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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFC_2007-11-26_MinutesFinance Committee Minutes Monday, November 26, 2007 4:30 p.m. Atascadero City Hall 6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero, California Members Present: Mayor George Luna, Council Member Tom O’Malley, City Treasurer Joe Modica, City Manager Wade McKinney, Administrative Services Director Rachelle Rickard. Staff Present: Public Works Director Steve Kahn, Administrative Assistant Valerie Humphrey, Administrative Assistant Victoria Randall Call to order: 4:32 p.m. by Mayor Luna Public Comment: None Business: 1. Funding Recommendations for 2008 CDBG Grant Cycle Wade McKinney announced that the annual designation of CDBG funds was now open for discussion. He asked that allocations be made for projects that can expend the funds as soon as possible. Valerie Humphrey gave an update on the projects and reiterated that allocations need to be spent within 12-18 months to demonstrate that any proposed project has the real potential to be carried out in that amount of time. One specific project is the Good Samaritan Shelter (awarded $50,000 last year). They are requesting $200,000 in 2008, but since the estimated total CDBG funding allocation for 2008 is $190,884, it needs to be determined if they can carry out their project without the total $200,000. Tom O’Malley stated he is a member of ECHO Board -- the City Attorney said that does not pose a conflict of interest. PUBLIC COMMENT: Joan O’Keefe commented on the application of Good Samaritan Shelter, Inc., and asked the Committee to consider the difficulty of finding an appropriate parcel in Atascadero for this project. She also discussed political and funding issues involved and stated that the feasibility of this project depends upon the support of SLO County, Paso Robles and Atascadero. Council Member O’Malley stated that his understanding was that the $50,000 amount awarded last year was for planning purposes. John Lauffer from ECHO requested continued support and thanked the Committee for past funding assistance. He stated the main mission of ECHO is to care for the homeless and hungry. Bernadette Bernardi, Executive Director of the Literacy Council, described the goals and operations of their program and requested reconsideration of their request for $3,000. Mayor Luna and Council Member O’Malley explained that their allocations are being directed to assist the homeless and hungry. Carol Porter, Assistance League (Operation School Bell), discussed the efforts of their program and requested reconsideration for funding. This organization provides new clothing for children referred to them. She stated that $3,000 would allow them to provide clothing for approximately 38 children in Atascadero. Pearl Munak, Transitional Food and Shelter, Inc., requested consideration of their program that assists medically fragile individuals who are not able to participate in shelter programs. Funding would go toward costs for the five North County apartments maintained by the agency. Anna Bucy, of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, discussed this program and how it addresses the root causes of homelessness. She said it costs approximately $1,000/year to match a child with an adult mentor. Trish Murley of CASA explained that 18 children are currently placed in Atascadero homes; in addition, 12 CASA volunteers and three staff members reside in Atascadero. She added that assisting this program now will help deter more problems in the future. Mayor Luna closed public comment at 5:15 p.m. He acknowledged the problem of not enough funding to meet all the needs, as the City is mandated to restrict its allocations for public services to 15% of the total allocation. The following funding allocations were awarded: Public Services CASA of SLO County, Inc.: $ 1,000 (for CASA advocacy for teens Atascadero Loaves and Fishes $ 7,000 (for operation of Food Pantry) ECHO $15,000 (Homeless Shelter) Assistance League of SLO County $ 1,000 (Operation School Bell) Atascadero Community Services $ $ 4,632 (for Youth Activity Foundation Scholarships) Mayor Luna stated that $20,000 in Human Services grants will become available in 2008, as well. Mayor Luna stated that he cannot support consideration of funding for a project such as Good Samaritan Shelter’s., until a site is secured. Council Member O’Malley added that at some future time he would like to be apprised of their progress on researching a site. Public Facilities Allocations City of Atascadero $115,452 (for city facilities and infrastructure – barrier removal) North County Women’s Shelter $ 8,800 (for carpet and installation) Administration City of Atascadero $ 38,000 (for CDBG program administration) Total funds allocated: $190,884 Mayor Luna thanked public for their participation and expressed his regret that more funds were not available. 2. Review of City’s Financial Audit Rachelle Rickard introduced Kathy Niffenegger, audit consultant. Ms. Niffenegger explained new reporting requirements that mandate if there is a possibility of a misstatement that is more than remote, that could be reportable and if the dollar amount is more than inconsequential, that is reportable. She explained what is identified as material weaknesses. PUBLIC COMMENT: No Public Comment offered. Mayor Luna closed Public Comment. Ms. Niffenegger stated they were very pleased with the audit this year. She commended the Administrative Services Department for their financial statements and stated that each year the process improves. 3. Economic Development Updates Wade McKinney distributed a handout reflecting the status of various economic development projects in the City. The Keyser Marsten consultants will be retained and will be analyzing budget issues of the Colony Square project. The City is considering a variety of alternatives. Parking and other improvements are under consideration as potential areas with which the City can assist. No news from Wal-Mart or the Annex as yet. They are considering options. Meridian Plaza has been given temporary occupancy. Some issues remain with the commercial office building and hotel building permit. Mr. McKinney will include hotel square footage in the next update. Council Member O’Malley requested a separate running list of hotels and T.O.T. generated. Mayor Luna and Council Member O’Malley asked that a spreadsheet showing number of hotels coming on line, number of rooms, T.O.T., be provided to City Council. Council Member O’Malley suggested that we include under the Dove Creek status that the City is receiving income per our agreement. Mayor Luna asked that the status also reflect the number of years before City owns the property. Laughlin Center – No substantive update. PUBLIC COMMENT: Joan O’Keefe: asked if there was any revenue expected for the City from Meridian Plaza besides property tax? Committee responded that none was expected. Ms. O’Keefe asked about the Rite Aid Center; Committee explained that the City has offered a drive-through option if Rite-Aid vacates the current site and establishes a new site on the property. Their existing site would then be used for another commercial retail site. 4. Adjournment Mayor Luna adjourned the meeting at 5:45 p.m.