Finance Highlights 2009 0224 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Community Development: Luke Sims, Community Development Director began by stating that Community Development has more positions being reduced (3 currently vacant; 1.7 currently filled) than most departments. The key difference is that a majority of Community Development's cost is staff related. Travel has been cut by 80% and only travel/training needed to maintain certification for inspectors and other staff will be allowed. Mayor Santos recognized that Community Development, as well as Library Police, provide a lot of service to the community and because of the staff, there have not been many complaints. Mayor Santos wants to make certain that services do not drop. Councilmember Gregory inquired if there has been a downturn in recent months for remodeling and building. Sims stated that although there has been a downturn in residential remodeling and small business activity, larger business and/or real estate development has not yet dropped and actually over $200,000 above budget in revenue in permits. Hollister stated that there are activities in process, e.g. permit planning on TOD and Creekside Development. Sims stated that Community Development is able to sustain what they are doing now with temporary employees however long term projects will be delayed due to reduced staffing. The Committee agreed with merging the Planning commission and the BZA, as well as "suspending" the Rent Review Program. Mayor Santos recommended speaking with all appointees prior to the merge and suspension. Engineering & Transportation: Uche Udemezue, Engineering & Transportation Director stated that there will be a decrease in the road rehabilitation that is funded by Measure B but will be receiving money from the Economic Stimulus package of $2.5 million. Mayor Santos recommended applying in every area that we can to receive money from the Stimulus Package. Udemezue stated that money from Sales & Gas Tax that had been suspended will be received and therefore will be able to do a lot more work on the streets then in prior years however there will be reduction in money received from Measure B. Councilmember Prola inquired on how much money was received in Measure B funds. Udemezue stated that it is different from year to year. Finance Department: Deputy Finance Director Rodriguez stated that Finance will be reducing staff by two full time employees, 1 part-time employee, and remain with a part-time Finance Director for fiscal year 2009-10. There maybe significant delays in services to business license customers, receiving reports, analyses, and projects. The Committee acknowledged the Finance Department's reductions were adequate with no further discussion. Alameda County Fire: The Committee acknowledged the Fire Department's reductions as well as acknowledged the Fire Chief's efforts for reducing costs. Fire Chief Gilbert stated that they will eliminate the Emergency Management Training but the City will continue to have access to the Community Outreach Coordinator. Hollister stated that internally we will continue emergency training and will be sending staff to the California State Training Institute (CSTI) for Earthquake program. Kathy Ornelas, Community Relations Representative, stated that CSTI will be bringing their training to the City of Dublin next year. Hollister also stated that as part of the 5% reduction this year based on consolidation of two agencies and if that does not happen, the City will have to look at other areas for saving money. Human Resources: Mayor Santos inquired if insurance/risk management can be moved to the City Manager's Office, an option to explore. Justinian Caire, Human Resources Director stated that keeping the Worker's Compensation and Safety in one department would continue to keep cost down and remain efficient. Human Resources will reduce their staff by .66 Full Time Employees. There will be a delay in recruitments and Safety/IIPP training. Councilmember Prola inquired about third party administrator for Workers' Compensation, Bragg & Associates, 3