APPROVED: 07/16/2024
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
March 28, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sarno called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Councilmembers Martin, Rodriguez, Zamora Mayor Pro Tem Rounds, and Mayor Sarno.
Members absent: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was no one wishing to speak during public comments.
CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
1. FY 2024-2025 BUDGET WORKSHOP - DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS City Manager, René Bobadilla provided information on the budget process and articulated the steps that are going to be taken for this presentation and future budget workshops.
He highlighted the organizational changes amongst departments, and also talked about budget changes which include consolidating activities and quarterly updates.
Director of Finance, Lana Dich talked about budget basics and revenue and expenditure tables. She talked about department budgets and also talked about the capital improvement plan, water fund, and other related financial and operational appendices.
She elaborated on collaboration and partnerships within departments. She talked about the budget preparation timeline, and City Manager Bobadilla provided additional information on budget preparation and closing procedures. Director Dich continued to talk about the general fund and other funding sources, which highlighted the major dependence on sales tax. Lastly, she talked about the future outlook of the City and introduced Assistant City Manager, Nicholas Razo to talk about the City Manager's Department. He highlighted the specific responsibilities of the City Clerk's Office, Human Resources Office, and IT Office. He talked about the proposed budget positions for Human Resources, and also highlighted noteworthy budget talking points for the current fiscal year.
Mayor Pro Tem Rounds talked about the SASSFA offerings, such as meals on wheels and asked if the City could increase the donation amount for SASSFA from $20,000 to $35,000. Councilmember Zamora asked for an increase to the Little Lake Enrichment Foundation, from $2,500 to $5,000. It was agreed to increase the amount to $10,000 and Minutes of the March 28, 2024 Special City Council Meetings also to condense certain expenditures into broader categories. Specific items would be tracked separately.
Director of Community Development, Cuong Nguyen provided an introduction to the Community Development Department. In terms of proposed positions, his goal is to reclassify the administrative assistant to executive assistant and to fill the vacant City Planner position. He talked about noteworthy achievements during the current fiscal year including the opening of the Chick-Fil-A restaurant on Telegraph Road, and also the updated zoning ordinance and zoning map in alignment with the 2040 General Plan.
Director of Community Services, Maricela Balderas provided information on the Community Services Department, and showcased her proposed organizations for the upcoming fiscal year. She talked about noteworthy highlights from the Community Services administration, Library & Cultural Services, and Family & Human Services divisions. She highlighted the objectives for the upcoming fiscal year for each department.
City Manager Bobadilla provided information on a proposed CAP Program to provide in- field mental and physical health services and resources for un-housed individuals & families in conjunction with the Fire and Police Services Departments.
Director of Finance and Administrative Services, Lana Dich provided an introduction to her department, including proposed positions for the upcoming fiscal year. She talked about the essential services provided by Finance, and also provided information on the new services implemented during the current fiscal year such as ACH/ Direct Deposit Payment options, introduction of Planet Bids, and issued an RFP for water utility billing software. Lastly, she talked about goals and objections for the upcoming fiscal year as well as supplemental budget requests.
Fire Chief, Chad Van Meeteren introduced the Department of Fire-Rescue and provided an overview of the department, including the administration, suppression, prevention, and environmental divisions. He talked about noteworthy budget highlights like the grants received. He also talked about the implementation of the "Healing Our Own" Program which establishes a peer-to-peer mental health awareness program, as well as the implementation of a digital plan review. He talked about the plans for the upcoming fiscal year, such as the study for an additional paramedic unit to serve the community and an ambulance feasibility study. Additional goals include purchasing of fire equipment, updating the local hazard mitigation plan, and fire headquarters office space update. He added that the department will continue to pursue grants and also update the aging 1958 Seagrave Fire Truck.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Gus Hernandez spoke about the special events, sports, classes, and activities offered to City residents. He spoke about the proposed additions to his department for the next fiscal year, and also talked about the noteworthy highlights for the current fiscal year such as the number of classes and attendants at City events.
He outlined Goals and Objectives such as the establishment of a master plan for recreation facilities, and the fostering of relationships for resource optimization. Council was in agreement that the health of residents and staff continues to be a top priority.
Director of Police Services, Dino Torres spoke about his department which oversees the management of law enforcement services within the City. It is comprised of administrative
Minutes of the March 28, 2024 Special City Council Meetings personnel, public safety officers, code enforcement inspectors, Family & Youth Intervention Team, and Whittier Police Department officers. He provided noteworthy accomplishments such as the increased number of ALPR Cameras and the security camera rebate program. Some of the goals for the upcoming fiscal year include to enhance crime prevention efforts and traffic safety, as well as to advance the use of technology to improve services.
Director of Public Works, James Enriquez provided information about his department, including notable achievements which include the relocation of the Building & Safety services from Planning to Public Works, and the rapid storm response times. He also spoke about the noteworthy budget highlights during the current fiscal year, such as the delivery of CIP projects and the initiation of restructuring of the Municipal Services Yard for increased operational efficiency. He talked about objectives for the next fiscal year which include improve coordination with LA County Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District, and the growth of the Environmental Services Division.
City Manager Bobadilla provided closing comments on the budget process. Mayor Sarno commended staff on the progressive changes to the budget preparation. Council provided closing comments.
ADJOUNRMENT
Mayor Sarno adjourned the meeting at 8:54 p.m.
Jay Sarno
Mayor
ATTEST L male M 1/11/2024
Fernando N. Muñoz Date
Deputy City Clerk