1995 MIN JUL 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Moved by Councilmember Bennett, seconded by Councilmember Sanders, to move Item 31 forward on the Agenda. There was no objection. STAFF REPORTS: FINANCE DIRECTOR'S REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Persons the Opportunity to Hear and Be Heard. Finance Director Vega reported the purpose of tonight's meeting is to take testimony from the public regarding the proposed Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District and the Council's action will be to direct staff in the method to proceed. Director Vega said the formal Public Hearing on this item is scheduled for August 1, 1995. Director Vega informed the Council that she would review two segments of the proposed district. She said the first is the existing district that encompasses four zones; the second segment is an amendment that would make the district city-wide. Director Vega said the city-wide assessment would include maintenance of parks, street lights and graffiti. She said the budget and expenses were presented to the Council during the budget process and this item was discussed during the Fiscal Health Plan. Using a visual overhead display, Director Vega informed that the maintenance activities proposed in the city-wide district are currently funded by the General Fund. Director Vega also pointed out that approximately 72% of General Revenue Funds are expended on Public Safety. She said the major portion of the proposed city- wide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District budget is the Park. She said the Park portion of the budget is $327,563 and includes the hiring of five park maintenance employees and does away with contracting this service out. Director Vega said in addition to the five individuals being proposed to be hired, there are five existing park maintenance individuals and they are included in the budget. Finance Director Vega said one of the reasons for proposing this assessment is that the City's revenue has continued to decline over the years. She reported that in 1992-93, the City received revenue in the amount of $17,852 million and that in 1995-96 excluding the Utility User Tax, the revenue is estimated at $14,014 million; therefore, staff looked at other measures for revenue. Another component, Director Vega said, is by pooling the money for these budgets, the funds are earmarked specifically for these services and cannot be utilized for any other purpose. Director Vega said if these services remain funded by the General Fund and the General Fund continues to suffer, the activities could become a low priority. 7 JUL 18 1995