Dear friends,
The last budget study session was interesting to say the least. Add to that the interview that Delgado gave to Cchannels 46 & 35, and we have bumpy roads ahead.
Delgado's vision appears to keep Ord property sales money and rental income from the Preston Park and Abrahms Housing areas from being added to the City’s general fund revenues. Delgado would like to use Preston rental income to build parks and improve open space in the Preston Park area. The same pertains to Abrahms Park. The millions the city will be getting from the Dunes Development for land sales, (aprox. 24 million dollars) will only be used for parks and open space on the Ord property. And possibly fund projects approved by council, but definitely not used for day to day city operations.
These measures would reduce the city's available resources to less than 5 million dollars annually.
This would mean drastic cuts in personnel, programs and the level of service the City currently provides to it's citizens.
The City is currently operating with 92 employees and a budget of 15 million annually, serving 21K citizens. The city of Monterey for example operates with over 500 employees, on a budget over 50 million, serving 25K citizens.
I truly believe that Marina is providing the best level of service possible for the size of budget we currently have. I also believe that further reductions in City staff or City programs will drastically affect the quality of life of our citizens. It will also allow the un-desired gang and crime levels to rise and this will have a direct impact on day to day life of all ages.
The easy and quick solutions are not always the best solutions. Cutting personnel is easy, and does not address the problem at hand. Finding and raising revenues to the City will be difficult but it will solve the problem.
Our citizens long ago expressed themselves by establishing a fire department long before we became a city. And a couple of years ago the citizens again expressed the disire to split the Public Safety program into separate Police and Fire Departments.
During the next couple of months the City Council will be reviewing the 2009-10 City budget. Input from the citizens will be critical in guiding the City Council during this process. Now is the time to be involved, now is the time to care. Now is the time to guide the City through this economic downturn.
Together, we can do this.
Dave McCall
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
February 18th, 2009 City Council meeting
February 18th, 2008 Council meeting.
Council’s first item was to discuss how to approach the Cypress Knolls re-bid. As the original developer is no longer with us, we must decide on how best to proceed. Mayor Delgado was in favor of holding a design charet which could cost the city $20,000 to $30,000, and councilman McCall was in favor of holding a public study session which would cost less than $100. With the approval of Councilman McCall’s motion the city will start with a study session and if no clear direction can be reached then a feasibility study will be held to inform council the potential costs for exceeding the EIR and land entitlements in which over one million dollars has been invested.
The next item was placed on the agenda, by Councilman McCall, to discuss at a future council meeting, the policy and procedures used to appoint members of the public to commissions. As there have been questions raised by the public as to the politics involved.
Council approved a contract to complete the Bicycle and Pedestrian master plan at a cost of $18,000 .
Council approved an agreement with HDL and Associates for examine sales and tax records to verify Marina is being paid all owed taxes from the County and from the State. This will not be a cost to the city, as the agency shares in the monies collected.
The City received grant money to purchase and install 7 exhaust extraction systems for the fire trucks. This allows the trucks to idle in the station while being worked on.
Council approved repairing the fire extinguishing system at the Marina Airport at a cost of $22,000.
Council released 3 million dollars in bonds to Marina Heights for infrastructure work completed.
Council received a presentation on the United Nations Environmental Accord. Only 4% of the city agencies in the U.S. have signed the Accord and it is unknown how many have signed outside the U.S. The U.N. Accord appears to have the potential to cost the City over $100K per year.
Councilman McCall has been asking for several months now, to have a ad-hoc committee investigate the need for a temporary sign ordinance, or a relief from over stringent regulations during this time of economic uncertainty. To assist business local business owners who provide jobs, shopping opportunities for citizens, and the much needed revenue to the City. Council appointed Mayor Delgado and Councilman Ford.
Council also appointed McCall and Gray to another Ad-Hoc committee to review the current uses of public parkland of which the equestrian center also uses.
Council’s first item was to discuss how to approach the Cypress Knolls re-bid. As the original developer is no longer with us, we must decide on how best to proceed. Mayor Delgado was in favor of holding a design charet which could cost the city $20,000 to $30,000, and councilman McCall was in favor of holding a public study session which would cost less than $100. With the approval of Councilman McCall’s motion the city will start with a study session and if no clear direction can be reached then a feasibility study will be held to inform council the potential costs for exceeding the EIR and land entitlements in which over one million dollars has been invested.
The next item was placed on the agenda, by Councilman McCall, to discuss at a future council meeting, the policy and procedures used to appoint members of the public to commissions. As there have been questions raised by the public as to the politics involved.
Council approved a contract to complete the Bicycle and Pedestrian master plan at a cost of $18,000 .
Council approved an agreement with HDL and Associates for examine sales and tax records to verify Marina is being paid all owed taxes from the County and from the State. This will not be a cost to the city, as the agency shares in the monies collected.
The City received grant money to purchase and install 7 exhaust extraction systems for the fire trucks. This allows the trucks to idle in the station while being worked on.
Council approved repairing the fire extinguishing system at the Marina Airport at a cost of $22,000.
Council released 3 million dollars in bonds to Marina Heights for infrastructure work completed.
Council received a presentation on the United Nations Environmental Accord. Only 4% of the city agencies in the U.S. have signed the Accord and it is unknown how many have signed outside the U.S. The U.N. Accord appears to have the potential to cost the City over $100K per year.
Councilman McCall has been asking for several months now, to have a ad-hoc committee investigate the need for a temporary sign ordinance, or a relief from over stringent regulations during this time of economic uncertainty. To assist business local business owners who provide jobs, shopping opportunities for citizens, and the much needed revenue to the City. Council appointed Mayor Delgado and Councilman Ford.
Council also appointed McCall and Gray to another Ad-Hoc committee to review the current uses of public parkland of which the equestrian center also uses.
February 3rd, 2009 City Council meeting.
February 3rd, 2009 Council meeting.
Council approved a firefighter grant for $57,505.00.
Approved co-sponsorship of American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Marina. Council received report from the Transportation Agency of Monterey County.
Council discussed possibilities of future rail or rapid bus routes to serve our community. Although the Mayor was leaning towards trains bringing visitors into our area which may cost 168 million dollars.
Councilman McCall voiced concern of higher taxes that the rail would cost, and hoped to see rapid bus lanes installed to move citizens thru traffic areas faster and cheaper.
Council received a report from the mobile home ad hoc committee on a process and timeline for the council to receive additional information and take public comments. Council decided to set a 6 hour Saturday meeting to receive information, take public comment, and make a decision regarding rent control in the mobile home parks. Council received report from staff and approved demolition of the Del Monte Bridge at a cost of $81K. Due to the poor condition of the bridge it must be removed. Council’s next item was not completed, and was carried over to the next agenda as well as 4 other items.
In regards to the Cypress Knolls Project, Council must decide which direction to go with the current design. Either out to bid or in the trashcan.
Council approved a firefighter grant for $57,505.00.
Approved co-sponsorship of American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Marina. Council received report from the Transportation Agency of Monterey County.
Council discussed possibilities of future rail or rapid bus routes to serve our community. Although the Mayor was leaning towards trains bringing visitors into our area which may cost 168 million dollars.
Councilman McCall voiced concern of higher taxes that the rail would cost, and hoped to see rapid bus lanes installed to move citizens thru traffic areas faster and cheaper.
Council received a report from the mobile home ad hoc committee on a process and timeline for the council to receive additional information and take public comments. Council decided to set a 6 hour Saturday meeting to receive information, take public comment, and make a decision regarding rent control in the mobile home parks. Council received report from staff and approved demolition of the Del Monte Bridge at a cost of $81K. Due to the poor condition of the bridge it must be removed. Council’s next item was not completed, and was carried over to the next agenda as well as 4 other items.
In regards to the Cypress Knolls Project, Council must decide which direction to go with the current design. Either out to bid or in the trashcan.
Jan 20th, 2009, City Council meeting
Jan 20th, 2009 Council meeting.
4 items were pulled from the consent agenda for additional information.
Council approved a contract with Justus Inc. to represent Marina with MPUSD school facilities development, financing and planning for Marina’s future growth.
Council approved the release of the EIR to study Marina’s Downtown.
Council approved appointments to various commissions, however councilman McCall voiced concerns that not all information needed to make a decision was included in the packets. However, council took action to approve appointments.
Mayor Delgado recommended to council to change the Mayor Pro Tem from Dave McCall to Ken Gray. Council approved.
Council approved hiring of Ms. Lai as Marina’s finance Director.
Council discussed an item raised by Councilman O’Connell to extend the 3 min rule. A lot of public comment was received but no decision was reached at this time.
Council did not have enough time to complete all agenda items, and those items were carried over to the next meeting.
4 items were pulled from the consent agenda for additional information.
Council approved a contract with Justus Inc. to represent Marina with MPUSD school facilities development, financing and planning for Marina’s future growth.
Council approved the release of the EIR to study Marina’s Downtown.
Council approved appointments to various commissions, however councilman McCall voiced concerns that not all information needed to make a decision was included in the packets. However, council took action to approve appointments.
Mayor Delgado recommended to council to change the Mayor Pro Tem from Dave McCall to Ken Gray. Council approved.
Council approved hiring of Ms. Lai as Marina’s finance Director.
Council discussed an item raised by Councilman O’Connell to extend the 3 min rule. A lot of public comment was received but no decision was reached at this time.
Council did not have enough time to complete all agenda items, and those items were carried over to the next meeting.
Jan 6th, 2009 Council meeting
Jan 6th, 2009 Council meeting.
Our first meeting of the year entailed adopting a 5 year capital improvement project plan for the Marina Airport.
Purchased a new roof heating unit for the public safety building.
Extended an agreement for our financial consultant, which was a drawn out process, as councilman Frank O’Connell did not wish to pay the wages stated for the new contract. With Richard Standridge leading our finance department, the city received an unqualified audit. No penalties, no errors. After much discussion, the Council approved the new contract 4 votes to 1 vote.
Council scheduled the team building workshop, which is now available on line at AMP.ORG.
The Mayor made recommendations for council members to serve on the various commissions and committees, which were accepted by the council.
Our first meeting of the year entailed adopting a 5 year capital improvement project plan for the Marina Airport.
Purchased a new roof heating unit for the public safety building.
Extended an agreement for our financial consultant, which was a drawn out process, as councilman Frank O’Connell did not wish to pay the wages stated for the new contract. With Richard Standridge leading our finance department, the city received an unqualified audit. No penalties, no errors. After much discussion, the Council approved the new contract 4 votes to 1 vote.
Council scheduled the team building workshop, which is now available on line at AMP.ORG.
The Mayor made recommendations for council members to serve on the various commissions and committees, which were accepted by the council.
Dec 16th, 2008 Council meeting.
Dec 16th, 2008 Council meeting.
Mayor Gary Wilmot opened the meeting with Councilman McCall, Ford, Gray, and Amadeo present. Then the new two members were sworn in. Mayor Bruce Delgado presided over the rest of the council meeting with new councilman Frank O’Connell as well as McCall, Ford and Gray.
Council received an update from the chair of the MPUSD advisory committee, Lara Ferry Graham, on school facilities, joint use agreements, field uses, and progress towards building a new Marina High School.
Council then received a staff report on the ’08 – ’09 city budget. Our city manager is doing an excellent job of controlling city expenditures. Our city budget is 10% below the expected year to date expenditures. Good Job!
Mayor Delgado wanted council to consider future new agenda items such as mobile home park rent stabilization, mobile home-related matters, sign matters, landscape maintenance district budgets, and the city employee “PERS” retirement system.
Council decided that Rent stabilization was already in the consultant’s hands and we would wait for their reports. Landscape district items would come up during the budget. And the PERS discussion was short as Councilmen McCall and Ford were opposed to the matter.
Council also approved the “Avoid the Eighteen DUI Campaign – Monterey County” program. Accepting State grant funds to reimburse costs and expenses incurred by Marina Police.
Council approved a contract extension for Monterey Bay Karters, for continued use of the airport tarmac. A great event for all ages.
Mayor Gary Wilmot opened the meeting with Councilman McCall, Ford, Gray, and Amadeo present. Then the new two members were sworn in. Mayor Bruce Delgado presided over the rest of the council meeting with new councilman Frank O’Connell as well as McCall, Ford and Gray.
Council received an update from the chair of the MPUSD advisory committee, Lara Ferry Graham, on school facilities, joint use agreements, field uses, and progress towards building a new Marina High School.
Council then received a staff report on the ’08 – ’09 city budget. Our city manager is doing an excellent job of controlling city expenditures. Our city budget is 10% below the expected year to date expenditures. Good Job!
Mayor Delgado wanted council to consider future new agenda items such as mobile home park rent stabilization, mobile home-related matters, sign matters, landscape maintenance district budgets, and the city employee “PERS” retirement system.
Council decided that Rent stabilization was already in the consultant’s hands and we would wait for their reports. Landscape district items would come up during the budget. And the PERS discussion was short as Councilmen McCall and Ford were opposed to the matter.
Council also approved the “Avoid the Eighteen DUI Campaign – Monterey County” program. Accepting State grant funds to reimburse costs and expenses incurred by Marina Police.
Council approved a contract extension for Monterey Bay Karters, for continued use of the airport tarmac. A great event for all ages.
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