1982 ADJ MTG MIN JUN 14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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BUDGET: 21T Community Promotion Acting City Manager Elliott reported the City Council had reuqested a report from the Chamber of Commerce in regards to their proposed actiivites and that in that light he had invited the Chamber to be present tonight and Reverend Richard Crane is present. Reverend Crane, President of the Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Council stating each member had been given a Yellow Packet containing an up-to-date Financial State- ment, Proposed Budget, and Proposed Program of Action. Reverend Crane Briefly re- viewed the various documents and stated that in conversation with the Mayor, both are of the opinion that of major importance is a good working relationship between the Chamber and the City in order to create and promote a favorable business climate in the City as a whole. Councilwoman Garcia asked Reverend Crane about the establishment of a Sister City Program and how he felt about that. Reverend Crane stated that he highly supports such a program and feels that this type of program would not be for the edification of the Chamber, but rather the City. Councilwoman Cisneros complimented the Chamber in providing the packet and their budget. Reverend Crane thanked the Council Members for being interested in what the Chamber of Commerce is doing and in making the Chamber responsible for their request. ELECTRIC UTILITY Electric Utility Director Drews reported to the Council that at the time his budget was proposed, it was a balanced budget and as the Council is aware, it is not now balanced due to the rate increase passed by Edison. Councilwoman Garcia and Councilman Rios questioned Mr. Drews with regard to the various positions, their area of responsiblity and the supervision of the posi- tions budgeted under his department. Mr. Drews explained that his department operates on three crews out in the field, plus meter readers, meter repair persons, and the supervisors for these individuals. Mr. Drews reported he has requested a reclassification of one of the lineman posi- tions to that of Lineman Working Foreman. Mr. Elliott stated that he position of Lineman Working Foreman does not currently exist, the position would habe to be created and recruited for and that it would not add an additional person. The additional cost would be approximately $1,000. annually. Councilman Rios asked how many persons have to be on a repair job. Director Crews responded that the number is mandated by State Law and calls for 4 - 5 men. Ciscussion was held on the conversion to high pressure sodium lights, a savings of 50%, the possibility of going to contract for complete conversion at an early date if this proves to be a cost savings. Mr. Drews said the bottom line is the propsoed interim Rate Increase to allow for a rate study, followed by the set increase in rates. To go without an increase would mean that the City would be 1.5 million dollars short in this budget. Mayor Huntoon requested that careful review be made of customers who are at the lower end of the usage scale, to see what can be done to help people on fixed income. Discussion followed on the cost of going to once a month utility billing. Mr. Elliott stated that a report would be forthcoming on this matter. The possibility of amending the Electric Utility Customer Service Policy was dis- cussed, with regard to extending the time on the payment of utility bills. Mrs. Andengaard stated the final notice goes out to the customer 20 days after initial bill and then the customer has 10 days from the final notice. -2 y v'1