Oxnard Council- coastal plan update funding, gang prevention program, budget
By George Miller
| Name | Date | Duration | Agenda | Minutes | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Council Meeting | September 15, 2015 | 06h 06m | Agenda | Minutes | Video |
Coastal Plan
The Council approved up to $383,358 for Rincon Consultants for preparation of the Comprehensive Local Coastal Program update. It was mentioned that Planner Chris Williamson, who has been critical to the city’s efforts here, will be leaving at year-end.
| Development Services Department |
2. SUBJECT: Agreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc. for Preparation of the Comprehensive Local Coastal Program (LCP) Update. (005)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve an agreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc. (7243-15-DS) in an amount not to exceed $383,358 for preparation of a comprehensive LCP Update over a three-year period.
Legislative Body: CC Contact: Chris Williamson Phone: 385-8156
Budget update
For the last nearly two years, it has been pretty much bad news on te city finances. Funding shortages, deficits, mismanagement, curtailed revenues. Since June 2014, the city and outside consultants have attempted a complete systems, procedures, human resources and practices examination. They came up with list of 129 deficiences, are restating financial statements and uncovered large deficits. This presentation revealed more of the same and got into some detail.
This report summarizes i: Document: L-3 Fiscal Condition Update (pdf 913KB)
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Gang reduction program to start
Council approved a $764LK grant for Interface Children and family Services to manage the overall California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (Cal-GRIP) Program, to target 15-24 “at-risk” youths (mostly male). the effort is family-oriented.
There were some questions about what the project entailed (mostly project management and training of other organizations to provide these services. Also questions why other organizations didn’t get this money (some will, via Interface). Mayor Pro-Tem Ramirez commented on lack of previous results and definition/quantification of results. She was assured tyhese would be forthcoming. Mayor Flynn not only wants these, butr desires quarterly reviews. It was agreed that it might take a year to get beyonf program startup anfd have enough results for an initial meaningful review.
From agenda:
| SUBJECT: Agreement for California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (Cal-GRIP) Program Grant Implementation (2015-2017). (109) RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute Agreement in the amount of $764,600 with Interface Children and Family Services (A-7823) for California Gang Reduction, Intervention, and Prevention (Cal-GRIP) Program grant implementation (2015-2017). Legislative Body: CC Contact: Ken Klopmann Phone: 432-9916 |
Quarterly Investment Report/Treasurer
Investment status was reviewed. Nothing remarkable to report. Miniscule investment yields, which are common for such investment categories utilized by the city in today’s Federal Reserve driven “ZIRP” (Zero Interest rate Policy) environment, attributable to the weak state of the economy. Top priority is protection of principal.
Basically, the city has about $119 million invested in ultra-Conservative securities in state-defined investment categories. Outside brokers recommend and transact these. Treasurer Navas approves investment transactions, signs off, makes some recommendations, ensures that state/city investment policies are adhered to, reconciles amounts and not much else that we heard. Discussion ensued about the Treasurer’s role, whether it is a full-time job, why doesn’t it address more traditional Treasure duties, should it also encompass auditing (mixed opinions on this). Council elected to continue to authorize Ms. Navas’ city investment management charter, took no action on any ideas discussed. Note that Treasurer is an elected position and will be on the 2016 ballot.
Residential utility rates decried
Not on the agenda, but several residents spoke out on what they said is unfair and illegal residential water rate-setting. Tiered rates are much cheaper for business, which they say is not in line with actual costs. A realignment of rates would likely result in significant savings for residents, but much higher costs for businesses- commercial, industrial and agricultural. There is also a question what to do about past illegal charges. A utility rate commission was set up to delve into these issues and make recommendations to the city. Articles on tis are elsewhere on the CitizxensJournal.us web site, authored by Larry Stein, Phil Molina, Dan Pinedo.
Notice of city projects
Several residents complained of not being advised on pending city development projects. Current policy is to post signs, which may not be readily visible and mail notices to property owners in the immediate vicinity. City took under advisement to also contact local renters in the future.
Public safety unions’ audit of city finances
Mike Johnson of Oxnard Peace Officers Assn. reported that the city still has not turned over most financial data needed audit the books. The unions believe that the city is actually in better financial condition than it has stated. Outside auditor Donahaue presented a preliminary report last month asserting this, but conceded that data was a year and a half old (though no fault of his own) and still has not revealed how he made his calculations, as he promised to do. The city staff have stated that the numbers could conceivably be even worse, as they keep finding more skeletons in the closet. Kevin Todd of Oxnard Fire Dept. said stop blaming FD for city financial problems.
We may add to this report as/if time permits. Come back later. See you at tonight’s city council meeting.
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George Miller is Publisher of Citizensjournal.us and a “retired” operations management consultant, active in civic affairs, living in Oxnard.
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