While the city is right on track fiscally, according to the City Council Quarterly Review, it is still working on coordinating various city departments to minimize operational costs and increase efficiency.
The finance department is among them, since funds for ongoing projects have been blocked until an amended budget is created.
“With the amount of [personnel] turnover in the finance department, things have not been consistent,” said Julia James, administrative services director, at the first quarterly meeting for the new fiscal year.
Councilman Ken Kearsley, suggested the department establish a procedural system and install internal controls to help maintain institutional memory.
Continuing her report, James spoke about unused money from the last budget that needs to be carried forward so it can be available for ongoing projects.
“We have a lot of money encumbered that we should have unencumbered,” she said.
However, the city is still waiting for final figures from the auditors, which they expect to receive by mid-November. Despite the lack of internal consistency, the year-to-date budget reflects that the city is on target with its estimated revenue and expenditure projections.
During the review, each department reported on progress they made in the past three months.
Paul Adams, Parks and Recreations Dept. director, reported to the council, the parks department is on target in all areas of responsibilities and plans.
The skate park on Cross Creek Road is a high priority, according to Adams, who indicated they are in the process of installing electricity and a water line in the park. Currently the park is open 18 hours a week. A recent private donation provided funds to resurface the skate park and it may even allow for possible expansions.
The Public Works Dept. has been working hard on citywide maintenance projects, but they still need the help of Caltrans, which is responsible for Pacific Coast Highway.
Chuck Bergson, director of public works, said, “The city still has gripes with Caltrans regarding the slow response they provide when the Pacific Coast Highway needs maintenance.”
“Improvements and level of service on the highway have been subtle,” agreed Councilman Jeff Jennings, as he heard the report.
Kearsley said the city should use public relations to get Caltrans to move a bit faster on these issues.
Fiscally, the Public Works Dept. has been spending money swiftly because they are working on many projects, but the funds from last year’s budget still needs to be transferred to this year’s budget.
However, most of the money, $4 million, comes from capital programs. Less than 10 percent comes from general funds, said Bergson.
The department is also working with the Point Dume community to establish a traffic plan. They arranged for a neighborhood traffic plan public meeting on Nov. 15, at 7 p.m., in the Point Dume Marine Science Elementary School auditorium.
Vic Peterson, Environmental Building and Safety director, reported that the Planning Department is also streamlining their process. They hope to separate smaller planning projects so they are not treated the same as big projects.
Richard Davis, a long-time Malibu resident, who is working on a proposal with Kearsley, continued his Malibu Vision 2000 presentation before the council.
However, Jennings, was concerned that the plan contradicts efforts made in the past to create a general plan. Davis responded that both would work together.
“This could evolve into an extension of the current general plan,” said Davis.
“This presentation is meant to tap some skills and expertise from Malibu residents,” he explained.
The Vision 2000 plan would be best served by a group of independent citizens who do not take part in the day-to-day city activities and decisions, he said. They would work on future prospects for the city, drawing a plan that would be brought back to council through Christi Hogin, the interim city manager.
At Hogin’s suggestions, the council moved to approve the plan, which will be under her direct supervision.
The council also agreed to have Hogin assemble a group of people to evaluate the need and feasibility of a blue-ribbon shuttle service in Malibu. This new shuttle, suggested by Barovsky, would help Malibu residents who do not have private transportation to get around town.
Currently, the city is spending approximately $200,000 a year on a dial-a-ride service serving a limited amount of people.