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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-26-2024 MCC Special City of San Bernardino 201 North E Street San Bernardino, CA 92401 http://www.sbcity.org Minutes For the Special Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Acting as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency, Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Acting as the Successor Housing Agency to the Redevelopment Agency, Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Acting as the Housing Authority, and Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Acting as the San Bernardino Joint Powers Financing Authority WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2024 6:45 PM The Special Meeting was called to order at 6:46 PM by Mayor Helen Tran on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Feldheym Central Library, San Bernardino, CA. Call to Order Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Mayor Helen Tran Council Members Theodore Sanchez Sandra Ibarra Juan Figueroa Fred Shorett Ben Reynoso Kimberly Calvin Damon L. Alexander Special Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 2 6:45 P.M. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor Robert D. Young from SB Pastors United led the invocation, and Council Member Juan Figueroa led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS LISTED ON THE AGENDA Dominic Antunez spoke about the last Mayor and City Council meeting, and the Pledge of Allegiance was not recited. Christian Flores spoke in support of the proposal to increase funding for community development and housing, as well as the general plan. He expressed the importance of developing affordable housing. Hector Flores, Warehouse Workers Resource Center, spoke in support of the proposal to increase funding for community development, housing, and the general plan. He also spoke about the challenges the community faces with the rising cost of rent. Georgia L. spoke about the budget and addressed the lack of support for Animal Services. Lydia Savala spoke and the Animal Services data in the budget, and the need to make the veterinarian position salary competitive. Tania Gonzalez, San Bernardino Airport communities, supported the proposal to increase funding for community development, housing, and the general plan. Sharon Negrete spoke about the budget for animal services and the veterinarian position's salary needing to increase. Alberto Hernandez spoke in support of the proposal to increase funding for community development, housing, and the general plan. Johnny Rodriguez spoke about how the homeless do not want to receive the help that the city offers. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Continuation of June 5, 2024, Public Hearing: Presentation of the City Manager’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2024/25 & Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget and Approval of the City Manager's FY 2025 & FY 2026 Operating Budget & CIP 2025­2029 (All Wards) Acting City Manager Rochelle Clayton presented the budget item to the Mayor and City Council. She recommended approving an amended recommendation adopting Resolution No. 2024-142 of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, approving the City of San Bernardino’s Fiscal Years 2024-25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan; Establish the City’s Appropriations Limit as required by Article XIIB of the California State Constitution; Adopt Resolution No. 2024- Special Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 3 143 of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, approving an amendment to the city-wide salary schedule for full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal positions; and formally approve any modifications made during the Public Hearing to be incorporated into the City of San Bernardino’s Fiscal Years 2024/25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan and included as part of the final adopted budgets. The amended recommendation from staff was to change from adopting a biennial budget to a one-year budget, allowing Acting City Manager Clayton time to review the budget and bring back an assessment. Council Member Sanchez requested to review budget by department in reference to the budget book. Council Member Sanchez made several motions amending the staff’s recommendation. This motion was later rescinded. RESULT: REMOVE OF THE ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IN THE MAYOR’S OFFICE [5­1] MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Fred Shorett, Mayor Pro-Tem, Ward 4 AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Calvin, and Alexander NOES: Sandra Ibarra ABSENT: Ben Reynoso Council Member Sanchez discussed a recommendation regarding the addition of two administrative assistant positions for the Council Office. He made a motion to delay creating the proposed positions, stating the need to remain fiscally responsible and stay within projected revenue limits. The motion was seconded by Council Member Figueroa. Council Member Ibarra made a substitute motion to move forward with creating both positions stating that staffing levels in the Council Office had significantly declined over the years. Council Member Alexander made an amendment to approve only one of the two positions for the time being. RESULT: APPROVED ONLY ONE ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IN THE CITY COUNCIL’S OFFICE [4­2] MOVER: Sandra Ibarra, Council Member, Ward 2 SECONDER: Kimberly Calvin, Council Member, Ward 6 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Calvin, and Alexander NOES: Figueroa and Shorett ABSENT: Ben Reynoso Special Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 4 The Council discussed the unassigned fund balance, noting it ranged from $4 to $8 million. A proposal was made to set aside $4 million to $5 million annually for five years to fund City Hall redevelopment, whether for demolition or rehabilitation. The City Manager was tasked with bringing back options based on industry standards for reserve policies. Council Member Sanchez asked staff to amend the policy on Budget Transfers. He stated transfers should come before the council for approval. The Council discussed proposed increases in the Mayor’s Office budget, specifically Account 5111 – Materials and Supplies, which was proposed to increase from $2,000 to $9,100. The increase was initially justified by the need to replace furniture and accommodate an additional staff position. However, since the added position was no longer included in the budget, it was agreed to reduce the line item back to $2,000. Other items reviewed included advertising, mileage, printing, copy charges, and postage. The "Civic and Promotional" line, budgeted at $14,960, was discussed in relation to certificate costs. It was noted that all certificates currently go through the Mayor’s Office, but the Council discussed reallocating certificate costs between the Mayor and Council Offices for clarity and shared responsibility moving forward. Council Member Sanchez made a motion to adopt the same funding from the approved Fiscal Year 2023/2024 budget to the new Fiscal Year 2024/2025 for the Mayor’s Office for the following accounts: 5111 materials and supplies, 5121 advertising, 5131 mileage, 5174 printing charges, 5175 postage, 5176 copy machine charges, and 5186 civic and promotional. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Shorett. RESULT: ADOPTED THE SAME FUNDING FROM THE APPROVED FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 BUDGET TO THE NEW FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 FOR THE MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR THE FOLLOWING ACCOUNTS: 5111 MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES, 5121 ADVERTISING, 5131 MILEAGE, 5174 PRINTING CHARGES, 5175 POSTAGE, 5176 COPY MACHINE CHARGES, AND 5186 CIVIC AND PROMOTIONAL [5­1] MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Fred Shorett, Mayor Pro-Tem, Ward 4 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, and Calvin NOES: Damon Alexander ABSENT: Ben Reynoso Council Member Sanchez discussed concerns on the lack of funding for Economic Development and Housing, account 8810 Professional Contractual Service Nuisance Abatement, in the Budget Book, page 62. Special Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 5 RESULT: DIRECTED STAFF TO RETURN TO THE COUNCIL WITH THE DETAILED BUDGET ACTION THAT WAS ROLLED OVER, THE RATE OF EXPENDITURES, AND HOW MUCH STAFF RECOMMENDS CONTINUING TO WORK AT THE CURRENT RATE OR FASTER, IF NECESSARY [6­0] MOVER: Theodore Sanchez Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Calvin, and Alexander ABSENT: Ben Reynoso Council Member Sanchez inquired about Finance account 0155 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in the Budget Book, page 67. He asked staff for performance metrics for this program. Council Member Figueroa raised concern about the lack of clear leadership and accountability within the department. This led to questions about the justification for a significant increase in the department’s travel budget. Acting City Manager Clayton stated that staff would bring back more information at a future workshop, with specific certifications that have been issued to the small businesses. Assistant City Attorney Jason Baltimore suggested that the City Council address their budget concerns to staff and allow staff to come back with the necessary information and advised the City Council they could amend the budget in the future. RESULT: DIRECTED STAFF TO RETURN TO THE COUNCIL WITH A FULL VETTING PROCESS FOR THE DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE [6­0] MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Damon Alexander, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Calvin, and Alexander ABSENT: Ben Reynoso Council Member Calvin stated that the Mayor and City Council have many concerns about the budget being presented. She motioned to conduct a forensic audit and assessment of the budget. RESULT: DIRECTED STAFF TO CONDUCT A FORENSIC AUDIT AND ASSESSMENT [6­0] MOVER: Kimberly Calvin, Council Member, Ward 6 SECONDER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Calvin, and Alexander ABSENT: Ben Reynoso Special Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 6 Council Member Sanchez directed staff to come back with a comprehensive list of everything regarding Budget Book page 69, accounts 8987: Nerve Center and 8988: Investment Playbook. He also referenced the budget book on page 121 and asked for more information on the position of the Ombudsperson; he would like to unfund the position. He also noted that the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer position had been vacant for some time; he asked for more information on whether this should be a funded position. He also requested that Acting City Manager Clayton assess the City Manager Department’s staffing levels. At this time, Council Member Ibarra left the dais at 8:48 PM. RESULT: DIRECTED ACTING CITY MANAGER TO COME BACK WITH ASSESSMENTS ON THE VARIOUS DIVISIONS AND LINE ITEMS AND RETURN TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH A RECOMMENDATION [5­0] MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Damon Alexander, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Calvin, and Alexander ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra, Ben Reynoso Council Member Sanchez requested more information regarding the following Public Works Department accounts and why they were not funded; 0156: Homeless Encampment, 0978: OPP Grant, 0981: TCU Grant, and 0920: Graffiti Abatement budget book, page 424. Council Member Sanchez made a motion to reconsider his vote for the additional position for the Council Office. Council Member Figueroa seconded the motion. RESULT: APPROVED COUNCIL MEMBER SANCHEZ’S RECONSIDERATION OF HIS VOTE FOR THE ADDITIONAL COUNCIL OFFICE POSITION [5­0] MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Juan Figueroa, Council Member, Ward 3 AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Calvin, and Alexander ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra, Ben Reynoso Council Member Sanchez mentioned that no additional staff be added to the council office at this point. Council Member Figueroa seconded the motion. Special Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 7 RESULT: APPROVED NOT ADDING ADDITIONAL STAFF FOR THE COUNCIL OFFICE [3­2] MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Juan Figueroa, Council Member, Ward 3 AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, and Shorett NOES: Calvin, Alexander ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra, Ben Reynoso Council Member Sanchez made the motion to adopt the proposed budget with the amendments made by the council. Council Member Figueroa seconded the motion. RESULT: ADOPTED THE PROPOSED AMENDED BUDGET PRESENTED BY ACTING CITY MANAGER CLAYTON WITH THE ADDITIONAL AMENDED ITEMS PROPOSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, WHICH ELIMINATED ADDITIONAL STAFF IN THE CITY COUNCIL OFFICE AND MAYOR'S OFFICE, AMENDED THE MAYOR'S 2024/25 BUDGET TO REVERT BACK TO THE FUNDING ADOPTED FOR 2023/24. DIRECTED STAFF TO ADDRESS COUNCIL CONCERNS REGARDING THE BUDGET IN AN ASSESSMENT TO BE BROUGHT BACK ON SEPTEMBER 18TH AND ADOPTED RESOLUTION NOS. 2024­142 AND 2024­143. [5­ 0] MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Juan Figueroa, Council Member, Ward 3 AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Calvin and Alexander ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra, Ben Reynoso ADJOURNMENT The Special meeting of the Mayor and City Council was adjourned on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 9:24 PM. The Mayor and City Council will adjourn to a Regular Meeting to be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the Feldheym Central Library located at 555 West 6th Street, San Bernardino, California 92401. Closed Session will begin at 4:00 p.m., and Open Session will begin at 5:00 p.m. By: Telicia Lopez Telicia Lopez, CMC, Acting City Clerk