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 HB 2004-05 Budget    HB 2002-03 CAFR Budget    3/23/04 Agenda Letter

          The City of Hermosa Beach 2004-2005 Budget

  

 

The  City of Hermosa Beach 2004-2005 BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

 ADOPTION OF 2004-2005 BUDGET. Memorandum from Finance Director Viki Copeland dated June 14, 2004 (PDF File).

Web Links to other Beach Cities 2004 - 2005 Budget Information

Link to: The City of Manhattan Beach 2004 - 2005 Adopted Budget

Link to: The City of Redondo Beach 2004 - 2005 Budget

Link to: The City of El Segundo 2004 - 2005 Budget

 

                

The  City of Hermosa Beach 2004-2005 BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.  

June 14, 2004

 

Honorable Mayor and Members of                                                             City Council Meeting of

the Hermosa Beach City Council                                                               June 22, 2004

 

ADOPTION OF 2004-2005 BUDGET

 

RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Hear public testimony regarding the 2004-2005 Budget;

a. Letter from Jean Lombardo, attached, see page 7,

b. Letter from Jeff Duclos, attached, see page 26,

2. Review the Questions/Information from the 2nd Budget Workshop beginning on

page 28,

3. Review the changes to the budget below,

4. Approve contracts listed below for services budgeted in the 2004-05 Budget;

5. Adopt Resolution 04- , approving the 2004-2005 Budget, page 43.

 

BACKGROUND:

Budget workshops were held in the Council Chambers on May 18, 2004 and June 7, 2004.

ANALYSIS:

See Questions/Requests for Information from the 2nd Budget Workshop attached, beginning on

page 28.

 

CHANGES TO BUDGET

 

GENERAL FUND

Revision to State Take-Away

The Preliminary Budget included a reduction in secured property tax revenue of $287,478, per

the Governor’s January budget proposal. In the Governor’s May Revise, that number increased

by $73,564, to $361,042. Even though the number is not final until the budget is adopted by the

Legislature, staff thought it prudent to reflect the increased take-away at this time. If the amount

changes again, staff will return with a revision to the Adopted Budget when the amount is known.

Sales Tax Revision

Staff reviewed the original assumptions for the 2004-05 sales tax estimate and current tax

revenue. We recommend increasing the estimate by $60,000.

Increase in Encroachment Fees

As presented at the 2nd Budget Workshop, the budget has been amended to include an

increase from the $2/square foot rate included in the budget for Plaza commercial dining

encroachments to $4/square foot for Plaza businesses open after midnight, which results in an

additional $107,616. As shown on the attached worksheet, this revision generates $177,410.40.

Since $69,794.40 was already included in the budget as a result of changing from $1//square

foot to $2/square foot, the net increase now is $107,616. A copy of the spreadsheet showing

the businesses affected is attached on page 36.

Beach Cities Health District Funding

As mentioned at the last workshop, funding from Beach Cities Health District for Paramedic

Services was approved in the amount of $21,840. The change to revenue is reflected in the

revisions to the budget.

Conference/Training Reduction

At the 2nd Workshop, the City Council reduced their conference/training budget by $4,000 and

the City Clerk indicated that that her budget could be reduced by having only one person attend

the annual conference. Staff agreed to come back with further reductions, if possible.

Reductions are listed below by department.

 

DEPARTMENT                                                          AMOUNT                    TOTAL

General Fund

City Council                                                                 4,000

City Clerk                                                                    1,350

Community Development – Planning                         4,935

Public Works                                                              493

Personnel                                                                    2,500

Police                                                                          3,400

Fire                                                                              7,000

Finance Administration                                               500

Total                                                    24,178

 

Parking Fund

Community Services                                                  3,300

Finance Cashier                                                         950

Total                                                    4,250

 

Insurance Fund

Liability Insurance                                                       2,000

Total                                                    2,000

 

Total Reduction                                30,428

 

 

Net Change to General Fund/Transfer to CIP Fund

The net change to the General Fund, including the above revisions and the reduction to Lighting

District administration included below, is +$139,489. Staff recommends that this amount be

transferred to the Capital Improvement Fund (CIP Fund).

 

LIGHTING/LANDSCAPING FUND

As requested by the City Council, staff presented at the 2nd Budget Workshop, a reduction over

a two-year period, which causes operating costs to equal the assessment. Public Works

originally estimated a first year and second year reduction in street lighting costs to be $23,650

and $82,000, respectively. Upon review, the first year reduction should be $50,590 and the

second year $113,000. Using the new estimates, the first year reduction of $142,903 (shown

below) brings total appropriations/transfers out to $518,228. For the second year, in order to

bring the total operating costs in line with the assessment levy amount of $455,000, a reduction

of $63,228 would be required. (it will actually be more since some line items will increase

however we are not attempting to estimate the increase for 2005-06 at this time) If the

$113,000 savings for the reduction of lights in the second year is obtained, there should be

funds to cover the operating costs, with some funds left for capital improvement.

 

Salaries and Benefits:             Reduce 1 Maintenance II Position                              (59,482)

Reduction in Transfer             Administration reduced for above                   (4,831)

Utilities                                     Estimate too high                                                        (28,000)

Reduction of Lights                             1st Year Savings                                 (50,590)

 

Total 1st Year Reduction                                142,903

 

 

A revised budget page for the Lighting Division is attached as page 37.

See the attached memo from Public Works that outlines the costs savings in detail and the

process and timing for taking the lights out of service. (page 38)

 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND

Excess Funds: Review of Financial Funding Goals

To meet the City Council’s request to provide funds for street repairs and sewer repairs, it is

recommended that the City Council approve transfers from the following funds to the Capital

Improvement Fund since the estimated fund balances at 7/1/05 are in excess of the established

goal amount:

 

FUND                                                  GOAL              FUND BALANCE                   AMOUNT

OVER

Compensated Absence Fund             $ 448,271        $ 512,003                                $ 63,732

Contingency Fund                               2,657,267        2,689,724                                32,457

Equipment Replacement Fund           1,723,709        1,538,008                                185,701

TOTAL                                                                                                                        $281,890

 

A cautionary note: The above amounts are based on estimates of the fund balance that will be

available as of 7/1/2005. Typically when we have moved funds to the Capital Improvement

Fund, amounts were actual balances rather than estimates. There is no problem moving

forward as we recommend as long as it is recognized that actual amounts may differ and as

long as the funds are appropriated conservatively.

 

Capital Improvement Projects

 

CIP 04-114 Speed Humps

The City Council directed at the 2nd Workshop that funding for this project should be reduced to

$12,500 for 24th Street only. A revised CIP Request sheet is attached as page 40.

CIP 04-117 Manhattan Avenue Street Improvements

This is a new CIP created for design of improvements for Manhattan Avenue. $15,000 is

included for a survey and $20,000 for in-house design of the project, for a total of $35,000. A

new CIP Request sheet is attached as page 41.

Net Change to CIP Fund

The transfer from the General Fund and the excess of goal amounts from the other funds results

in $421,379 being deposited to the CIP Fund. Reducing CIP 114 Speed Humps to $12,500

and adding CIP 117 Manhattan Avenue Improvements for $35,000 results in a balance of

$398,879 in the CIP Fund.

Summary of Fund Balance Changes

A summary of all the revisions above is shown in the summary attached as page 42.

Contracts for Services

The following contracts are for services budgeted in various departments. Rather than

submitting them individually on future agendas, we are submitting them en masse. The

contracts are on file in the Finance Department for your review.

 

Contractor Name                Service Provided                                        Term/Amount

 

Community Development

Hayer Consultants, Inc.         General Building Consulting                        7/1/04-6/30/07/no increase,

Services                                                         same rate: $75/hour

Lawrence Associates           Consulting Planning                                      7/1/04-6/30/07/no increase,

Services for CDBG                                       same rate: $85/hour

 

Finance Administration

Caporicci & Larson,             LLP Audit Services*                                     7/1/03-6/30/04

1.75% increase

$23,225

Information Systems

Prosum Technology              Systems and Network                                  7/1/04 to 6/30/05

Consulting Group                  Support                                                          50.1% decrease

$14,375

Public Works

John L. Hunter & Assoc        Beverage Container

Recycling Program

7/1/04-6/30/05

.6% decrease

$5,374

John L. Hunter & Assoc        Used Oil Recycling Program                       7/1/04-6/30/05

no increase

$5,400

Enfact, Inc.                             Stormwater Management

Program (same consultant,

new company name)

7/1/04-6/30/05

3.8% decrease

$54,000 

Police Department

All City Management

Services

School Crossing Guard

Services – one year

extension of existing

contract

7/1/04-6/30/05

2.9 % increase

$63,761

 

* The audit contract would normally have been extended for two years when it was brought to City Council in

September 2002 for fiscal year 2002-03. (the contract contains a clause that the audit is awarded for three years,

with an option to extend for two years). Since only one year was addressed at that time, staff requests the

contract be extended for 2003-04. An RFP will be done for future audit services as usual.

 

Budget Summary

The Budget Summary, which incorporates the above revisions, is attached to the budget

resolution on page 44, marked as Exhibit A.

 

Five Year Capital Improvement Program

The first year of the plan is adopted within the 2004-05 Budget. The Five-year Plan will go to the

Public Works Commission in September and then come back to the City Council in November.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Viki Copeland                                                                       Stephen R. Burrell

Finance Director                                                                   City Manager

 

 

QUESTIONS/REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION

FROM 2nd BUDGET WORKSHOP,

June 7, 2004

 

Q1. Is the base year for the Sheriff initiative 2003-04 or 2004-05.

A.1 The base year in the initiative is 2003-04.

 

Q2. There was consensus to look at implementing a grease trap program for

businesses.

A2. Staff will return with an ordinance and funding plan.

 

Q3. Staff agreed to look at a reduction in the frequency of street sweeping and the

related reduction in cost. In addition, use of AB939 (recycling/source reduction)

fees to pay for street sweeping, as well as a possible increase in the fee amount,

will be explored.

A3. Reducing the frequentcy of street sweeping from once a week to every two weeks

would reduce the contract from $209,000 to $130,000-$140,000. It would cost

approximately $15,000 as a one-time costs to modify the street signage. The net

savings would be $115,000-$125,000. However, since street sweeping parking

violations generated $313, 000 in 2002-03, if we assume a 50% reduction in

revenue, the change would result in a net loss of $31,500 to $41,500.

Staff provided information on the use of AB939 Funds and the potential for

increasing the fund at the 2nd workshop. Staff will bring back this item for

consideration if the City Council so directs.

 

Q4. There was consensus to look at use of a private contractor for ambulance

transport.

A4. Staff will return with an analysis of service, costs and revenue related to using

a private contractor.

 

Q5. There was consensus to look at smart meters and metering of Lot A.

A5. Staff will return with an analysis of implementing smart meters and

metering Lot A, with and without smart meters.

 

Q6. There was consensus to reduce the Lighting/Landscaping costs to the amount

of the levy over the next two budget years.

A6. The reduction is contained in the staff report under “Changes to the Budget”.

 

Q7. The City Council requested that their conference/training budget be reduced by

$4,000. The City Clerk said that she could reduce by having only one person

attend the annual conference. It was requested that the City Manager review the

other departmental conference and training accounts.

A7. See the staff report under “Changes to the Budget” for a list of reductions. Total

reductions recommended are $30,428.

 

Q8. Concern was expressed for the unsafe condition of the Fire Station. All purchases

should be made with report recommendations from the Fire Department needs

assessment in mind.

A8. Prior to spending funds, staff will investigate whether there is any safety concern

and if so, develop a plan to address it.

 

Q9. Councilmember Reviczky requested a City Attorney opinion on “supplanting”

language contained in the law relating to Supplemental Law Enforcement

Services Funds (COPS). May funds be used to pay salaries of existing officers?

If the number of positions is reduced one budget year, may funds be used to pay

for salaries when a position is added back?

A9. See attached opinion from the City Attorney, copies of Government Code Section

30062, and the Certified Expenditure Report that the Chief of Police signs each

year. Staff contacted the County CAO’s Office, who will provide us with the

correct contact person to help answering the remaining question.

 

Q10. A request was made to look at reducing the cost of the New Year’s celebration

and consider soliciting business donations. There was consensus to have the

same band.

A10. Staff will discuss the issue with the event contractor and report back.

 

Q11. There was consensus to reduce CIP 04-114 to $12,500, with 24th Street

listed as the only project since it is already set to come before the City Council.

A11. The reduction is contained in the staff report under “Changes to the Budget”.

 

Q12. There was consensus that funds need to be included in the 2004-05 Adopted

Budget for street repairs and sewer repairs, perhaps as much as $400,000.

A12. Funds have been added to the Capital Improvement Fund. The information is

provided in the staff report under “Changes to the Budget”. A new CIP 04-117

has been added for Manhattan Avenue Improvements with funding in 2004-05

for design.

 

Q13. How much is recovered for Police and Fire special event work?

A13. This information is found in revenue accounts 3823 Special Event Security/Police

on page 48 of the Preliminary Budget and 3882 Special Event Security/Fire on

page 49. $57,985 and $6,632, respectively, was collected in 2002-03, with

estimates of $40,000 and $1,848 for 2003-04 and 2004-05.

 

Q14. A statement was made that the City needs long term goals with a work plan for

staff to focus on. The list should address such items as whether to do a General

Plan update, specific infrastructure improvements such as Police/Fire Buildings,

etc.

A14. The draft Work Plan is attached, starting on page 35.

 

 

2004-05 Draft Work Plan

(not in priority order)

 

Street Sweeping

Use of AB939 Funds, potential

fee increase

 

Grease Trap Ordinance

 

Ambulance Transport System

 

Smart Meters

 

Street/Sewer Plan

 

Pavement Management Plan

 

Government Buildings/Facilities Plan

– Funding/Process

 

Planning Commission Items

 

General Plan

Joint Meeting Dates

Historic Preservation Plan,

1% Tax

 

Underground Districts

 

Wifi Project

 

Trash Enclosures

 

Trash Can Ordinance

 

Street Light Removal

 

Capital Projects

 

Aviation/Pch

 

Recycling Program

 

Upper Pier Avenue

 

User Fee Study

 

Bring Website Maintenance Inhouse

 

Parks and Recreation Commission

Tennis Court Lighting

 

Meter Lot A

 

Change Machines

 

Reduce Cost of New Year’s Eve Event

 

 

INCREASE OF ENCROACHMENT FEES

PLAZA BUSINESSES

FROM $1/PER SQ FT TO $2

 

EXCEPT PLAZA BUSINESSES OPEN PAST MIDNIGHT $4/PER SQ FT

 

AMOUNT PAID     AMOUNT PAID     DIFFERENCE      AMOUNT PAID     AMOUNT PAID     DIFFERENCE

BUSINESS NAME                SQ. FOOTAGE      PER QUARTER   PER QUARTER PER QUARTER     PER YEAR            PER YEAR            PER YEAR

@ $1/sq. ft             @ $4/sq. ft                                             @ $1/sq. ft             @ $4/sq. ft

                                                                                 as of 7/1/2000

BUSINESSES ON PLAZA

OPEN AFTER 12:00 MIDNIGHT

ALOHA SHARKEEZ             390                         1,170.00                4,680                      3,510.00                4,680                      18,720                   14,040.00

CANTINA REAL                    312                         936.00                   3,744                      2,808.00                3,744                      14,976                   11,232.00

CAFÉ BONAPARTE             169                         507.00                   2,028                      1,521.00                2,028                      8,112                      6,084.00

DRAGON RESTAURANT   316                         948.00                   3,792                      2,844.00                3,792                      15,168                   11,376.00

FAT FACE FENNER'S         200                         600.00                   2,400                      1,800.00                2,400                      9,600                      7,200.00

HENNESSEY'S TAVERN   975                         2,925.00                11,700                   8,775.00                11,700                   46,800                   35,100.00

PARADISE SUSHI               250                         750.00                   3,000                      2,250.00                3,000                      12,000                   9,000.00

PATRICK MOLLOY'S           429                         1,287.00                5,148                      3,861.00                5,148                      20,592                   15,444.00

SANGRIA                               780                         2,340.00                9,360                      7,020.00                9,360                      37,440                   28,080.00

THE LIGHTHOUSE             390                         1,170.00                4,680                      3,510.00                4,680                      18,720                   14,040.00

ZEPPY'S PIZZERIA              273                         819.00                   3,276                      2,457.00                3,276                      13,104                   9,828.00

13,452.00              53,808                   40,356.00              53,808                   215,232                 161,424.00

 

 

AMOUNT PAID     AMOUNT PAID     DIFFERENCE      AMOUNT PAID     AMOUNT PAID      DIFFERENCE

SQ. FOOTAGE      PER QUARTER   PER QUARTER   PER QUARTER   PER YEAR            PER YEAR            PER YEAR

@ $1/sq. ft             @ $2/sq. ft                                             @ $1/sq. ft             @ $2/sq. ft

 

NOT OPEN AFTER 12:00 MIDNIGHT                 as of 7/1/2000

HERMOSA FISH MARKET 403                         1,209.00                2,418                      1,209.00                4,836                      9,672                      4,836.00

IL BOCCACCIO                    247                         741.00                   1,482                      741.00                   2,964                      5,928                      2,964.00

1 LORETO PLAZA               292.2                      876.60                   1,753                      876.60                   3,506                      7,013                      3,506.40

MEDITERRANEO                390                         1,170.00                2,340                      1,170.00                4,680                      9,360                      4,680.00

3,996.60                7,993                      3,996.60                15,986                   31,973                   15,986.40

TOTAL ON PLAZA                                                                                                                                                                                                               177,410.40

 

 

AMOUNT PAID     AMOUNT PAID     DIFFERENCE      AMOUNT PAID     AMOUNT PAID      DIFFERENCE

SQ. FOOTAGE      PER QUARTER   PER QUARTER   PER QUARTER   PER YEAR            PER YEAR            PER YEAR

@ $1/sq. ft             @ $2/sq. ft                                             @ $1/sq. ft             @ $2/sq. ft

as of 7/1/2000

BUSINESSES NOT ON PLAZA

BARNACLES BAR & GRILL 200                       600.00                   1,200                      600.00                   2,400                      4,800                      2,400.00

2 BOTTLE INN                     427.5                      1,282.50                2,565                      1,282.50                5,130                      10,260                   5,130.00

CLA