1995 SPE MIN SEP 25 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 1995 A Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Colton was held at 6:04 P. M., on the above -given date in the Council Chambers of City Hall, located at 650 North La Cadena Drive, Colton, California, Mayor Fulp presiding. Notice of Special Meeting was given on April 12, 1995, in compliance with Government Code Section 54956. ROLL CALL: Councilmembers present were Bennett, Cook, Sanders, Beltran and Mayor Fulp. Also present were City Manager Martinez, City Attorney Biggs and City Clerk Ramos. Councilmember Hutton was absent and Councilmember Sandoval was absent due to illness (flu). MAYOR & COUNCIL ITEMS 1. Cash Flow Analysis: Hearing no opposition therefor, Mayor Fulp declared this matter continued to the City Council's Regular Meeting of October 17, 1995. 2. Review of Utility Users Tax: Mayor Fulp recalled prior discussion on the matter of exemption for all senior citizens and/or low income residents and said that the community at large does not appear to know about possible exemptions and asked what steps were being taken to make citizens aware. Finance Director Vega indicated that the matter had been discussed with staff and information will be provided by using inserts with utility billings. She said that as of today the information regarding categories of qualifying personal income levels was being televised via Television Channel 3, the Public Access Channel. She gave an office telephone number for public contact. Councilmember Sanders said that CFD residents had been provided exemption notices and that the majority had responded. Director Vega said information on the CFD exemptions was being computerized and 600 applications had been processed to date. Councilmember Beltran reminded citizens that applications for exemptions did not mean relief to the Users Tax would be automatically granted, rather it depended on qualifications and determination if criteria is met. Mayor Fulp asked the definition for "non-profit" organization, specifically, he referred to the ordinance which did not specify which entities were exempt from the Utility Users Tax. He found the ordinance was not consistent with the analysis and implementation of Fiscal Health Plan III. He said churches were being assessed the 6% Utility Users Tax which, he emphasized, was not the intent of City Council and Staff. City Attorney Biggs said that nothing in the ordinance can stand if it is in conflict with the Constitution. The issue arises as to whether churches are exempt and City Attorney Biggs said SF 2, 5 1995