1995 MIN AUG 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The following items were pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Sanders requested Item No. 4 be discussed. Mayor Fulp requested Item No. 6 be discussed. Councilmember Bennett requested Item No. 7 be discussed. PUBLIC COMMENT Isaac Suchil, 1853 Cordova Ave., Colton, speaking on consent items 4 and 5, compared the number of City employees to the population of neighboring cities and stated, in comparison, the City of Colton has more employees than necessary. Mr. Suchil stated the City needs to look for other ways to raise money rather than taxes. Mr. Suchil stated there should be a freeze on all hirings and promotions; and a hold on any ratifications. The Council discussed a full service city versus a city that contracts services. Personnel/RDA Counci]member Sanders asked if this request is to replace an employee. Director Harmon stated the individual in this position has resigned; this is an existing position. Councilmember Cook questioned the need for this appointment at this time. Councilmember Cook stated the RDA does not have many projects, and requested this position be placed on hold until a definite need is shown. Councilmember Beltran stated, as the Chairperson of the Redevelopment Agency, the RDA is working on a very aggressive economic development program and there is a shortage of staff. Councilmember Hutton recommended a hiring freeze, as recommended by Mr. Suchil, until the Council looks at the overall picture. Mayor Fulp asked for approval of the Consent Calendar so individual actions may be taken on the items that were pulled for discussion. Councilmember Beltran amended his motion to approve the Consent Calendar except for Items No. 4, 6, and 7. Councilmember Hutton agreed to amend his second to the motion as stated. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Director Gabriel stated the position is vital to the Redevelopment Agency and there are projects on hold because this position is not filled. Councilmember Bennett asked how many projects are on hold. Director Gabriel stated a number of them for the 1995/96 fiscal year. Councilmember Hutton stated he has asked, in the past, if the RDA can fund maintenance and operations within RDA areas. The Council and Director Gabriel further discussed the role of the RDA in the City and staffing levels. Ms. Ferrante, Citizen, stated she was disappointed in redevelopment and stated there is an eroding tax base. Mr. Gabriel stated many businesses have moved into the City within the last two years. City Manager Martinez suggested Ms. Ferrante and Director Gabriel meet to discuss this issue. Ms. Ferrante refused and asked where the $1 million was spent to bring 300 jobs into the City. 2 AUG 1 5 1995