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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - February 26, 2008 SSCITY OF LODI INFORMAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING "SHIRTSLEEVE" SESSION CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2008 An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday, February, 26, 2008, commencing at 7:01 a.m. A. ROLL CALL Present: Council Members — Hitchcock, Johnson, Katzakian, and Mayor Mounce Absent: Council Members — Hansen Also Present: City Manager King, City Attorney Schwabauer, and City Clerk Johl B. TOPIC(S) B-1 "Presentation of the Semi -Final Report with Regard to the Merger of Hutchins Street Square/Parks and Recreation" City Manager King provided a brief introduction to the subject matter regarding a potential merger of Hutchins Street Square and Parks and Recreation. Community Center Director Jim Rodems provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the subject matter. Specific topics of discussion included executive summary, conclusion, findings, contributing factors, National City Survey, who was consulted, work product, potential organizational charts, various budgeting options, transition plan, separation of departments, and recommendations regarding the same. In response to Mayor Mounce, Mr. Rodems stated the community forum was attended by approximately 15 to 20 people. In response to Myrna Wetzel, Mr. Rodems stated the previous community forum was held at 6:00 p.m. in the library and an additional one is planned for March. In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Rodems stated that the salary figures were arrived at by comparing current City salary figures for like or similar positions. In response to Mayor Mounce, Mr. Rodems stated the potential administrative clerk salary reduction may be looked at in conjunction with what jobs are assigned to what levels and corresponding support. Mr. King stated it is important to note that currently the director position does not come with a secretarial support position. In response to Mayor Mounce, Mr. Rodems stated the draft report will be taken out to the various interested groups. He stated the City Council was provided a clean copy before any changes are made as a result of the additional comments that may be received. Council Member Hitchcock requested a copy of the current organizational charts and salaries for the Hutchins Street Square and Parks and Recreation Departments. In response to Council Member Hitchcock, Parks Project Coordinator Steve Virrey stated the current position handles projects and construction drawings and works with the Public Works Department on in-house projects. Discussion ensued between Council Member Hitchcock, Mr. Rodems, and Mr. King regarding the possibility of an additional layer of management to manage a larger, single structure, reducing two director positions into a single position, efficient services and communication with the community at large, the need for effective program budgeting, maintenance and building services for both of the existing departments, fee generation and tax subsidy associated with the $1.4 million figure, and the service provided by existing and proposed staffing levels. Continued February 26, 2008 In response to Council Member Hitchcock, Mr. King confirmed that the proposed salary figure is total compensation. Mr. King also briefly explained the current salaries for the Hutchins Street Square and Park and Recreation Directors, stating there was an opportunity to review organizational structures in light of the vacancy of a Parks and Recreation Director. Further discussion ensued between Mayor Mounce, Mr. Rodems, and Mr. King regarding additional cost references in the proposed budget and total salary amounts. In response to Mayor Mounce, Mr. Rodems stated the proposed budget does not include software costs, which may already be in place without full utilization. In response to Council Member Hitchcock, Mr. Rodems stated art -related classes fall under a recreational function and can be offered in a similar fashion. He stated the Arts Commission would continue to operate and function in its existing capacity due to everything else that may be under its purview. In response to Council Member Hitchcock, Mr. Rodems stated the Recreation Commission may be expanded to ensure representation from both the arts and senior citizens aspect. Mr. King stated the community would benefit from a stronger Recreation Commission representing various interests; although, the groups may continue to function individually as well in light of other subject matters under their purview. Mr. Rodems also provided an overview of the concept associated with program protection in relation to space. In response to Mayor Mounce, Mr. King stated staff did not specifically look at the best service provider when comparing cities that were 50,000 to 75,000 in population. Mr. Rodems stated cities were basically compared for nomenclature purposes, and internal process from city to city varies based on community needs. In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Rodems stated that, while the market may be considered, fees are primarily based on costs to provide the service, program goals, the ability to generate revenue, and accessibility of the service. Discussion ensued between Council Member Johnson, Mr. Rodems, and Mr. King regarding subsidizing youth programs, recovery with adult programs, different ways to generate the proposed income number for balance purposes, Council consideration of program budgets, cost levels driven by participation, and the level of subsidy amounts. In response to Kathy Grant, Mr. Rodems stated a full-time position may be needed for Lodi Lake if the program needs require additional support. He stated that, while revenues may increase from the Lake being open all year, so may the costs associated with the same. In response to Council Member Katzakian, Mr. Rodems stated that a full-time position may be warranted if Lodi Lake is open all year round. In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. King stated the item will be coming back to Council for consideration after comment is received from the various groups in approximately two to three weeks. Mayor Mounce requested the various groups be contacted and have representation at the Council meeting at which the item is again discussed. C. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS None. D. ADJOURNMENT No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 a.m. ATTEST: Randi Johl, City Clerk W