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