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Home My WebLink About2008-05-19; Parks & Recreation Commission; MinutesMinutes of: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 5:30 P.M. Date of Meeting: May 19, 2008 Place of Meeting: City Council Chambers CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Lyons called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Lyons, Commissioners Comstock, Craig, George, and Martyns Absent: Commissioner Cooper Staff Members Present: Sue Spickard, Recreation Services Manager Mick Calarco, Recreation Services Manager Mark Steyaert, Acting Recreation Director Kyle Lancaster, Public Works Superintendent - General Services Lisa Irvine, Finance Director ANNOUNCEMENTS None APPROVAL OF MINUTES ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Martyns, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on April 21, 2008 were approved. AYES: Chairperson Lyons, Commissioners Comstock, Craig, and Martyns NOES: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner George ABSENT: Commissioner Cooper INTRODUCTIONS None PRESENTATIONS None PUBLIC OPEN FORUM None Parks and Recreation Commission - 2 - May 19, 2008 APPROVAL OF AGENDA ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Comstock, the Agenda for May 19, 2008 was approved. AYES: Chairperson Lyons, Commissioners Comstock, Craig, George, and Martyns NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cooper CONSENT CALENDAR 1. AB # 0508-1 SUMMARY REPORT - (ACTION) To accept, approve and file the April 21, 2008 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Summary Report. 2. AB # 0508-2 RECEIPT OF DONATIONS -OPPORTUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM - (ACTION] To accept a donation of $500 cash on behalf of donor Mitch Mason, from Roll Giving, a charitable giving program, and to recommend acceptance by the City Council. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Comstock, AB #0508-1 and AB #0508-2, of the Consent Calendar were approved. AYES: Chairperson Lyons, Commissioners Comstock, Craig, George, and Martyns NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cooper DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS 3. AB # 0508-3 CITY OF CARLSBAD BUDGET FOR FY2008-09 - (INFO) Lisa Irvine, Finance Director, presented a report on the City's Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Budget for FY2008-09 specifically relating to the future economic outlook for the City. Ms. Irvine explained sources of information that the City uses to develop economic outlook as follows: • California Society of Municipal Finance Officers • UCLA Anderson School of Business • California Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) • University of San Diego Ms. Irvine pointed out that over 75% of the City's revenues in the general fund, including Property Tax, Sales Tax, and Transient Occupancy Tax (T.O.T.), are impacted by the economy. She also stated many economists think that we are in a recession because we have seen several quarters of declining growth in employment, production, sales, and consumer confidence. She explained that usually recessions are less severe in southern Parks and Recreation Commission - 3 - May 19, 2008 California and we are hoping this will be the case this time. Ms. Irvine stated that Carlsbad's diversified revenue sources should help, but things are still very uncertain. Ms. Irvine reported that when the State of California needs money it has the authority to take it from local governments. She also reported that the current State budget is projecting a possible $20 billion deficit by July 2009, and the State may look to borrow from local governments. Ms. Irvine reported that the State is already planning to borrow the City's gas tax money from April to August 2008, and to pay us back in September 2008. Ms. Irvine discussed the San Diego economy and the local housing market. She mentioned how a slump in the housing market in neighboring communities can affect Carlsbad's sales tax revenue. She then reported that Plaza Camino Real sales tax revenues are declining but that the Carlsbad Premium Outlet mall, Carlsbad Forum, our redevelopment area in the downtown village, and the auto mall are doing okay so far. Ms. Irvine further reported that the Transient Occupancy Tax is one of the tax generators in our City at around $13 million. She stated that one concern is gas prices and that people may have less discretionary income for traveling. Ms. Irvine pointed out that we may see more international travelers as it is relatively less expensive for them to travel in the U.S. Ms. Irvine summarized that the economy is very uncertain and the City will continue its fiscal conservatism and continued monitoring of the economy. She concluded that this is why they are proposing a very cautious budget for 2008-09. Ms. Irvine concluded her presentation by discussing the 2008-09 Capital Improvement Program including Prop C funds to be used for open space, Alga Norte pool, trails, and/or the Joint First Responders Training Facility. Ms. Irvine also mentioned the City's Infrastructure Replacement Fund and mentioned that the City continues to fund approximately $8 million per year to this fund to allow for future replacement of facilities. Ms. Irvine stated that there is a CIP workshop on May 20th and a Citizens budget workshop on June 12th. Mr. Martyns asked for clarification on how much is in the infrastructure replacement fund. Ms. Irvine stated that we have almost $25 million set aside for replacement projects. Mr. Martyns also asked what funds are in the Prop C appropriations for parks. Ms. Irvine explained that the City set aside $35 million for all Prop C projects, including parks, but that the final allocation amongst projects has not yet been set. Mr. Craig asked Ms. Irvine to highlight how the possible establishment of a charter city would effect our economic situation in Carlsbad. Ms. Irvine stated that they are still looking at the overall impacts of a charter city. Mr. Comstock asked at what point our expenses exceed our revenues projected going forward. Ms. Irvine stated that it depends on many different things and explained that in the 10 year forecast it is proposed to delay the civic center and public works center and to not open facilities during a slow economy. She commented that the budget plan to be presented to the City Council will be balanced for this fiscal year and for the next 10 years. Parks and Recreation Commission - 4 - May 19, 2008 Ms. George asked about the charter city and if it would give us more flexibility with contracting. Ms. Irvine stated that it depends on how the City Council wants to develop the charter. Ms. George asked if there are other opportunities for us to save money. Ms. Irvine stated that we are not sure yet. Mr. Martyns asked if the "Police" Training Facility is still going forward. Ms. Irvine stated that the City Council approved the appropriation for the Joint First Responders Training Facility, and is moving forward. Mr. Comstock asked about the training facility being a regional facility and being able to charge other cities for using it. Ms. Irvine stated that the City is exploring the options. Ms. Lyons asked what was the T.O.T. percentage. Ms. Irvine stated that it is 10%. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Comstock, AB #0508-3, to receive a report on the Operating Budget and the Capital Improvement Program Budget for the fiscal year 2008-2009 were approved. AYES: Chairperson Lyons, Commissioners Comstock, Craig, George, and Martyns NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cooper COMMITTEE/COUNCIL REPORTS Prop D Subcommittee: Commissioner Comstock said they are having their final meeting, which is open to the public. Mr. Steyaert stated that he would email the date of the meeting to the Commissioners. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE COMMISSION MEETING 1. Beach Preservation Committee Informational Report 2. Alga Norte Skatepark ADJOURNMENT ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Comstock to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 6:16 p.m. AYES: Chairperson Lyons, Commissioners Comstock, Craig, George, and Martyns NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cooper Respectfully submitted, Michele Hardy Minutes Clerk