Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - March 2, 2016 I-02CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION 2- 2 TM AGENDA TITLE: Discuss Recreation Commission's Recommendation for One -Eighth Cent Sales Tax Measure on November 2016 Ballot to Benefit Parks and Provide Direction MEETING DATE: March 2, 2016 PREPARED BY: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discuss Recreation Commission's recommendation for one-eighth cent sales tax measure on November 2016 ballot to benefit parks and provide direction. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Extensive community outreach was an element of preparing the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department's (PRCS) Strategic Action Plan. Results of a community survey, conducted in January 2015, indicate strong support for Lodi's parks. On February 2, the Recreation Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council adopt the Strategic Action Plan, and that the Council consider placing a one-eighth cent sales tax on the November 2016 ballot to support the plan's goals. If the Council were to place such a measure on the November 2016 ballot, and if two-thirds of voters approve, the tax would generate approximately $1.3 million annually for park improvements, repairs and deferred maintenance. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, the average United States resident spends $70 annually in local taxes to support their local agency's park and recreation programs. In Lodi, the average is about $50. Interestingly, the $20 difference amounts to about $1.3 million. That amount would provide significant relief to our beleaguered park system, allowing PRCS to make headway on a long list of deferred maintenance and repairs, such as renovating or replacing aging (or already removed) playground equipment, park restrooms, picnic shelters and tables, parking lots and driveways, and trails. Currently, the majority of parks expenditures -- outside normal maintenance -- are an attempt at triage, rather than proactive maintenance and improvements. In most cases, maintenance and repair of the City's park system is entirely funded through the General Fund transfer to PRCS. Inflation-adjusted, the amount has decreased over the past decade or so. Full- time Parks maintenance staff has been reduced from 21 to 13 since 2008. In the meantime, four new parks have been added to the system since 2007, and at least two more are in the active planning stages. PRCS does not expect the Community Facilities District fees in the newest and future parks will be enough to cover the cost of maintenance. CFD fees total approximately $550 per single-family unit. With 229 homes planned for Rose Gate, CFD fees will eventual total some $125,000 a year. Costs to maintain the 4.8 -acre park are about $40,000 a year and PRCS only gets a yet -to -be -determined portion of the CFD fees, with other portions going to Streets, Public Safety, Library and other City services. APPROVED: Stephen Schwabaver, City Manager Discuss Recreation Commission's Recommendation for One -Eighth Cent Sales Tax Measure on November 2016 Ballot to Benefit Parks and Provide Direction March 2, 2016 Page 2 Development of DeBenedetti Park — largely funded through the storm drainage program — and the west side of Lodi Lake Park are stalled and Pixley Park has been on the drawing board for nearly 30 years, with no progress in sight. The one -acre Borchardt Park remains an empty lot. The Parks Division relies heavily on CDBG grants, occasional per -capita State park bonds, other grants, the Hutchins Street Square Foundation and other Department funds (Electric Utility Public Benefits, Streets, storm drain) for financial assistance when possible. With the exception of a fire -damaged playground at Century Park, it has been more than 20 years since City funds have been used to install or replace playground structures. Since 1994, all replacement playgrounds in Lodi have been installed using grants or donations, but many parks have aging structures that are not eligible for Community Development Block Grants (the typical source of playground funding) due to their location. The community survey — included as part of the Strategic Action Plan item on this agenda -- indicated 71 percent of residents would support paying higher taxes ($3-$4 a month and higher) to support Lodi parks, with only 10 percent opposed and the rest undecided. At one-eighth cent, the increase amounts to an average of roughly $4 per household per month. The actual impact on Lodi city residents, however, would be lower as Lodi is a net importer of sales tax due to retailers such as Costco and the lack of large retailers in communities to the north, east and west. The community survey results revealed what steps are most important to Lodi residents. Upgrading Lodi Lake facilities and amenities is very important or somewhat important to 83 percent of residents; next in order are building additional walking and biking trails and connecting existing trails (82 percent), then upgrading existing neighborhood parks (80 percent) and upgrading existing walking and biking trails (79 percent). When asked what actions residents are most willing to fund with tax dollars, upgrading existing neighborhood parks was the top choice (31 percent), followed by upgrading Lodi Lake facilities and amenities (29 percent), building additional walking and biking trails and connecting existing trails (29 percent), and building a new outdoor swimming complex/water park (28 percent). The Strategic Action Plan also found the City needs picnic shelters, playgrounds, trails and spraygrounds when compared to National Recreation and Park Association community guidelines. The survey results corroborated the community's desire for these features in Lodi. While a special eighth -cent tax would provide a significant increase in Parks Division funding, an increase in the sales tax rate from 8 percent to 8.125 percent would have little impact on the pocketbook of Lodi shoppers. It would increase the cost of an $8 purchase in Lodi from $8.64 to $8.65. A $1,000 clothes washer would cost $1,081.25 rather than $1,080. Most cities in San Joaquin County already have local sales tax measures that exceed this amount. The Recreation Commission recommends an eighth -cent special tax that focuses on parks maintenance, repairs and upgrades. Although the Strategic Action Plan indicates public support and need for a new aquatics facility or indoor sports center, one of which could be supported by a quarter -cent sales tax, the Commission recognized the Council's recent feedback, which indicated little appetite for a major new facility. Like other General Fund -supported departments, the Parks Division continues to be stretched thin. Funds set aside to rebuild the south parking lot at Lodi Lake Park have been borrowed for other projects. The Grape Bowl turf replacement fund has increased its annual set-aside from $16,500 to $35,000 the last four years, but it is far short of reaching the amount needed for the turf's expected lifespan. The Parks Division, however, has been a standout performer in light of its financial challenges and continues to provide excellent service to the Lodi community. The day is soon approaching, however, when some parks and facilities will need to be closed to the public due to the inability to maintain or repair them Discuss Recreation Commission's Recommendation for One -Eighth Cent Sales Tax Measure on November 2016 Ballot to Benefit Parks and Provide Direction March 2, 2016 Page 3 without a new revenue source. According to the Strategic Action Plan's survey, the Lodi community is prepared to make a new investment in City parks. Tonight, staff asks that the City Council discuss the Recreation Commission's recommendation to place a sales tax measure on the November ballot to benefit city parks. A list of immediate maintenance and repair needs, as well as delayed projects, is attached. If the Council wishes to extend the discussion further, staff asks how it can assist the Council before it makes a determination on the Commission's recommendation. The San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters estimates the cost of a local measure to be $14,000 if initiated by the City Council. The Council has approximately four months to act to meet the County's deadlines for a November measure. FISCAL IMPACT: None at this time. FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable. JH:tI Cc: City Attorney Attachment Jeff Hoo Park ,'"ecreation and Cultural Services Director RECREAT & CULTURAL SERVICES PARKS, RECREATION, AND CULTURAL SERVICES Various Parks Needs and Estimated Costs Beckman Park: $485,000 ■ Renovation of existing abandoned playground area. Construct new picnic shelter rental space and new playground area. Provide ADA path of travel from street to existing park restroom, to new picnic shelter and playground area. $425,000 ■ Irrigation booster pump replacement - $60,000 Blakely Park: $560,000 ■ Renovation of existing east and west ball fields, $60,000 ■ Construct new storage shed to house sports equipment for recreation programs. $50,000 ■ Construct new park restroom facility $225,000 ■ Renovation of existing turf irrigation system including adding a booster pump to the system $70,000 ■ Renovation of existing restroom facilities located within the aquatic facility $80,000 ■ Re -plaster the small pool $75,000 Candy Cane Park: $200,000 Consists of upgrades to path of travel, irrigation system and playground area. Existing play structure is first in line of all parks for replacement. Century Meadows Park: $55,000 Remove and replace poured in place with Fibar - $55,000 Chapman Field: $160,000 ■ Concession building renovation $50,000 ■ Upgrades to the driveway approach and trash/green waste area $85,000 ■ Scoreboard replacement $25,000 DeBenedetti Park, existing turf maintenance: $12,500 annually ■ Consists of aerification (2x per year), pre -emergent applications (2x per year), post emergent applications (4x per year) and fertilization (2x per year). $10,000 per year ■ Annual sod repairs to worn goal mouth areas $2,500 DeBenedetti Park, master plan and develop high -ground areas: $9 million Emerson Park: $175,000 ■ Revamp existing tot playground area (removal of existing play structure, raised curb, prep existing area for hardscape surface and installation of additional picnic shelter), $150,000 ■ Rehab baseball field for rec play programs involving turf, irrigation, fencing and bleachers $25,000 English Oaks Common Park: $300,000 ■ Downsize existing playground area $50,000 ■ Replace existing playground equipment $200,000 ■ Repairs to existing masonry wall surrounding park $50,000 1 Grape Bowl: Additional ramps $1.5-$2 million Henry Glaves Park: $205,000 ■ Repairs to existing chain link fence along the west property line $10,000 ■ Removal of seven existing park trees due to poor health $15,000 ■ Replace existing playground equipment $180,000 Kofu Park: $142,000 ■ Install site improvements between existing player dug outs and spectator seating areas, $10,000 ■ Work with the Sister City Committee regarding the existing flowering Cherry trees. Existing Cherry trees are in very pool health and declining rapidly $2,000 ■ Hardball diamond renovation involving regrading efforts $35,000 ■ Replace existing score board $30,000 ■ Tennis court resurfacing $60,000 ■ Skate park, annual repairs $5,000 Lawrence Park: $60,000 ■ Structural pruning of the existing mature trees $50,000 ■ Remove existing restroom building - $10,000 Legion Park: $93,000 ■ Replace existing basketball hoop system. Existing units are not serviceable.$14,000 ■ Tennis court resurfacing $15,000 ■ Park tree maintenance $45,000 ■ Turf renovation. A large portion of the existing turf is in poor condition, sparse stand. $15,000 ■ Replace existing trash receptacles - $4,000 Lodi Lake Park maintenance: $2,335,000 (to $8 million) ■ Park tree maintenance $40,000 annually ■ Fuel reduction in Nature Area by use of sheep and or goats $25,000 ■ Replace existing playground structure and provide improved path of travel to north playground area $180,000 ■ Southside Improvements $850,000 ■ Restroom renovations/replacement: $400,000 ■ North Shore trail, erosion control (submitted grant), $675,000 ■ Lodi Lake Park Nature Area pavement rehabilitation $100,000 ■ Lodi Lake Park DG trail renovation $80,000 ■ Repairs to collapsing lake bank ($5 million -$6 million??) Lodi Lake West Side master plan and development: $4 million to $5 million Peterson Park: $45,000 ■ Tennis court resurfacing $20,000 ■ West side picnic area improvements $25,000 Salas Park: $835,000 ■ Park restroom roof replacement $15,000 ■ Picnic Shelter roof replacement $15,000 ■ Remaining sports field lighting improvements $300,000 2 ■ Parking lot improvements $500,000 ■ Spectator seating repairs $5,000 Softball Complex: $575,000 ■ Parking lot improvements $200,000 ■ Scoreboard replacement $25,000 ■ Concession building demolition and reconstruction $350,000 Vinewood Park: $405,000 ■ Demolition of existing park restroom $30,000 ■ Construction of new restroom $225,000 ■ Irrigation system upgrades $150,000 Zupo Field: $685,000 ■ Spectator seating improvements $450,000 ■ Outfield turf renovation improvements $85,000 ■ Upgrade lighting: $150,000 Pixley Park development: $12 million? Needs master planning Grape Bowl: North ramp $1.5 million Hutchins Street Square Pool Climate Control System: $300,000 Convert portions of high -ground areas around basin to no -mow, reduced maintenance/irrigation: $125,000 Redesign/repurpose of Lawrence Park: $?? Ongoing gopher control, $15,000 a year Annual sport field renovations $50,000 per year Annual playground surfacing replenishment (Fibar) $5,000 Annual poured in place cleaning/recoating $2,500 Annual irrigation system repairs/replacement/upgrades $50,000 Borchardt Park development: $200,000 Parks Annex roof repairs $80,000 Mechanic shop improvements: Air compressor, storage and hazmat upgrades $80,000 3 MEETING MINUTES LODI PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016 7:00 P.M. - Carnegie Forum I. Roll CaII Present: Commissioner Meyer, Carouba, Hamilton, Palmquist, Long Absent: None Staff Present: Jeff Hood, Steve Dutra, Michael Reese, Terri Lovell II. Minutes of December 1, 2015 and January 5, 2016 Motion by Commissioner Hamilton to approval the minutes of the December 1, 2015, and January 5, 2016, meeting. Second by Commissioner Palmquist. DISCUSSION None Ayes: Commissioner Meyer, Carouba, Hamilton, Palmquist, Long Noes: None Motion carried 5 — 0 III. Comments by the Public, Commission and Staff on Non -Agenda Items Mr. Hood reported on the Headwaters Treasure Hunt. There was a lot of participation in both of the Treasure Hunts. Mr. Hood shared there was numerous feedback from citizens saying they visited parks they hadn't visited before. Mr. Hood went on to say the next event is movie night and Scot Bruce as Elvis will be appearing at Hutchins Street Square on February 20. IV. Action Items Recommend City Council Approve PRCS Strategic Action Plan and Place Sales Tax Measure on November 2016 Ballot to Carry Out Plan Recommendations Mr. Hood introduced this item and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation. Commissioner Palmquist had an opportunity to go through Lodi Lake and has observed the tree that has come down and he recalled his tour with Mr. Dutra. He feels this is symptomatic of the problems that Mr. Dutra shared with him. Commissioner Palmquist feels the Commission should support a one -eighth -cent tax. Commissioner Hamilton reiterated what Commissioner Palmquist stated. He recommends the one -eighth -cent tax. Commissioner Long agrees that it would be nice to have money in the bank. He also supports the one -eighth - cent tax. Commissioner Carouba is in support of this item because when he looks at the Strategic Plan it's what people in the community want. Commissioner Carouba went on to say that the citizens in Lodi don't feel the pain that the Parks and Recreation is going through and now is the time to go back to the community and ask them what they want. Pauline Meyers, 6739 E Dougherty Rd., Acampo — Ms. Meyers wanted to know if the one -eighth -tax would go into the General Fund or straight into Parks and Recreation. Mr. Hood shared that it would take a two-thirds vote for a special tax to have it go directly into Parks and Recreation. Ms. Meyers would support a special tax for Parks and Recreation and she would also assist in reaching out to the community to promote the tax. John Johnson, 106 S Orange Ave., Lodi — Mr. Johnson shared his concern with the two-thirds vote that is needed to include protection of your current fund. Mr. Johnson agrees with Commission Carouba that the citizens in Lodi don't feel the pain that Parks and Recreation is going through. Mr. Johnson feels the Commission and the Council should consider the 50% vote with some provisions. Mr. Johnson strongly suggests that the Commission get strong community support. Mr. Johnson volunteered his help with this issue. Commissioner Carouba agreed with a lot that Mr. Johnson said. He feels there are lots of ways that money can go out the door if new money is coming in. Commissioner Palmquist also agrees with both community members that spoke. He feels this is an opportunity to test the Strategic Plan recommendations the community has suggested. Commissioner Hamilton stated right now we have a two-pronged approach, one is increasing use fees where it makes sense and the other is taking the results of the survey and use what we learn from the survey then it's an educated risk although it would be, based on the numbers, a specified tax. The down side is that no one trusts politicians. Commissioner Hamilton is in favor of leaving the orange fence up to show the community that there are problems. Commissioner Carouba asked what the cost was for the Strategic Plan. Mr. Hood shared it came under budget at $70,000. Commissioner Carouba stated when the budget comes next time you will see a much different request from the Commission because you're going to see a request for what is needed not necessarily what the Council can give. Commissioner Carouba feels it's much easier to pass a general tax because he thinks that getting two-thirds of the people in Lodi to vote for the tax would be difficult. Mr. Hood feels based on the polling, a general tax at one -eighth -cent wouldn't solve many of the City's financial challenges however it would go a long way to assist Parks and Recreation get to the national average. Mr. Hood feels that if the Commission wants to support a general tax to include Parks and Recreation the Council would be interested in taking something more than Parks and Recreation. If the Commission supports a one- eighth -cent tax, it's a small amount similar to $1.25 tax on the cost of $1,000 purchase of a refrigerator. Commissioner Long feels the Commission should move the PROS Consulting Strategic Plan forward to Council and ask Council to make the decision what's best. Commissioner Palmquist is going to recommend that we adopt the item as presented. Commissioner Palmquist feels that we have the opportunity to set history, according to the Strategic Plan Consultant's numbers, if the community votes down the tax. The consultant has not seen a community vote down a tax based on the numbers that were seen in the survey of the community. Commissioner Palmquist shared there are numerous people who would support a specified tax where they wouldn't support a general tax if other things were put with it. Commissioner Hamilton feels it's about timing along especially with Parks and Recreation's 75th Anniversary. We have a clear example of what the community wants based on the survey. Commissioner Hamilton feels it should be a one-eighth of a penny tax. Motion by Commissioner Hamilton to accept the Strategic Plan and ask City Council to consider placing a one- eighth -cent tax on the ballot no later than November 2016 to support Strategic Plan goals. Second by Commissioner Palmquist. DISCUSSION None Ayes: Commissioner Meyer, Carouba, Hamilton, Palmquist, Long Noes: None Motion carried 5 — 0 Recommend City Council Approve $10 Lodi Lake Park Boat Launch Fee Mr. Hood introduced this item and shared a PowerPoint presentation. Commissioner Carouba feels in the future the cost should be set to go up annually. PARKS SALES TAX DISCUSSION Lodi City Council March 2, 2016 Parks sales tax discussion Overview Recreation Commission recommends 1/8 -cent sales tax on November ballot to support Strategic Plan goals 1/8 cent =approximately $1.3 million annually Special tax requires two-thirds majority Focus on parks capital projects/maintenance 1/8 -cent would increase per -capita tax support from $50 to $70 $70 is national average, according to NRPA Parks sales tax discussion PRCS community survey findings Very or somewhat important: 83% upgrade Lodi Lake facilities and amenities 82% build additional trails and connect existing trails 80% upgrade neighborhood parks 79% upgrade existing trails 7- . • % . . -.- - ; -_' + •_,_. ' 4. .; 1.. ••_„. .."••••••• , • ' - • • • ...• . .• • •• • - • . • - 7. • ••••• . ••:.:7•444-7..=.7f.7;;•-•.*L'....J,..,i:ri • • •••!:' 7••,,C „ !"E • .] - • • ' • • • 4.1...r.• • , • .7.t. • , 1 ••• 1+- I 110 r• MIr`F`*•F t Aktil t y' y4..�'1.Yk�y� - ;'' ..ad 4...'••...�, .' 714. hi t' E41 - Parks sales tax discussion Community survey Would you vote to pay more taxes to improve and build parks, trails, aquatics, sports and cultural facilities? 50% in favor 21% might favor 18% not sure 10% against Parks sales tax discussion What are you willing to fund with tax dollars? 31% upgrade existing neighborhood parks 29% upgrade Lodi Lake facilities and amenities 29% new and connecting trails 28% new aquatics complex How would they vote? 28% additional $3-$4 per month =1/8 cent sales tax 21% additional $5-$6 16% additional $9+ 11% additional $7-$8 (Equals 76%) Parks sales tax discussion Lodi park spending lagging compared to SJC communities Lodi near top 25 years ago Lodi now ahead of only Stockton, Lathrop Lodi once above state median, now below Healthy parks lead to: Improved property values Increase in visitors Improved community health Parks sales tax discussion Partial project list Playground replacement Picnic shelter upgrades, expansion Parking lot renovations Lodi Lake erosion control Lodi Lake roadway, parking Nature Trail renovations/expansion Restroom replacement/renovations New trails at lake/other parks Improve aquatics facilities Neighborhood park amenities Irrigation improvements Parks sales tax discussion More than $6 million in immediate repairs/replacements More than $30 million in deferred park development Undetermined millions of dollars in park reconfiguration Master plan each park to make better use of space Reduce water use Reduce maintenance burden Parks sales tax discussion Parks -only sales tax unusual for California cities Only one attempt since 2008: Truckee (76% in favor) More common (and successful) in other states 81% of local, statewide parks measured approved in 2012 46 of 57 �QhraItinkrQribunr S.k l ■k u ty 52 Triol 1 Ski Ripon WWW SIT RIB COM FEB 25, 2016 Recreation taxes a hit with counties and cities By courtriey lander The Sit Lake Tribune FJro1 Pubilsh•d Jul 25 2415 49 00AM Last Updated Oct 14 7415 0? 42 pm THE DAILY UNIVERSE NEWS CAMPUS SPORTS LITE OPINION POLICE BEAT EVENTS PUBLICATIONS Lt}C5L'•EW5. POLITICS Provo approves tax increase for parks 1 MONTH ACO ln ADAM RICHARDSON 0 Loo h, Students will have to add an additional six clients to a S60 pair of jeans now that the Provo Recreation Arts and Parks tax is approved, Residents of the city of Provo voted to 0 increase sales taxes with the passage of S. the parks tax on Nov, 3. 2015. The bill passed with 55.6 percent of voters favoring the change, and went into effect January 2016. The money gained from this tax increase go to the Provo Parks and Recreation Department for improvements to current Prnvn narlce • Itj.r :4111 I'r1] Ip will lie rr(:livitI4 111 Fgr:uIt . Inrr the n•tiI teo1 years, hilt ai a cont GSI IT[nri shoppers. 3k�Ill Nieiwri) THE AIIONA EMILE PARI Or ME USA TODAY NETWOQ* LOCAs SORTS THINISSIONCI J11 TRAVEL Sears ri DW1 #r+C4114C1F OPM013H /111011111 • NATION NOW riP VIDEO JOGS CARS INICIIR Phoenix Parks opportunities flourish with initiative money Inger Erickson_ Special for ire l epubirc 1 amentral_co11 Explore Phoenix' The public has identified the importance and value of recreation to their way of life in the Valley • - . —+e Reor.Obj STORY H+G+HJO441 S • k, the past 15 rears, nine regional parks and mare than 40 maim renoya ons have been campleled • Aaditiona0y. vwxe than SO weirs uenient prn.erts were ciampleied le parks or Over the past 15 years. the look of the Phoerirx Parks and Recreation system changed drainatrcaN . thanks 10 huridred5 of development. renovation and improy+emenl protects, and Me purchase of thousands of axes of desert park and mountain preserve land t.10st notable during that time was construction of nine regionai parks and completion of more Irian 10 maps renovations to existing parks. The regional park sties include Cave Creek Retreat,on Area Cesar Chavez Park. Desert West Park. Dust Demi Park. Paseo Hgltiands Park. Pecos Park. Reach 11 Recreation Area Rib Salado Habitat Rester alien Area and Steele Malan School Park Addtliona1y. more than 600 improvement projects were corrlpIeied to parks or recreahan sites throughout" the city These *Vie upgrade's Made to amenities such as plavgrounds 5WiTirrillg pools, lighting and restrooms. Many Of the prgects also What you trussed from the Oscars in under 3 minutes Ctvns Rock nps rico rel in OSCarS monologue 00 IS Leosialdo DiCapno fmaily gets his Oscan 0020 IPMRIA DAitY RIBUNE News NEWS BUSINESS SPORTS OPINION RECORDS OBITS ARTS+LIFE Local Crime Columnists Perspecthres Polnics Educalicri Ate Hews Harn� F NEWS. F PPkiSiCs FRectums Columbia parks sales tax wins renewal By CAITLIN CAMPBELL Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 2:00 prn Comments (35) Columbia voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a six-year renewal of an eighth -cent sales tax for parks_ The tax will bring in an estimated $18.4 million for parks, trails and maintenance projects over six years_ The measure was the only ballot item for Columbia voters_ Voters cast 8,554 ballots in the election, which is 1,933 ballots more than the city's last single -issue election, a quarter -cent capital improvements sales tax renewal in August. Of the ballots cast Tuesday, 70.7 percent of voters supported the parks tax renewal, and 29.3 percent voted against the measure_ The quarter -cent parks sales tax, which was adopted by voters in 2000, pays for parks department operations_ long-term debt land acquisition and capital improvements_ An eighth -cent of the tax is permanent; the other eighth -cent portion has been renewed three times_ Mayor Bob r •1cDavid said voter approval of the tax reflects citizens' satisfaction with the city's parks system_ He said resident approval in surveys and at the polls validates the hard work the Parks and Recreation Department puts into maintaining the city's parks and trails_ Fant Sqi' a a Park sales tax discussion San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters timetable Document Resolution Measure Wording Ordinance Tax Rate Statement Impartial analysis Arguments in Favor Arguments Against Rebuttal letters to proponents Due date July 22 August 5 August 8 Rebuttal to arguments for/against August 15 Parks sales tax discussion Staff prepared to provide research requested by Council Jennifer Ferraiolo From: Jennifer Ferraiolo Sent: Wednesday, March 02, 2016 11:09 AM To: 'Mike Lusk' Cc: City Council; Steve Schwabauer; Janice Magdich; Elizabeth Kirkley; Jordan Ayers; Jeff Hood Subject: RE: Blue Sheets for March 2, 2016 meeting Thank you for your email. It was received by the City Council and forwarded to the City Manager's office and all referenced departments for information, response, and/or handling. In addition, your correspondence will be provided as a Blue Sheet item for tonight's Council meeting. Jennifer M. Ferraiolo, CMC City Clerk P.O. Box 3006 Lodi, CA 95241-1910 (209) 333-6702 (209) 333-6807 FAX Original Message From: Mike Lusk [mailto:mclusk@softcom.net] Sent: Wednesday, March 02, 2016 11:02 AM To: City Council; mclusk@softcom.net Subject: Blue Sheets for March 2, 2016 meeting Lodi City Council March 2, 2016 General Comment: It is hard to believe the City of Lodi in presenting this agenda tonight, on one hand is expressing budget over runs and asking for addition funds to balance department budgets and on the other hand wants to spend money it doesn't appear to have on all of the agenda items listed. l•genda Item C-04 No vote on hiring EES Consulting for LEU rate analysis. I believe we have qualified employees within the LEU to understand rates and budgetary needs to balance a budget. This contract is a waste of rate payers money to perform redundant work. Agenda Item I-01 No vote approving Fiscal Year 2015/16 Mid -year Budget Adjustment. There should be a moratorium on new positions and pay increase that are not already a contract obligation. There are only 4 months left until the new budget year of 2016/17 is put out. This would leave time for more public disclosure and review before authorizing any increases to the budget that might effect utility budgets requiring rate increases. Items within this agenda item have either conflicts with other policies or create additional expenses to the City. Examples: New Position Recommended in the LEU -An Electric Utility Resources Analyst. Who is currently doing this work? Why ask for this position and at the rAgenda Item I-021 same time request a contract with EES for Rate Analysis? What effect does this position have on the overall LEU budget when considering rate increases and the larger problem of the Calpers Retirement debt looming over the City. The same questions noted above would apply to the salary upgrades and additional positions in the Finance Dept. Any residual funds regardless of how earmarked in any budget should be held and carried over into the next budget year with only 4 months left until new budget. Whether this be in Parks and Rec or any other Dept. Electric Utility item discussing the appropriations by $3,115,540 should be withheld. If memory is correct, wasn't monies authorized in the previous budget in the amount of 2 million dollars for this project and was part of the argument when justifying the 5 percent rate increase to the LEU rates last year? In addition last August 15, 2015 the lighting project was approved and a loan authorized from Farmers and Merchants Bank to fund this project with the understanding it would be repaid not by the LEU but through energy rebate programs. So now being 3 quarters of the way through this budget year why are all these departments expressing budget over runs requiring this request. They are substantial amounts of money. Is there not appropriate over site in order to make adjustments to operations to prevent these overruns? No vote on PRSC request for One -Eighth Cent Sales Tax Measure. This item expresses a 1/8th sales tax increase would create about 1.3 million dollars for the PRCS. Where does this figure come from. Just within the last few months I have suggested a sales tax increase be considered and earmarked for the Police and Fire Dept. force stabilization and help pay for the looming Calpers retirement debt. At that time I was informed 1/2 percent would only raise about $500 thousand dollars. Far short of the 1.3 million noted in this Item. So why this inflated projection for Parks and Rec? At the time the paid consultant made the noted survey were the participants given the choice of questions asked, such as would you like to pay for much needed street repair or add an item to the parks wish list. Would you like to increase the staffing on the Police Dept. contributing to the overall safety of the Citizens of Lodi or add to the Parks and Rec wish list. Would you like to pay for the looming Calpers retirement debt or add to the Parks and Rec wish list. So and So on. OR were they only asked the singular question of what would you like Lodi to have in relation to the Parks and Rec? If this was the case the percentages of approval could be grossly exaggerated. Since the mid 90's the City has been wanting to build a sports and aquatic facility of some kind and each time the public at large has not supported this item. An example would be the bond issue about 10 years ago that was defeated. realize there are current parks and play ground areas that need attention and should take priority over any new programs. In reference to 2 new parks coming up for construction, I would suggest that they should be paid for by builder impact fees for parks going into these new sub divisions. Pixley Park should be forever forgotten since it is in and industrial area and out of the way and funds for this park should be used elsewhere. The Parks and Rec wish list could use a lot of red lining. Having said all of the above, I realized the Parks and Rec budget is under funded and more money is needed but when faced with the reality of should you pay for groceries and bills or go on vacation, the vacation is the last on the list. f Agenda Item I-031 No vote on adopting resolution approving the new classification and salary range of Events Coordinatior and approving the reclassification of one Senior Administrative Clerk to the Events Coordinator. As stated previously, wait for new budget year for review and impact on overall budget and Calpers debt. [Agenda Item 1-04] No vote on adopting resolution approving the new classification and salary range for Utility Billing Specialist and Approve the reclassification of three Customer Service Representatives to the Position of Utility Billing Specialist. 2 As stated previously, wait for new budget year for review and impact on overall budget and Calpers debt. What impact on utility rates? [Agenda Item I-051No vote on adopt resolution approving amendments to the Job Description and Salary range of City Planner and approving the reclassification on one Senior Planner to City Planner. As stated previously, wait for new budget year for review and impact on overall budget and Calpers debt. fenda Item I-05/No vote on adopt resolution approving the classification, job description and salary range for the position of Electric Utility Resources Analyst. As stated previously, wait for new budget year for review and impact on overall budget and Calpers debt. What impact on utility rates? Respectfully Mike Lusk, Lodi 3