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Wish Lists Unfurl at Budget Hearing
By WILLIAM HAGLE
At a sparsely attended city budget workshop held on Tuesday, City Council members and local special interest groups pitched their wish lists for new spending in the 2008 fiscal year despite City Manager Ken Frank's caution that revenue was not rising as fast as in previous years.
A second public hearing on the proposed $74.2 million municipal spending plan, 4 percent larger than last year's, is scheduled for June 17.
City Treasurer Laura Parisi asked that her position be funded full time, saying that, "The work load has grown from managing three bonds to 21, along with a fund of $50 million."
Councilmember Kelly Boyd asked for a future partnership with the Chamber of Commerce to help the organization by sharing in the cost of stringing holiday lights throughout the downtown.
Councilmember Toni Iseman suggested the city acquire a so-called reverse 911 call-out system to reach each resident. The recent sewage spill, she said, served to illustrate such a system's value. "A call would go out to residents to not run their water in a particular neighborhood," Iseman said. Such a warning could have reduced the volume of sewage, totaling 58,000 gallons, which spilled across Coast Highway and into the ocean during the recent disaster.
Iseman also asked for solar heating to be explored as an option for the city swimming pool.
Local resident and urban planner Al Trevino suggested coordinating public transport to downtown Laguna with the Amtrak train system.
Councilmember Cheryl Kinsman asked for special attention to the Third Street steps and a small award for Design Review Board operating expenses.
The not-so-comely South Laguna pedestrian bridge, linking the Aliso Circle neighborhood to Aliso Beach, made the list of Mayor Jane Egly, who suggested it could benefit from an artist make over. Yet, recognizing that budgetary concerns prevent every wish from being granted, hers included, the mayor asked City Manager Frank for his evaluation of how to stack priorities.
Although the decision process is somewhat subjective, Frank said safety and health concerns should top the list, such as the numerous deteriorating sewer pipes. He also mentioned that, although Laguna has been prudent with setting aside a reserve, state funding cuts are likely to take a toll on city operating capital. He said, "It could be worse if the state decided to take a cut from our property taxes."
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