APPROVED: 07/16/2024
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
May 2, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sarno called the meeting to order at 4:30 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
1. CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6) Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager
Employee Organizations: Santa Fe Springs City Employees' Association, Santa Fe Springs Firefighters Association, Santa Fe Springs Management and Confidential Employees' Association, and Santa Fe Springs Executive Management Association Mayor Sarno recessed the meeting at 4:31 p.m.
Mayor Sarno reconvened the meeting at 5:01 p.m.
2. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney, Ivy M. Tsai provided a closed session report: Direction was given to staff and no reportable action was taken.
STUDY SESSION
3. FY 2024-2025 BUDGET WORKSHOP # 2 - DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS City Manager, René Bobadilla provided a brief recap of the budget workshop, where the budget was defined, and the budget timeline was introduced, and each department provided an overview of accomplishments during the current fiscal year. He explained that the purpose of this second workshop was to provide an overview of next fiscal year's budget and to review expenditures at the department level to identify specific changes impacting the budget.
Minutes of the May 2, 2024 Special City Council Meetings Director of Finance, Lana Dich then spoke about the proposed budget highlights which detailed funding for new positions and position adjustments, funding for labor agreements, and funding to implement a class and compensation study. She provided a general fund summary and briefly touched on the sales tax history of the city, while also providing details about the monetary "buckets" that have been implemented to keep balances for things such as unfunded liability, CIP projects, equipment replacement, and economic contingencies. Lastly, she presented information on the annual pension costs and funding plan, while also providing an overview of Kosmont Companies, who provides pension advisory experience.
Assistant City Manager, Nicholas Razo began the department presentations by talking about the proposed budget for the City Manager's Office, which totals $9.30 million. He provided details on the Community Organization Support Budget which includes new support for local high schools. Lastly, he talked about proposed personnel changes and a focus on completing the IT Assessment.
Director of Public Works, James Enriquez spoke about his proposed budget for his department which totals $19.9 million: $15.4 million for maintenance services and $4.5 million for engineering services. He provided details on the highlights for next year's changes which include adding a Civil Engineer Assistant I and a Principal Engineer, while also including additional engineering and safety consultants. On the maintenance side, he highlighted the need for additional funding to maintenance and operation issues such as equipment maintenance, streets, parks, and facilities upkeep. He concluded by highlighting the position listings for the engineering, maintenance, and water divisions.
Director of Police Services, Dino Torres spoke about his proposed budget which totals $20.1 million. He highlighted the additions to personnel, which include a Lead Public Safety Officer, a Public Safety Officer II, and a Management Analyst II. He also underlined the move of the Emergency Preparedness division to the Fire, the move of Facilities Operation to Public Works, and the Family and Youth Intervention move to Parks and Recreation. Lastly, he detailed the Police Services contract cost with the City of Whittier to be $12.7 million.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Gus Hernandez provided an overview of his newly created department, with a proposed budget of $6.29 million. He highlighted the changes for the upcoming fiscal year which include 6 new positions, the incorporation of a Parks & Recreation Manager, a supervisor for ballfield maintenance, and the creation of a Parks Master Plan.
Fire Chief, Chad Van Meeteren explained the proposed budget for his department which totals $26.7 million. Some of the highlights include the addition of a Housing Compliance Inspector I, a Management Analyst I, and a refinement of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). He also spoke on the need for environmental consultants, replacement of certain emergency vehicles, and the creation of a Community Assistance Program, which provides a dedicated mobile response unit.
Director of Finance, Lana Dich gave an overview of her department with an estimated budget of $7 million. Highlights include the addition of a Principal Accountant, Account
Minutes of the May 2, 2024 Special City Council Meetings Clerk, and an Executive Assistant, as well as new software such as Planet Bids and ClearGov that will help the City stay current with modern technology.
Family & Human Services Manager, Ed Ramirez provided an overview of the Community Services Department, which totals $8.3 million. He talked about specific changes to personnel include the absorption of Transportation Services, reclassification of various full-time positions, and additional funds for hourly positons. Additional goals for the next fiscal year include the expansion of Human Services resources, expansion of Transit Services with weekend operations, and the initiation of a City re-branding campaign.
Director of Community Development, Cuong Nguyen provided information on his department with an estimated budget of $2.91 million. Highlights and changes include the removal of the Building division, a comprehensive zoning code update, the incorporation of consultant services for things such as objective development standards, and new software/hardware (RealQuest).
Council thanked staff for their presentations.
ADJOUNRMENT
Mayor Sarno adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
Jay Sarno
Mayor
ATTEST:
717/2024
Fernando N. Muñoz, Date
Deputy City Clerk