Budget News | Archer Park to Close | Join A Board, Commission
Analysis of Scaled-Down Public Service Center Ready
Work with Kids, Have Fun this Summer

Lighthouse Traffic Changes Get High Marks
Changes on Lighthouse Avenue designed to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow are working, according to the results of the City’s most recent survey. Left-hand turns were prohibited off Lighthouse last spring, and in October, we asked you to rate your experiences on this major thoroughfare.
A majority of raters said that both traffic congestion and flow have improved during commutes, weekdays and weekends. However, access to businesses and residential neighborhoods is more difficult as a result, raters indicated.
Traffic was just one of the three topics included in the community survey, which is distributed each fall in the City Focus. Respondents also had the opportunity to provide feedback on Web site content (www.monterey.org) and stormwater management practices.
Regarding the Web site, nearly 90% of raters have access to the Internet, a big increase from
the number recorded in our 1999 survey. More than half said they would pay for services online.
Looking at stormwater issues, raters said they know how to dispose of yard/landscaping waste, household hazardous waste and kitchen grease. However, only one in five respondents said they know who to call if someone is breaking storm drain laws. (Read page 6 to find out who to call.)
Thank you for sending your feedback. We use this material to develop community outreach
programs, modify Web content and rate satisfaction with City programs and services.
For complete survey results, visit www.monterey.org/survey

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ABOUT THE BUDGET...
Financial Outlook Uncertain, Reduction Plan Working
Through careful planning these past two years, the City has worked to fill an estimated $5.1-million budget gap predicted for the coming fiscal year. We established a Budget Reduction Plan and got ready early to prepare our staff and community and to minimize potential layoffs.
We reduced staffing and services and have taken $1.5 million from “economic uncertainty” reserves to ease the transition to our new service levels.
And with the help of our community and employees, the plan has worked so far. However, the City’s economic situation is still uncertain, and we continue to face unexpected challenges.
This year, the City lost more than $500,000 in Vehicle License Fee revenue through State actions. And a $185,000-a-year fire services contract in Del Rey Oaks was canceled.
Also, predicted income from hotel and sales taxes is lower than expected.
In February, the City Council amended our Budget Reduction Plan postponing decisions on potential layoffs of full-time and regular
part-time staff for six months until December 2004.
Unfortunately, some seasonal and part-time temporary positions are still scheduled to be eliminated at the end of June.
Key local revenues also could be greatly affected when the State and County balance their own budgets. As you can see, our financial situation is anything but clear, and we invite you to learn more about the process online at www.monterey.org Send comments and suggestions about possible ways to reduce expenses anytime.

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Make Your Opinions Clear
Be part of the budget process and help us prepare for the upcoming year 2004-05. Your suggestions are vital to establishing the City’s financial plan and even more important as we face difficult decisions during uncertain economic times.
This spring we are again weighing all factors to determine income and expense levels, so we can come up with a balanced plan that meets overall community needs.
We need your input to set budget priorities that focus on the most important programs and services and eliminate/reduce those activities and projects that we can do without.

How can you participate?
1) Attend the public meetings and/or hearings during the budget development process, see budget meeting calendar below.
2) Call 646.3799, fax 646.3793 or email (suggest@ci.monterey.ca.us) your suggestions/ideas.
3) Stay tuned to local media for opportunities to participate in meetings and work sessions for
fiscal year 2004-05.
For more details, call 646.3940 or visit the City’s Web site at www.monterey.org/budget.

Archer Park to Close, Other Centers Reduce Hours
This summer we will reduce our traditional recreation service levels as we strive to have our organization run more efficiently and cost effectively. But, never fear. A wide array of
top-quality programs and activities will continue to be available for all age groups.
After 28 years, Archer Park Center on Archer Street in New Monterey will close
its doors as a community center on June 30.
We currently operate five community centers, three of which are located in New Monterey.
Archer Park, which opened as Monterey Community Center in 1976 and was renamed in 1989, is the smaller of two general service centers in the neighborhood. Its counterpart, Hilltop Park Center on Jessie Street, will stay open. Many programs currently held at Archer Park Center, including the afterschool program, will be shifted to Hilltop; while others may find a home at the Monterey Senior Center on Lighthouse and Dickman Avenues.
Plans now call for renting out Archer Park Center for parties and meetings, and we continue to explore other ways to use the building.
ALSO AS OF JULY 1:
All four remaining centers will close on Saturdays, and there will be additional adjustments to recreation programs/activities citywide. Stay tuned to the Activities Guide to keep up with scheduling.
In addition, several special programs will not be held next year, including the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, La Posada in December and the school holiday programs, which provide activities for children during school breaks.
Paid staff will no longer supervise Dennis the Menace Park on weekends or during the summer.
In an effort to further reduce staffing costs, the Parks and Recreation Commission will only meet once each month on the third Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
For more info on the changes in Recreation and Community Services, call 646.3866 (russo@ci.monterey.ca.us) or visit our Web site at www.monterey.org for program details.

Join A Board, Commission -
Board Directs Library Mission
The progressive, dynamic Monterey Public Library, which serves some 950 community members each day, has a dedicated group of people committed to its success: the Library Board of Trustees.
“Monterey is a unique city with a strong historic influence, healthy and responsive infrastructure and a diverse population of intellectually curious adults, seniors and children,” says Board Chair Mary Castagna . “They demand and deserve the best library we can provide.”
The past year has been a challenge for the Board as the Library grappled with ways to cope with a smaller budget and fewer staff. Difficult decisions were made including cut-backs in Library hours as well as popular services. Drawing on funds from the Library Trust, the Board approved spending through the current fiscal year to sustain cultural programs for adults and the children’s summer reading program and to establish a Library store and acquire additional best selling titles.
The Board of Trustees is a five member administrative board, appointed by the City Council. Established by the City Charter in 1911, the Library Board has responsibility for hiring the Library Director, establishing Library policy and recommending the Library’s budget to the City. The Board meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 5 p.m., in the Library Community Room.
For more info on the Board or agendas and minutes, visit www.monterey.org/boards or call Interim Library Director Kim Bui-Burton at 646.3477 (buiburto@ci.monterey.ca.us).

Analysis of Scaled-Down Public Service Center Ready for Review
Background
During the past couple of years, we have evaluated plans to build a one-stop Public Service Center to consolidate related City services. Many of our offices are located in small, dilapidated bungalows and are scattered around Monterey. An upgraded Civic Center would improve customer service levels.
In summer 2002, a conceptual design for a two-story building proposed for the corner of Madison and Van Buren streets was approved. Additional community input and changes in the economy led us to re-evaluate the solutions to our office space needs.

Last fall, the City Council approved a modified, scaled-down design (see picture) for the proposed Public Service Center, to address issues raised by the community and to reduce costs.
The City Council reviewed five different revised plans and chose to reduce the original building size by 25%. The new project proposes two separate structures, totaling 32,300 square feet above ground. An additional 8,800-square-foot basement would be built under the building adjacent to Madison Street.
A covered walkway would connect the two buildings on the first floor and an uncovered walkway would be open on the second level. This modified design reduces the size of the overall structure, retains additional Cypress trees, allows for more parking and lowers the cost of the project by 20%.
A report on how the modified project will affect the surrounding neighborhood has been developed. Copies of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will soon be available at the Community Development Dept. for review.
Call 646.3885 for info or stop by the office at City Hall in the lower level of Colton Hall.
In the meantime, plans to address the temporary space needs for the Fire Department’s administration as well as Police investigations have moved ahead. We are about to purchase two modular buildings to be set up behind Fire Station No. 1, just off Madison Street. A temporary parking lot will be constructed on Van Buren Street.
For background info on the project, visit the City’s Web site at  www.monterey.org/civiccenter/summary.html  

Work with Kids, Have Fun this Summer
If you like interacting with children and working outdoors, then we have the perfect job for you.
Work with kids, earn money, learn new skills, be outdoors and have some fun this summer. Teens 16 and older are encouraged to apply.
We need people who are creative, organized, responsible, energetic, talented and flexible. If you have these qualities and are willing to learn, then take the time to apply. All part-time
positions involve working with various age groups. Jobs available include recreation playground leaders, swim instructors, lifeguards, day camp counselors and resident camp counselors and support staff.
Application deadline for summer jobs is Fri., April 2, by 5 p.m. Applications are available at the Recreation and Community Services Office, 546 Dutra Street. For more info on part-time jobs and summer employment, call 646.3866 (vierra@ci.monterey.ca.us).

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