes with the season.

1:56:37The garden is accented with small fruit trees

1:56:41and a wonderful fountain bird baths

1:56:44and it seems to be a true haven for birds butterflies and bees.

1:56:49And here again, were some of the club members,

1:56:51making the presentation to Monica and Ricky

1:56:54and giving them their sign up at the top of Potrero

1:57:00the hill garden of Tom and vivo Terman at 1704 Julie in court

1:57:06was designed by their landscape designer

1:57:09son-in-law Brian White.

1:57:11It was an almost beach like setting with a variety

1:57:15of grasses of all different shades of green accented

1:57:19with bright yellow yarrow and borders of purple cat mint

1:57:24a very pleasant feature is the patio seating

1:57:27area below the level of the sidewalk

1:57:30where visitors can sit and enjoy the garden

1:57:33a scattering of trees are just beginning to grow out.

1:57:37And as they get larger will make the whole garden even more.

1:57:41Other relaxing haven as well as a magnet for birds.

1:57:45So we were thrilled with all three of the winning gardens

1:57:49and we were so happy that this strange terrible year

1:57:53when so many events have to be canceled.

1:57:56The Garden Club was really happy to find a way

1:58:00to make the curbside presentations

1:58:02and continue with this fun project for us visiting.

1:58:07So many different gardens is always inspiring,

1:58:11and it's a delight to see how they add beauty and joy

1:58:15to our city and contribute to our quality of life

1:58:19here and certainly during the pandemic.

1:58:21We have found that more and more people

1:58:24are turning to their gardens for solace and peace and comfort.

1:58:29And so we were very happy to be able to continue

1:58:32this tradition.

1:58:34We thank the city for honoring the award winners in this way.

1:58:39And we look forward to the gardens

1:58:41which we will be nominated for the award in 2021.

1:58:46So thank you very much.

1:58:50Jackson, thank you for your presentation.

1:58:52This evening.

1:58:54As always, we actually have a good presentation

1:58:58in the agenda package.

1:59:00This time.

1:59:02But I always like to call out the addresses that people can

1:59:06in their neighborhoods can stroll by

1:59:08and it's 2007 quirkiness 1704 Julian court

1:59:18and 122 Pomona Avenue and I want to thank the Garden

1:59:24Club for their continued work on this item

1:59:29because it as you say in a time of pandemic,

1:59:32it certainly adds a value.

1:59:36So thank you.

1:59:37Oh thank you very much.

1:59:40Any I've got to get back to work and see the council members.

1:59:44Any any comments from the council members.

1:59:48Gabe I'd like to say thank you to Martha, for what a beautiful

1:59:55presentation and brings me back to a couple of years

2:00:00ago when I attended a Garden Club luncheon with Mae Brett's

2:00:03inviting me and I'll never forget that day because one

2:00:08of the gardens that was chosen was a classmate's father

2:00:13that that had one of the gardens.

2:00:15So it's a small world here in El Serino and again, thank you.

2:00:21You know I haven't worked on my garden

2:00:24for like eight years now.

2:00:25So this is a first time.

2:00:27And so I'm enjoying it at the time because of it.

2:00:31And it brings me peace and less stress.

2:00:34So again, thank you for your presentation.

2:00:37Thanks Skeet right.

2:00:41Great, thank you.

2:00:42I'm not sure we have an action on this one.

2:00:44I've got to go look the agenda real quick.

2:00:47We perceive and file, but we think

2:00:50we've received and filed it.

2:00:54Great with that, we will conclude item 5 see

2:00:58the annual sender shady Garden Club awards

2:01:02and we'll now move onto item 6, which is public hearings.

2:01:06We have two public hearings today.

2:01:096 is a public hearing for fire hazard abatement and item six B

2:01:17is the cost hearing regarding fire hazard abatement

2:01:20of a public nuisance for properties identified

2:01:23and pursuant to Florida municipal code chapter 6.

2:01:29We will now start a public hearing.

2:01:326 I understand it will be a staff report.

2:01:37Then we'll go to counsel questions.

2:01:39We will then do a motion to approve and then open

2:01:44the public hearing to see if there's

2:01:46any members of the public who wish to contest our findings

2:01:52and then we'll bring it back for four additional action.

2:01:56So at this time it's there.

2:01:58I'm assuming there's a SOC report.

2:02:04Good evening mayor Lyman.

2:02:05Council members city staff and members that clay.

2:02:09Damien Carrick I'm your fire prevention officer this year,

2:02:12we introduced a new program for the community

2:02:14to notify our Office of any fire hazards

2:02:17that were not identified during our regular fire

2:02:19hazard inspections.

2:02:21Our office received many emails and phone calls regarding

2:02:23fire biohazards within our city, including camp firms

2:02:27located at 1,100 James place.

2:02:30All of these were inspected.

2:02:32And we discovered that 21 of the properties

2:02:33were out of compliance.

2:02:35All properties received three notifications

2:02:37and were given 30 days to complete the work.

2:02:40There were three properties who entered work plan agreements.

2:02:44Two are pending re inspection and two

2:02:46are listed in your exhibit a.

2:02:48I'm here to introduce a resolution

2:02:50that the city council declared the listed properties

2:02:52as a public nuisance.

2:02:56Great, thank you.

2:02:58I noticed that the third letter was

2:02:59dated September 28th for each.

2:03:02And in the third letter.

2:03:05By definition, it's the third letter means that there were

2:03:08two previous letters sent out.

2:03:09One had a two week compliance period

2:03:12and one had a one week compliance period.

2:03:14So can you give us an overall timeframe of how long you've

2:03:17been working with at these 21 properties, especially the two

2:03:20that they add to our list.

2:03:24Yes sir.

2:03:25So they all came in at various times.

2:03:28Some properties were given to us earlier

2:03:32at the last council meeting.

2:03:36Council member fidelity brought up 1,100 James place

2:03:39along with the concerns of the community and the neighbors

2:03:42around camp perms.

2:03:43So there are approximately 30 days were given to each one

2:03:46of those properties currently.

2:03:49One of the properties we have received no contact

2:03:51from the property owner.

2:03:53The other one I have been in contact with.

2:03:55They were unable to complete the work by the deadline.

2:03:59I'm hoping that within the next week or so

2:04:02they will able to have a contractor come out

2:04:04and take out to the very large dead trees that

2:04:06are currently on their property excellent entrance.

2:04:10And if they don't act they will end up

2:04:14to be on our list similar to our next item 6b

2:04:19where we have gone out and abated the property at cost.

2:04:24So that that is the next step I assume yes

2:04:30sir we always strive to maintain voluntary compliance with all

2:04:34of our property owners.

2:04:36But if they are not able to complete

2:04:37the work within the time.

2:04:39And yes, they will move on in the process excellent.

2:04:44Any question even councils fidelity.

2:04:49Yes yes.

2:04:52Thank you guy.

2:04:53Yep Damian mentioned new rules this year

2:04:58are the new rules working a little

2:05:00making it easier for you.

2:05:01It's a big task gesture.

2:05:07The new guidelines that we adopted from Cal Fire

2:05:10have made it a lot easier.

2:05:12It little more cut and dry.

2:05:14It's a little more user friendly.

2:05:16Citizens can go online.

2:05:18They can see what they are.

2:05:19It has a picture.

2:05:20We send them a letter that has that picture in the diagram.

2:05:23So they're able to complete the word.

2:05:27So just two more questions.

2:05:29You mentioned camps.

2:05:32Is there a update on that at all.

2:05:35A lot of concern citizens around the camp.

2:05:38And I really appreciate the efforts.

2:05:41The fire department is made to communicate and begin

2:05:44a dialogue with the Boy Scouts.

2:05:45That's really important Melissa Reno.

2:05:51Yes sir, I have been in contact with the caretaker.

2:05:55Gentlemen my name is Sean Martin.

2:05:57He has given us a plan that the Boy

2:06:00Scouts are going to be using.

2:06:03We've worked hand in hand with him made several visits.

2:06:07And I can assure you that the work that he has done

2:06:10is paramount for them.

2:06:12And they have done it.

2:06:13I don't know if you walk through there lately.

2:06:15I have completed a 30 foot complete sheet of fuel break

2:06:19around their entire property.

2:06:21They have cut down a numerous amount of trees.

2:06:23And they also have a annual program that they're

2:06:27going to implement this year.

2:06:29Thank you.

2:06:30Thank you for that update.

2:06:33I know they're going through a transition.

2:06:35So it's important for us to keep in contact with them.

2:06:38Just two more.

2:06:39Thank you for the Elm Street clean up as well.

2:06:42Drove by the famous house there and it looks incredible.

2:06:46Very nice very nice.

2:06:48Last question is I noticed on before when you cited houses.

2:06:55It was more for random growth around the houses

2:06:59and I just noticed for the couple portrayal of the trial

2:07:02houses it looks like it's for specifically Juniper gardens.

2:07:07Is that correct.

2:07:10Are we citing people for huge amounts of Juniper.

2:07:13That could be fire hazard.

2:07:18Currently we follow the Diablo fire safe council guidelines

2:07:22for hazards vegetation and currently

2:07:23Juniper is not on their list as hazardous vegetation.

2:07:27We we just use the guidelines that set forth

2:07:30by Cal Fire in regards to dead and dying vegetation

2:07:34any vegetation whether it's Juniper

2:07:37or not that appears dying any ornamental vegetation

2:07:40or ornamental shrubbery thickets that good fits

2:07:45in our guidelines 18 inches from the ground that

2:07:48is the standard that we use.

2:07:50So it's not we're not we're not.

2:07:53Maybe it's time we really start considering an anti Juniper

2:07:57campaign in the city.

2:07:58I know it was a era of gardening and landscaping that happened,

2:08:04but it really is poses some danger star city and fire.

2:08:08Fire times.

2:08:09No thank you.

2:08:11Thank you very much.

2:08:14Council members.

2:08:15This as chief Gibson in regards to that is certainly an issue

2:08:19that the council may take up.

2:08:22We you know, we go out in one swoop

2:08:36put together a multi-year plan.

2:08:39It would be an astronomical cost for the city

2:08:44of El Sharif mayor.

2:09:02Can you hear him.

2:09:04No and I was hoping it was my connection and not to Mayor

2:09:13and council members as Mike poor guy

2:09:15and fire Chief Davis actually is out of the area right now.

2:09:20So obviously, he's having some bandwidth issues.

2:09:24But he is talking about is the cypress Juniper

2:09:29issues that have been brought before that

2:09:33always get a lot of complaints.

2:09:35It is definitely something that can be discussed.

2:09:38It will require a rewrite of our vegetation management policy.

2:09:44And that is definitely something we can do.

2:09:46It has to be something that is basically brought in.

2:09:53It's got to be over a multi-year kind of a grace period

2:09:58because I'm sure you know as you drive around and look around,

2:10:02especially Juniper cypress also it is probably 80%

2:10:08or probably 80% of the residents in El cerrito

2:10:13especially in the hills have Juniper as their primary

2:10:18or at least 50% of their landscaping there.

2:10:22And so you know it's going to be something that if we just

2:10:25go in and set a deadline you know

2:10:28that boom this has to be gone.

2:10:31We are going to be placing hardships

2:10:33on many property owners.

2:10:35So there's a lot of options there.

2:10:37It can again, be a multi phased process.

2:10:40It can be something we've put in there

2:10:42that if properties are being sold,

2:10:45we have to bring them into compliance.

2:10:47But it's not it's not something we can just sit there and say,

2:10:53next year, you've got to rip out your whole yard and replace it.

2:10:57I believe we're going to get a lot of pushback from that.

2:11:00So at this point, you know we do that, we do the push to bring

2:11:06them into compliance as far as if they're dead or dying

2:11:08to get them trimmed up.

2:11:11Keep them off the ground.

2:11:13And we can work from this point on out.

2:11:17Let's keep talking about it.

2:11:18And thank you for your efforts along Moser related appreciate

2:11:21that on mute and other comments or questions

2:11:29at this time seeing none.

2:11:34I will go back to my script.

2:11:37Is there a motion to approve the resolution declaring

2:11:43the two properties that have been identified

2:11:48as a public nuisance.

2:11:51I need to go actually look at on and find my actual resolution

2:11:55and confirm that we're doing it correctly

2:11:59six a resolution declaring a public nuisance.

2:12:04So the resolution that I'm looking for

2:12:05is a resolution of the city council.

2:12:07And the city of rosarito declaring that weeds.

2:12:09Rubbish litter or other flammable

2:12:11materials on certain real properties

2:12:13constitutes a public nuisance.

2:12:15And we have two properties on that list.

2:12:18Some of them move by quito second seconded by Ableton.

2:12:23Roll call, please.

2:12:25Mayor Lyman.

2:12:26Yes mayor I pretend FLE gets council member

2:12:30a blessing yes council member part two.

2:12:32OK moto council member Akiko.

2:12:35I Motion carries.

2:12:38So at this point, we will open up a public hearing.

2:12:42So at this time, members of the public

2:12:45who wish to provide public comment for this item

2:12:47should use the Raise and feature to request to speak publicly.

2:12:54How did we have.

2:12:55Holly we did have a comment ahead of time on this item

2:12:58as well.

2:12:58Did we not.

2:12:59That is correct.

2:13:00We did receive written comments from Nick zambrano

2:13:02and those are posted on supplemental materials online.

2:13:07All right.

2:13:07And I am not seeing any hands on this item.

2:13:14Do you want to go ahead and flash up Mr Zimmerspitz

2:13:16Moreno's comment just so that the cult members can

2:13:21acknowledge they've seen it.

2:13:24There you've had it up.

2:13:25There it is.

2:13:27Thank you.

2:13:30And that clip is I'm just trying to build a little time while we

2:13:33give members of the public an option

2:13:35to correctly flag themselves.

2:13:39OK seeing none.

2:13:40We'll move on.

2:13:44OK I'll get a motion to close the public hearing.

2:13:46Some of second move by quito second by.

2:13:50Can we have a roll call vote.

2:13:51Close the whole me alignment.

2:13:54Yes may I pretend to Delhi.

2:13:56Yes council member Abelson.

2:13:58Yes council member party Okamoto.

2:14:01Yes council member can go.

2:14:03I mentioned case before we move to the next resolution

2:14:07to any council members have any comments

2:14:09at this time seeing Mr King.

2:14:14Go ahead.

2:14:15Yes I would like to let the neighbors on the North

2:14:19side know how much our neighbors appreciate you know

2:14:24and I'm hearing people reading every day.

2:14:29And many of those were properties

2:14:31that were cited at one time.

2:14:32So no that the neighbors here on the North side

2:14:37know the importance of making sure because their homes are

2:14:43in a fire zone.

2:14:46I very much appreciate all the work.

2:14:48I know it's been difficult and these properties are very hilly

2:14:52but again, thank you to our homeowners

2:14:55for getting the job done.

2:14:57And working with our fire department.

2:14:59And I'll echo that.

2:15:00I mean, just today probably about seven houses

2:15:03away there whereas a large kind of movie.

2:15:06I So I want to acknowledge that we do have members

2:15:11of the public who do take their responsibility to protect

2:15:16the entire community.

2:15:18The heart.

2:15:18And there we are constantly moving vegetation in our city.

2:15:23And I want to thank the residents for doing that.

2:15:25Any other comments before we move to the resolution.

2:15:29If not I'm looking for someone to move a resolution

2:15:32of the city council.

2:15:33And the city of El cerrito overriding objections

2:15:35by property owners and ordering the city manager

2:15:38or there doesn't need to abate certain property

2:15:41certain public nuisance.

2:15:43It's pursuant to chapter 6.

2:15:49So that I can move by quito seconded by Abel soon can we

2:15:53have a roll call, please Lyman.

2:15:56Yes per Potemkin finale all right.

2:16:04May have heard some fidelity.

2:16:06Yes, thank you.

2:16:07Council member Abelson.

2:16:08Yes council member prior to Okamoto.

2:16:11Yes council member quito.

2:16:13Mushin carries excellent.

2:16:16That concludes.

2:16:18Item six.

2:16:19AI would think the fire department.

2:16:23But you're coming right back for item six B. So

2:16:25if we could please move on to item six B. This is a cost

2:16:28hearing regarding fire hazard abatement of a public nuisance

2:16:32for property identified and pursuant to El Salvador

2:16:35municipal code chapter 6.

2:16:46And good evening.

2:16:48Mayor Lyman council members.

2:16:49Yeah before you start, let me just read

2:16:52one that we've been getting.

2:16:53We did get a replacement item in our supplemental packet Damien

2:17:09at will.

2:17:09We'll mute ourselves.

2:17:10So there's less echo after the July 21 meeting the council

2:17:19declared 75 properties as public nuisances

2:17:23here in the city of El cerrito.

2:17:25We attempted to contact these property owners via email

2:17:28giving them another 30 days to voluntarily comply.

2:17:31We also entered into several war plan agreements

2:17:33giving property owners every opportunity

2:17:35to complete the work of those 75 properties.

2:17:3720 of those were unable to complete

2:17:39the requirements of our fire hazard reduction guidelines.

2:17:42Then began the process of forced abatement

2:17:44that consisted of scheduling and coordinating

2:17:46bids with various contractors.

2:17:48Also consisted of obtaining six warrants

2:17:50for occupied properties.

2:17:51Majority of the properties that we found to be non-compliant

2:17:55were properties that were vacant lots vacant houses

2:17:57and vacant businesses.

2:17:58These included properties along Wildcat Canyon.

2:18:01The 16 acre property adjacent to the Hillside natural area

2:18:05and various vacant lots and businesses

2:18:07along San Pablo Avenue.

2:18:09You have before you the amended list the properties of those 20

2:18:12properties three property owners who paid the contractors

2:18:14directly leaving 17, properties listed on exhibit

2:18:17a following is a cost breakdown.

2:18:20Overall contractor costs of $70,000.06 105

2:18:24administrative fees of 11,992 50 for a total cost of $82,597.50.

2:18:33I'm here to introduce a resolution confirming the cost

2:18:35of these abatements previously recognized as public nuisances

2:18:38by the city council allowing the lean of the associated

2:18:41costs against these properties.

2:18:49Great, thank you for the presentation presentation.

2:18:52Are there any question or any question at this time.

2:19:02Seeing no questions.

2:19:05I do.

2:19:06Well make that comment.

2:19:07So go back.

2:19:09Gregor Samir.

2:19:10I remember ables and did have a question.

2:19:13I was a comment actually Yeah.

2:19:16We'll have opportunities for comment

2:19:18after we closed the public hearing.

2:19:20OK OK.

2:19:23Like I like you, I have a comment.

2:19:25See turn to we now are opening the public hearing

2:19:31at this time, members of the public who wish to provide

2:19:33public comments for this item should use the Raise hand

2:19:37feature to request to speak.

2:19:41And Holly I don't believe we do we

2:19:44have come public calling on 6b.

2:19:46That was in the supplemental packet.

2:19:47No we did not think so.

2:19:50And I'm looking at my opportunity.

2:19:52I'm looking to see if anyone has raised there.

2:19:55And we do have one hand raised.

2:19:58OK, go ahead.

2:19:59Oh I'm just confirming that 3 minute time.

2:20:01We're not sure 3 minutes is fine.

2:20:03Thank you.

2:20:04I think you are an immediate and can begin your time now.

2:20:07Thanks a lot Holly.

2:20:08Could we go back to the appendix section of the presentation.

2:20:14Can you Zoom into that because it's really

2:20:16hard to read from my end.

2:20:20If you go up to the.

2:20:22Yeah there you go.

2:20:24So are all of these nuisances.

2:20:31Every single one isis.

2:20:37This is an opportunity for you to do public comment

2:20:42but to answer your question that these were declared nuisances

2:20:45back in August all of them except for the ones that

2:20:49are red lines.

2:20:50All of them, including the ones that were red

2:20:52lined the red line ones that reflect the fact

2:20:54that the property owner paid for these bills directly

2:20:57and we do not need to go through the county

2:20:59to recover the costs.

2:21:02But the other ones we got we have

2:21:03to go through the county right.

2:21:07OK That was it.

2:21:08Thanks I'm going to go on you.

2:21:10Thank you.

2:21:12And those are good.

2:21:14Those for those that have not participated.

2:21:1611 or 12 times like I have.

2:21:18Those are questions that we normally do clarify.

2:21:21So thank you for that.

2:21:23Isis the.

2:21:26Of all these properties were declared

2:21:28nuisances back in August.

2:21:30The city did have to physically go out and hire contractors

2:21:34to abate the properties.

2:21:35And the we did have 20 properties

2:21:37that we abated of which quite a number

2:21:40were along San Pablo Avenue.

2:21:43I noticed that.

2:21:44And as stated the Fairview lock, which

2:21:48is almost 14 acres in size was a sizable portion

2:21:52of almost $100,000 worth of costs that were incurred.

2:21:57I add things up in it.

2:22:00I believe I got to almost $100,000 of abatement

2:22:03this is the by far the most both and number of parcels

2:22:07and in cost that we've abated in my 12 years on council.

2:22:12And that three of them elected to pay directly as

2:22:15is wonderful.

2:22:16The way we recover this cost is the county

2:22:20will actually reimburse us.

2:22:22And then put leans against the property tax rolls.

2:22:25So we get reimbursed fairly soon fairly soon

2:22:30means I think in December at which time

2:22:33the property owner has multiple tax cycles of which they

2:22:38will be paying the county back.

2:22:41So that's how we get reimbursed for these expenditures.

2:22:45And I'm going to go on and say thank you to the police

2:22:50the fire department for working on this

2:22:52because as for many years, I've wanted you to start earlier.

2:22:58And the fact that you have started earlier that you've

2:23:01been very proactive and been able to abate

2:23:05all these properties just increases

2:23:07our safety in Eldorado.

2:23:09We'll hear more about our overall safety

2:23:11program in two weeks.

2:23:13But I wanted to thank the fire department and Janet,

2:23:16you had comments.

2:23:18Yeah, I just a simple comment about the format of the reports

2:23:21that we received.

2:23:22I appreciate having the pictures that we did

2:23:26and the breakdown of cost.

2:23:29It's kind of interesting to us.

2:23:32I just wanted to tell the fire department that I appreciate

2:23:36the information in this format.

2:23:39Thank you.

2:23:41Great I'm going to ask for a motion

2:23:42to close the public hearing at this time.

2:23:44Can I get a motion to close the hearing.

2:23:47So moved by Gabe, I saw his lips move and seconded by Paul.

2:23:51I think his hand was up before yours Janet.

2:23:53How so.

2:23:54Motion by Kato seconded by Patel each.

2:23:57Can we have a roll call to close the public hearing, please.

2:24:00May I Lyman.

2:24:01Yes mayor pro tem probably yes.

2:24:04Council member Wilson yes.

2:24:06Council member kabir Okamoto.

2:24:09Yes council member canto.

2:24:12Motion carries to that closed our public hearing.

2:24:17Any other comments from council members.

2:24:22Shearing none.

2:24:25I need to find the resolution.

2:24:29This should I go ahead.

2:24:32Go ahead Paul.

2:24:32Sorry just one last question.

2:24:35And some other forms might be we are

2:24:37partners with Kensington do we not go through Kensington

2:24:43neighborhoods.

2:24:44And this similar projects fire from there.

2:24:51Get it back there and back.

2:24:55Sir we would do the same abatement process in Kensington

2:24:59as well.

2:25:00Last year, we had 292 properties in Kensington this year,

2:25:04we had approximately 78 properties in Kensington.

2:25:07We abated last year.

2:25:09I want to say 16 properties in Kensington.

2:25:12And this year, we abated to.

2:25:16Thank you.

2:25:17Thank you.

2:25:18And I will echo comes from.

2:25:20We're able since comment for the future.

2:25:23And I know some of these firms certainly

2:25:26have the capability to do it.

2:25:27We really should be getting photographs of before and after

2:25:30that, really builds the argument for why we're

2:25:34baiting so that people don't feel like we

2:25:37are doing this out of the.

2:25:40As I as a revenue generating.

2:25:44It certainly doesn't in our fees are over head fees are quite

2:25:48reasonable or that the other comment that I would want

2:25:51to make is that I understand that we

2:25:55did get four different entities to do the abatement.

2:25:59Part of that is due to the timing trying to get it all

2:26:02done in a short period of time.

2:26:04But certainly would love to make sure

2:26:06that we're trying to be competitive to reduce

2:26:09the cost for our residents, even though they're not

2:26:12in compliance make some of them are not even in the state

2:26:16to maintain their property much less in and else rito.

2:26:21With that I'm looking for someone to move the resolution

2:26:24of the city council.

2:26:25And the city of El Serino confirming their report

2:26:27of costs of abatement of public nuisance conditions resulting

2:26:30from the presence of weeds rubbish litter

2:26:32or other flammable material on the private property designated

2:26:35here in under the authority contained and also read

2:26:38on municipal code section 6.

2:26:41And that next move by Rachelle Pardue Okamoto

2:26:46seconded by Janet Abelson.

2:26:50May I. Yes may I pretend to Delhi.

2:26:53Yes council member able thing.

2:26:55Yes council member Padua Canada yes council member quito.

2:27:00Yes my case.

2:27:03Great, thank you.

2:27:04That concludes our public hearing.

2:27:06Item six B. We will now move on to item seven.

2:27:10A policy matter seven.

2:27:11A is a joint action by the city council.

2:27:16The public financing authority and the employee pension board.

2:27:20It has to do with the city's fiscal year

2:27:24amended budget and spending authorities for the city.

2:27:28The pension the employee pension board and the public financing

2:27:31authority or fiscal years 2021.

2:27:35And I know there is a staff presentation on this

2:27:38because I saw it in our supplemental materials just in.

2:27:54All right.

2:27:54Thank you, Mayor and city council again.

2:27:57I'm Karen Pincus I'm the city manager

2:27:59and I also have with me mark Josiah

2:28:01who is our finance director to preview following

2:28:07the onset of COVID 19.

2:28:09The city council had directed staff

2:28:11to augment the 2021 budget process the fiscal year

2:28:14202-020-2021 budget process by preparing a one year

2:28:19budget that would be adopted prior to July 1

2:28:23with the intention to perform a more detailed budget

2:28:25process during the summer months and present

2:28:27the city council with proposed amendments

2:28:29by the end of September.

2:28:31The idea was that we would have a clearer picture

2:28:34of the sustained revenue losses and prepare an amended budget

2:28:37that would more accurately portray the city's rapidly

2:28:41evolving fiscal situation.

2:28:43Unfortunately that has it come to pass as much as we'd like.

2:28:46However we are still moving forward with this proposed

2:28:48amended budget knowing that we will

2:28:50be back at midyear which would be sometime probably January,

2:28:54February.

2:28:54To discuss this with you as well as

2:28:57constant monitoring and monthly reports that will

2:29:00be provided to you accordingly.

2:29:03What we did is be prepared and presented the budget,

2:29:06and a draft budget document.

2:29:09After having the original budget number

2:29:12that was adopted on June 16.

2:29:15And then during the months of July and August

2:29:17held additional meetings on the fiscal response

2:29:19plan on September 15 staff proposed

2:29:22an amended budget for city council consideration

2:29:25at the study session.

2:29:26Public hearing following that staff is incorporated

2:29:29the feedback from city council at the public hearing and as

2:29:32provided prepared a revised draft budget

2:29:35book, which was included as attachment

2:29:371 in the city council package.

2:29:39Budget again, represents sap's best efforts

2:29:42to provide the programs and services consistent still

2:29:45with the city's strategic plan and other input that has been

2:29:48received over the summer from our community and the city

2:29:51council.

2:29:52Again I cannot stress enough that the economic impacts

2:29:55of COVID 19 have created a significant amount

2:29:58of uncertainty relative to the city's ability to accurately

2:30:01project city revenues.

2:30:03So again, the amended budget is based on the recommendations

2:30:07from the city council from the fiscal response plan

2:30:10that we worked with our consultants and partners

2:30:13on with the city council over the summer, which is also

2:30:16included in its entirety in appendix 8

2:30:19of the budget for so besides some of the editorial

2:30:29corrections that we have made within some

2:30:32of the budget documents.

2:30:33These are essentially the major changes

2:30:35that we've made to the document from September 15.

2:30:39As you can see we've budgeted expenditures

2:30:41to a non-negative fund balance for some special funds.

2:30:45The gas tax and measure a funds.

2:30:48And I will go over Citywide expenditures just a second.

2:30:52We did add additional language related to pensions as

2:30:55requested by the city council.

2:30:57If a budget document and also in the next table,

2:31:01I will show you.

2:31:02We are showing annual pension contributions.

2:31:05Then the personnel line items on the city side expended

2:31:08for people who have additional language within the police

2:31:12department section specify the vacancies

2:31:15and the appendix the full appendix session.

2:31:19Appendix section, which includes all of the detailed line

2:31:23item budgets, as well as updated demographics statistics as

2:31:28and our financial policy.

2:31:34So this is the updated Citywide expenditures table.

2:31:39All funds with all funds combined.

2:31:41The proposed fiscal year 2020 21 budget

2:31:44recommends total expenditures.

2:31:46All funds of 53 million $78,141.

2:31:51This provides, again funding for all city services,

2:31:54including police, fire recreation community

2:31:57development public works city management

2:32:00and capital projects.

2:32:02This is lower than the previously presented draft

2:32:05budget by $155,263 and again, this difference

2:32:10is solely due to the production of budgeted expenditures.

2:32:14The gas tax and measure a special revenue funds as

2:32:17requested you will see that we have also separated out

2:32:21the campus pension contributions within the personnel category

2:32:25and we did provide a further explanation in the budget

2:32:28document calipers law requires that the employer contribution

2:32:32rates for all public employers are met on an annual basis

2:32:36by an actuary.

2:32:38The amount of these contributions

2:32:39for all of our plans are determined

2:32:41annually on that basis.

2:32:43As of June 30 by count for each year

2:32:47you see there the normal cost represents the annual cost

2:32:51of service accrual for the upcoming fiscal year

2:32:54for active employees normal cost is

2:32:56shown as a percentage of payroll and is

2:32:59paid as part of the people reporting process.

2:33:02The unfunded accrued liability, which is also

2:33:05known as a way L is the amortized dollar amount needed

2:33:09to fund past surface credit for members

2:33:11are currently receiving benefits.

2:33:14Active members and members entitled to further benefits.

2:33:18As of the valuation date.

2:33:19So the UK is billed monthly.

2:33:21So those two lines there that say personal cost

2:33:27and impose unfunded liability are added together

2:33:30for our full employer contribution

2:33:33for this year of 7.6 million.

2:33:36So the 2.8 million is the formal cost 4.8 million

2:33:40is the way all, which is billed on a monthly basis at about 100

2:33:44or I'm sorry $402,000 permit.

2:33:48So according to current campus estimates

2:33:50the oil contribution is expected to increase by 5% to 10%

2:33:54each year.

2:33:555, which declined thereafter to about an annual increase.

2:34:01The city currently budgets are first contributions on a pay

2:34:04as you go basis and the increases in purrs

2:34:07are included within the projections that were presented

2:34:10to the city council and have been accounted

2:34:12for in the fiscal and mark do you have any further if you

2:34:18have any further comments on this table,

2:34:21you could also jump in as well.

2:34:32And then this is the last slide as

2:34:34far as the proposed stuffing.

2:34:36So this table again, shows the number of authorized full time

2:34:39positions in the budget and the number of vacant positions

2:34:43assumed in the budget.

2:34:44This has been updated since the September 15 meeting

2:34:47as we reviewed the current staffing particularly

2:34:50with the police department.

2:34:51So six open positions remain vacant for the fiscal year.

2:34:55This is projected to save about $864,000.

2:34:59These include vacancies for a management analyst

2:35:01and community development for police officers

2:35:04and one records specialist.

2:35:07And the change from last fiscal year

2:35:08includes two police officer positions

2:35:11that have been eliminated with the ending of the school

2:35:13resource officer program at the request of the West Contra

2:35:16Costa Unified School district and along

2:35:19with the revenue that was received from the school

2:35:20district for those positions.

2:35:22We also note that in an updated.

2:35:26This is an update from the last staffing chart the management

2:35:30analyst position in the police department, which had been held

2:35:33vacant for quite some time.

2:35:35We have just simply eliminated that as opposed

2:35:37to holding it vacant.

2:35:38So this change shows 174 authorized positions.

2:35:44But 192.168.1.100 will be filled.

2:35:47As of this fiscal year.

2:35:49This also reflects the three full time positions and two

2:35:52part time positions in city management and recreation that

2:35:56had been eliminated as of July 1 resulting

2:35:58in layoffs of the incumbents at those positions.

2:36:02So our police department again.

2:36:04Total authorized positions for the police department

2:36:07is 55 full time positions.

2:36:10That includes authorization for 40 police officers.

2:36:14Again the decrease is the two school

2:36:16resource officer positions the management analysts position.

2:36:20And it's definitely the Department

2:36:21will be keeping vacant any additional positions that

2:36:27become vacant over this fiscal year to keep our staffing

2:36:31goal of 37 sworn officers.

2:36:33Again that will be done by attrition and not by layoffs.

2:36:38And at that point, those are the major changes that I wanted

2:36:41to reflect in the updated version

2:36:46again, if you had anything to add from that at this point

2:36:51because we made that the majority of the presentation

2:36:55on September 15, at this point mark and I

2:36:58are available for any questions at this point, we will.

2:37:10Let's go to see if I see Janet your hand is raised.

2:37:14Go ahead Janet.

2:37:15And then we're shocked.

2:37:16I'm having a lot of trouble with the sound tonight.

2:37:21So I had a little trouble hearing what you said Karen.

2:37:24But you said something about the positions.

2:37:28And I'm not sure if it was the police department or the fire

2:37:31department with the reduction with the accomplished

2:37:37by people leaving as opposed to anything else.

2:37:46Correct I could they would be I'm sorry.

2:37:49They would be the vacancies would be held through attrition

2:37:54and not through layoff.

2:37:55So if someone if someone resigns or retires

2:37:59then we leave that position vacant

2:38:02or is it another what departments that is expected

2:38:07in the police department at this time,

2:38:09we are also considering that for other departments.

2:38:11We are not with that.

2:38:15That will depend on and on.

2:38:18If we gave retirements by the end

2:38:20of this calendar year or any additional resignations

2:38:24from other departments.

2:38:25We we will review those vacancies on a case

2:38:29by case basis for other department.

2:38:32So for example, in the fire department

2:38:35because there is a staffing level requirement,

2:38:39you would honor that.

2:38:42So what's with the fire department.

2:38:46What we have done, which we had, of course,

2:38:49is we outlined it at the last city council meeting.

2:38:52But I can certainly go that for the benefit of anyone

2:38:55who hadn't seen that meeting for several years.

2:38:59The fire department actually was holding

2:39:01three vacancies open in order to achieve

2:39:04salary savings at this time.

2:39:07We have done an analysis and showed that it would actually

2:39:13help us provide a savings on our overtime to be able to do that

2:39:18because as you pointed out council member

2:39:19ables that you do have staffing requirements

2:39:22and the fire department.

2:39:23And so a vacancy will result overtime

2:39:26and then overtime has started to exceed the amount of salary

2:39:29savings that we could achieve.

2:39:32And so at this time, we have determined that we will be

2:39:35filling in fact, we've already started to do the work

2:39:37to fill those positions.

2:39:39And we will be fully staffed with 37 actual positions

2:39:45filled for the fire department.

2:39:46So it seems a little counterintuitive.

2:39:49On one hand or for some departments

2:39:52or we're trying to save money.

2:39:54But at this point with the fire department because vacancies

2:39:58result in overtime and we are trying

2:39:59to cut back on our overtime the opposite is true.

2:40:03So we are that is true for the fire department.

2:40:05So if a vacancy came up except for then the command staff,

2:40:09which was discussed in the spill response plan,

2:40:11we would fill those firefighter vacancies thank you.

2:40:15I just couldn't hear what was being said.

2:40:17I'm sorry.

2:40:18I'm trying to lean in.

2:40:21Rochelle OK.

2:40:24Thank you for updating the table on page 27

2:40:31with the her's normal cost and unfunded liability.

2:40:35It's much easier to understand.

2:40:38No And then second on the following page on page 28.

2:40:46I had a question.

2:40:49We are paying 400,402 1,000 per month or 4.8 million

2:40:57in unfunded accrued liabilities at the discount rate

2:41:02drops to 6.15.

2:41:06The liability moves up to 88.2 million.

2:41:12What does that do to our monthly and yearly payments

2:41:15and put that one could that occur mark would you

2:41:20like to take out one that the 6.15 or the 8.5% numbers

2:41:34that ppos uses as a sensitivity analysis

2:41:38more than anything else, just to give us an appreciation

2:41:40of the magnitude of unfunded liability given

2:41:43that any one of these anything could happen

2:41:46between those two ranges.

2:41:47So that's why they use that there's no guide to that it

2:41:49would be a one run five or 6.1.

2:41:52So that being said, they annually review their numbers.

2:41:56Their assumption is that interest rates and recalculate

2:41:59recalibrate the amounts that they forecast as the unfunded

2:42:02liability payment us.

2:42:04And so you're right.

2:42:06If that number were to drastically change it

2:42:09would be compelled to go back and send us

2:42:12a fresh estimate of what that number needs to be annually

2:42:16and it's paid out.

2:42:16And what about what is the likelihood of that change.

2:42:23Well the only thing we have is a historical basis for this.

2:42:27Looking back over the last three years being used there

2:42:31at one point, they used 17.75 as the discount rate, which

2:42:36they have now dropped to 7.15.

2:42:38But the actual performance of their put forward as we know,

2:42:42it was better than 0% So I would expect.

2:42:46I would think the likelihood of that happening

2:42:48under the current circumstance pretty good

2:42:50based on exceptionally low interest rate climate that we

2:42:53currently have is, again.

2:42:56I mean, I would think it is potentially something that

2:43:01could be impactful of us, but they have not come out

2:43:05and said anything about it yet.

2:43:07And keep in mind that these rates have come into effect

2:43:1122 or 23 and beyond.

2:43:13Right So we have locked in 21 2021 has been locked in.

2:43:17That's what they're looking at the cohort in 2000.

2:43:19So these forward looking rates to come back to us

2:43:23in a couple of years.

2:43:27OK So could they potentially they usually update it.

2:43:31So does that mean, they could change it

2:43:33on a yearly rate a yearly basis or is that just at any time

2:43:41they could change it.

2:43:42So one of the things they do is writing up the unfunded

2:43:46liability payment day.

2:43:48They amortize the total liability

2:43:51over a 20 or 25 year time horizon

2:43:54based on a discount rate.

2:43:56So each time they do that, they would come back to us

2:44:00with a new area they would refresh the amount

2:44:03that we would have to pay.

2:44:04That thing doesn't happen annually.

2:44:06But when it does happen, they do come back to us

2:44:08with revised numbers.

2:44:12And one of the things that we have been doing to try

2:44:14is we've been.

2:44:15I know that has been talking to calipers

2:44:17and we've been taught we've been the city manager's department

2:44:20of the league has been trying to work certainly

2:44:22we would all love to know.

2:44:23But some of the volatility obviously, that's

2:44:26impacting the stock market and the investments

2:44:28will impact scalpers.

2:44:30But one of the things that we're trying to do

2:44:32is work with them to see what we might

2:44:34be able to do on her right now as a current pay

2:44:37as you go basis.

2:44:38But again, this will require us to continue

2:44:41to build our reserve in order to chip

2:44:43to make sure that we're alleviating

2:44:45any of those payments.

2:44:49That was my second question.

2:44:51What does pay as you go mean in this scenario.

2:44:58We are what.

2:45:00So we essentially, we could pay upfront,

2:45:03we could pay that whole if we paid.

2:45:06I think the whole 0.4 0.8 million up front

2:45:08we'd get a little bit of it's kind of like with your mortgage

2:45:12when you pay to your principal.

2:45:14But but since we don't have $4.8 million

2:45:17to give them at the beginning of each fiscal year,

2:45:20we pay on a monthly basis a C So I just

2:45:26I did some quick calculations.

2:45:28And I don't know if there's mathematicians out there

2:45:32that might want to check me.

2:45:34But it looked like there was a stick a 1.8 million to 88.2

2:45:41million would be a 26.4 million increase,

2:45:45which is a 42% increase.

2:45:47And then if you look at that with our yearly and monthly

2:45:51payments that would be about $2 million a year,

2:45:54which is a lot of money, and seems to me.

2:45:59Like that's something we should be preparing

2:46:01for now, if it's a possibility.

2:46:02That's on the horizon.

2:46:05Absolutely again, it is we have tried

2:46:09to work know what we have tried on sort of a state level

2:46:14is to have hers try to smooth this out

2:46:16as much as possible for cities.

2:46:19And so it seems like you know now that we actually have there

2:46:23are some different board members on the calipers board that are,

2:46:27I think, a little bit more sympathetic to cities.

2:46:32And so we're trying to do that from that angle as well.

2:46:35But as far as our city and trying to make sure that we're

2:46:37monitoring those spots.

2:46:39Absolutely again, this is I cannot stress enough how we

2:46:45have to build back our general serve

2:46:47in order to make sure that we're able to make all of our OK.

2:46:53Thank you.

2:46:53That same to my questions for your.

2:46:56Can I. Mr Kelly go ahead.

2:46:59I want to make a point in the same arena

2:47:01that Rochelle has been as we all know, the league

2:47:08conferences about that.

2:47:09It's going to start this week.

2:47:11There's a lot of PowerPoint materials.

2:47:14One of them was about pensions and they have a slide with six

2:47:19pension solutions that cities can undertake

2:47:23and I just wanted to say what each one was and mark

2:47:26wants to combat there's not much room for us to negotiate this

2:47:31because most of these solutions basically are for cities

2:47:35that have a good financial grounding

2:47:39and have money in the bank.

2:47:41We've done.

2:47:41One of the six but the others.

2:47:44There's not a lot of places to go.

2:47:46No one is develop and implement a plan to pay down the city's

2:47:49unfunded unfunded way out.

2:47:53And it says this option may only work for cities in the best

2:47:57financial condition.

2:47:59And then number two is consider a local ballot initiative.

2:48:02While we're not going there.

2:48:04Number 3 is create a pension rate stabilization plan,

2:48:08which is a 115 trust fund.

2:48:12And again, it says cities in the best financial conditions

2:48:15can do this.

2:48:18The one that we have done is used procedures and transparent

2:48:21bargaining to increase employee pension

2:48:24contributions and city manager.

2:48:27We've done that with the changes that you've taken on

2:48:29and other managers have taken on.

2:48:32But then there's change service delivery methods and levels

2:48:35of certain public services.

2:48:37That means we have to cut even more to find the money to pay.

2:48:41There And then the final one is something

2:48:44called a finance officers.

2:48:47What is that.

2:48:48He'll be a pension obligation bond, which the league

2:48:53says we should not never do.

2:48:54It's a bad thing.

2:48:56There's not much room for changes

2:48:58until we go through the process.

2:49:00We're trying to get to.

2:49:02And that will take time to build up the reserves.

2:49:05I don't know if you have any other comments on this.

2:49:07But it doesn't look properly and people ask us and what

2:49:10are you doing about it.

2:49:11And Michelle's questions were pertinent.

2:49:14There's not much we can tell unless we have a lot of money

2:49:16that we can to put toward those obligations.

2:49:20Absolutely absolutely right.

2:49:21I might even know.

2:49:23Number six on number seven to that list, which is child abuse

2:49:29has provided an opportunity.

2:49:30But he gave it COVID it was good.

2:49:33He used to be able to go back to them

2:49:34and have them take a fresh look at the fresh start

2:49:39essentially, which is have them re amortize the liability.

2:49:44What would a 25 year timeframe.

2:49:46It's like refinancing your house and have

2:49:49a flat fixed bailing with an extra duration

2:49:53of this whole deal.

2:49:54So that's an option that's open, and we've been exploring that.

2:49:58And depending on how the numbers work out,

2:50:02we might bring it back to come.

2:50:03So at some point in the next six months

2:50:07seeking your guidance about an alternative solution

2:50:10to this whole thing.

2:50:11So that's what program does exist or it may exist.

2:50:15It does exist and it's called a fresh start program.

2:50:20So in other words, they give us a fresh start

2:50:21by really enticing the IBD over a slightly longer time frame.

2:50:26A premium becomes a 25 year repayment plan.

2:50:30And it becomes a flat rate of payment.

2:50:32So I'd give guarantees the payment over a lifetime

2:50:36off the liability.

2:50:37But then the question here is, does that set us

2:50:40back more than we would have in terms of higher interest costs

2:50:45or did we actually give us a benefit.

2:50:47So that needs to be analyzed and I'm

2:50:50sure we'll come back to council with thoughts on that

2:50:53over the next six months.

2:50:55Right now, it's about 7.2 million.

2:50:58Both of those payments that we have to make the year off.

2:51:02OK right.

2:51:09Do I conclude your questions are we

2:51:12going to any topic on the budget or how

2:51:14is this going to proceed.

2:51:17My beliefs.

2:51:17So I know gave you did you wave your hand at me.

2:51:20I think no.

2:51:22OK It's the floor is yours for any topic.

2:51:26I just had to have a very general topics because I know

2:51:33the city manager and I have talked about not doing taxes

2:51:38that we have to make structural changes change

2:51:42the way we do business in.

2:51:44Also Reno going forward.

2:51:47And I just don't know if our two Chiefs were here.

2:51:50Both our fire chief and our police chief.

2:51:53We have structural changes that they say they're going to do.

2:51:57And I just wanted to get a general feeling from them

2:52:01going forward what that means.

2:52:06You know I'm hoping it means really

2:52:08thinking outside the box about what those departments should

2:52:12look like.

2:52:13And maybe just and only dealing with attrition kind

2:52:17of prevents us from acting in certain ways maybe

2:52:20we could act in.

2:52:23What are we talking about generally.

2:52:24I don't need a lot of information, but I mean,

2:52:26this is an exercise.

2:52:27Now about moving to the next stage

2:52:30while we're trying to save money for our reserves.

2:52:34How are we going to change.

2:52:35How will the community have input into that and Keith.

2:52:43Keith Yeah, I was going to say, I can certainly start off.

2:52:46I think that.

2:52:49Well Yeah what do we mean by that.

2:52:50Sure yes.

2:52:54So certainly like I said, I can have chief Keith

2:52:57and chief begonia talk a little bit more

2:53:00if they are on what some of the especially on chief Keith

2:53:04is can vibrate a little bit on what we've discussed within it.

2:53:09You again, this was what we had all

2:53:11talked about over the summer when

2:53:13then the fiscal response plan.

2:53:16I just sort of want to give a bit of sense.

2:53:21That's why I was asking.

2:53:22And I think.

2:53:24Yeah, I do want to give a bit of a caveat,

2:53:26though, that the things that we talked about

2:53:28in the fiscal response plan.

2:53:29And the things that the Chiefs operate

2:53:31on as far as their positions.

2:53:33What we have talked about within those within that scope

2:53:37considering the fact that we're still

2:53:39in a very volatile situation.

2:53:42This is what this is what we have

2:53:43all discussed at this point.

2:53:46As I as I've discussed with all of you separately

2:53:49and as I've said very candidly to in these public meetings

2:53:55because we are just in such an uncertain situation,

2:53:58this might only be the first step.

2:54:01We as we are continuing to monitor our revenues

2:54:04and at the end of this next quarter,

2:54:08we might have to cut back to you with even more cuts

2:54:11because we're not making the revenues.

2:54:13And so I you again, this is all that

2:54:16was discussed within the fiscal response plan.

2:54:19But any additional I mean, we've cut as much around the margins

2:54:22as we can.

2:54:23We have indeed laid off people.

2:54:25And we have we're are holding vacancies open

2:54:28and particularly in the police department.

2:54:30We're looking to not rehire them.

2:54:31But having said that any further cuts are going to be

2:54:35people, meaning service cuts.

2:54:38So at that point, we would have come to you, obviously,

2:54:40in closed session because that would require any layoffs

2:54:44any additional service cuts that reflect on personnel

2:54:47have to be bargained.

2:54:49And so we would come to you first in closed session

2:54:51to have that conversation.

2:54:53If you have to go back to the bargaining

2:54:54units for any reason.

2:54:55So I just sort of wanted to give that as a caveat

2:54:57that this is what we're proposing at this time.

2:55:01This is the plan that we've all discussed

2:55:02through the fiscal response plan.

2:55:04Now I'm nervous.

2:55:06I'm not I'm just going to lay it right out there.

2:55:08I'm nervous about what revenues are looking like.

2:55:10I'm nervous about COVID I'm nervous about what all of this

2:55:14means and I'm I don't want to scare our staff.

2:55:17And I don't want to scare anyone.

2:55:18But I do think that we just have to be

2:55:21aired that we might need to come back to you to go further.

2:55:25And again, I wasn't just talking about cuts.

2:55:28I was talking to use the word structural.

2:55:31Sure I just want to think about what that means

2:55:34for our fire and our police department and what generally,

2:55:38we're talking about.

2:55:38I mean, there's minor minor changes

2:55:41and not hiring new people.

2:55:43But are we talk.

2:55:44Yeah, I mean joy.

2:55:45So maybe chief Keith, if you wouldn't mind.

2:55:48I know that you've talked about this in the past.

2:55:51But if you could sort of sum up some

2:55:53of what you've been what you would

2:55:55summed up within our budget.

2:56:02So earlier in the September, we talked

2:56:07about some planned changes for the police department

2:56:10just to kind of revisit those long term

2:56:14police departments looking to eliminate a Lieutenant.

2:56:17So we go from three lieutenants down to two lieutenants.

2:56:21We would eliminate overall structural division

2:56:24within the police department.

2:56:25So right now we have a Special Operations division,

2:56:29which traditionally had been charged with follow

2:56:33up on investigations.

2:56:34School resource officer response is traffic enforcement

2:56:39and community outreach.

2:56:41That is the division, we're planning

2:56:43to eliminate there are some internal staffing

2:56:47structural changes that will be disappearing.

2:56:51We also plan to eliminate the Sergeant

2:56:52position of the Special Operations Sergeant division

2:56:55or will not.

2:56:56This overall, what that means for the police department is

2:57:01a shift in focus away from responses to our schools

2:57:05shifting against the waves traffic enforcement

2:57:08has a stand alone dedicated effort

2:57:11for officers and a reduction in management rising

2:57:15levels of management reduction.

2:57:18The reduction of measures supervisory oversight

2:57:21is not something I would tend to advocate for.

2:57:24But in the interests of saving money.

2:57:25It is a necessity.

2:57:28While we're talking about shifting focus away from things

2:57:30like school responses traffic enforcement we're also talking

2:57:34about adding focus in our detective unit

2:57:38allocating one of those traffic officers into detectives

2:57:42or follow up on major crimes provide additional support

2:57:46for victims provide a dedicated investigator

2:57:50for major collision investigations

2:57:52with fatal injury collisions and to provide investigators

2:57:56that are specifically trained in these of force investigations.

2:58:00So that we as a police family can really

2:58:02increase our scrutiny and increase our expertise

2:58:05in investigating the uses of force

2:58:08some things that are still in the works that really have not

2:58:11yet been decided because we're still waiting for some

2:58:15of our partners at the county level to talk about some

2:58:17of the things they're working on are

2:58:19or how might we change our mental health

2:58:21responses how might we enhance our responses to homelessness.

2:58:26One of the things I want to talk about for mental health

2:58:28response is as an example, there is a lot of narrative out there

2:58:32that says that police officers are not trained.

2:58:37They are not we don't have the experience

2:58:40to handle mental health crises.

2:58:43And one of the things that I would put out there

2:58:45is that currently our officers respond

2:58:48to mental health crises.

2:58:49We get 180 or more a year, making

2:58:53happen at all times of the day.

2:58:55And I would say that our officers are some of the best

2:58:58trained and most equipped people out in our country

2:59:02to handle those types of incidents

2:59:03because there really are not many people who

2:59:06are trained to go out and handle a suicidal subject out

2:59:10in a public street or a suicidal subject in their own home.

2:59:14Many of the mental health providers that we have trained

2:59:17to handle people that come to their office

2:59:20or in a clinical setting.

2:59:22So our officers do their training

2:59:25their experience on the street really are

2:59:27some of the people or most experienced

2:59:29and have the most training to handle these types of crises

2:59:33that happen at any time of day or night

2:59:36in the public in our businesses and in our homes

2:59:39and also with their officers do an amazing job

2:59:43at resolving those instances with little to no force used.

2:59:48They were getting complaints from people.

2:59:50We we do get help for somebody.

2:59:53So he does need to be needed or mental health commitment.

2:59:57Those people are placing an ambulance

2:59:59and transported to county hospital in an ambulance.

3:00:01So that they can get the medical help they need.

3:00:04So things like mental health responses things

3:00:06like homelessness responses on.

3:00:09Those are things that we're working with the county

3:00:11to see what kind of additional resources

3:00:14can the county bring to bear and those types of things.

3:00:17And what that might or might not cost cities in the county

3:00:20to add to our response option measure x maybe perhaps measure

3:00:28x maybe I'll get you on that.

3:00:31But perhaps I have not.

3:00:33The county is still collecting data on how many good.

3:00:37Do you like how many mental health medals each agency

3:00:40does in a year.

3:00:42And so on.

3:00:43They're going to look at those identifications

3:00:44and give us some idea of staffing and pass

3:00:47or what it might take to increase mental health

3:00:50responses as well.

3:00:52Would is something like a more robust mental health response

3:00:56from the county in the works potential employer might

3:00:59that also mean additional homelessness outreach

3:01:02on the part of the county potential

3:01:05but those are some other scoring areas changes

3:01:09that may be in the works.

3:01:12You know I think there's a lot to do.

3:01:14And it's not going to happen overnight.

3:01:16And I think you're doing the job.

3:01:20But I've never been one for just to get rid of a officer

3:01:23just to get rid of them.

3:01:25And when I look at page 90 to the overview and overall goals

3:01:30when I was a little disappointed in

3:01:32is that if we're going to be restructuring

3:01:35we need to talk about what is our goals, your goals

3:01:37for the community at large whether it's

3:01:40to make our community socially justice safer

3:01:45to respond in different ways without violence.

3:01:49You know, it's kind of a litany of what

3:01:53you're moving here to there and who,

3:01:55what you're going to change.

3:01:57And maybe that's what the budget documents supposed to be.

3:01:59I'm just saying now that when we're talking about

3:02:02restructuring what we have there should

3:02:05be a higher goal in our community

3:02:06about why we're doing it.

3:02:08And then that I mean and we haven't been to our strategies

3:02:11sessions yet. our And visions and maybe

3:02:13that's going to happen.

3:02:14But we need to know that in this new era.

3:02:17This is what you're going to be doing.

3:02:19And this is the reason you're making

3:02:20these cuts are moving this Lieutenant here

3:02:23is to meet these higher goals.

3:02:24So a sense or two more about what we're trying to do now

3:02:29in this era would be helpful.

3:02:31And I don't know.

3:02:32Fire is the same situation.

3:02:34But that was just a little you know it's not

3:02:37just shuffling things around.

3:02:40It's why are we doing this in our community.

3:02:43And it means our residents have to be safer.

3:02:46So thank you for that.

3:02:48I don't know if anyone else has questions for the chief,

3:02:50but I would just I would just add that council

3:02:54member FLE you're right.

3:02:56This budget document was meant to be just that.

3:02:58And we were meant to condense this particularly considering

3:03:02what we were doing this year by our mission is

3:03:05clear our strategic goals remain and ensuring

3:03:08the public's health and safety.

3:03:11And I'm 91 actually talks about what the police department does

3:03:16and its mission and what it's committed to those remain.

3:03:19But I think that certainly as we continue

3:03:21to evolve, particularly with issues of social justice.

3:03:25We want to make sure that we are all working together on that,

3:03:27and that is on our side.

3:03:29Absolutely continue.

3:03:30OK, Amanda.

3:03:31And finally, one does talk about justice and starts out right.

3:03:35Very good.

3:03:36We're still committed to that.

3:03:37Absolutely chief I'm going to I don't mean

3:03:40to take all this time here.

3:03:41But what does restructuring mean to you.

3:03:45That's well as far as the restructuring goes as you

3:03:49you're aware, this is going to happen

3:03:52at the end of this at the end of this calendar year

3:03:55through attrition.

3:03:57We have one of our long probably one of our most loyal obviously

3:04:02our longest standing battalion chief.

3:04:05And Scott most of the time, the longest network of information

3:04:11is going to has announced his retirement.

3:04:15Chief Gibson is our fire Marshal as well as he is one

3:04:19of our ship battalion Chiefs.

3:04:22You know the fire department.

3:04:24I'm on my 26 year here.

3:04:26Fire department has always been somebody

3:04:28that has always been a department that's

3:04:31run fairly lean to begin with.

3:04:34I'm not sure where that history comes from obviously longer

3:04:37before I ever came here.

3:04:39But the battalion Chiefs have always done multiple jobs.

3:04:43You know as far as the three shift battalion Chiefs are

3:04:46concerned, they all have a second job

3:04:49that in a lot of departments is a full time job on its own.

3:04:54One of our Chiefs besides writing his shift day

3:04:57and doing a 56 hour work week running his shift

3:05:02is also in charge of our operations.

3:05:05He's in charge of which means not

3:05:07only working with the county.

3:05:10But also working within the Department,

3:05:12the labor group dealing with policies and procedures.

3:05:15And he also takes care of our MS as you

3:05:18are aware running a class or running paramedics

3:05:23requires a lot of tracking.

3:05:26You know there are so many laws there are so many policies

3:05:31that we have to be in compliance with from a county

3:05:35level to a state level you know because

3:05:38of the fact of the medical practice that we do.

3:05:41The fact that we administer narcotics or administered

3:05:45drugs period as an MS as the MS chief

3:05:51you know tracking all of that.

3:05:52And dealing with everybody's certs

3:05:55and you know again, that on its own

3:05:58would occupy a person full time with it.

3:06:01And so he does that does operations and runs his shift.

3:06:06The other another one of our battalion Chiefs

3:06:09is deals with our support services, which is everything

3:06:13from fleet maintenance.

3:06:16And again, he is running his shift.

3:06:20He deals with he assists me and our current hiring.

3:06:25You again, it's another thing that it's two and three jobs

3:06:29that he's doing with the attrition

3:06:31we're talking about not only does

3:06:34chief Gibson run one of the shifts

3:06:37he also our fire Marshal.

3:06:39He is also the person that oversees

3:06:42our fire prevention officer that we heard from earlier tonight.

3:06:46He's in charge as far as El cerrito is concerned of dealing

3:06:51just from a weed abatement standpoint

3:06:53deals with 10,000 parcels.

3:06:55And on top of that deals with assists with the review

3:07:00the FireSIGHT inspection of all the construction

3:07:04we have going on, which hopefully

3:07:05continues with the various apartment buildings.

3:07:11In addition let me just ask you.

3:07:13Yes summarize that does a restructuring.

3:07:17Will it be impacted by the California Viya

3:07:20environment and the problems.

3:07:22Will that impact how our station changes and locks

3:07:26or is Alfredo focused.

3:07:28And then we're at the Beck and call of the state fire.

3:07:33And if I think Mike you could also focus on what

3:07:36adding those three positions.

3:07:37How that will help us as well adding the new positions is

3:07:41strictly from a line standpoint and I believe,

3:07:45the city manager discussed this earlier,

3:07:47that you have to understand.

3:07:49And I know it's something in year and 10 months,

3:07:53I've been doing you know the fire Chiefs job.

3:07:56You know it's a constant thing.

3:07:57People ask about overtime in the fire department.

3:08:01It's totally different than in some of the other departments

3:08:05out there.

3:08:06You know when somebody calls in sick.

3:08:08We do not have the ability to say,

3:08:10Oh, well, you know such and such as

3:08:12and say, OK, you're going to only

3:08:13be two people on the engine constant staffing requires when

3:08:17someone calls and we have to fill

3:08:20that spot you know between vacation sick leave worker's

3:08:25Comp you name it you know Comp time.

3:08:29We have almost every day you know

3:08:32somebody is off for some reason or another, which requires us.

3:08:37Which is why we've been running over a million of overtime

3:08:41by having by filling these three positions

3:08:44and all three of these positions are

3:08:47going to be pepper programs.

3:08:49In other words, we're not dealing with the unfunded

3:08:51liability their pension costs are a lot less they

3:08:55are bottom step firefighter.

3:08:58One's a paramedic too.

3:08:59We'll be Bill lazare and ts their total cost is a lot less.

3:09:05And once their training is done, they

3:09:08will take up if only one person calls and they are canceling

3:09:13out that overtime because instead of running can we drop

3:09:17down to nine people on duty that day

3:09:20and we're still meeting our minimum staffing that's

3:09:23where that savings is coming from the restructuring

3:09:27from the management side.

3:09:29And I know we've got a little long winded there.

3:09:31And I'll just make it really quick as we are taking one

3:09:35person, we have four people that are filling all

3:09:40of these positions fire department

3:09:43being what we are we make we will deal

3:09:45with whatever is dealt with us.

3:09:47We always do.

3:09:48We are going to take care not only a shift posit a shift

3:09:52management, we are taking a fire Marshal that not only is it

3:09:56responsible for that, as I said before,

3:09:59taking care of approving plans for all construction.

3:10:04But also managing our fire prevention office

3:10:07is also our emergency preparedness coordinator

3:10:10dealing with what it takes if something

3:10:12major happens within our city.

3:10:15Those those are the positions that

3:10:17are going to get divided up to the other three people

3:10:20we have on top.

3:10:22And quite honestly and myself.

3:10:26We're going we're going to divide those up to the other

3:10:30to the other people temporarily and temporarily

3:10:32being at least you know what I mean, depends

3:10:36on what the economy does.

3:10:37And you know how fast we can pull

3:10:40out of our current situation.

3:10:43It can't be something that we do without forever.

3:10:47You know I mean, the fire department quite honestly,

3:10:50where we're going with our population

3:10:52where we're going with our construction you know if we

3:10:55should have even another battalion

3:10:57another staff position of 40 hour Monday

3:11:00through Friday staff position to assist with everything

3:11:04that's being done.

3:11:06But again, the restructuring is we're all going to suck it up.

3:11:10We're all going to take on some of these jobs.

3:11:13I'm going to take on even more of the jobs

3:11:16and we're going to realize the savings of that one position

3:11:21on a temporary basis.

3:11:23I'm not only will it be as far as this fiscal year is

3:11:26concerned not only will it be his salary and obviously,

3:11:30the benefits, but also the.

3:11:33But also you know because he is a classic Pers person.

3:11:38You've got a major unfunded liability that we

3:11:40no longer will have to be.

3:11:42You know that will basically go away because he's

3:11:45going away on the deal.

3:11:47You know.

3:11:48So that's where the savings is coming from.

3:11:50And in a nutshell, that's what the restructuring is

3:11:54we're taking for people's jobs.

3:11:56And again honestly, we're taking about six or seven people's

3:12:01jobs at for doing now and we're going

3:12:03to spread it out among three.

3:12:05And we will make it work.

3:12:06You know we may have to do.

3:12:08We may have to go to the outside to do a little bit

3:12:12of some plan review.

3:12:14We may have to contract that out.

3:12:17But we will make it work.

3:12:19And we have a lot of savings to our budget.

3:12:22I can guarantee you that.

3:12:23Thank you, Janet last time I mentioned

3:12:26you know this is a short term savings that there

3:12:28may be additional costs later.

3:12:31But I sure felt better knowing that we're fully fully booked.

3:12:35Yeah Yeah.

3:12:35Thank you.

3:12:37You're welcome.

3:12:39Paul does that conclude your question.

3:12:40Yes, thank you very much.

3:12:41I appreciate the time anybody.

3:12:44I'll take questions before I start one.

3:12:46Janet I think this is the place.

3:12:52And this is feels like it, which we'll see that report

3:12:58every month about the budget.

3:13:02Yes yes.

3:13:03So the reports actually yes, you will see that at the next city

3:13:08council meeting.

3:13:09So it'll be the same for the prior month

3:13:12to put that all together.

3:13:14You'll see it at this time to make it regular

3:13:17you'll see that the second city council meeting

3:13:18of each from the prior month.

3:13:23Oh yes.

3:13:24OK every other meeting.

3:13:26Correct OK.

3:13:28OK I just want to.

3:13:29Yes, so I'd like to be put there.

3:13:32We'll get September information in two weeks.

3:13:37So we'll be starting to see the impact of the changes

3:13:43in the COVID environment.

3:13:45If you want to call it that.

3:13:47Exactly which is what I'm very interested in.

3:13:51And I imagine we all are.

3:13:53Yes you know.

3:13:56Some of which will show up.

3:13:58It won't help you that it'll only show up

3:14:01when we get sales tax revenue.

3:14:08OK I think that was my main question.

3:14:13I did call you, Karen as you know

3:14:16and ask you some other questions,

3:14:18but those got answered.

3:14:19So I'm sorry the answers.

3:14:22Thank you, Jack.

3:14:23That's it right.

3:14:25Thank you.

3:14:26I got a couple that I'm hoping will be pretty straightforward.

3:14:30They're mostly for education purposes in the page.

3:14:38What is this page for.

3:14:40There's a table see there's an overview table

3:14:44and it shows professional services going from 3.7

3:14:47million to 5.5 million.

3:14:49Can you speak to that.

3:14:51Why is our professional services budget going up.

3:14:57I mean, yes trying to find that.

3:15:03I'm sorry.

3:15:04I'm trying to find that table that the majority of that

3:15:06is in capital right.

3:15:12So yes that is mainly due to an increase

3:15:15in our capital projects funds.

3:15:17And it's offset by big budget actions in the general fund.

3:15:21So that's a net increase of about $700,000

3:15:24overall in the professional services budget,

3:15:27but it's mainly related capital.

3:15:30OK And sticking with that capital theme

3:15:33without the transfers or the transfers

3:15:37are moving from one fund to another

3:15:39and they don't necessarily represent

3:15:41new expenses or new revenue.

3:15:43But they get bookkeeping both at a fund that the source fund.

3:15:48It's shown as an expense and at the receiving

3:15:51funded shown as revenue.

3:15:52But it's technically not new revenue.

3:15:54So if you remove the transfers the 2.5 million transfers

3:16:00we have roughly 50.6 million 5 0 50 9,600,000

3:16:07roughly in expenditures and 50 million and $300,000

3:16:13in revenue.

3:16:15And I believe it's for exactly the same reason we do have

3:16:19these capital funds like the street fund,

3:16:22which is fund to 11 of it that fund is going

3:16:27to go down year over year.

3:16:30And and that's represents the reason why

3:16:33we have a greater amount of expenditure

3:16:38than revenue that's grant.

3:16:43And can you speak to the fund to 13.

3:16:49One of my questions in writing to you

3:16:51was, hey, what is this $100,000 for.

3:16:55There's no explanation of this fund can

3:16:58you do a one pager of that fund for example,

3:17:01was one of my requests and my comments

3:17:05will cover my perception of my thought of this book.

3:17:11But can you speak to what the $100,000 that are coming

3:17:14out of the public art fund.

3:17:16Sure so I am.

3:17:17So I spoke with Maya Williams, who

3:17:20is our current staff liaison to the arts

3:17:22and culture commission.

3:17:23This is indicative of the projects

3:17:25that the arts and culture commission

3:17:27intend to fund this year with the public art fund.

3:17:30So this is essentially their budget request.

3:17:33As you have probably seen the latest project that

3:17:37is in a current call for artists which is sort of like an artist

3:17:42way to say, are a key request for proposals for utility

3:17:46boxes throughout the city.

3:17:47So that is one of the main projects

3:17:49that they're doing this year.

3:17:50They're actively looking for a new poet laureate

3:17:54Maya indicates she's also, as you know you have

3:17:57allocated money from the public art fund

3:18:00for some of the library hours.

3:18:01So it's been actively working with Heidi

3:18:04Goldstein from the library to finalize a joint project

3:18:07with us as well.

3:18:08And apparently the arts and culture commission

3:18:11has also created a subcommittee with the parks and rec

3:18:15commission to look at some projects.

3:18:16And they want to update their master plan.

3:18:19So those are all of the and we can certainly hope we can.

3:18:24We don't know.

3:18:25You're right.

3:18:25We don't have a special page for the public art fund.

3:18:28And so we could certainly create that and indicate some

3:18:30of the projects for that year that would

3:18:34be part of that budget request.

3:18:36That would certainly be something

3:18:37that's useful going forward.

3:18:39You've got some a fund that has a unusual expenditure.

3:18:44If if that fund was caught running rolling $10,000 a year.

3:18:50And you could explain that one little paragraph

3:18:52that's more what page.

3:18:54It's on.

3:18:54That's fine.

3:18:55But in this particular case, there's

3:18:56quite a large change deviation from normal

3:18:59and it was not explained.

3:19:00Thank you for the explanation though certainly Deadheads

3:19:04and high fives to the arts and culture commission

3:19:06for really beginning to utilize the public art

3:19:09fund for its intended purpose.

3:19:11This business somewhat of a new phenomenon because as you know,

3:19:14the sits the glass sculptures we really haven't had

3:19:19a bag, like a large project.

3:19:21We did the for those that may or may not remember.

3:19:27We we did we the arts and culture commission

3:19:35oversaw installation of art projects

3:19:38at some of the schools in town.

3:19:39The city didn't fund those.

3:19:41But the arts and culture commission

3:19:42did oversight of those.

3:19:44One of those was a dragon at the former Chung

3:19:48may boys home at this time dragon

3:19:52that went down a stairwell.

3:19:53Very beautiful done by one of our former residents

3:19:55who is now one of the arts and culture commission.

3:20:00Yeah but certainly the brass wind sculptures

3:20:05was the last large expenditure of project money

3:20:08that I'm unfamiliar with.

3:20:09And so that it's nice to see them up and running again.

3:20:12And I think it was worthy of a dialogue.

3:20:15So thank you for that.

3:20:16Certainly year over year general fund the general fund

3:20:21is expected to go up by $700,000 reducing

3:20:25our deficit in that fund from 2.3 million to 1.6 million

3:20:33roughly.

3:20:34Is that correct.

3:20:35Right but if I look at our fund balance sheet,

3:20:41we have $12 million of fund balance.

3:20:47So it's not like the city doesn't have funding

3:20:52in various pots of money.

3:20:55So many of those pots of money are restricted cracked

3:21:01but not all of them are so.

3:21:03So I just wanted to make sure that people know that the city

3:21:06does have $12 million of funds available for ongoing projects

3:21:13like public works projects that are going to be going on.

3:21:17That brings me to my question about our bond rating

3:21:21with our bond rating is was downgraded

3:21:24after our last meeting, and we are now at triple

3:21:28C minus is that correct.

3:21:29Now BBB minus BBB minus BBB minus.

3:21:35Yes.

3:21:37Does that can.

3:21:38Can you speak to or mark speak to what

3:21:42that does to our ability to do capital projects.

3:21:45Because that's our box.

3:21:47Let me ask this question first.

3:21:49Is that rating the rating that's used

3:21:52for our tax anticipation note that we take

3:21:56out in June, July of each year.

3:21:59No no mark.

3:22:00I don't know if you wanted to jump in.

3:22:02But no.

3:22:03So our train rating as a separate rating.

3:22:07That is not the same as this.

3:22:08This is essentially our credit rating

3:22:10on our city hall certificates of participation

3:22:15and in the document that I provided you.

3:22:17I think that one of the things that is notable

3:22:20and I think is a credit to the city council is this.

3:22:24And we spoke with standard and Poor's.

3:22:28And I both spoke ourselves.

3:22:30And they actually have been monitoring the city

3:22:34council meetings and looking at all

3:22:35of the fiscal response plan.

3:22:38A dialogue that you've been having.

3:22:39And they noted that the outlook was stable, which was actually

3:22:43a really good indicator.

3:22:46A lot of cities are being put down at least

3:22:49a notch because of the economy.

3:22:51It's you know there's no doubt that we fund

3:22:55balances is the majority of the issue

3:22:58that we have with our bond rating.

3:23:00But because you have taken aggressive action because you

3:23:03have adopted this fiscal plan within this budget

3:23:05you've made budget cuts already.

3:23:07That was recognized within the documentation

3:23:09as a stable outlook.

3:23:11So that was a positive a silver lining to the cloud.

3:23:16If you will.

3:23:18I don't know if you want to expound on that.

3:23:21But that would be what that would mean

3:23:23is it's essentially the city's credit rating if we were

3:23:26to try to borrow more money.

3:23:28It it would cost us more money Marc Anthony,

3:23:32if you wanted to add on to that.

3:23:34But just to say that I've been in touch with a disclosure

3:23:38agent Milton and these are the folks that disclose any changes

3:23:43to our ratings on the bond related things mix

3:23:46and make it public.

3:23:47And they've indicated that we are not alone in this.

3:23:50Many cities have seen a downgrade primarily driven

3:23:53by the corporate environment as Cam pointed out

3:23:57the silver lining in this whole thing was that we were,

3:24:01I would say upgraded from being negative 2

3:24:03stable spot in terms of disco.

3:24:06The fiscal situation itself.

3:24:07So that was a plus.

3:24:09I think in my opinion.

3:24:11But to answer your question mill I mean,

3:24:13if you really look for capital projects

3:24:15and attempt to borrow funds yes that

3:24:17would have an impact on that.

3:24:20It does not have an impact on the tribe.

3:24:21The tribe is on a different frame.

3:24:23It's on an annual basis.

3:24:25And so they evaluate us differently

3:24:28based on the shorter duration of that pretty gloomy prediction.

3:24:32But the more longer term debt instruments would be impacted

3:24:35by a downgrade of this size.

3:24:38Yeah Yes.

3:24:40Yes that leads me to my next question.

3:24:43You've started answering the first part of this question,

3:24:45which is that downgrade does affect our ability to capital

3:24:49improve projects.

3:24:51I know we're doing going forward with capital projects

3:24:53because the answer to one of my questions

3:24:55before about professional services

3:24:56was that we are going forward with capital projects

3:24:59mostly streets paving projects.

3:25:02Can you tell me about those projects

3:25:06the funding of those projects is going to be predominantly

3:25:08from our existing funds or are we borrowing money

3:25:11to do those projects the capital CHP plan for the next 2

3:25:18to the current fiscal year about 4.7

3:25:20million impacted due to some of these other long time

3:25:23sources of revenue that we probably will never see again.

3:25:26And these probably the best time to get

3:25:27our hands on these grand funds.

3:25:30Almost nothing is being funded through general fund moneys

3:25:33but again, this year, it's almost entirely

3:25:36being funded through the back to funding, for example, and just

3:25:39a substantial source of money for us

3:25:42for that particular project.

3:25:44And again, I didn't think growth for any debt instrument

3:25:50to support the capital projects of this year

3:25:52because it's all funded through grants

3:25:53and special revenue funds.

3:25:55And as you quite correctly pointed out,

3:25:57we have a total of approximately $1 million in fund balance

3:26:02and a substantial part of that comes from some

3:26:04of these unbalance as in these additional revenue funds, which

3:26:07you can exploit unused to our full disadvantage

3:26:10during this particular section of the construction cycle

3:26:15when we lose our window of opportunities.

3:26:17Now And the point at which you can exploit that.

3:26:21And I think we have our program to do

3:26:23that, it would be nice to have a better bond rating.

3:26:27And to be able to use some of our revenue

3:26:31to create financing in economic times like this

3:26:35as we saw back in 2008 2009.

3:26:38It's a great opportunity to do to be a public funded

3:26:42projects because the market is very

3:26:45competitive pricing is down.

3:26:49If anything, people are willing to scratch some of their profit

3:26:53to maintain their cash flow there

3:26:56staff, their business afloat.

3:26:58So that's what we saw back in 2008 2009

3:27:01when the street painting projects were originally

3:27:05done throughout the city.

3:27:06We took great advantage of that opportunity.

3:27:09So it is great to know that we have some

3:27:13of these funds available without going and getting financing

3:27:19at that BBB minus rate.

3:27:24My next question is about page 77 of the budget.

3:27:30And this is in the community development department.

3:27:34Their budget summary and I believe this goes towards some

3:27:39of the financing costs that are out there and maybe

3:27:44some changes in the way you have reported those specifically,

3:27:49I'm looking at economic development those 60 20

3:27:53fund, which I believe is funds 30 and 70, 80, which is part

3:27:58of our if I remember correctly 70,

3:28:01at is one of our housing funds.

3:28:04There's 4.7 million line item that is in the 19 fiscal year

3:28:10and isn't in prior or subsequent years.

3:28:14What does that represent and how does that how does the line

3:28:20further down where other financing use it uses

3:28:22go from 0 in fiscal year 18, 19 to 10010054

3:28:29in the 1900s again 2021 years.

3:28:32Can you speak to how you're treating financing costs.

3:28:39I'm getting that.

3:28:40Did you it 77 77 yet it is in my conversations with Karen today.

3:28:46I believe this is representative of a philosophy.

3:28:48And I want to make sure that that philosophy is articulated

3:28:51for all to hear changed.

3:29:00It's there's no table.

3:29:02No unfortunately.

3:29:04But it's community development department budget summary.

3:29:10And how you hand, if you've moved some of the financing

3:29:14costs to other lines right.

3:29:19And this is fund 780 which is 4.6 million in creating 90

3:29:27and I'm just tired of scratching my head here to figure out what

3:29:31that represents in the past.

3:29:34But let me just jump to the second part of your question,

3:29:38which is I think the 154,000 in 2021 caused by the L

3:29:47in my housing fund 232 and this is I need a loan

3:29:53program that we put in place for the development of properties.

3:29:58And if Medici is out and she can probably a large on that,

3:30:02and that is potentially the one for that you see down there

3:30:10and mark up on that 4.7 million.

3:30:13That's in that other line item again.

3:30:15I believe you're moving stuff around.

3:30:17But I believe that's going to represent some of the payments

3:30:20that some of the like the $3 million

3:30:22payment for Hannah gardens or some of the payments

3:30:26that we're putting under some of these other developments.

3:30:30I'm sure that that's coming out of our redevelopment fund

3:30:33in some fashion.

3:30:34But I. But it's not explained.

3:30:36And so I'm I have to ask.

3:30:39Right and I need to go back and drill down on that.

3:30:43And I join in on that.

3:30:45It's great.

3:30:46It's just that the details escape me at this point.

3:30:50And it is a past budget reputations until it's 18, 19.

3:30:53That's right.

3:30:54And until I believe it's going to reflect some

3:30:58of the decisions that we made at that time regarding

3:31:00those development projects right on page 83 you there's

3:31:08in your own section, I believe it's in the finance

3:31:12section there appears to be.

3:31:19See if I can find it again.

3:31:25If for example, under general fund one of 1,001 to one

3:31:29the other financing uses it's for 126-66674

3:31:34and then proposed zero.

3:31:37Obviously that's being counted somewhere else.

3:31:39So we're just curious what where those finance costs are going

3:31:46where they're being accounted for

3:31:48or is the debt being retired journals

3:31:54and Oh the 412 or the other financing uses an intro site.

3:32:07Throw in the proposed, but I find that hard to believe.

3:32:10Right one line item right above that

3:32:12is in 1920 on all fours and only 80 and in.

3:32:19So just try to think that compare that savings.

3:32:21It's almost $800,000 of saving money.

3:32:24It's totally factors into savings

3:32:26or if that just represented a change in accounting.

3:32:29So one of the things we've traditionally

3:32:32had in the finance department's budget

3:32:34is debt service for the city hall

3:32:35project and the Soyuz program.

3:32:39And it amounts to around 6/7/75 $1,000 annually.

3:32:45That sort of bumps up the cost to the finance department

3:32:48substantially more than the actual cost

3:32:50of operations itself.

3:32:53So what we did this year was we moved that out of the finance

3:32:56department do what we have as a non

3:32:59departmental debt service department,

3:33:03which is department 90 and that's very it's being carried.

3:33:06So in other words, we've taken it out just a bit of inflection

3:33:09up the true cost of the finance department, which is closer

3:33:12to 1.3 million as opposed to 2.3 in the prior year

3:33:16or 2.3 in the prior fiscal year.

3:33:18So that's the primary change that.

3:33:20And where would I find department

3:33:2190 reported is that under the section

3:33:23that's called financing.

3:33:25Yes which is like subtract.

3:33:28I think it's section 10.

3:33:31So it's on the next page, page 84.

3:33:35OK And financing costs.

3:33:36You have 580,613.

3:33:39The and that still cost of city hall debt

3:33:49just start did four out of the top 8:35 city hall

3:33:52a bunch of debt service.

3:33:55Yeah but that doesn't that's not showing a increase.

3:33:58That's that's showing the same 580,000 over the overall

3:34:02those fiscal years where we're previous to the 675,000

3:34:07of other financing going B. The balance is

3:34:12for these smaller leads that we used to carry

3:34:15in the finance department.

3:34:16And I'm just trying to see how that is where

3:34:29the solar leases I get it.

3:34:32But Yeah, it's hard to cross like that.

3:34:35It's not about the service that's about from the city

3:34:39hall cops the 586 13 is the amount

3:34:43of the principal and interest for the coming fiscal year.

3:34:47And its service.

3:34:48Let me ask the question in a slightly different way

3:34:50since you bring up page 18 for the second

3:34:53to last line the unaudited 21 was 4 million

3:34:58and the proposed is 2.8 million, representing a $1.2 million

3:35:02reduction.

3:35:04Most of that appears to be in these finance costs.

3:35:08And so I'm just trying to figure out

3:35:10are we still paying those finance costs.

3:35:13If so where are they reported or did

3:35:17we retire debt to return this year.

3:35:26I don't think we're going to talk it any day.

3:35:27Now So that's what I mean, when I just look at the difference

3:35:31between 4.4 million and 2.8 million

3:35:34there's $1.2 million reductions when I go up through the table

3:35:38to see where those are.

3:35:40It's almost everywhere where they're financing costs.

3:35:45We went from 357 down to 187.

3:35:47We went from 674 to 0 or 2 0 to 79.

3:35:51So obviously, we're reflecting that cost

3:35:55that savings that financing savings by changing where

3:36:00we're reporting it or we retire debt, which I don't think we

3:36:06did.

3:36:08Well well, that was the grand total

3:36:12includes the operating costs says welcome General Clark.

3:36:16And you'll notice that under the operating

3:36:20cost line item for purchase professional and services.

3:36:23There's almost $100,000 reduction from 2018 19

3:36:29and that he a financing cost reduction of almost

3:36:33another doubt 50 in between.

3:36:36Well it doesn't.

3:36:39Is that a real.

3:36:40Is that a real financing cost reduction.

3:36:43Did we really reduce our financing costs

3:36:46by almost a million.

3:36:56And now pieces of it in different funds

3:37:00as you might notice, for example,

3:37:02B. 2034 B financing costs dropped from 257,000 draw half

3:37:10a ton 87,000 and so did these pieces together

3:37:14not just the financing cost, but also

3:37:16the savings in operating costs.

3:37:18I would submit that that would add up

3:37:20to be in reduction in total plus total expenditures

3:37:24because a compelling quarterly expenditure of $4

3:37:26million 3.9 million with 2.7 reasonable 1.2 million

3:37:31reduction.

3:37:32So mark it sounds like the answer to my question is yes.

3:37:35We have a million reduction in financing costs,

3:37:41not entirely in financing costs.

3:37:43It also just put pressure on services.

3:37:45We have 100,000 reduction right there between 18, 19, in 2021.

3:37:52So that's part of that as well.

3:37:55I understand.

3:37:56But if you 209,674 1,000 is 883,000 well there's still 80.

3:38:09OK So fine.

3:38:10Let's call that 800,000.

3:38:11If you go down to fund a 30 for that you called out.

3:38:14Here's 150,100.

3:38:19So add 800,150 1,000.

3:38:22OK So 970,000 is all of them.

3:38:26It's a real savings or is it being reported somewhere else.

3:38:31That's what I'm asking.

3:38:32These are no savings because, for example,

3:38:37the professional services deduction

3:38:38is a real savings right there.

3:38:42And transferred any of this stuff to any other departments.

3:38:45So there is not a reduction that's

3:38:47me moving someplace else.

3:38:51So this.

3:38:53This is fantastic news that our financing costs

3:38:55have gone down by $960,000.

3:38:59That's fantastic news.

3:39:02And I would have hoped that it would have been carried out