1991/06/17 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes
June 17, 1991
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in
adjourned regular session in the City Offices, 6750
Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, CA with Mayor Eck
presiding.
Call to Order The adjourned regular session was called to order at
approximately 4:00 p.m. by Mayor Eck.
Roll Call Present: Four (4) Councilmembers: Hollingsworth,
Reilly, Spiro, and Mayor Eck
Absent: (1) Councilmember Hopkins
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City
Manager Netter, Assistant to the City Manager Leivo, and
Finance Director Harrow.
1991 -92 Budget The Council commenced a work session on the proposed
City Budget for 1991 -92 as presented by City Manager
Netter.
Comments were made by City Manger Netter in regards to
the format of this year's 1991 -92 proposed budget and
reviewed highlights as listed in the 1991 -92 budget
memo.
There were general comments by the Council in regards to
taxing its citizens as opposed to cutting budgets,
staffing, and programs, and how there is a fine balance
between taxing and cost of services. It was commented
that a strategy should be developed on a pay -as- you -go
approach and that certain fees and taxes should be
raised possibly annually in order to avoid major
increases at one time.
There was general discussion on proposed increases in
the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) whereby Councilmember
Spiro recommended possibly raising the Transient
Occupancy Tax to 12% which would generate an approximate
$160,000 additional revenues to the city.
Discussion continued on the proposed Wine Center and the
impacts a 2% increase would have on the Red Lion Inn and
other hotels and motels in the area.
Other fee increases that were discussed included the
Real Property Transfer Tax, the Business License Fee
increases, water and sewer rates, etc.
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It was decided that on the Business License Tax, the
proposed fee increases would be submitted to the Chamber
of Commerce to give them sufficient time to develop a
proposal that could be applied to businesses for a fee
increase for businesses in the Rohnert Park community.
City Manager Netter indicated that the Business License
fees have not been increased since 1982 and that it was
not urgent for an increase in the next couple of months.
This is due to the fact that staff would recommend an
increase that would not be effective until January 1,
1992. This does allow sufficient time for the Chamber
to develop a proposal and submit it back to the City
Council for its review prior to a public hearing and
possible implementation of a new fee structure for the
businesses of the Rohnert Park community.
City Manager Netter continued through the budget memo
and explained in detail the operating deficit of $1.7
million to $2.0 million and explained in detail how the
1991 -92 budget was balanced. This is all outlined on
Page 1 of the budget memo.
City Manager Netter and Finance Director Harrow answered
questions in regards to several of the revenues that are
listed as well as the loans between the City and the
Community Development Agency.
Under the golf course operations, Councilman
Hollingsworth commented on the structure of the new
lease that was adopted a couple of years ago which
allows for increases in rates to non - residents.
Councilman Hollingsworth indicated that he would like to
see some of those new revenues put back into the course
for improvement and beautification projects to upgrade
the courses. He also indicated there should be a push
for additional courses in Rohnert Park which would
assist in the long term financial stability of the City.
City Manager Netter commented on the use of the stadium
and the possibility of enticing a Class A team to locate
to Rohnert Park. Councilman Hollingsworth commented
briefly on the stadium and said the long range plans of
the land that the stadium may indicate that the stadium
would have to be torn down for possible selling of the
land for other highest and best use of said land or put
into other programs for the community.
There was discussion on the theatre operations.
City Manager Netter indicated that the Community
Promotions detail was listed on Page 52.3 of the budget
and that Council should indicate which groups from which
it desires to hear presentations for at its next budget
work session scheduled for June 24, 1991 at 3:00 p.m.
The City Council indicated they would like to hear
presentations from the following groups:
Requested Budget
Group Amount Amount
Sister Cities $20,000 $ 2,000
Relations Comtee.
Son. County Visitors
and Convention Bur. $123,586 $ 50,000
Family Services
Agency $ 3,500
Family Education
Center $ 2,000
Sonoma County Associates
for Youth Development $ 17,500
YMCA Battered Women's
Shelter $ 5,000 $15,000
combined for all
human /social service
programs.
Further discussion continued on the charitable fundidng
for the organizations as listed above.
There was general discussion on what staff included in
the budget for Council Members' salaries, of which City
Manager Netter indicated that the budget included the 5%
increase as authorized by law. Mr. Netter indicated
also that under Govt. Code Section 36516, and because
Rohnert Park's population has exceeded 35,000, Council
Members are authorized to receive $400 per month. It was
the consensus of the Council to leave the 5% increase in
the budget and to have staff prepare the necessary
ordinance to be implemented January 1, 1992.
Adjournment: The adjourned regular session was adjourned at approximately 6:00
p.m. to the second budget work session scheduled for June 24, 1991 at 3:00 p.m.
Cit ar� ger /Clerk
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