San Diego Budget Review Committee Meeting - May 6, 2021
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San Diego Budget Review Committee Meeting - May 6, 2021
The Budget Review Committee met on May 6, 2021, to review the Fiscal Year 2022 proposed budgets for multiple city departments, including the Library, Parks and Recreation, Cultural Affairs, Special Events and Filming, Information Technology, Human Resources, Sustainability, Planning, and Mobility departments. The meeting was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key discussions centered on proposed budget reductions, staffing model changes, and the potential restoration of funding in the upcoming May revise. Public testimony was heard for each department.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Library Department: Numerous speakers, including Patrick Stewart (Library Foundation CEO), Kara Camden, Charlie Goldberg, Natalie Gans, Wendy Urushima Khan (Library Commission Chair), Joan Reese (Friends of the San Diego Public Library), Jan Hinzman, Sally Small, Elida Thomas, Pat Wilson, Joe Felton, and Catherine Tamposhel (Youth Will) urged the committee to restore the proposed $5.6 million budget cut, support new investments in materials and programming, and transition hourly staff to benefited positions. Many highlighted the library's essential role in digital equity, education, and community support, especially in communities of concern (Districts 4, 8, and 9).
- Parks and Recreation Department: Speakers Ann Feige (Community Forest Advisory Board), Friends of Balboa Park, Amy Hayes (Save Our Heritage Organization), Marcella Bothville (San Diego Parks Foundation), Sally Small, Martha Phillips (San Diego Parks Foundation), Peter Kaminski (Balboa Park Cultural Partnership), Catherine Johnston (Sustainable Parks Foundation), Connie Matsui (Balboa Park Conservancy), Catherine Tamposhel (Youth Will), Courtney Baltiski (YMCA), Michelle Anderson (San Diego Parks Foundation), and Sophia Haidai (Youth Will) expressed support for the proposed budget, particularly the addition of a chief park ranger, seven maintenance positions, and youth programs. Some called for additional funding for pest control and tree maintenance.
- Cultural Affairs Department: Speakers Steve Snyder (Fleet Science Center), Dee Candice Paul (San Diego Performing Arts League), Tyler Hughes (Commission for Arts and Culture), Amy Hayes (Save Our Heritage Organization), Teresa Cozen (San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition), Jessica Baron (Guitars in the Classroom), Kent Lee (Pacific Arts Movement), Aaron Bullard (Villa Musica), Jerry Buckley (Playwrights Project), and Peter Kaminski (Partners in Arts and Culture San Diego) expressed disappointment that the proposed budget maintained steep cuts from the previous year. They urged restoration of Organizational Support Program (OSP) and Creative Communities San Diego (CCSD) funding to pre-pandemic levels, funding for a citywide cultural plan and Balboa Park experience plan, and a commitment to achieving the "Penny for the Arts" goal within four years.
- Sustainability Department: Speakers Malika Marston (Climate Action Campaign), Ann Feige, Matthew Vostalakis (Climate Action Campaign), and Amy Hayes (Save Our Heritage Organization) supported the Climate Action Plan update and the Climate Equity Fund, but requested additional funding for a public power feasibility study, a dedicated grant writer, and increased staffing to meet CAP goals.
- Mobility Department: Speakers Janet Rogers (Safe Walkways), Jonathan Freeman, Noah Harris (Climate Action Campaign), Nicole Burgess (Mobility Board), and Jacob Mandel (San Diego County Bicycle Coalition) called for improved scooter enforcement, a clear revocation process, and a mobility action plan that prioritizes communities of concern and achieves mode-shift targets.
Discussion Items
- Library Department: Director Misty Jones presented a proposed $5.6 million reduction, primarily from reducing hourly staff and temporarily cutting hours to 42.5 per week (closed Sundays and Mondays). The department plans to convert hourly positions to benefited part-time positions and restore hours to Monday-Saturday (46 hours per week) with additional funding. The Independent Budget Analyst (IBA) noted that the reduction would be $6.9 million for full restoration to pre-COVID levels, and eight council members prioritized library hours. The Mayor's office (Matt Yagyagan) stated the intent to restore library hours and restructure staffing in the May revise, aiming for a seven-day schedule over the next year. Councilmembers expressed strong support for restoring funding, with many emphasizing the library's importance for equity and community recovery.
- Parks and Recreation Department: Director Andy Field presented an $8.1 million general fund increase, including seven new maintenance positions, a chief park ranger, and funding for youth programs (Back to Work SD). IBA noted the addition of 5.9 FTEs for new parks and youth services. Councilmembers praised the budget and discussed specific needs such as brush management, sea lion management, and joint-use agreements in underserved areas.
- Cultural Affairs Department: Director Jonathan Glus highlighted equity initiatives, data collection, and COVID-19 response. The proposed budget maintains a 50% cut in arts funding due to reduced Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenue. Councilmembers expressed disappointment and advocated for restoring the "Penny for the Arts" goal over four years.
- Special Events and Filming Department: Executive Director Natasha Kalra presented the new department's budget, which was restored to previous levels. Highlights include an online permitting system and preparations for the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. Councilmembers supported the department's role in economic recovery.
- Information Technology Department: CIO Jonathan Banke presented a $389,000 general fund increase for computer replacements and the SD Access for All digital equity program. The IBA noted a $9.5 million increase in IT fund contracts for desktop support and data center services. Councilmembers praised the department's pandemic response and emphasized cybersecurity.
- Human Resources Department: Director Julie Perez Roscoe outlined the department's role in COVID-19 response, employee development, and recruitment. The budget includes two program coordinators for strategic human capital management and funding for LinkedIn Learning and the Employee Assistance Program. Councilmembers discussed vacancy rates and the need for a compensation strategy.
- Sustainability Department: Interim Director Alyssa Mudo presented the budget for the Climate Action Plan (CAP) update and the new Climate Equity Fund ($5 million from franchise fees). The IBA noted that no projects have been identified yet. Councilmembers supported the CAP update and requested a public power feasibility study and a grant writer position.
- Planning Department: Director Mike Hanson presented an $8.7 million budget with no FTE changes. Key initiatives include the Parks Master Plan and community plan updates. Councilmembers supported funding for a Coastal Commission liaison and emphasized equity in community engagement.
- Mobility Department: Director Alyssa Mudo (dual role) presented a $120,000 allocation for the Mobility Action Plan (Phase 2) and $362,000 for scooter enforcement (SWEEP). Revenue from scooter permits is projected at $870,000. Councilmembers expressed frustration with scooter issues and called for stronger enforcement and a focus on equity in mobility planning.
Key Outcomes
- Library Department: The Mayor's office committed to restoring library hours and restructuring staffing in the May revise. The council expressed unanimous support for full restoration.
- Parks and Recreation Department: The proposed budget was well-received, with councilmembers supporting the new positions and youth programs. No major changes were requested.
- Cultural Affairs Department: Councilmembers committed to pushing for restoration of arts funding and the "Penny for the Arts" goal in the May revise.
- Special Events and Filming Department: No changes were proposed; the department was commended.
- Information Technology Department: Councilmembers supported the digital equity and cybersecurity investments. The IBA noted a duplicate $206,000 line item to be removed.
- Human Resources Department: Councilmembers emphasized filling vacancies and developing a strategic plan. The department will host a job fair in September.
- Sustainability Department: The Climate Equity Fund was established, but projects are yet to be identified. Councilmembers requested a public power feasibility study and a grant writer.
- Planning Department: The department will continue community plan updates. Councilmembers supported the Coastal Commission liaison position.
- Mobility Department: The scooter enforcement contract and Mobility Action Plan were discussed. Councilmembers urged stronger scooter enforcement and quicker implementation of transportation improvements. The department will bring forward an RFP for scooter permits and an updated ordinance.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, thank you. So Chair Please proceed. Good morning. Per executive order 29-20, which is certain requirements of the Brown Act. The council members will be participating via Zoom, and no members of the public will be in attendance at the meetings in the interest of public health and safety. In addition, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website. And the clerk and council committee liaison have made arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform. We appreciate the public's cooperation. The clerk will go over the specifics of how to join the webinar and will give details on how the public can offer their public testimony. I will now call the budget review committee meeting of Thursday, May 6th, 2021 to order. Clerk, please call the roll. Councilmember Lacava. Present. Council President Campbell. Here. Council President Pro Tem Whitburn. Here. Councilmember Montgomery Step. Yes. Councilmember Von Wilpert. Present. Councilmember Campillo. Here. Councilmember Moreno. Councilmember Elo Rivera. Present. And Council Chair Kate. Committee Chair Kate. Here. Each council member is attending virtually. Also attending the virtual meeting is Deputy City Attorney Karen Lee, Independent Budget Analyst Andrea Tevlin, Matt Yayagin from the Mayor's Office, and myself, George Biagi, Deputy Director of Legislative Services in the Office of the City Clerk. For purposes of this meeting, written comments submitted using the public comment form prior to the start of the meeting have been distributed to the committee and posted online. All written submissions received after the start of the meeting will be made a part of the permanent record. The public may view the meetings on public television on City TV Channel 24 for Cox Communication and Time Warner Cable or Channel 29 for ATT Uverse or view the meeting online by going to the City Council Committee's homepage at Sandiego.gov and selecting the City TV Live Webcast White button on the right hand side of the page. The committee meetings will be held virtually using the Zoom webinar platform. Members of the public can offer public comment by accessing the Zoom webinar online using a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, or by calling into the meeting using a smartphone, cellular phone, or landline. The link to join the committee meeting webinar by computer, tablet, or smartphone is listed online in the preamble language of the agenda, which can be found on the City Council Committee's webpage. To join the Zoom webinar by telephone, you may dial 1669 254-5252. When prompted, input webinar ID 160-417-1840 pound. This information is also available on the agenda and will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each item. When I introduce the item you would like to comment on, you will raise your hand by either tapping the raise your hand button on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, or by pressing star 9 on your phone. You will be taken in the order in which you raise your hand. Please wait until the item you wish to speak to has been called before raising your hand to speak. If you raise your hand during a non-comment period, your hand will be lowered. When you are announced as the next speaker, please unmute yourself and offer your comments. Also, please mute the volume on your TV or computer before you begin to speak. In addition, this is not a question and answer period. This is your time to provide a statement to the committee. Once you've concluded your statement within the allotted time, the call will be ended. If you wish to provide comment on other items on the agenda, you should raise your hand during those comment periods, and you'll be placed in the queue for those items.
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