1978 ADJ MTG MIN JUL 26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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116 Planning Planning Commission Vice Chairman Shirley Face addressed the Council reading a letter from the members of the Commission. The letter voiced objection to "proposals which will ultimately jeopardize the economic and social well being of the City of Colton." The Commission's letter stated it saw no alternative but to maintain the Planning Director and his department at its present level. Discussion followed on proposals made and the Commission's letter. Mayor Gonzales defended the City Manager's proposal for consolidation of the Planning Department with the City Manager's Office, saying the City Manager's duties call for him to make cost saving recommendations to the Council - he has done this. Mayor Gonzales said never was there any inference made that the Planning Director was not doing his job, or that we were not in a developmental growth state, nor that the department was not busy. Instead, the Mayor said, growth has been pointed out by all departments and economically, all departments have been asked to do without for one year with the City Manager doing -the same by not filling various positions throughout the year and assuming the duties himself. City Manager Calabrese said as administrator of the City, he has repeatedly made cost saving recommendations derived after careful study, all have been turned down by the City Council, that's fine that was the Council's desire. Mr. Calabrese said he plans to continue making sound recommendations and will be coming back to the Council after budget sessions to have them set priorities on various projects, once this has been done, he and staff will carry out the direction of the Council. Labor Relations Mr. John Lightburn, SBPEA Representative, stated he had been unable to attend last night's meeting, however, it is his understanding that in discussion of the Street Sweeping Program that a sum of $41,000 be released from a depreciation fund was recommended, which brought about a comment from Councilman Rehrer that if the money were released, the employees would want to get a share of it. Councilman Rehrer stated that was correct, he did make such a statement, because he feels the employees should understand the financial austerity Proposition 13 has put the City in. Mr. Lightburn stated if the City realizes a cost savings, Council should realize that the employees helped and did their part to bring the savings about and should be a part during consideration of what will be done with the money. Mr. Lightburn cautioned the Council of jeopar- dizing the collective bargaining process. Electric City Manager Calabrese reported there were some clerical errors in the figures shown for some of the budget accounts in the Electric Utility Budget. Mr. Calabrese reported Account No. 91, should read $61,900; Account No. 93 should read $13,790; Account No. 27 should read $1,100 and Account No. 03 should read $15,500. Councilman Rehrer asked that the Electric Utility look into the cost and feasibility of repairing or rebuilding transformers to be used as backup supply. Moved by Councilman Hayes, seconded by Councilman Rehrer, to tenta- tively approve the Electric Utility Budget. Unanimous vote. Water/Freeway Community Services Director Young reported he had received a copy of news release from the District 8, State of California Department of Transportation, courtesy of Mr. Duane Sharp, which states the State will be renegotiating the Freeway Watering Contracts due to the financial impact upon cities as a result of Proposition 13. JUL 2 61978