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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/07/1981M I N U T E S ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1981 - 12:10 P.M. COUNCIL HEARING ROOM, CITY HALL, 990 PALM STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA STUDY SESSION ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present: GlennaDeane Dovey, Ron Dunin, Robert Griffin, Allen Settle, and Mayor Melanie C. Billig Absent: None City Staff Present: Bill Hanley, Administrative Officer; George Thacher, City Attorney; Pamela Voges, City Clerk; Geoff Grote, Legal Assistant 1. HRC GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS John- Carsel, Budget Subcommittee Chairperson of the Human Relations Commission, stated that the Commission had recommended.the following grants -in -aid to be awarded from the - $22,000 remaining in the grants -in -aid budget for fiscal year 1981 -82: Requested Recommended 1. American Red Cross $3,375 0 2. YMCA 4,750 $2,500 (on a voucher basis) 3. Women's Crisis Center 3,491 1,745.50 4. HUSH 9,570 0 5. RSVP 3,000 1,000 6. Child Development Center 7,725 4,225 .7. Women's Resource Center 7,750 0 8. Friendship School 2,048 1,109 9. EOC 2,000 0 10. Grass Roots II 20,000 4,350 11. Central Coast Variety 1,200 375 (on a voucher basis) John Carsel explained that the total recommendation was $15,804.50 ($2,875 to be paid on a voucher basis) leaving a contingency of $7,111. He briefly reviewed the HRC's recommendations for each agency and explained that they had left a large contingency because many of City Council Minutes December 7, 1981 - 12:10 p.m. Page 2 those agencies would be losing their CETA people and might need addi- tional appropriations at a later date. Mayor Billig opened the meeting for public discussion and asked each group with representation to speak: 1. American.Red Cross­ $3,375 recommended. No one spoke for or against this recommendation. 2. YMCA - $4,750 requested. Maurine Dixon, representing the YMCA, stated that they were offering after school daycare which was very well received, and they would urge Council's support of the HRC's recommendation for $2,500. She would request that this amount be paid in a lump sum as it would make account- ing easier and as they were already incurring expenses. Upon question by Councilman Dunin as to why the voucher system was used, Mr. Carsel responded that it allowed for better accountability. Councilman Griffin suggested approval of the $2,500 recommended, advanc- ing $700; and the rest being paid on a voucher basis. 3. Women's Crisis Center - $1,745.50 recommended. No one spoke for or against the proposed recommendation. 4. HUSH - $9,570 requested. Carol Cod, Program Administrator, urged Council's support of their requested amount. Mr. Judson, representing HUSH, briefly explained the program and also urged support. He stated the Commission had not recommended any funding, however,.it was a close vote of 4 -5; and he would ask the Council to reconsider this item. Additionally, he explained that there had been some confusion in that initially his presentation had stated that 20 people would be served and his figure was now changed to 40. 5. RSVP - $1,500 for 6 months. Steve Henderson, representing RSVP, wished to go on record commending the HRC on its efforts in coming up with their recommendations. He stated they have 13 agencies who have shared their home and would ask the Council to increase the recommended amount from $1,000 to $1,500. 6. Child Development Center - $7,725 requested. Andrea Schaact, representing the Child Development Center, stated that they are faced with a $16,000 deficit this year because of losing their CETA employees. She explained that the State mandates that a certain amount of adults must be present for R amount of children. The adults are paid personnel, so this funding is necessary or the program would be extremely restricted. They have been struggling since 1971 without any City help or assistance but would hope that the Council could assist their budget for this fiscal year. Councilman Dunin questioned the type of children in their program. Mrs. Schaact explained that they were from three months to 10 years old, more in the older group. She stated that all the families are low- income, the parents have to either work full -time or be in training in order to meet the criteria. Upon question by Councilman Dunin, she stated that they cannot charge too much, as they must use a sliding scale to determine fees. However, approximately 1/3 of the families fall under the category of not being required to pay at all: She stated that Child Development Crisis was a private non - profit based organization. 7. Women's Resource Center — $7,750 requested. 1 1 1 City Council Minutes December 7, 1981 - 12:10 p.m. Page 3 Brenda Judson, representing the Women's Resource Center, stated they had never requested funds before but would like to expand their facilities and, therefore, were requesting the additional funds. She stated that they have received 3,046 phonecalls or drop -ins this year. In response to a question raised earlier about services being duplicated by other organizations, she stated that although some services might be the same as provided by Hotline, they provide many additional needed services and, therefore, felt their organization should be treated separately. 8. Friendship School - $2,048 requested. David Sitten, representing Friendship School, stated that he was very pleased with the HRC's recommendation and would urge Council concur- rence. He stated that the HRC had been concerned with regard to the camping program as proposed. He further explained that 99 percent of the people that he served were adult handicapped, and the camping program was not really recreational so much as a needed service as most of these people in the program had never been out of their own home area; and it was necessary for educating them and expanding their skills. He added, too, that they had supported the organization with $1,300 of their own money. 9. EOC - $2,000 requested. Danny Herat, representing EOC, stated he was disappointed with the recommendation by the HRC but understood the Commission's thinking that the money should be used towards services as opposed to consultants. However, he felt this resulted in being reactive as the Council has not provided any other avenue by which to provide these services and unfortunately, most organizations do not know a method by which to go about securing funds. This is why he felt there was a need for professional outside help. He added, too, that there was someone else interested in funding the organization but could not support it if there was not also local support. 10. Grass Roots II - $20,000 requested. John Paul, representing Grass Roots II, stated that the first time they went before the HRC, the Commission had recommended up to $15,000 be granted., He did not feel they could keep their doors open with the $4,350 that was now proposed. He could not understand this cut in funds as all previous minutes and records reflected that Grass Roots II desperately needed administrative help, and yet now are recommending to cut any administrative personnel costs. He stated their Director, Maxine Lewis, was only making $700 a month which was barely minimum wage. He also took exception to the staff report that pointed out that the Grass Roots II attempted to circumvent the normal procedure in submitting their second application. Jack Rapp also spoke on behalf of Grass Roots II and would urge the 'Council to support their original request explaining that the entire organization was run by volunteers with the exception of the director, and he did not feel any organization could be run efficiently on solely volunteer help. He urged the Council to take a closer-look for the need to have a paid coordinator. Walt Lambert, representing the HRC, stated that when Grass Roots II had originally come before them and the Commission had recommended a.grant of up to $15,000, this was before the second advertisement and before 11 other groups had applied for funding. In light of the new requests, they saw the.need to revise their original recommendation. Norman Stone, President of Grass Roots II, clarified that the original application was not done in a timely manner as they had not been properly notified to submit RFP's. Further, they had never been told that the funding would be for a six month period. Walt Lambert explained that the lack of detail in their RFP was not a reason for the reduced funding recommendation. City Council Minutes December 7, 1981 - 12:10 p.m. Page 4 Gwen Guyre, Interim HRC Coordinator, explained that the same advertising procedure was used this year as that of past years and no special notification was given for any of the other ten requests or for Grass Roots II. Maxine Lewis, Director of Grass Roots II, did not feel it should, be necessary to have to defend Grass Roots II's organization each year as they have always had a successful program and intend to continue. She questioned how the Council could expect the services to continue, be willing to fund gas and electricity and legal but not allow the money in which an administrator could carry out the program. She did not feel the Council clearly understood how a non - profit organization can make it. She stated that if the Council was not willing to fund the $20,000, they might as well not fund any of it. Gary Deno, HRC Commissioner, again clarified that when the initial motion was made to fund up to $15,000, this was before they were in receipt of the 11 additional requests for funds. This altered the Commission's outlook considerably. Councilwoman Dovey questioned Mrs. Lewis as to whether she would: still be willing to accept the $4,350 if the Council elected not to fund the entire $20,000. Maxine Lewis explained that she felt Grass Roots II was being treated differently than the other agencies by the fact that the Council was not allowing administrative personnel costs. Jack Rapp, Grass Roots II, stated that Grass Roots II would be happy to take whatever funds that they could get to maintain operations. 11. Central Coast Variety Society - $375 recommended. Ed Lunn, representing Central Coast Variety Society, stated he was pleased with the recommendation of the HRC and would hope the Council would also support it. The Council briefly discussed whether or not this organization should actually be funded by the Promotional Coordinating Committee or by the Human Relations Commission, as this agency does promote the quality of life. Mayor Billig suggested sending a memo to the Promotional Coordinating Committee on the issue of quality of life and whether or not this organization would qualify for funding using that criteria. . 1:50 p.m. Mayor Billig declared a recess. 2:00 p.m. City Council reconvened, all Councilmembers present. 1. After brief discussion it was moved by Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilman Dunin, to approve the recommendation of the HRC to allow no funding for the American Red Cross. Motion carried,.all ayes: 2. After brief discussion it was moved by.Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilman Griffin, to appropriate $2;500, on a voucher basis to YMCA, with $700 to be advanced initially. Motion carried, all ayes. 3. After brief discussion it was moved by Councilman by Mayor Billig to approve $1,745.50 for the Women's recommended by HRC. Motion carried, all ayes. 4. After brief discussion it was moved by Councilman by Councilman Settle, to refer the HUSH proposal back additional review and recommendation. Motion carried Dovey and Mayor Billig voting no. Settle, seconded Crisis Center as Griffin, seconded to the HRC -.for Councilwoman 5. After brief discussion it was moved by Councilman Griffin, seconded by Councilman Dunin, to approve $1,500 for RSVP and $1,000 to remain City Council Minutes December 7, 1981 - 12:10 p.m. Page 5 floating for other budgetary needs and $500 for mileage. Motion carried, all ayes. 6. After brief discussion it was moved by Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilwoman Dovey, to approve $4,225 for equipment and janitorial services to the Child Development Center. Motion carried, all ayes. Councilman Griffin stated that he could concur with the HRC recommen- dation for no funding to the Women's Resource Center. Councilwoman Dovey stated'that she would agree, however, she would request that HRC help coordinate the Women's Resource Center and other organizations who render some duplicated services and she suggested a workshop be put on to promote communication and coordination, discuss duplication issues and possibly learn grant application procedures. On motion of Councilman Griffin, seconded by Councilman Dunin, recom- mending no funding for the Women's Resource Center. Motion carried, all ayes. 8. After brief discussion it was moved by Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilman Griffin, to appropriate $1,109 to Friendship School to be used for camping locally in the San Luis Obispo area; at least 3 /5ths of the campers to be city residents, as recommended by the HRC. Motion carried, all ayes. Councilwoman Dovey stated that the Council:had made-a decision two months ago not to fund Grass Roots II for specific reasons which she felt were still valid. She continued that both HRC and PCC have specific guidelines for recommending funds for seed money.only and not supporting these programs on an ongoing basis. She felt that if the city wished to support any organization on an ongoing basis,-the city should be the one to hire the administrator. No grant money should 9. Councilman Dunin stated that he felt that the EOC should not be getting involved with the city. -They-.are a completely separate entity. He suggested that EOC work under the auspicious of the Human Relations Commission. He felt the EOC should be willing to organize a program towards getting all the organizations to pool together. He would urge EOC-to engage in some kind of program to solicit-funds, whereafter they could get those funds. After brief discussion it was moved by Councilwoman.Dovey, seconded by Councilman Dunin, that no funding be granted to EOC. Motion carried, all ayes. 10. Councilman Dunin gave a.brief history as to the original-funding for Grass Roots. He explained that Grass Roots was originally supported by the city with $900 for seed money. -Over a.period of years, the organization did not consider this as seed money, but rather it grew with both staff and programs. For several years there have been many problems with this organization. He continued that the Council took the action two years ago to fund the organization $6,000 for rent only, with the direction that the organization get their "house in order ". Further, Grass Roots II was to develop a better relationship between the HRC and Grass Roots II although there have been several chairpersons of HRC and presidents of Grass Roots II, there still seems to be the same problems as there were several years ago. HRC has still been.unable to come up with what Grass Roots II should be funded for, and he felt that a written policy should be developed by HRC as to policy and criteria that organizations could be expected to follow. He felt there should be a written policy by HRC about paying salaries for any organization except:for those under contract with the city. The city-could support Grass-Roots-program--or-pay the rent, but not the salaries: He did not feel the Grass Roots Board was being fair to- Maxine Lewis giving her the 'hope that the city would pay her salary. He reminded the Council, too, that they had given $10,000.to the)Salvation Army for services similar to those of Grass Roots-II and had suggested then-that the Grass Roots Il,maybe umbrella with that organization. Councilwoman Dovey stated that the Council:had made-a decision two months ago not to fund Grass Roots II for specific reasons which she felt were still valid. She continued that both HRC and PCC have specific guidelines for recommending funds for seed money.only and not supporting these programs on an ongoing basis. She felt that if the city wished to support any organization on an ongoing basis,-the city should be the one to hire the administrator. No grant money should City Council Minutes December 7, 1981 - 12:10 p.m. Page 6 be ear marked for salaries or personnel. She would not want'to give money to expand programs either. Councilman Griffin commended the HRC on their grant process this.year. He stated, however, he could not concur with its recommendation for Grass Roots II. He supported the Council's action in June not.to fund Grass Roots II and still supported that action. Councilman Settle stated he could support the HRC's recommendations, and he would also commend HRC on their efforts in attempting to come up with equitable grants. He would support the 4,350; he would not.like to see a blanket rule that the city would never pay for personnel.. He could also not make a blanket statement of never supporting proposed expansion programs. He would urge anybody who had applied for grants to look also to corporate means, as monies are continuing to get tight with public entities. Mayor Billig stated she could support the majority of the Council not to fund Grass Roots II. She shared their concerns as to the problems that Grass Roots II has had for some time. She felt that salaries for personnel or a general policy should be not supported. That would not be to say never but as a general rule. She would like HRC to make an analysis once -a -year on how its grant funds are used and would like to see them work out with the group to keep from duplicating services and efforts of other agencies. After brief discussion it was moved.by Councilwoman Dovey, seconded by Councilman Griffin, not to grant any funding for Grass Roots II for this budget year. Motion carried, Councilman Settle voting no. 11. After brief discussion it was moved by Councilman Griffin, seconded by Councilman Settle, to recommend $375 be paid to Central Coast Variety on a voucher basis. Motion carried, all ayes. Councilman Dunin commended HRC on their difficult task. He would suggest that HRC develop a set of criteria which each application must meet and, if there were a marginal situation, to first decide if the application should be reviewed at all. Criteria to be incorporated in the general guidelines and advertised as that,so that the people could come in, gather the information,.and get additional help, if needed, from HRC staff. Councilwoman Dovey suggested that HRC use a portion of their contingency monies for a workshop. Upon general consensus the Council would leave the $11,461.50 remaining in the contingency fund. 2. LAFCO DECISION ON POST OFFICE SITE Council discussed LAFCO approval of city proposed street annexation with condition that new post office facility be included. George Thacher, City Attorney, explained that some time back the Council had approved filing with LAFCO a proposal for annexation of portions of six streets. In August LAFCO approved the proposal with an amendment that the new Post Office facility on Madonna Road become part of that annexation. In October the Council protested inclusion of the Post Office and requested LAFCO to reconsider its position and to delete the Post Office facility. LAFCO refused by its resolution approving.city's public streets annexation on the condition that the Post Office facility be included. He gave the Council five options: 1. Adopt a resolution initiating proceedings to annex as.approved by LAFCO. 2. To do nothing, which would probably trigger LAFCO's discretion to send the matter to the Board of Supervisors. City Council Minutes December 7, 1981 - 12:10 p.m. Page 7 3. Adopt a resolution initiating proceedings but deleting the Post Office, which he recommended against. 4. Reapply to LAFCO for deletion of the Post Office facility, as done on October 6, 1981. 5. Adopt a resolution refusing to initiate proceedings, or withdrawing the application. 1 He stated if the City reapplies to LAFCO for deletion of the Post Office facility, LAFCO could hear it and delete it, or they could hear it and not delete but send it back with the same direction, or treat it as if the City had chosen to do nothing; and send it to the Board of Supervisors where the Council would have a chance to comment. He would recommend that option. Mayor Billig felt she could support legal action at this point as the city had acted in good faith and has been maintaining the streets, actually as a favor to the County and receiving very little benefit. She felt the city was in turn being treated very shabbily. Councilman Settle agreed, and he felt that this was a larger issue than just the Post Office annexation as the city has little or no say in this matter. George Thacher suggested that if it was not acted application stating that the city. City Council then discus which LAFCO obtained its that a note be placed on the preapplication on favorably, the City wished to withdraw the the street annexation was not that important to sed the membership on LAFCO and the procedure by membership. After brief discussion it was moved by Councilman Griffin, seconded by Councilman Settle, to authorize the City Attorney to prepare an application to LAFCO as outlined by the Attorney's Option 4. Further, to authorize the Mayor to sign. Motion carried, all ayes. There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Billig adjourned the meeting at 3:10 p.m. to Tuesday, December 8, 1981, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room. APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 1/5/82 1 amela Voges, C t Clerk