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17
CITY OF CARLSBAD -AGENDA BILL m: DEPT. HD. 6
BALLOT MEASURE REGARDING
CARLSBAD'S EXPENDITURE LIMIT CITY ATTY. ; 12,
CITY MGR QiL
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
If Council desires to place a measure on the ballot for the November 2002 election repealing the
Expenditure Limit, the actions required are:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-227 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of San
Diego to consolidate a municipal election to be held in the City of Carlsbad on Tuesday, the 5*
of November 2002 with any other elections to be held on that date pursuant to Section 23302 of
the Elections code. (Must be adopted for either measure)
2. Adopt Resolution No.2002-228 providing for and giving notice of the holding of a Municipal
Election to be held on Tuesday the 5Ih day of November, 2002 for the purpose of submitting to
the qualified voters a measure asking the voters if the Expenditure Limitation Chapter 1.24 shall
be repealed.
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-229 directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis of a
measure asking the voters if the Expenditure Limitation Chapter 1.24 shall be repealed.
4. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-230 authorizing certain of its members to file a written argument
regarding the repeal of the Expenditure Limitation in Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 1.24
If Council desires to place a measure on the ballot for the November 2002 election to authorize the
2xpenditure of more than $1 million on certain capital facilities, the actions required are:
5. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-231 providing for and giving notice of the holding of a Municipal
Election on Tuesday the 5Ih day of November, 2002 for the purpose of submitting to the
qualified voters a measure authorizing the expenditure of funds for certain capital facilities.
6. Adopt Resolution No.2002-232 directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis of a
measure asking the voters to authorize the expenditure of funds for certain capital facilities.
7. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-233 authorizing certain of its members to file a written argument
regarding the authorization of the expenditure of funds for certain capital facilities.
TEM EXPLANATION:
The General fund is the largest fund in the City and pays for most general City services including
police, fire, recreation, libraries, and public works. The City's available General fund balance (often
called the "reserve") is projected to total $73 million by the end of the fiscal year 2001-02. Council
has indcated an interest in using some of the General fund balance for a variety of projects.
One of the issues in spending the General fund balance in the past has been Carlsbad's
Expenditure Limit (Proposition H). The Limit was voted into place in 1982 and states:
"The city shall make no real property acquisition andlor no improvement to real
property the cost of which exceeds one million dollars in city funds, unless the
proposed acquisition and/or improvement project and the cost in city funds is first
PAGE 2 OF AGENDA BILL NO. w'k[
placed upon the ballot and approved by a majority of the voters voting thereon at an
election."
Thus, Council has not been able to spend more than $1 million on any major projects without first
gaining approval through a vote of the citizens. Further information about the Expenditure Limit and
Council's options for the use of the General fund balance can be found in the attached memo
(Exhibit 1).
There are several options available to Council by which approval can be obtained to spend more
than $1 million on major projects involving real property. These options include:
1) Repeal the Expenditure Limit
2) Obtain authorization for certain projects
3) Do Both. Repeal the Limit and obtain authorization for certain projects - This would be
accomplished by placing two propositions on the ballot: one to repeal the Limit and the
other is to authorize spending more than 51 million on a list of projects.
If Council chooses to place an initiative on the November 5, 2002 ballot, Council action is required
on or before August 9, 2002 to successfully meet the deadline for submission of all documents to
the County Registrar of Voters. Staff has drafted the ballot language and the necessary
resolutions for two possible measures that could go on the ballot for the November election.
Council may adopt either or both of these measures or revise the language if necessary.
Once the language for the ballot measure is adopted, the remaining steps include:
1. The City Attorney would prepare and submit the Impartial Analysis by August 19th. The
resolutions in Exhibits 3 and 6 direct the City Attorney to take this action.
2. Council will need to provide the arguments "in favor". The resolutions in Exhibits 4 and 7
will authorize certain Council Members to provide such arguments. Council will need to
indicate which Council Members are authorized in the resolutions.
3. Any individual voter, association of citizens or any combination of voters and associations
may write arguments in support or in opposition to the measures. Those in opposition
need to follow Council's actions and adhere to the submission schedule published by the
City Clerk.
4. Next, there is an argument rebuttal period. As the elections official, the City Clerk
establishes the timing of Arguments and Rebuttals and publishes a notice containing the
information. The Clerk intends to establish the following schedule:
a. By August 19th, arguments are due for or against the measure.
5. All of these steps need to be completed and the documents sent to the Registrar by
b. By August 29th, rebuttals are due.
August 30, in preparation for the public review period, which begins September 2.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost to submit these propositions for the ballot on November 2002 is estimated at $20,000.
There are sufficient funds in the City Clerks budget to pay for the costs.
If the repeal of the Expenditure Limit (or both measures) is approved by the voters, the City Council
will be able to spend more than $1 million in general city funds on any legally allowable project. If
will only be able to spend more than more than $1 million in general city funds on the projects listed
only the measure authorizing spending funds on certain capital facilities is approved, then Council
PAGE 3 OF AGENDA BILL NO. 16,84'
in the measure. In both cases, the projects will still be subject to standard City review and approval
processes. Council will need to approve the design and construction of the project and appropriate
any necessary funds once an estimate of the cost is determined. These measures do not, in and
of themselves, authorize the expenditure of any city funds.
As of the end of this fiscal year, the available General fund balance will total approximately $73
million. This is 88% of the City's annual budget for fiscal year 2002-03 (reserve levels are typically
measured in terms of percentage of annual budget). It is essential that the City maintain an
adequate General fund balance to cover forecasted expenditures and mitigate future risks (e.g.,
revenue shortfalls and unanticipated expenditures) in order to ensure the financial health of the
City. The amount that is necessary is dependent on a number of factors including the health of the
economy and the state, predictability of local revenues, the level of expenditures and the amounts
deemed necessary to assist in times of a major emergency.
approximately $43 million or 50% of the fiscal year 2002-03 budget available. This should be
Council could spend up to $30 million of the General fund balance on major projects and still have
sufficient to protect against uncertainties in revenues and expenditures as well as provide funds in
case of an emergency.
EXHIBITS:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-227 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of San
Diego to consolidate a municipal election to be held in the City of Carlsbad on Tuesday, the 5Ih
of November 2002 with any other elections to be held on that date pursuant to Section 23302 of
the Elections code.
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-228 providing for and giving notice of the holding of a Municipal
Election to be held on Tuesday the 5Ih day of November, 2002 for the purpose of submitting to
the qualified voters a measure asking the voters if the Expenditure Limitation Chapter 1.24 shall
be repealed.
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-229 directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis of a
measure asking the voters if the Expenditure Limitation Chapter 1.24 shall be repealed.
4. Adopt Resolution No.2002-230 authorizing certain of its members to file a written argument
regarding the repeal of the Expenditure Limitation in Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 1.24
5. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-231 providing for and giving notice of the holding of a Municipal
Election on Tuesday the 5" day of November, 2002 for the purpose of submitting to the
qualified voters a measure authorizing the expenditure of funds for certain capital facilities.
6. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-232 directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis of a
measure asking the voters to authorize the expenditure of funds for certain capital facilities.
7. Adopt Resolution No. 20~~2-2~~ authorizing certain members to file a written argument
regarding the authorization of the expenditure of funds for certain capital facilities.
8. Memo on the General Fund Balance
3
RESOLUTION N0.2002-227
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO TO
CONSOLIDATE A MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE
CITY OF CARLSBAD ON TUESDAY, THE 5" DAY OF
NOVEMBER, 2002 WITH ANY OTHER ELECTIONS TO BE HELD
ON THAT DATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 23302 OF THE
ELECTIONS CODE.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, did on July 9, 2002,
adopt Resolution No. 2002-196 calling for the Board of Supervisors of the County of
San Diego to consolidate a general municipal election for the purpose of electing
municipal officers, to be held in the City of Carlsbad on Tuesday, November 5, 2002,
with the statewide general election to be held on that date pursuant to section 10400 of
the Elections Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is submitting to the voters the question
relating to repealing Chapter 1.24 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is also submitting to the voters the question
relating to authorizing the expenditure of funds exceeding $1 million for the construction
of capital facilities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That pursuant to the above cited provisions, the Board of Supervisors
of the County of San Diego is hereby requested to permit the Registrar of Voters to
perform and render all services and proceedings incidental to, and connected with, the
4
conduct of the subject election of the City of Carlsbad, with cooperation and assistance
of the City Clerk of the City of Carlsbad, as set forth in Resolution No. 2002-196.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of Carlsbad held on the 23rd
JULY ,2002 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members Lewis, Nygaard
NOES: Council Member Hall
ABSENT: Council Members
/
(SEAL)/
sge 2 of 2 of Resolution No. 2002-227
day of
5
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-228
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, CALLING, ORDERING, PROVIDING
FOR AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A MUNICIPAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SAID CITY ON TUESDAY THE gTH
DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2002 FOR THE PURPOSE OF
SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF SAID CITY A
MEASURE ASKING THE VOTERS IF THE EXPENDITURE
LIMITATION CHAPTER 1.24 SHALL BE REPEALED.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad desires to submit to
the qualified voters of said City a measure to repeal Chapter 1.24 of the Carlsbad
Municipal Code: and
WHEREAS, Chapter 1.24 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code and guidelines
adopted for implementation require capital projects costing in excess of $1 million in tax
monies to be placed on the ballot and approved by a majority of voters voting thereon
at an election: and
WHEREAS, the expenditure limitation has contributed to a general fund
reserve balance which could be used to help pay for future capital facilities as
determined by the City Council without voter approval for each project if that
expenditure limitation were repealed: and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad is authorized to
submit such Ordinance and Measure to the qualified voters:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad, California, does hereby declare and determine and order as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That pursuant to the requirements of the laws of the State of California
relating to General Law .Cities, there is called and ordered to be held in the City of
1 (5
Carlsbad, California, on Tuesday November 5, 2002, a Municipal Election for the
purpose of presenting a Measure relating to the expenditure of funds for the
construction of recreational facilities;
3. That said City Council, pursuant to its right and authority to do so,
does order submitted to the qualified voters of the City at said Election, the following
question:
SHALL THE EXPENDITURE LIMITATION SET FORTH IN
CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 1.24
YES
NO (PROPOSITION H, ADOPTED 1982) BE REPEALED?
4. That the ballots to be used at the election shall be in the form and
content as required by law.
5. That the City Clerk is authorized, instructed and directed to procure
and furnish any and all official ballots, notices, printed matter, supplies and equipment
that may be necessary in order to properly and lawfully conduct the election.
6. That the polls for the election shall be open at seven o'clock a.m. of
the day of the election and shall remain open continuously from that time until eight
o'clock p.m. of the same day when the polls shall be closed, except as provided in
Section 14401 of the Elections Code of the State of California.
7. That in all particulars not recited in this resolution, the election shall be
held and conducted as provided by law for holding municipal elections.
8. That notice of the time and place of holding the election is given and
the City Clerk is authorized, instructed, and directed to give further or additional notice
of said election, in the time, form and manner as required by law.
esolution No. 2002-228 2
6. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this
Resolution; and shall enter the same into the file of Original Resolutions.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of Carlsbad held on the day of JULY
2002 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members Lewis, Nygaard
NOES: Council Member Hall i
ABSENT: Council Members
Resolution No. 2002-228 3 8
RESOLUTION NO. ~~02-229
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY
TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF A MEASURE
ASKING THE VOTERS IF THE EXPENDITURE LIMITATION
CHAPTER 1.24 SHALL BE REPEALED.
WHEREAS, a municipal election is to be held in the City of Carlsbad,
California, on November 5, 2002, at which there will be submitted to the qualified voters
the following measure, to wit;
SHALL THE EXPENDITURE LIMITATION SET FORTH IN YES
CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 1.24
(PROPOSITION H, ADOPTED 1982) BE REPEALED? NO
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to have an impartial analysis
prepared showing the effect of the measure on existing law and the operation of the
measure,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad, California, as follows:
1. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 9280 of the Elections Code of
the State of California, this City Council does direct the City Attorney to prepare an
impartial analysis of the measure.
2. That the impartial analysis shall not exceed 500 words in length.
3. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of the
Resolution; and shall enter the same in the file of Original Resolutions.
Ill
1 4
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of Carlsbad held on the 23rd day of JULY
2002 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members Lewis, Nygaard
NOES: Council Member Hall
ABSENT: Council Memb
n
(SEAL 4
.esolution No. 2002-229 2
RESOLUTION N0.2002-230
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OF ITS
MEMBERS TO FILE A WRITTEN ARGUMENT REGARDING THE
REPEAL OF THE EXPENDITURE LIMITATION IN CARLSBAD
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 1.24.
WHEREAS, a Municipal Election is to be held in the City of Carlsbad,
California on November 5, 2002, at which there will be submitted to the voters the
following measure:
SHALL THE EXPENDITURE LIMITATION SET FORTH IN
CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 1.24
YES
NO (PROPOSITION H, ADOPTED 1982) BE REPEALED?
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City
of Carlsbad, California, does declare, determine and order as follows:
1. That the above recitation is true and correct.
2. That the City Council authorizes
to file written arguments regarding the City measures set forth in the recitals hereof in
accordance with Article 4, Chapter 3, Division 9 of the Elections Code of the State of
California, commencing with Elections Code section 9280, and to change the
arguments until and including the date fixed by the City Clerk after which no arguments
for or against said City measures may be submitted to the City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of Carlsbad held on the - day of ,2002 by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT
CLAUDE A. LEWIS, Mayor
LORRAINE M. WOOD, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Page 2 of 2 of Resolution No. 2002-230
RESOLUTION ~0.2002-231
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD.
CALIFORNIA, CALLING, ORDERING, PROVIDING FOR AND GIVING
NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD
IN SAID CITY ON TUESDAY THE gTH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2002 FOR
THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF
SAID CITY A MEASURE AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF
FUNDS FOR CERTAIN CAPITAL FACILITIES
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad desires to submit to
the qualified voters of said City a measure to authorize the expenditure of funds for the
construction of capital facilities, the cost of which will exceed $1 million; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 1.24 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code and guidelines
adopted for implementation require capital projects costing in excess of $1 million in tax
monies to be placed on the ballot and approved by a majority of voters voting thereon
at an election; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad is authorized to
submit such Ordinances or Measures to the qualified voters;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City
of Carlsbad, California, does hereby declare and determine and order as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That pursuant to the requirements of the laws of the State of California
relating to General Law Cities, there is called and ordered to be held in the City of
Carlsbad, California, on Tuesday November 5, 2002, a Municipal Election for the
purpose of presenting a Measure relating to the expenditure of funds for the
construction of capital facilities;
1
3. That said City Council, pursuant to its right and authority to do so,
does order submitted to the qualified voters of the City at said Election, the following
question:
DO THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD APPROVE
SPENDING CITY FUNDS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES
YES
MILLION TO CONSTRUCT CAPITAL FACILITIES INCLUDING
INCLUDING THE GENERAL FUND IN AN AMOUNT OVER $1
A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, TRAILS LINKAGES AND
OPEN SPACE, A CITYKAFETY TRAINING FACILITY AND A
4)?
NO PORTION OF CANNON ROAD, EAST OF COLLEGE (REACH
1. That the ballots to be used at the election shall be in the form and
content as required by law.
2. That the City Clerk is authorized, insttucted and directed to procure
and furnish any and all official ballots, notices, printed matter, supplies and equipment
that may be necessary in order to properly and lawfully conduct the election.
3. That the polls for the election shall be open at seven o'clock a.m. on
the day of the election and shall remain open continuously from that time until eight
o'clock p.m. of the same day when the polls shall be closed, except as provided in
Section 14401 of the Elections Code of the State of California.
4. That in all particulars not recited in this resolution, the election shall be
held and conducted as provided by law for holding municipal elections.
5. That notice of the time and place of holding the election is given and
the City Clerk is authorized, instructed, and directed to give further or additional notice
of said election, in the time, form and manner as required by law.
!solution No. 2002-231 2
6. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this
Resolution; and shall enter the same into the file of Original Resolutions.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of Carlsbad held on the day of JULY
2002 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members Lewis, Nygaard
NOES: Council Member Hall
ABSENT: Council Mem
L&?)& k5+?-Zd/
INE M. OOD, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Resolution NO. 2002-231 3 15
RESOLUTION NO. *Oo2-232
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY
TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF A MEASURE
ASKING THE VOTERS REGARDING THE EXPENDITURE OF
FUNDS FOR CERTAIN CAPITAL FACILITIES.
WHEREAS, a municipal election is to be held in the City of Carlsbad,
California, on November 5,2002, at which there will be submitted to the qualified voters
the following measure, to wit;
DO THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD APPROVE
SPENDING CITY FUNDS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES YES
A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, TRAILS LINKAGES AND
MILLION TO CONSTRUCT CAPITAL FACILITIES INCLUDING
INCLUDING THE GENERAL FUND IN AN AMOUNT OVER $1
OPEN SPACE, A CITYKAFETY TRAINING FACILITY AND A
NO PORTION OF CANNON ROAD, EAST OF COLLEGE (REACH
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to have an impartial analysis
prepared showing the effect of the measure on existing law and the operation of the
measure,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad, California, as follows:
1. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 9280 of the Elections Code of
the State of California, this City Council does direct the City Attorney to prepare an
impartial analysis of the measure.
2. That the impartial analysis shall not exceed 500 words in length,
3. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of the
Resolution; and shall enter the same in the file of Original Resolutions.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of Carlsbad held on the day of JULY
2002 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members Lewis, Nygaard
NOES: Council Member Hall
ABSENT: Council Members
A &+&X.hrrcC
IN M. WOOD, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Resolution No. 2002-232 2
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-233
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OF ITS MEMBERS TO FILE A
WRITTEN ARGUMENT REGARDING EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR
CAPITAL FACILITIES.
WHEREAS, a Municipal Election is to be held in the City of Carlsbad,
California on November 5, 2002, at which there will be submitted to the voters the
following measure:
DO THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD APPROVE
SPENDING CITY FUNDS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES
INCLUDING THE GENERAL FUND IN AN AMOUNT OVER $1
MILLION TO CONSTRUCT CAPITAL FACILITIES INCLUDING
A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, TRAILS LINKAGES AND
OPEN SPACE, A CITY/SAFETY TRAINING FACILITY AND A
PORTION OF CANNON ROAD, EAST OF COLLEGE (REACH
4)?
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City
of Carlsbad, California, does declare, determine and order as follows:
1. That the above recitation is true and correct.
2. That the City Council authorizes
to file written arguments regarding the City measures set forth in the recitals hereof in
accordance with Article 4, Chapter 3. Division 9 of the Elections Code of the State of
California, commencing with Elections Code section 9280, and to change the
arguments until and including the date fixed by the City Clerk after which no arguments
for or against said City measures may be submitted to the City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of Carlsbad held on the - day of ,2002 by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CLAUDE A. LEWIS, Mayor
LORRAINE M. WOOD, City Clerk
(SEAL)
?age 2 of 2 of Resolution No. 2002-233
June 25.2002
TO: CITY MANAGER
FROM: Finance Director
GENERAL FUND BALANCE
The General fund is the largest fund in the City and pays for most general City services
including police, fire, recreation, libraries, and public works. The City’s available
General fund balance (often called the “reserve”) is projected to total $73 million by the
end of the fiscal year 2001-02. Council has indicated an interest in using some of the
fund balance for a variety of projects. The purpose of this memo is to discuss the
reasons why it is important to maintain a certain level of fund balance and a variety of
ways in which the Council can use amounts in excess of the current requirements.
FUND BALANCE REQUIREMENTS
At this time, there is a high degree of uncertainty with many of the City’s major revenue
sources. This is mainly due to the state of California’s budget crisis and, to a lesser
extent, the economy. Of the City’s top five revenue sources, two of them are directly
affected by the ups and downs of the economy (TOT and sales taxes) while a third
(franchise fees) is highly dependent on the price of natural gas. Three of the top five
(property taxes, sales taxes and VLF) are subject to reallocation by the state. For
example, $2.5 million in property taxes were taken from Carlsbad during the State’s
budget crisis in the early 199O’s, $3 million of the City’s VLF is threatened with the
current State budget crisis, and the reallocation of sales taxes may occur through some
version of fiscal reform. All of these make it more difficult to predict the future of the
City’s revenues with any degree of confidence.
Future expenditure growth for the City is also a concern. The City is still growing and
will be adding major facilities and infrastructure over the next five to ten years including
a large number of parks and roads. It is hard to predict with certainty the operating
costs of these future facilities, especially those that have not yet been designed. In
addition, the full cost (and a funding source) has not yet been determined for the storm
water program (NPDES) mandated by the Federal government. All of these are
reasons why the City may want to maintain a higher reserve than might be suggested
under other circumstances.
It is essential that the City maintain an adequate fund balance to cover forecasted
expenditures and mitigate future risks (e.g., revenue shortfalls and unanticipated
expenditures) in order to ensure the financial health of the City. The amount that is
necessary is dependent on a number of factors including the health of the economy and
the state, predictability of local revenues, the level of expenditures and the amounts
deemed necessary to assist in times of a major emergency.
EXHIBIT 8
Prudent financial management dictates that the City maintain somewhere between 25%
and 50% as a General Fund unappropriated reserve. The level of reserve can vary
depending on the health of the economy and future demands both anticipated and
unanticipated. A higher fund balance is recommended at this time and for the
foreseeable future because of:
The State budget crisis and State fiscal restructuring legislation being
A sluggish economy.
New public facilities and infrastructure being developed over the next 10
The higher risk of a major emergency
discussed that would adversely impact the City of Carlsbad.
years in response to development and growth management standards.
As of the end of this fiscal year, the available General fund balance will total
approximately $73 million. This is 88% of the City’s annual budget for fiscal year 2002-
03 (reserve levels are typically measured in terms of percentage of annual budget). If
Council were to use $30 million of the General fund balance for other purposes, there
would still be $43 million remaining or 50% of the fiscal year 2002-03 budget. This
should be sufficient to protect against uncertainties in revenues and expenditures as
well as provide funds in case of an emergency.
One of the issues in spending the General fund balance in the past has been Carlsbad’s
Expenditure Limit (Proposition H). The Limit was voted into place in 1982 and states:
“The city shall make no real property acquisition and/or no improvement to
real property the cost of which exceeds one million dollars in city funds,
unless the proposed acquisition and/or improvement project and the cost
in city funds is first placed upon the ballot and approved by a majority of
the voters voting thereon at an election.”
Thus, Council has not been able to spend more than $1 million on any major projects
except those previously voted upon. Such a vote did take place in 1989. The
Proposition asked the citizens:
“Do voters approve spending City funds from various sources including
the General fund in an amount over one million dollars as determined
necessary by this City Council to construct two public golf courses, one
regulation and one short course, a multi-court tennis complex, two multi-
purpose adult size fields, and an enclosed soccer facility? This measure
authorizes but does not require such construction and may include the
expenditure of funds for property acquisition.”
The proposition passed with 62% of the vote. The status of the projects described in
the proposition is shown in Exhibit A. While it has not been necessary to use General
fund money for the ball fields or tennis courts, the City has used this authorization to
pay for the work done so far on the proposed municipal golf course.
OPTIONS FOR USE OF AVAILABLE GENERAL FUND BALANCE
There are a number of ways in which Council can use the accumulated balances in the
General fund. These are discussed below (in no particular order).
REFUND TO THE CITIZENS
Council could choose to refund the balances to the citizens; however, the method to
accomplish this purpose may prove difficult. The balances have accumulated from all
the various General fund revenue sources so there is no clear definition of whom it
came from. Issues of the “fairness” of any formula that is used would be raised.
Rebates have been done recently by both the State (VLF) and the Federal government
(income tax rebates) but they are now facing budget deficits making the rebates seem
like poor fiscal planning. If Council wants to pursue this option, staff would need to do
additional research to try to determine a fair method by which to accomplish it.
FISCAL STABILITY RESERVE
As stated earlier in this memo, having an adequate fund balance is the cornerstone of
good fiscal planning for any City. While Carlsbad’s current balance may be higher than
most, Council may wish to continue to carry sufficient balances to provide additional
insurance against the many uncertainties facing the City in the future.
INFRASTRUCTURE REPLACEMENT FUND
Council began setting aside funds to replace major infrastructure assets such as
buildings and roads about four years ago. The fund has a balance of $8 million. Staff is
in the process of creating an inventory of the City’s infrastructure to determine how
much money should be set-aside in this fund for future replacements. It is likely that the
current balance will not be sufficient once the amount is calculated. Council could
choose to transfer all or some of the General fund balance to this fund to use for
infrastructure replacement. However, the use of this money would still be restricted
under the current Expenditure Limit.
CONSTRUCT MAJOR PROJECTS
Due to Carlsbad’s Expenditure Limit (Proposition H), Council has not been able to fund
many projects over $1 million. Exhibit A outlines a number of projects that Council may
want to consider if they choose this option. Before the balances could be used on most
of these projects, a vote will be required.
BALLOT MEASURE
THE PROCESS
If Council chooses to place an initiative on the ballot, Council action is required on or
before August 9, 2002 to successfully meet the deadline for submission of all
documents to the County Registrar of Voters for the November 5, 2002 election
(Election Code 10403). It is recommended that the resolution containing the proposed
ballot proposition be approved at the Regular Meeting of the City Council on Julv 23,
2002. This will ensure sufficient time to meet all the requirements.
The remaining steps would be:
1. Following approval of the wording for the proposed ballot proposition, the City
Attorney would prepare the Impartial Analysis (assuming the proposed
proposition does not affect the organization or the City Attorney’s salary).
association of citizens or any combination of voters and associations may
write arguments. They may be in support or in opposition. Council will need
to decide how they would like this done for the “in favor“ portion. Those in
opposition need to follow Council’s actions and adhere to the submission
schedule published by the City Clerk.
3. Next, there is an argument rebuttal period. As the elections official, the City
Clerk can establish the timing of Arguments and Rebuttals by publishing an
approved Resolution. The Clerk recommends using the dates provided by
the Registrar of Voters:
a. By August 2Ist, arguments are due for or against the measure.
b. By August 30th, rebuttals are due.
Registrar by September 2.
2. All of Council or individual Council Members, or any individual voter,
4. All of these steps need to be completed and the documents sent to the
THE PROPOSITION
Council has several choices on what they could ask the citizen’s in a proposition.
Generally, they can (1) request to amend the current Expenditure Limit, (2) ask for
authorization to spend more than $1 million on specific types of projects, or (3) do both.
These are each discussed below.
(1) Amend the Expenditure Limit
One way to obtain authorization to spend more than $1 million on projects is to amend
the Expenditure Limit. The Limit could be amended for any combination of the
following:
J Repeal the Limit,
J Increase the Limit to an amount more than $1 million,
J Increase the Limit to an amount more than $1 million and add an index to it so it
J Specifically exempt the lending of General city funds (the ability to loan General fund
J Specifically exempt certain project types (ie. Infrastructure replacement, arterial
grows over time,
money to projects is unclear under the current Limit),
roads, etc.).
(2) Authorize Proiects
Alternatively, Council could leave the Limit “as is” and place a proposal on the ballot to
authorize spending more than $1 million for a specific list of projects similar to the one
done in 1989.
(3) Amend the Limit and Authorize Proiects
Council could place two propositions on the ballot: one to amend the Limit and the other
to authorize spending more than $1 million on a list of projects. These would need to be
separate propositions due to the “single subject” rule.
EXHIBIT A
STATUS OF PROJECTS AUTHORIZED UNDER THE PREVIOUS
BALLOT MEASURE
1. Regulation Length Golf Course:
Property acquired, project designed, construction on-hold pending resolution of
permits with Resource Agencies. Anticipated funding will come partially from the
General fund and partially from fees generated by the course.
2. Executive Length Golf Course:
Possible sites discussed, may be difficult to find a suitable location.
3. Multi-Court Tennis Complex:
Site designated at Poinsettia Park, approved in Park Master plan. Three (3)
courts constructed in mid-1990's. Remainder of tennis complex will be
constructed in the future. It is programmed to receive funding from Public
Facilities Fees beginning in fiscal year '05.
4. Multi-Purpose Adult Size Fields:
First field constructed in mid-1990's at Poinsettia Park. Second field was the City
funded refurbishment of the upper field at Valley Junior HS a few years ago.
5. Enclosed Soccer Field:
Site designated at Poinsettia Park, approved in Park Master plan. The enclosed
soccer field will be constructed with remainder of Poinsettia Park improvements
from Public Facilities Fees beginning in fiscal year '05.
EXHIBIT B
MAJOR PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX
The proposal is for a City owned swimming pool complex composed of sufficient aquatic
facilities and support structures to accommodate competitive swimming /diving /water
polo events, recreational uses, safety training, lap swimming for swimmers of all ages
and abilities, and a wide range of classes and aquatic programs. The complex would
include locker rooms, concessions, a classroom, shade structures, administrative
offices, restrooms, parking, and landscaping.
CONFERENCE FACILITY
This facility would be a state-of-the-art conference center facility for use by the citizens
of the City- of Carlsbad. The facility would include several different sized meeting rooms
enabling multiple seating configurations, the latest audio and visual systems,
teleconferencing capabilities, restrooms, parking, landscaping, and related support
services. Providing public meeting and larger conference space would meet a
community need.
TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE
Recent surveys of citizen’s community values and interests indicate the development of
walking trails and preservation of open space are among the highest community
priorities. The City of Carlsbad is currently developing a Master plan of City trails and
open space, which will require the identification, acquisition, operation, and
maintenance of several miles of individual, trail segments with the goal of trail linkage
Citywide. The Master plan will also identify trailhead locations, parking needs, signage,
and other amenities complimenting the proposed Citywide trail system.
CITY TRAINING FACILITY
Safety training of City employees is an organizational priority with direct benefits to the
citizens of the Carlsbad community. The City proposes to develop a multi-function
training complex to include facilities for the Carlsbad Fire Department, Carlsbad Police
Department, and general City personnel. Opportunities to train in traffic accident victim
rescue, fire suppression, in-field medical training, and general equipment safety would
significantly benefit the City’s employees. A police firing / training range, facilities for
training in defensive tactics and “hot stops,” and a classroom environment for advanced
evidence gathering techniques would assist the members of the City’s Police
Department. Lastly, facilities for general employee training such as vehicle safety, safe
equipment operations, computer training, general training and other opportunities for
safety training would greatly enhance the service level to the Carlsbad community. A
centralized, multi-use training facility would provide a substantially more efficient and
effective approach to a wide range of critically important training needs for the
organization and the community.
MULTI-USE RECREATION FACILITY
Carlsbad's numerous parks and recreation facilities and programs are already
considered among the best in San Diego County. However, to keep pace with the
growing population and demands for a wider range of recreation activities, there is an
increasing need to expand and vary our facilities and programs. A large scale "Multi-
Use Recreation Facility" would provide the facility infrastructure for a dramatic
expansion of the capabilities of the City's Recreation Department to meet these growing
program needs from an enlarging City population.
FARADAY AVENUE
This road segment is the extension of Faraday Avenue approximately 1.3 miles from its
current terminus at Orion Way easterly to Melrose Drive in the City of Vista. The project
includes full width grading, four paved travel lanes (two in each direction separated by a
painted median), drainage improvements, environmental mitigation measures and a
bridge structure. The project is required to complete the Circulation Element for the
General Plan and to comply with the Growth Management Standard. This roadway will
provide an alternative east/west route from 1-5 to Melrose Drive, relieving traffic from
Palomar Airport Road. The road is a developer obligation; however, if Council would
like to have it constructed ahead of the development, a loan or some other arrangement
may be necessary.
CANNON ROAD, EAST OF COLLEGE (REACH 4)
This project is for the construction of the ultimate four lane arterial improvements on
Cannon Road from College Boulevard to the CarlsbadlOceanside city boundary (known
as Cannon Road Reach 4). The project would complete a major east/west arterial
roadway linking Melrose Drive in Oceanside with Cannon Road at its junction with
College Blvd. Reach 4 of Cannon Road crosses through the Coastal Sage Habitat
Preserve and will require significant negotiations with the resource agencies and the
City of Oceanside prior to obtaining project permits. This section of the road currently
has no funding source.
CARLSBAD BOULEVARD REALIGNMENT
This project is within the South Carlsbad Coastal Redevelopment Area. The proposed
project consists of relocating the two southbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard from
Breakwater Road to Manzano Drive eastward to maximize the amount of public land
available for other uses. Consideration is also being given to relocating a portion of the
northbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard (most southern portion, near Ponto) westward.
Another aspect of the proposed project is the reconfiguration of Carlsbad Boulevard and
Palomar Airport Road into a "T" intersection. The combination of relocating Carlsbad
Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road would create excess parcels of land that could be
used for both private and public purposes.
The Redevelopment Area could begin on this project if Council were to provide a loan
from the General fund to the Redevelopment area. The loan would be paid back from
tax increment when it is available.
-
' *' FRIENDS OF CARRILLO RANCH, INC.
2622 El Agulla Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92009 780/438-1666
e-mall frlends~of_carrlllo_ranch@hotmall.com
July 18, 2002
City of Carlsbad Claude A. Lewis, Mayor
Carlsbad, CA 92008
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
SUBJ: Ballot Initiative
AGENDA ITEM # /1
C: Mayor city conndl
Cliy Clerk
Clty Attornq
city MIMgW
Dear Buddy:
We were truly astonished to learn from today's North County Times that there had been a special meeting of the council last night on the subject issue. We erroneously assumed there would be an advance effort made to inform the public of the criteria that would apply to establishing a so-called "wish list."
C.I.P. schedule until some of us will be deceased and current Phase I11 Improvements for Carrillo Ranch are not on the
Council members unlikely to be in office. Phase I11 includes important features that are crucial to the potential, full enjoyment of this unique Park.
With the likelihood of a *'wish listgt attached to an
disseminated criteria that may exclude it, we firmly believe alternate ballot measure, however, and in the absence of well
Phase 111 deserves to be on the list. Its projected cost of about
$1.7 million makes it a worthy candidate in our opinion.
many of our Board members on vacation or otherwise conflicted, we Because this matter has developed so rapidly and with so
will not have a Director available next Tuesday evening to
hoping this written appeal will be given due and thoughtful address council when, reportedly, a decision will be made. We are
consideration.
Cordially,
Alan K. Kindle, for the Bomn OF DIRECTORS
C: Ray Patchett Ken Price Board
A 501 (c)(3) Callfornla Educational Corporation
'i Leo Canlllo Ranch Master Plan @
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