San Diego City Council Budget Review Committee Hearing - May 6, 2015

The San Diego City Council Budget Review Committee, chaired by Councilmember Todd Gloria, held a hearing on May 6, 2015, at 17:00 UTC (10:00 AM local) to review the Fiscal Year 2016 proposed budget. The meeting covered presentations from the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS), the Neighborhood Services Branch, the Library Department, and the Parks and Recreation Department, along with extensive public testimony and committee discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David London (Balboa Park Heritage Organization) expressed concern over deferred maintenance and a lack of coherent funding for Balboa Park, noting $300–$450 million in unfunded needs. He criticized the budget for not showing revenues properly and claimed seven million in savings found earlier.
• Aaron McConkey (Community Forest Advisory Board, District 1) endorsed the mayor's budget for tree care in Parks and Rec, specifically the addition of a horticulturist for water conservation and a new tree crew.
• Library supporters (Sal Giametta, Amy Valerius, Joan Reese, and numerous community members) urged the council to restore the $209,000 reduction in the books and materials budget and to add 10.5 hours per week at the Central Library. They noted that San Diego lags behind peer cities in library spending and that circulation hit an all-time high of 5.3 million books in FY 2014.
• San Ysidro community members (Alicia Jimenez, Alice de la Torre, Grace Kohima, Bertha Alicia Gonzalez, and others) requested full funding for a new San Ysidro library, citing the current 1924 building's inadequacy for a population of over 21,000. They noted that $6.3 million has been allocated so far, leaving a gap of about $2 million.
• Yoga class participants (Isabel O'Neill, Jose Arredondo, Esmeralda Madrigal, and Reyna Cerna) opposed the proposed elimination of free yoga classes at the Otay Mesa-Nestor Library, arguing the classes provide health benefits at no cost to the city and do not duplicate Parks and Rec services.
• Parks supporters:
  • Jim Stevens and Tom Helminthuler (Civil War veterans' groups) objected to a proposed $110 fee for Memorial Day ceremonies at Mount Hope Cemetery, calling it unjust.
  • Dan Allen (La Jolla Parks and Beaches, Inc.) asked for restoration of service levels at shoreline parks, including staff for trash collection and rodent control.
  • Ron Ferrero (Normal Heights Community Association) supported funding for Phase 1 of the Ward Canyon redevelopment, including a 24,000 sq. ft. off-leash dog park, noting a petition with 1,300 signatures.
  • David London reiterated Balboa Park deferred maintenance needs.
  • Larry McCleary (Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Council) urgently requested a park ranger for Sunset Cliffs due to increased accidents, vandalism, and upcoming construction projects funded by a California Coastal Conservancy grant.
  • Betty Peabody (Committee of 100) advocated for a park coordinator to expedite volunteer projects in Balboa Park.
  • Carol Chang (Balboa Park Conservancy) and Peter Kaminski (Balboa Park Cultural Partnership) supported an irrigation technician and improved coordination.
  • Robert Wetchult (Children's Park Task Force) requested a designated security presence, such as a park ranger.
• Margarita Galindo (San Ysidro) emphasized the need for a children's youth services librarian at the existing library, costing about $5,000–$6,000 annually.

Discussion Items

• SDCERS Budget (48.7 million, up 4.2% from FY15)

  • Michelle Yamamoto and Ted Lasalvia presented the budget. Investment management expenses increased by $2.2 million (6.7%) due to assets under management and new real estate investments. Administrative expenses decreased by $227,000 (1.6%). Headcount remains flat at 58.
  • SDCERS won the Investor Intelligence Award for private equity; completed an RFP for a general investment consultant; added an independent non-trustee to the investment committee.
  • IBA (Lisa Byrne) noted that the board has plenary authority and that about 71% of the budget is for investment management. The board is phasing in administrative expenses as an add-on to the annual determined contribution (ADC). Potential discount rate change to 7% could increase the FY27 ADC by $15 million.
  • Committee members asked about litigation (PSC credit case, likely resolved this year), the $23 million employee contribution offset issue (to be discussed in closed session on May 8), and staffing efficiencies from the new IRIS system. SDCERS expects headcount to drop from 58 next year.

• Neighborhood Services Branch

  • Deputy COO Graham introduced the branch, which includes nine departments: Citizens Review Board on Police Practices, Commission on Arts and Culture, Commission on Gang Prevention and Intervention, Development Services, Economic Development, Human Relations Commission, Library, Parks and Recreation, and Planning. No additional funding was requested for the Citizens Review Board or Gang Prevention.
  • Citizens Review Board (CRB): Executive Director Charmaine Mosley reported new complaint tracking system implemented two weeks ago, a planned retreat to address independence concerns, and ongoing work with Internal Affairs. Councilmembers emphasized the need for independence and collaboration with other commissions.
  • Gang Prevention Commission: Executive Director Ricky Laster noted sharing support staff and suggested additional resources would improve efficiency.
  • Councilmember Gloria asked the CRB to consider a stipend for board members to incentivize participation.

• Library Department Budget (46.734 million, up $1.2 million)

  • Director Misty Jones highlighted:
    • $98,000 for tripling internet bandwidth at all branches.
    • $129,000 to extend the "Do Your Homework at the Library" after-school program through summer at Central Library and nine branches.
    • $209,500 reduction in materials budget, to be offset by spending matching funds.
    • Fee changes: reducing audiovisual late fines from $2 to $1 per day; new fees for portable electronics checkout; eliminating several outdated fees.
  • IBA (Crystal Hade) noted that library hours have been restored since FY2011, but the library budget as a percentage of general fund decreased from 3.78% to 3.66% for FY2016. The 6% funding ordinance has been waived since 2004.
  • Committee members expressed support for restoring the $209,000 materials budget and adding Central Library hours. Councilmember Alvarez provided an update on San Ysidro library: $6.3 million allocated, $2 million gap expected to be smaller with May revise; target completion by 2018. Councilmember Gloria asked for a breakdown of branch vs. central circulation and juvenile program attendance for future decisions.
  • Regarding yoga classes, Ms. Jones said the department is evaluating duplication with Parks and Rec but will keep classes where no rec center exists. Councilmember Alvarez requested the Otay Mesa class remain.

• Parks and Recreation Department Budget (increase of $5.4 million and 29.35 FTEs)

  • Director Herman Parker presented:
    • $2 million for park improvements: security lighting, hard courts, playground upgrades.
    • Addition of assistant recreation center directors and hourly leaders at 16 large rec centers to extend hours from 45 to 60 hours per week.
    • 400,000 for dredging at Old Mission Dam; $300,000 for playground surfacing repairs; $300,000 for park assessments.
    • New positions: biologist for brush management, CIP manager, and expansion of the Friday Night (T-Night) program to five new sites.
    • Fee study: proposing 226 increases, 17 new fees, 26 eliminated. Only $222,000 additional revenue expected, with many fees kept below full cost recovery for youth and seniors.
  • IBA (Chris Ojeda) noted the expansion of rec center hours aligns with the mayor's five-year outlook; warned of drought impacts on water costs.
  • Committee discussion:
    • Councilmember Cole: requested scope and timeline for the $2 million park improvements; asked about Mount Hope Cemetery Memorial Day fee (director to research).
    • Councilmember Sherri Lightner: advocated for a senior park ranger for the coastline, year-round pool hours, and acknowledged the need for drought planning.
    • Councilmember Alvarez: requested a park ranger for Chicano Park (splitting among multiple requests); asked about choice of 15-hour expansion vs. 10-hour for more sites; inquired about grass at Memorial Park after building demolition.
    • Councilmember Mark Kersey: asked about future evaluation of rec center expansion; thanked for pool fee changes.
    • Councilmember Marty Emerald: supported fee waiver for veteran ceremonies; asked about Toralta Park maintenance and the old YMCA building; advocated for park rangers and a Balboa Park irrigation technician.
    • Councilmember Gloria: supported interim off-leash dog park for Ward Canyon; suggested Balboa Park activity center extended hours; requested an irrigation specialist and a point person for Balboa Park projects.

Key Outcomes

• SDCERS: No vote required; committee received the presentation. The board will decide on the $23 million employee contribution offset in closed session on May 8.
• Neighborhood Services Branch: No budget changes proposed; committee encouraged CRB to pursue independence and consider a stipend for board members.
• Library Department: Committee expressed strong support for restoring the $209,000 materials budget and adding Central Library hours. Councilmembers will include these in their budget memos. The May revise is expected to reduce the San Ysidro library funding gap.
• Parks and Recreation Department: The committee endorsed the proposed rec center hour expansions and fee adjustments. Councilmembers will submit requests for additional park rangers (coastline, Chicano Park), an irrigation technician for Balboa Park, and continued work on Ward Canyon. The Mount Hope Memorial Day fee issue will be reviewed, and a waiver is likely. The department will provide written details on the $2 million park improvements and playground surfacing priorities.
• General: The committee adjourned to Friday afternoon (set aside for CIP discussion) but will release committee members to their districts unless there is additional need.