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Minutes 1989-06-14 SP ......... ~. -, - MINUTES MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 1989 COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 EAST BRANCH STREET ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA The City Council met to discuss the 1989/1990 Budget, with Mayor Mark M. Millis presiding. Also present were Council Members A. K. "Pete" Dougall, Gene Moots, Doris Olsen and B'Ann Smith. ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED SESSION The Council adjourned at 7:31 P.M. to a Closed Session on Personnel. RECONVENEMENT The council reconvened at 8:15 P.M. and began Budget discussions. WATER FUND City Manager Chris Christiansen said the city had not increased Water Rates since August, 1983. He said that the Water Fund is an enterprise (pay as you go) fund, and an increase now is necessary. He referred to figures on a spread sheet which he handed to the Council. He suggested that the Council consider a mechanism whereby a small rate increase would take place automatically every year. He also referred to an April 24, 1989 Staff Report prepared by Public Works Director Paul Karp. The report showed projects that should be undertaken by the city in the near future. In their discussions of a possible water rates increase, the Council considered adding a surcharge for the pumping of water to the City's higher elevations. Mr. Karp said some utilities have surcharges. There was discussion of water conservation and lifeline rates. Mayor Millis said that the City is planning its growth so that there does not have to be rationing. Mr. Christiansen said the proposed rate would increase for the average household from $7.10 to $10.65. Mayor Millis said the Staff also should look at building in an annual adjustment in the water rates. He said the annual adjustment should begin January 1. LOPEZ FUND Mr. Christiansen said the Staff is proposing a Lopez Rate increase from $6.50 to $8.15. He said the Ci ty does not have control over the Lopez rates. He said it has been proposed that the Lopez water hookup charge be increased each year by the amount the rest of the rate payers are paying on monthly bills. After discussion, there was Council consensus that the City raise the Lopez water hookup charge from $350 to $950, with adjustments to be made annually. The Council said the City needs to get even and stay even, and operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. WATER FACILITY FUND No changes were made in this section of the proposed budget. FURTHER CONSIDERATIQN OF CERTAIN BUDGET ITEMS It was the consensus of the Council that breathing apparatus equipment be funded for the Fire Department. The Council said that on Budget Page 28, the number of requested police vehicles should be one instead of two, reducing - the amount by $15,150. After discussion, it was council consensus to fund the county spay/Neuter Program in Arroyo Grande for $3,000. -"'--_.'~"~.'''''-''',- "..",- .....-- -, 99 CITY COUNCIL JUNE 14, 1989 FQNDING REOUE~TS BY VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS Council Member Dougall said the $14,111 proposed for the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce is generous, but more is needed because the Chamber is planning an extensive program to reduce the amount of shopping outside of the City - the "economic leak. II HEATHER JENSEN, manager of the Chamber of Commerce, told the Council that it would be a long consistent program with the goal of reaching the citizens and convincing them to stay home and shop ,. in the City. Discussion included the Council's hope that the Chamber would . be self-supporting one day, and that there be more volunteer help "--' utilized, Council Member Dougall said the Chamber wants to have Mrs. Jensen working more in the field. Mrs. Jensen said she appreciated the financial backing, and especially, tying the City's contribution to the sales taxes. There was no change in the budget allotment to the Chamber. Council Member Olsen led a discussion on the Hospice request for funds, and there was consensus to fund the organization for $800. CINDY GRIFFITH of the Family Services Center spoke to the Council, and said there is a totally volunteer staff of therapists. She said 22 percent of the client load is in the South County, and 14.8 percent in Arroyo Grande. There was Council consensus to fund Family Services Center for $1,000. RITA BRANFIELD spoke for Meals on Wheels, and the Council confirmed its funding of the organization for $1,000. ADJOURNMENT The Council adjourned at 8:00 P.M. to the Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission June 19, 1989. -~~~ ~ ,. MAY R ATTEST: Y} tlAAA'(c a. ~H.:u CIT CLERK \ '-'"