Minutes 99-03-12MINUTES OF A LEGISLATIVE MEETING OF THE
CYPRESS CITY COUNCIL AND
ASSEMBLYMAN SCOTT BAUGH
HELD
March 12, 1999
The Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Cypress City Council was called to order at 5:00
p.m., Friday, March 12, 1999, in the Executive Board Room, Cypress, with Mayor
Keenan presiding.
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers: McCoy, McGill, Sondhi, Mayor Pro Tern Piercy,
and Mayor Keenan
None
Also present were City Manager Ochenduszko and Assistant to the City Manager Liu.
Mayor Keenan welcomed Assemblyman Scott Baugh and expressed the City's
appreciation for his continued support.
TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:
Protection and Restoration of Local Government and OCTA Revenues: Assemblyman
Baugh indicated that this is a complicated issue and it has been under consideration
for three years. He suggested that the cities take the approach of not getting the
money restored but to stop the transfers. He remarked that the money has been spent
and whenever there are surpluses, local government is not the first thing that
Sacramento looks at. He felt that a healthier balance would be better for the
administration of the State.
Assemblyman Baugh asked what was Cypress net loss caused by the Educational
Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF).
The City Manager explained that ERAF, effects on Cypress resulted in an annual loss of
funds upwards of $2 million. Based on assessed valuation from 1997-98, the City of
Cypress suffered an annual net loss of $796,450 due to the ERAF shift, which impacts
the provision of Police, Street Maintenance and other City services. The annual net
loss of funds to the Recreation District due to ERAF is more than $500,000, but coupled
with the annual loss of $550,000 In Special Augmentation funds which were also taken
away, the gross loss to the District is over $1 million. The annual net loss of funds to
the Lighting District due to ERAF is more than $22,000, and with the annual loss of
$175,000 in Special Augmentation funds, which were also taken away, the gross loss to
the City is almost $200,000.
Assemblyman Baugh asked how Cypress was able to avoid a utility tax. City Manager
Ochenduszko responded that Cypress has cut 20% of staff personnel since 1992. Mr.
Ochenduszko indicated that there are some areas that are of concern such as the
Police Department. The Police Department has no management during after hours and
as such there have been situations that could have been handled better.
Assemblyman Baugh asked about a recent article in the Register that stated that cities
were not spending COP money in hiring new police officers. Mayor Keenan said that
the article was somewhat upsetting. The Mayor indicated that Cypress is working on a
program to install computers in the police vehicles. The City Manager added that
COPS Grant money will be spent in putting computer in patrol cars. He indicated that
the intent of the grant was to increase law enforcement services and the article in the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES March 12, 1999
The City Manager indicated that as result of the 20% staff cut the City has lost sworn
officers and money for Park Maintenance, capital projects in parks and youth
programs.
POLICE OFFICERS' DISCIPLINE RESTRICTIONS AND OPPOSITION TO COMPULSORY
AND BINDING ARBITRATION AS IMPASSE REMEDIES: City Manager Ochenduszko
indicated that Police Officers have a great deal of protection relating to disciplinary
and other punitive personnel related actions pursuant to the Police Officers' Bill of
Rights. The concerned was that there is so much protection, it is difficult to hold
officers accountable for their performance. Mr. Ochenduszko said that Cypress would
oppose anything that would increase restrictions on city employers relative to
imposing disciplinary action on police officers.
Assemblyman Baugh indicated that he will continue to support Cypress in that regard.
UPDATE ON THE THREE STRIKES LAW: Councilmember McCoy asked Assemblyman
Baugh for his view on the Three Strikes Law. Assemblyman Scott Baugh explained
how the law works. He indicated that there are a list of felonies that are considered
serious and violent. If you commit one of those crimes you would receive a
punishment. The second time you commit a serious felony you would get twice the
punishment. The third strike can be any felony, including a misdemeanor, which is
converted to a felony and equates to a third strike, you get 25 years to life. He felt that
minor felonies that are caused by drug addictions shouldn't be part of the Three
Strikes Law but punishment should be given according to the crime. He said he is
attempting to evaluate whether there are unjust applications, how often there are
unjust applications, and try to determine whether they can modify the law or enhance it
to make it more effective, and more to the purpose of what the voters want,
Councilmember McCoy commented that most of the drug addiction felons pray on
innocent victims to support their addiction.
Assemblyman Baugh indicated that crime has dropped in other States that do not have
this Three Strikes Law as well as in States that require the third strike to be a violent
felony. He felt that crime reduction in California should not solely be attributed to the
Three Strikes Law.
ASSESSMENT ANO FUNDING OF. STATEWIDE HOUSING: Mayor Keenan announced
that Councilmember Sondhi was appointed to the County Wide Housing and
Community Development Commission.
Councilmember Sondhi asked Assemblyman Baugh to provide information on any new
Bills that would increase housing affordability. Assemblyman Baugh explained that he
is not aware of anything new but would do some research and report back in writing or
at a follow up meeting.
Mayor Keenan provided some information on Cypress' success on its First Time Home
Buyers Program and Home Enhancement Loan Program.
The City Manager indicated that these programs are intended to enhance the quality of
housing and to maintain the quality of life In this community.
FREEWAY EXTENSION BETWEEN THE 57 AND THE 405: Mayor Keenan asked
Assemblyman Baugh to comment on his view on the extension between the 57 and the
405. Assemblyman Baugh indicated that it is a controversial project.
He explained that the history of the project started with the AB680 Legislation that
authorized more toll roads across the State. The status of the project at this time is
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MarCh 12, 1999
Recreation & Community Services Commissioner Preston suggested a 5 strike law for
minor felonies such as burglary. Assemblyman Baugh explained that a burglary is a
serious offense and currently falls under the Three Strikes Law. Mr. Preston also
talked about the excessive cost of prisons. Assemblyman Baugh explained that there
are efforts underway to address that situation.
The City Council thanked Assemblyman Baugh for taking time to meet with them.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Keenan adjourned the meeting at 5:55 p.m., to Monday, March
15, 1999 at 6:00 p.m., in the Executive Board Room, West Wing of the Cypress City Hall,
5275 Orange Avenue, Cypress.
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS