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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-27302 REGULAR MEETING CYPRESS CITY COUNCIL February 27, 2017 5:30 P.M. A regular meeting of the Cypress City Council was called to order at 5:31 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Peat in the Executive Board Room, 5275 Orange Avenue, Cypress, California. ROLL CALL Mayor Paulo Morales (arrived at 5:39 p.m.) Mayor Pro Tem Jon Peat Council Member Stacy Berry Council Member Rob Johnson (arrived at 5:39 p.m.) Council Member Mariellen Yarc STAFF PRESENT City Manager Peter Grant City Attorney Anthony Taylor Director of Finance and Administrative Services Matt Burton Director of Community Development Doug Dancs Director of Recreation and Community Services June Liu Assistant Director of Finance and Administrative Services Donna Mullally City Clerk Denise Basham ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes — three minutes per speaker, unless extended by the City Council) None. WORKSHOP SESSION The City Manager stated that the workshop will provide the City Council with an understanding of the City's reserves and how they work, and encouraged the City Council to ask questions during the workshop process. Council Member Yarc asked if this item would require action by the City Council. The City Manager responded no, and clarified that the workshop would be an informal dialogue between staff and City Council. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that one of the Strategic Plan goals includes the review of pension liabilities and their potential pay down, and that the purpose of the workshop is to realize that the pension issue is not going away. He indicated that the City has been fortunate and responsible in building up its reserves, controlling spending, and identifying needs versus wants. He stated that no formal City Council action would be required, and that the presentation would be in three parts with opportunities for City Council questions. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that the City's cash balances as of December 31, 2016 are $136 million. He stated that there is $34 million in restricted cash that must be spent on specific purposes, and $4 million in other available cash that does not belong to the City. He indicated that there is $97.9 million in unrestricted cash which can be used for identified purposes. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services indicated that the $97.9 million in unrestricted cash includes $11.1 million in the General Fund, $52.1 million in Capital Projects, and $34.7 million in Internal Service Funds, He stated that $7 million, or 25 percent, from the General Fund is set aside for contingency. Mayor Pro Tem Peat asked how the 25 percent set aside is determined. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2017 The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that the set aside amount is established by City Council policy, and that the funds are to be used by direction of the City Council only in the event of unforeseen and unexpected revenues decreases by 10 percent or more in a given year or expenditures increases by 10 percent or more in a given year. He stated that the contingency would provide the City a bridge of assistance in the event of an economic downturn before changes in the budget could be made in order to adapt. Mayor Morales asked if the contingency usage is part of City Council policy. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded in the affirmative, and clarified that, due to pension liabilities, General Fund expenditures would likely increase 10 percent or more over time and that the City would be able to prepare for these increases and the contingency would not be used in this instance. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that $2.5 million from the General Fund is used for Business Relocation Stabilization, which is also a contingency that could be used should a major business establishment cease to exist, thus depletng the related revenues the City receives. Council Member Johnson asked if the Business Relocation Stabilization is a secondary contingency. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services replied that it would be secondary for a decrease in business revenues. Council Member Berry asked if Business Relocation Stabilization contingency funds have ever been used. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded no, and clarified that it was used once when the State borrowed money from the City. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that the General Fund includes $1.3 million in Future Capital Projects that are accumulated in the year prior to being used, and that the amount would increase by the end of the fiscal year. Council Member Johnson asked if the excess funds would be evenly divided in the General Fund or completely into the Future Capital Projects. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that excess funds would be put completely into Future Capital Projects, and that the contingency is adjusted each year to keep up with inflation and operating expenses. Council Member Johnson asked about the 10 percent expected increase. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services replied that any amount above a 10 percent increase would be put into Future Capital Projects. Mayor Pro Tem Peat asked if the excess would eventually be rolled into other Capital Project budgets. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded in the affirmative, and clarified that it would pay for the annual seven -year Capital Improvement Projects. The City Manager stated that it would be done as part of the annual budget process. Council Member Berry asked if funds are added to the Business Relocation Stabilization fund. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded no, and clarified that the amount remains $2.5 million. 2 303 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2017 The Director of Finance and Administrative Services indicated that the General Fund includes $300,000 for unassigned expenses that occur throughout the fiscal year. He clarified that while there are $11.1 million in the General Fund, it is not available for spending since they are set aside for specific purposes. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services reviewed the $52.1 million Capital Projects reserves as of December 31, 2016, which includes $8.4 million in Contingency for Emergency, $11.6 million in Current Year Projects, and $32.1 for Future Year Projects. He stated that the Contingency for Emergency would provide cash flow funding before insurance or grants monies might be available. He indicated that the reserves for Current Year Projects is for planned projects, and the Future Year Projects reserves would be for future year projects. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that the Internal Service fund includes $13.9 million in Equipment Replacement, $2 million in Central Services Operations, $1.9 million in Technology Infrastructure, $9.2 million in Employee Benefits, and $7.7 million in Self- Insurance. He commented that Equipment Replacement includes vehicle replacement. Council Member Yarc asked how a vehicle life expectancy is determined. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that the vehicle cost, life expectancy, and inflation would be calculated by staff. Council Member Yarc asked if the Equipment Replacement would be affected by the anticipated pension liabilities. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that it is the City's intent to have sufficient monies for vehicle replacements. Council Member Yarc asked if the City Council could decide to shift monies to other unforeseeable needs. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded in the affirmative, The City Manager stated that some of the City vehicle replacements were deferred during the recession. Council Member Johnson asked if the current Police Department vehicles are Tess expensive than those purchased in prior years. The City Manager responded no. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that additional costs for Police Department vehicles included retrofitting of equipment. The City Manager stated that maintaining an Equipment Replacement fund makes less of an impact on the City's budget. Council Member Berry asked if the Equipment Replacement fund is typically $14 million. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that the fund typically remains steady. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services spoke regarding Central Services Operation and stated that it includes the Print Shop, IT Division, and Maintenance Division with costs allocated to the associated departments. He stated that Technology Infrastructure was established last year in order to catch up the City on its technology needs, and that Employee Benefits is set -aside monies for employee fringe benefits, as well as pension and health insurance costs. He stated that Employee Benefits is replenished through charge -backs to the various departments. 3 304 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2017 The Director of Finance and Administrative stated that self- insurance includes general liability and worker's compensation insurance up to certain amounts. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services indicated that available Infrastructure Reserves projected as of June 30, 2023, include $15.1 million of accumulated reserves projected to remain at the end of the current 7 -year Capital Improvement Projects. He stated that the amount could fluctuate based on factors such as completed projects, the 13 acre site being sold, or funding for other major facility /park improvements not included in the current Capital Improvement Projects. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that Internal Service Funds include a $9.2 million reserve in the Employee Benefits Fund and a $7.7 million reserve in the Self- Insurance Funds. He indicated that the City's loss runs for actual and known claims equal approximately $1.2 million and set -aside monies for potential future claims is $3.5 million which leaves $3 million available for a proposed transfer to the Employee Benefits Fund. Mayor Pro Tem Peat asked about the City's Other Postemployment Benefits (OPEB) liabilities. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that the City OPEB liabilities are slowly increasing and that it is a liability amount, not a cash flow. Mayor Pro Tem Peat commented that the City's liabilities are increasing. The City Manager stated that the CaIPERS financial impact to the City is greater than OPEB. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that the City's CaIPERS liability is $30 million and the OPEB liability is $3 million, both with expected increases. Council Member Berry asked if the proposal is to transfer $3 million in excess self - insurance reserves to the Employee Benefits Fund. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded in the affirmative, and clarified that the action would be taken with the next fiscal year budget proposal. The City Attorney commented that it has been beneficial to the City not having a large number of lawsuits, however there is a future risk that could change. Mayor Morales asked if the $3 million transfer to the Employee Benefits Fund would be a lump sum payment to CaIPERS. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded no, and indicated that it would be a bookkeeping adjustment. The City Attorney stated that the funds could be transferred back should there be an unforeseeable liability. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded in the affirmative, and stated that options would be discussed. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services spoke regarding the pension liabilities' cash flow impact to the City's budget. Council Member Yarc asked if the reference is with regard to the amount owed each year or the unfunded amount. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that the reference is regarding required cash contributions to CaIPERS. The City Manager stated that a portion of the CaIPERS payment is to pay down the City's liability over time. 4 305 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Council Member Yarc asked if the payments are mandatory. The City Manager responded in the affirmative. FEBRUARY 27, 2017 306 The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that the City would not pay CaIPERS more than what is required. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services reviewed the increasing projected annual CaIPERS Pension Contributions through Fiscal Year 2022 -2023. Mayor Pro Team Peat asked if the increasing pension contributions factor in the recent reduction and the discount rate. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded in the affirmative, and indicated that increases were expected. The City Manager stated that the pension contributions are projected to increase twice as quickly as revenues. Council Member Yarc asked about repercussions should the City be unable to pay. The City Attorney responded that no City has been in that position. The City Manager stated that there have been some municipal bankruptcies in California and in each case, CaIPERS never took a write down as a creditor. He stated that it is expected that many cities will raise taxes and reduce services. He spoke of the extreme pension liabilities financial pressures being faced by cities and that Cypress' benefit costs are modest, and that there would be ongoing impacts to the budget. The City Manager stated that some smaller agencies have stopped paying and CaIPERS cut retired annuitants' pensions. Council Member Yarc asked if extreme measures have been taken to avoid the pension liabilities payments. The City Attorney responded that it is very difficult to take away a retiree's pension due to the State Constitution reasonable pension guarantee, and that some services have been taken away from retirees who retired from various cities. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services spoke of Pension Cost Strategies that include increasing revenues, adjusting organization and service levels, and a Pension Trust which would allow the City to set aside $10 million for cash flow or for annual payments to CaIPERS. Mayor Pro Tem Peat asked if the Pension Trust is restricted for CaIPERS payments. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that the Pension Trust could be used for CaIPERS payments, however that is not how staff is proposing its use. Mayor Pro Tem Peat spoke of interest earned on the Pension Trust and that it would not solve the overall pension liabilities issue. The City Manager responded that the Pension Trust helps and that there are no proposed or available solutions. Mayor Pro Tem Peat commented that Cypress is at a substantial financial risk over the next 10 years. The City Manager spoke of the City's ongoing CaIPERS pressures. Council Member Berry asked if the pension liabilities would continue. The City Manager responded in the affirmative. 5 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2017 The Director of Finance and Administrative Services commented that the CaIPERS pension liabilities would likely increase over the years. The City Manager stated that without significant pension reform, CaIPERS would likely continue with its payment pressures to ensure the pension fund. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services indicated that $15.1 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Reserves is projected at June 30, 2023 and that the City can no longer contribute for future CIP. He stated that items for consideration include investments in Recreation facilities, Police Department remodel, additional pension stabilization options, and reevaluation of Fiscal Year 2017 -2018 CIP. He indicated that $2 million of Asset Seizure Funds could be used to fund a portion of the Police Department remodel, and that additional monies could be added to offset the pension liabilities. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services concluded that no action is required of the City Council, and informed that items of discussion would be included in the Fiscal Year 2017 -2018 Budget and CIP. He spoke in support of having this type of workshop annually with the City Council. At 6:38 p.m., the Mayor recessed the meeting. RECONVENE The 7:00 p.m. session of the City Council meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Mayor Morales. ROLL CALL Cypress City Council, also acting as the Ex- Officio Governing Board of Directors of the Cypress Recreation and Park District Mayor Paulo Morales Mayor Pro Tem Jon Peat Council Member Stacy Berry Council Member Rob Johnson Council Member Mariellen Yarc STAFF PRESENT City Manager Peter Grant City Attorney Anthony Taylor Director of Finance and Administrative Services Matt Burton Chief of Police Rodney Cox Director of Community Development Doug Dancs Director of Recreation and Community Services June Liu City Engineer Kamran Dadbeh City Planner Doug Hawkins Public Works Superintendent Kirk Streets Senior Civil Engineer Nick Mangkalakiri Management Analyst Anna Sanchez Senior Management Analyst Alisha Farnell City Clerk Denise Basham PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Johnson. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Bill Garcia, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints. REPORT OF WORKSHOP AGENDA/CLOSED SESSION The Mayor asked for the report of the Workshop Session Agenda items discussed earlier in the evening. 6 307 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2017 308 The City Manager reported that the City Council met in a Workshop Session to discuss reserves and unfunded pension liabilities. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Morales presented a Certificate of Special Recognition to Cypress resident Lucille Thompson in honor of her 100th birthday. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes — three minutes per speaker, unless extended by the City Council) Mayor Morales asked anyone who wished to speak on any topic not included on the meeting Agenda to come forward. Angie Santo, RE /MAX Tiffany Real Estate, spoke regarding the Homes for Heroes program. Anne Hertz, Boys and Girls Club of Cypress, spoke regarding the 40th anniversary of the partnership between the City and the Club. Lori Green, Cypress, spoke regarding a dog park in the City. Wayne Comeau, Cypress, spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 9. John Roper, Cypress, spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 9. George Pardon, Cypress, spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 9. Julie Oakley, Cypress, spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 9. Ed Kraemer, Cypress, spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 9. Frank Sherren, Los Alamitos Race Course, spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 9. CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be approved with one motion unless a Council Member requests separate action on a specific item. Council Member Berry requested Agenda Item No. 3 be pulled from the Consent Calendar. It was moved by Council Member Johnson and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Peat, to approve Consent Calendar Items No. 1, 2 and 4 through 7. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: 5 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Berry, Johnson, Yarc, Peat and Morales NOES: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None Item No. 1: Approve Minutes - Meeting of February 13, 2017 Recommendation: Approve as submitted. Item No. 2: Introduce and /or Adopt All Ordinances and Resolutions Presented for Consideration by Title Only and to Waive Further Reading Item No. 4: Approve Contracts for Geographical Information System Mapping Services 7 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2017 309 Recommendation: 1. Approve a three -year contract for Digital Map Products of Irvine, California for a three -year cost of $54,249; and 2. Approve an agreement for on -call GIS consultant services to Compass Rose GIS. Item No. 5: Approve Plans and Specifications and Award a Contract for Tree Planting Program Recommendation: 1. Approve Plans and Specifications for Tree Planting Program; and 2. Award a contract in the amount of $91,310 to Master Landscape & Maintenance, Inc., for Tree Planting Program Fiscal Year 2016 -17, and authorize a contingency of $14,000. Item No. 6: Receive and File the Investment Report for the Month Ended January 31, 2017 Recommendation: Receive and file the attached investment report. Item No. 7: Approve Register of Warrants, Electronic Funds Transfers and Wires Issued for the Period of February 6, 2017 through February 17, 2017 Recommendation: Approve the attached payment register summarized below for the period of February 6, 2016 through February 17, 2016: • Warrants 41520 through 41629 • Electronic Funds Transfers 2483 through 2545 • Payroll Wire W1327 Regarding Item No. 3: Approve an Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for Commercial Real Estate Broker Service Related to Real Property Located at 5095 -5275 Katella Avenue, Council Member Berry asked about the necessity of the agreement given the fact that City Council has met with developers in order to move forward with an action plan for the subject property. The City Manager stated that Jones Lang Lasalle and Kosmont Realty Corporation have been working with the City on the 13 acre parcel since January 2016, and they led the search process to the recent two developers, marketed the site, and have provided initial review of approximately 10 developers who had provided proposals for the eventual purchase of that site. He stated that in their ongoing role, they would also help review the detailed proposals that the developers submitted to ensure that they are economically feasible, as well as consistent with and feasible in the market place. He stated that their contract calls for them to assist the City with the negotiation of what is likely to be an exclusive negotiating agreement with one of the two developers, and if that proves fruitful, negotiation of a development agreement and ultimately review of the real estate economics associated with the potential sale. Council Member Berry asked if Jones Lang Lasalle and Kosmont Realty Corporation is entitled to three percent of the sales price. The City Manager responded that Jones Lang Lasalle and Kosmont Realty Corporation would get a three percent commission of the property selling price. Council Member Johnson asked if the three percent commission is negotiable. The City Manager indicated that when the agreement was entered into, the commission was negotiated down and was or equal to the lowest fee of any of the proposals received. 8 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2017 310 Council Member Johnson asked if staff advertised for the services. The City Manager responded that a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued, many firms responded, and the brokerage agreement was approved by the City Council. He stated that the firm would also provide real estate economics consulting and feasibility analysis of the proposed development so that the City does not enter into a deal that never transacts. Council Member Johnson asked if the firm would make the developer selection. The City Manager responded no, and stated that the firm is an advisor to staff and the City Council. He clarified that the decision to sell, negotiation of the terms, and what type of development would be made by the City Council. Council Member Yarc expressed concerns regarding the exorbitant cost, and requested that this item be continued for further review. The City Manager stated that the brokerage team assisted the City with marketing the site to 30 potential developers and evaluation of potential buyers' ability to build the proposed development. He spoke regarding the firm's ability to negotiate a contract for development and produce the City's vision. Council Member Yarc stated that the City Council has not met the realtor and that there should have been a workshop. The City Manager responded that he could invite the firm to the next regular City Council meeting, and reminded that this matter was presented to the City Council in January 2016 and the consulting firm has made a Closed Session presentation to the City Council. Council Member Yarc expressed concerns with the two -year contract extension. Mayor Morales asked the City Attorney if there would be a problem should the City Council decide to continue this item. The City Attorney responded that the City Council has the option to continue this item so that staff could provide additional information, and clarified that the agreement approved by City Council in January 2016 included a contingency as to whether or not the State Department of Finance would approve the settlement involving this site. He stated that the settlement has been approved as of this month. The City Manager concurred with the City Attorney, and stated that there is not a need for agreement approval tonight. It was moved by Council Member Yarc and seconded by Council Member Berry, to continue the item to a regular City Council meeting based on the firm's availability. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: 5 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Berry, Johnson, Yarc, Peat and Morales NOES: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None NEW BUSINESS Item No. 8: Status Update for the Capital Improvement Program The Director of Community Development discussed the impact of the recent rainstorms on the Capital Improvement Program. The Senior Civil Engineer provided background information on this item. Council Member Berry asked if the tree planting project is still in effect. 9 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2017 The Director of Community Development responded in the affirmative, and clarified that staff would plant arterial trees and residents would select parkway trees and manage watering. Council Member Berry asked about the current traffic counts and their frequency. The Director of Community Development replied that traffic counts are overdue and were done approximately 10 years ago, and that all major arterials would be done. Council Member Berry requested copies of completed traffic counts, as well as comparisons with previous traffic counts. The Director of Community Development responded in the affirmative. Council Member Johnson asked if there is proper drainage on Lincoln Avenue, The Director of Community Development responded in the affirmative, and stated that there are no deficient storm drains on Lincoln Avenue. He stated that deficient storm drains are being replaced. It was moved by Council Member Johnson and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Peat, to receive and file the Status Update for the Capital Improvement Program. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: 5 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Berry, Johnson, Yarc, Peat and Morales NOES: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None Item No. 9: Community Vision for the Future of Los Alamitos Race Course The City Manager provided background information on this item. Shane Burkhardt, Project Manager, Michael Baker International, Inc. (MBI), introduced the project team: Jenna Tourje, Glenn Lajoie, Jeff Flint, and Mayra Vega. He discussed the visioning project process that would include the development of a public vision for the community that would engage the citizenry in the development of the area which would develop a sense of accountability. He spoke of the importance of education, facts, and details in order to form good opinions and how the decision - making process would be done. He spoke of the principles of visioning success which include broad engagement of the entire community and high- visibility. He stated that the Los Alamitos Race Course must be a stakeholder in the process. Jenna Tourje, Assistant Project Manager, MBI, spoke regarding the visioning process that would include a stakeholder analysis and data base, a branding package, and a vision advisory committee that would consist of members of the public, members of the team, and members of the City. She stated that the outreach and engagement plan would consist of a city -wide kickoff meeting, community immersion vision week, and a final city -wide meeting that would include an open house with vision alternatives. The City Manager provided City Council recommended process goals. Council Member Berry spoke regarding the incurred cost to the City for a property that the City does not own and why the Los Alamitos Race Course is not paying for the study. The City Manager responded that the Los Alamitos Race Course declined the City's inquiry to undertake the process, and that they felt Measure GG represented a best effort on their part. He stated that the City recommendation would have the community's voice be the first one in this conversation. He stated that it is an expensive endeavor, however it is a very comprehensive effort. Council Member Berry spoke in opposition to this item. 10 311 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2017 Council Member Yarc stated that a community -based vision is necessary for this project. She suggested that a citizens committee be formed, and that there needs to be a vision. She commented that the $330,000 would be difficult to justify, and that this process needs to either be continued or there needs to be a reimbursement agreement with the Los Alamitos Race Course. She stated that this is a great concept, however it is not the answer at this time. Council Member Johnson spoke regarding the reserves and unfunded pension liabilities workshop held earlier and how they would affect the City's future revenues. He suggested that this item be continued for further review in a workshop setting. Mayor Pro Tem Peat spoke regarding the workshop held earlier and the lack of future revenue growth. He spoke in support of the land development and commented that the current landowners are working on that. He stated that the visioning process could be a multi -year process to begin in the near future with a group such as MBI leading the City through a clean -sheet study, engaging all residents and constituencies. He spoke of the close vote of Measure GG and the positive aspects of a visioning process which would be a timely process, including property development. He stated that future developments would provide revenues for City improvements and projects. He stated that it is the City Council responsibility to manage prudently to plan for the future of the community. Council Member Yarc suggested that a casual community workshop be held to discuss the need for a vision and whether or not to spend the money. She stated that the City Council is not ready to represent the want of the residents. Mayor Morales spoke regarding misinformation in the community and spoke in support of Council Member Yarc's remarks and the need for a community workshop. He suggested that the residents in attendance at tonight's meeting assist with facilitating a community workshop and seeking the community's assistance with for a solution. Council Member Johnson made a motion that this item be continued for at least 30 days in order to host a community workshop and make a decision. The City Manager stated the City Council would need to provide further direction to staff on what their expectations would be for holding a town hall meeting. Mayor Yarc spoke in opposition of professional assistance for the first town hall meeting in order to gain a diversity of ideas from the community. The City Manager stated that staff could present ideas and formats to the City Council at a future meeting. Council Member Yarc responded that the town hall meeting discussion would include how to embark on the visioning process and if it would be worth the cost. Mayor Morales spoke in support of MBI's assistance with facilitating future town hall meetings further down the process. Council Member Johnson asked the City Manager if more than 30 days is needed for staff to coordinate a town hall meeting. The City Manager responded that staff should be able to follow -up with the City Council at one of the regular meetings in April. Council Member Berry stated that the first town hall meeting should be used as an opportunity to relate with residents, and that she is opposed to the $330,000 expenditure and not the vision. She spoke in support of the town hall meeting. The City Manager requested more specificity on the motion made by Council Member Johnson, and asked if it would be a town hall meeting, whereby the City Council wants to ask the community if it is interested in the City facilitating the development of a vision for the future of Los Alamitos Race Course and the associated costs and resources 11 312 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2017 with that. He stated that, for legal purposes, the meeting would need to be constrained along those lines. Council Member Yarc asked if the town hall meeting invitation could be more simplified. The City Manager suggested wording that states the City Council is interested in potentially developing a vision for the Los Alamitos Race Course and wants residents' input on the best way to do that - "we want to hear from you." Council Member Johnson responded in the affirmative. Council Member Yarc responded in the affirmative. The City Manager asked if the City Council motion is to direct the City Manager to return to the City Council, does the City Council desire a proposal from him. Council Member Johnson stated that the City Manager should return to the City Council with a proposal for a town hall meeting. The City Manager stated that the proposal would include a title /theme, format, options for how the meeting(s) would work, and potential future meeting dates based on community input. Mayor Pro Tem Peat expressed his concern about reaching a broad contingent of residents and spoke in support of professional support. It was moved by Council Member Johnson and seconded by Council Member Yarc, to direct the City Manager to return to the City Council at a regular meeting in April 2017 with a proposal for a town hall meeting. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: 5 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Berry, Johnson, Yarc, Peat and Morales NOES: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Five minutes per speaker, unless extended by the City Council) John Roper, Cypress, spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 9. Wayne Comeau, Cypress, spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 9. Judy Kraemer, Cypress, spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 9. Lori Green, Cypress, spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 9. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS AND REMARKS Mayor Morales requested reports from the Council Members on their respective committee assignments. Council Member Johnson: Attended the Cypress Chamber of Commerce mixer. Attended an O.C. Prayer Breakfast for elected officials. Attended the O.C. Fire Authority Best and Bravest Awards. Attended the Cypress Employee Service Awards luncheon. Along with the Cypress Police Department, provided a gift to a Cypress High School student. Hosted a tour of City Hall for Boy Scout Troop 662. Attended the Hampton Inn Grand Opening. Participated in the Race on the Base at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base. Council Member Yarc: Attended an O.C. Sanitation District meeting. Will be attending the Cypress College Americana Awards. 12 313 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2017 314 Council Member Berry: Volunteered at the Cypress Senior Citizens Center Valentine Party. Attended an orientation and tour of the O.C. Sanitation District. Attended the joint Cypress and Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce mixer Attended a Cypress Community Festival Committee meeting. Attended a Smart Girls Session at the Boys and Girls Club of Cypress. Attended the O.C. Fire Authority Best and Bravest Awards. Participated in the Cypress High School Grad Nite fundraiser. Attended a La Palma Community Foundation fundraiser for Kennedy High School. Mayor Pro Tem Peat : Attended the O.C. Fire Authority Best and Bravest Awards. Attended a West -Comm Board of Directors meeting. Attended a breakfast with O.C. County Supervisor Michelle Steel. Mayor Morales: Attended an O.C. Government Leaders Prayer Breakfast. Attended a breakfast with O.C. County Supervisor Michelle Steel. Attended the Cypress Employee Service Awards luncheon. Along with the Cypress Police Department, provided a gift to a Cypress High School student. Hosted a tour of City Hall for Boy Scout Troop 662. Attended the Hampton Inn Grand Opening. CITY MANAGER REMARKS The City Manager spoke regarding the Cypress Employee Service Awards luncheon. He thanked participants of the the American Red Cross Blood Drive. The Chief of Police spoke regarding the theft of a custom -built walker for Cypress resident Donovan Montemorra and the GoFundMe account set -up for its replacement. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Morales adjourned the meeting at 9:14 p.m. to an adjourned Regular Meeting, to be held on Monday, March 13, 2017, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Executive Board Room. ATTEST: 1 r,01 /Y1 CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS 13 M YOR OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS