CC MIN 05312022 - Laserfiche WebLink

General Fund but was created as a separate bucket to hold funds, however, the General Fund Reserve is $41 million which is 30.7% of the Operating Budget. Councilmember Arkin noted if the 30.7% was taken down by 1% it would free up roughly $1.2 million. She inquired if the City Council could consider decreasing it by 1% to obtain the funding needed for CIP. Interim Finance Director Shah advised the City Council could consider it but staff does not recommend it because the City has not experienced the actual year yet. Councilmember Arkin noted if the City Council chooses to fund $3 million for the skatepark, it is $3 million short. She inquired if that amount would cover Phase 1 of the project or if it would be held up until the total amount is allocated. Interim City Manager Dolan advised the City Council's previous direction was to look into ways to reduce the cost. He noted it can be done for $6 million with the goal to get half of the amount in this year and pursue the other half next year or sometime soon thereafter. Councilmember Arkin inquired if any of the work can commence with the $3 million. Interim City Manager Dolan explained with the initial phase of funding the actual design contract would commence. He reiterated his understanding that $6 million will be needed to build the playground. Director Kirkpatrick explained $6 million is to build all the features and building in phases would be very difficult. Councilmember Arkin noted her understanding that a lot could be done with West Las Positas Boulevard with the funding as the recommendation. Interim City Manager Dolan explained there is a good amount of funding dedicated to this project but there is time to wait for other sources as construction will not begin for two years or until Stoneridge Drive construction is completed. Councilmember Arkin inquired about the budget for the City's per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) infrastructure. Interim City Manager Dolan advised staff is not proposing any changes to anything City Council has approved on that item. Director of Operations and Water Utilities Yurchak reported the PFAS project is still estimated at $46 million which combines the well rehabilitation along with the treatment facility. She advised the cost is being folded into the rate study that will come forward to the City Council in July. She reported the City has applied for a low-interest loan from the State with a backup being a bond and supplemented with a grant. She advised staff is working with Townsend Public Affairs for some federal funding. She explained staff is focused on more concrete funding options. Councilmember Arkin inquired about the reasoning for the addition of a Deputy City Attorney by 1 Full- Time Employee (FTE) and the reduction of the Assistant City Attorney by 0.25 FTE. City Attorney Sodergren reported one of the Assistant City Attorneys retired in December and one of the part-time attorneys moved to full time. He noted this for succession planning it would be best to have a full-time entry-level deputy position rather than a quarter senior position. Councilmember Balch inquired when staff was looking to begin construction on West Las Positas Boulevard. Director Kirkpatrick believes the project estimated 18 months. Interim City Manager Dolan explained it would be challenging to find the funding if it needs to be done immediately. Councilmember Balch inquired if $4 million is needed to commence the project. Interim City Manager Dolan confirmed that is correct. Councilmember Balch noted that this project would take almost all of the annual $5 million allocation to CIP. He advised that given the timeline, the allocation for West Las Positas Boulevard should be increased. Interim City Manager Dolan explained that to commence construction in 18 months, more funding would need to be allocated. Councilmember Balch recalled the City Council last discussed Century House in June 2021 and inquired where the amount came from. Interim City Manager Dolan reported the amount was based on an architect assessment. Councilmember Balch recalled the City Council did not change the interior but City Council Minutes Page 6 of 11 May 31, 2022