TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
Marlene Best, City Manager
Shawn Hagerty, City Attorney
FROM: Annette Ortiz, CMC, City Clerk
DATE: June 12, 2024
SUBJ: Updated Council Meeting Materials – June 12, 2024 NEW BUSINESS:
(14) Review of the Proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25. (City Manager/Finance – Best/Jennings)
The attached document provides an update on the current Council Priorities.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES – 2023/24 & 2024/25
Focus on improvements to Fire Station facilities and services • Construction of a temporary fire station at the Ops yard – in process • Design of a permanent fire station at the Ops yard – in process • Proposed implementation of a Squad trial through the hiring of 6 FT EMTs • Improve response times and resource availability through tiered dispatching • Acquired a vehicle to be outfitted as a Squad and funding for deployment of a 12-hour Basic Life Services (BLS) Medic unit
• Outfit a Type 6 fire apparatus, obtained through a San Diego River Conservancy (SDRC) grant, with the necessary equipment for wildland firefighting • Outfit a Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) unit, obtained through Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) grant, with the necessary equipment for emergency response in difficult-to-access areas of the City
Consider annexation of West Hills Parkway and surrounding parcels • Staff working on requirements and estimates for the repair of the neglected Right-of-Way in the annexation
Continue to focus on expanded road paving and other infrastructure improvements • $9.4 million in 2024-2028 CIP budget for paving – an additional $2.9 million (combined) added to FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 budgets to meet the $4.5 million needed each year to reach a PCI of 70 (Pavement Management Report) • Engineering continues to conduct annual workshops prior to pavement recommendations to establish current and future Council priorities Expand and diversify economic development opportunities through the Arts & Entertainment District Neighborhood and cannabis implementation • Targeted recruitment strategies to attract breweries, craft distilleries, wineries, restaurants, and other entertainment and hospitality to the A&E District • Town Center Specific Plan Update is underway providing broader allowable uses and improved development opportunities
• Discussions continue with theater operators and other brokers • Draft application procedures for Cannabis Retail Licenses have been approved.
Next steps involve securing background services, finalizing the application process, and moving forward with the application process Implement an automated permit system and other managed information system enhancements, such as website redesign and a future financial system update • Energov (automated permit system) went live August 2023 • New city AP was implemented along with Energov
• New City website will be launched June 2024
• New financial system RFP in fiscal year 2024-25
Continue to focus on positive resolutions to homelessness and risk reduction, especially in the San Diego River corridor
• Enforce the San Diego River Corridor Ordinance, including prosecuting violations • Grant funded cleanups and resource fairs in partnership with the County of San Diego and Live Well San Diego
• Staff position hired to coordinate clean-up efforts with various groups. Duties include integrating schedules with lead agencies, notification, clean up coordination and property storage as needed
• The most recent Pointin Time Count reflects a decrease in the number of homeless from previous year, while only a singular point, it does represent progress. • Homeless Working Group meets monthly to share information to reduce duplicate services and coordinate responses
Explore options for an improved trail head to Mission Trails Regional Park along with other renovations to Big Rock Park
• Received conceptual approval from Mission Trails Regional Park Governing Groups. Currently seeking state funding. The project is supported by the County of San Diego
• Resurfaced Big Rock Park pickleball courts, improved access to courts, rehabilitated Park restroom, pergolas, picnic tables, and installed new drinking fountains
Enhance and implement safety and maintenance improvements on City trails • Improved trail maintenance by replacing aging lodge pole fencing and installing new drinking fountains. Camera surveillance program started at TCCPE • Refurbished all city park/trail head kiosks
• Both Fire Department and Sheriff Department now have alternate vehicles that can more easily access the trails for safety responses
Continue to reduce the CalPERS unfunded liability where possible • FY 2024-25 includes an ADP of $600,000. Fourth consecutive year ADP made, totaling $2.3 million
Complete a Development Impact Fee (DIF) Study and a Cost Allocation/User Fee Study • DIF Study nearing completion
• User Fee/Cost Allocation Study budgeted. Expect to issue RFP late 2024 Other Projects of Interest
Continue with Affordable Housing efforts
• Town Center Specific Plan supports development of affordable housing • City approved new land use plan for county property surrounding the historic barn that now allows for affordable housing
• Habitat for Humanity is still pursuing their affordable project Implement a Grant Writer position
• Position implemented in FY 2023-24
Expand the Hometown Heroes Banner Program
• Successfully entering the City’s third year of the program • Participant requirements were modified to allow for more veterans to be honored