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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Package - StudySession_Mar28_2024 PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MEETING AGENDA Thursday, March 28, 2024 3:00 p.m. Council Chamber, City Hall 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, California NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the purpose of the Study Session is to review the items listed on the agenda. No action will be taken. Pages 1.CALL TO ORDER - STUDY SESSION 2.STUDY SESSION TOPICS 2.a REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK ON THE FORMATION OF A LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND A FOUNDATION 3 RECOMMENDATION: Provide feedback on the potential establishment of a Library Advisory Committee and a 501(c)(3) Foundation. 2.b STUDY SESSION: UPDATE ON ANIMAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES 17 RECOMMENDATION: Receive an update on Animal Services Contract with Riverside County Animal Services. 3.ADJOURNMENT 4.PUBLIC NOTICES NOTE: Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449, this meeting may be conducted by teleconference. Study Session is accessible in person or on the City’s website: www.palmdesert.gov under the Council Agenda link at the top of the page. Agenda Related Materials: Pursuant to Government Code §54957.5(b)(2) the designated office for inspection of records in connection with this meeting is the Office of the City Clerk, Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Staff reports for all agenda items considered in open session, and documents provided to a majority of the legislative bodies are available for public inspection at City Hall and on the City’s website at www.palmdesert.gov by clicking “Council Agenda” at the top of the page. Americans with Disabilities Act: It is the intention of the City of Palm Desert to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a participant at this meeting, or in meetings on a regular basis, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk, (760) 346-0611, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible. AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING I, Níamh M. Ortega, Assistant City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, do hereby certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing agenda for the Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency for the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, and Housing Authority, was posted on the City Hall bulletin board and City website www.palmdesert.gov no less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. /S/ Níamh M. Ortega Assistant City Clerk City Council Study Session Page 2 of 42 Page 1 of 3 CITY OF PALM DESERT STAFF REPORT MEETING DATE: March 28, 2024 PREPARED BY: Gary Shaffer, Director of Library Services REQUEST: FEEDBACK REQUESTED ON THE FORMATION OF A LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND A FOUNDATION RECOMMENDATION: Provide feedback on the potential establishment of a Library Advisory Committee and a 501(c)(3) Foundation. BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS: In June 2023, the City Council directed staff to proceed with withdrawing from the Riverside County Library System and establish its own municipal library services. The following steps have been taken since then to facilitate that effort:  October 12, 2023: City Council adopted the Resolution. No. 2023-047 withdrawing from the Riverside County Library System (RCLS) and indicating its intent to establish an independent municipal library.  November 7, 2023: Riverside County Board of Supervisors received and filed Resolution No. 2023-047.  March 12, 2024: Riverside County Board of Supervisors ratified and agreed to the terms of the agreement to withdraw from the RCLS. Formation of a Library Advisory Committee Municipal libraries are typically organized under the Municipal Library Law (Education Code Section 18900-18965) which requires the establishment of a five-member Board of Library Trustees, consisting of elected or appointed officials. However, Education Code Section 18963 states “This chapter has no application to any library established or governed by a city c harter, and any city charter is in no manner affected by this chapter.” Therefore, staff have researched best practices related to the governance of municipal libraries and recommend that the City Council serve as the governing body of the library and establish a Library Advisory Committee. The cities of Rancho Mirage and Santa Barbara have established similar governance structures. As the governing body of the library, the City Council will be charged with fiduciary and administrative oversight and establishing policy and long-term plans for the library. It is the City Manager’s responsibility through the Library Director to supervise the library staff, manage the library collection, implement programming, supervise day-to-day operations, apply policies, and oversee procedures.1 1 California State Library, California Public Library Trustees Toolkit https://www.library.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Trustee-Toolkit.pdf Page 3 of 42 City of Palm Desert Formation of a Library Committee and Foundation Page 2 of 3 Staff recommends that the City Council establish a five -member Library Advisory Committee (similar to the Planning Commission and Finance Committee) appointed to four -year staggered terms and subject to the Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) Chapter 2.34 General Provisions for Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces. The City Council is also requested to appoint two alternate members to four-year terms. PDMC Section 2.34.060 provides the City Council with the flexibility to appoint any number of alternates at the City Council’s discretion. Members Terms Periods Members 1 and 2 July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026 Members 3, 4 and 5 July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028 Alternate Members 1 and 2 July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028 If the City Council chooses to move forward with establishing a Library Advisory Committee, it is recommended that the City Council Ad Hoc Committee on Boards and Commissions (consisting of Councilmember Kelly Mayor Pro Tem Harnik) provide feedback on the powers and duties of the Library Advisory Committee, subject to City Council approval. Once the more formally structured Library Advisory Committee is established, City staff recommends that the temporary Library Task Force, which was put in place to aid in the transition to a municipal library, be disbanded as of June 30, 2024. Formation of a 501(c)(3) Foundation The City Council is requested to consider establishing a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to facilitate financial contributions by members of the public, grant-making organizations, along with family, community and corporate foundations, wh o wish to financially support the library. Often such entities will only give to government entities, such as libraries, via affiliated foundations. Should the City Council give staff a directive to establish a foundation, it could later be expanded to facilitate other giving to support other city-owned community assets should a need arise. If the City Council opted to establish the foundation and wished to have the option to expand it later, a generic (non-specific to the library) name could be chosen (e.g. Palm Desert Community Trust). The City would then need to file appropriate paperwork with the California Secretary of State and IRS. Should the City Council opt not to establish a 501(c)(3) foundation for this purpose, the City may have to forego some donations. While the tax code allows private and community foundations, as well as corporate giving programs, to make grants directly to government entities almost as if they are public charities, some may not be aware, or they may prefer to give to a 501(c)(3). Legal Review: This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s office. Next Steps Upon receiving the initial feedback from the City Council on the creation of a Library Advisory Committee and foundation, City staff will return at a subsequent meeting for City Council to take the necessary actions to effectuate its direction. Page 4 of 42 City of Palm Desert Formation of a Library Committee and Foundation Page 3 of 3 FINANCIAL IMPACT: There may be minimal costs associated with the recruitment of a new committee, however, the City Clerk’s budget has sufficient funding for these costs. It is not anticipated that the committee will incur ongoing costs. Regarding the formation of a 501(c)(3) foundation , the City has incurred $3,515 in legal expenses to investigate the establishment of a 501(c)(3) foundation. Should the City Council direct staff to pursue the establishment of a foundation, it is anticipated an additional expenditure of up to $2,985 for legal costs and filings. Any on-going costs would be borne by the Library Fund and may potentially impact the General Fund, if funding is insufficient. Page 5 of 42 Page 6 of 42 LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE & FOUNDATION Gary Shaffer Library March 28, 2024 Page 7 of 42 INTRODUCTION Libraries are typically overseen by a governing board, whether that be City Council or a separate entity. Additionally, many libraries have a 501(c)(3) foundation in order to facilitate gifts from family and corporate foundations & individuals. 2Page 8 of 42 PRIMARY GOALS 1) Establish a Library Board of Trustees. 2) Learn Council’s views on the establishment of a Library Advisory Committee. 3) Assess Council’s desire to establish a fundraising mechanism for the library and/or other City assets. Page 9 of 42 TIMELINE City Council requests staff begin withdrawal process and establishes Library Task Force. JUN 8 & 22, 2023 City Council adopts reso. withdrawing from the Riverside County Library System OCT 12, 2023 Riverside County BOS receives & files withdrawal reso. NOV 7, 2023 City Council & COD approve lease. City Council finalizes County withdrawal agreement and establishes library ordinance FEB 15, 2024 Riverside County BOS agrees to and ratifies withdrawal agreement MARCH 12, 2024 4Page 10 of 42 BOARD OF TRUSTEES This can be City Council. The City typically establishes Advisory Committees for departments to facilitate community input. 5Page 11 of 42 RESPONSIBILITIES BOARD OF TRUSTEES •Charged with fiduciary and administrative oversight. •Establish policy and long-term plans for the library. ADVISORY BOARD •Provide input on programming and space planning. •Monitor performance indicators, activities, & outcomes. •Connect staff to community groups. 6 DIRECTOR •Supervise the library staff, manage the library collection, & implement programming. •Supervise day-to-day operations, apply policies, and oversee procedures. Page 12 of 42 TERM PERIODS 7 Members Terms Periods Member 1 and 2 July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026 Members 3, 4 and 5 July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028 Alternate Members 1 and 2 July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028 Page 13 of 42 501(C)(3) OPTIONS •Library Foundation (e.g. The Palm Desert Library Trust) •Generic Foundation (e.g. The Palm Desert Public Trust) •Direct giving to the City of Palm Desert & forego formation of a 501(c)(3). 8Page 14 of 42 SUMMARY •By establishing the Board of Trustees, along with a governing board or an advisory board, & crafting a clear division of labor, the City Council will set the library up for long-term success. •Whether or not the City Council opts to establish a library foundation, a more generic foundation (e.g. Palm Desert Public Trust), or neither, the City should make clear how donors should direct their donations should they wish to give. 9Page 15 of 42 THANK YOU Gary Shaffer gshaffer@palmdesert.gov 760.776.6460 Page 16 of 42 Page 1 of 1 CITY OF PALM DESERT STAFF REPORT MEETING DATE: March 28, 2024 PREPARED BY: Richard D. Cannone, AICP, Development Services Director REQUEST: STUDY SESSION: UPDATE ON ANIMAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file an update on Animal Services Contract with Riverside County Animal Services. BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS: The purpose of this study session is to provide an overview of costs and services for the current Animal Services Contract (FY 21/22 – FY 23/24) as well as the following:  Significant changes and cost increases from 2015 – 2023  Trends  Staffing Level & Cost Comparisons with Coachella Valley Municipalities  Staff Observations & Considerations  Recommendations Legal Review: This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s office. ATTACHMENT: 1. Presentation Page 17 of 42 Page 18 of 42 Riverside County Animal Services Contract City Council Study Session March 28, 2024 Page 19 of 42 Riverside County Animal Services Contract •Overview of Current Contract •Cost comparison from 2015 –2023 •Significant changes & increases in costs •Trends •Staffing Level & Cost Comparisons with CV Municipalities •Staff Observations/Considerations •Recommendation 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 2Page 20 of 42 Current Contract -Costs Breakdown Item FY 21 /22 Actuals FY 22/23 Actuals FY 23 /24 Budget FY 23 Q1 & Q2 Actuals Animal Control Officer $ 209,496 $ 273,125 $ 273,125 $136,562 Animal Control Officer (OT) $ 25,920 $ 36,038 $ 37,119 $ 7,589 Sheltering Services $ 41,095 $ 65,086 $ 67,039 $22,847 O&M Impounds $ 2,767 $ 3,518 $ 3,624 $1,472 Deceased Animals $ 4,060 $ 7,000 $ 7,210 $ 3,080 Wildlife $ 1,104 $ 1,518 $ 1,564 $ 1,104 License Admin Fee $ 20,399 $ 21,080 $ 21,712 $ 7,309 Licensing Credit $ (31,675)$ (36,767)$ (38,900)$ (12,560) Total $ 273,167 $ 370,598 $ 372,493 $ 167,403 +30% +43% +63% 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 3Page 21 of 42 Animal Services Total Costs FY 15/16 –FY 23/24 Contract Year 2015-2017*2018-2020*2021-2023* Year 1 $ 213,569 $ 233,933 $ 273,167 Year 2 $ 233,468 $ 221,008 $ 370,598 Year 3 $ 237,861 $ 237,448 $ 372,493** Total $ 684,898 $ 692,389 $ 1,016,258 * Actual Costs **Budgeted Amount 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 4Page 22 of 42 Animal Services Contracts -Field Services (w/OT) Contract YR 2015-2017 2018-2020 2021-2023 Year 1 $ 146,027 $ 141,171 $ 235,920 Year 2 $ 153,851 $ 145,007 $ 309,163 Year 3 $ 145,777 $ 143,101 $ 310,244 Total $ 445,655 $ 429,279 $ 855,327 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 5Page 23 of 42 Animal Services -Sheltering Costs & No. Animals 2015-2017*2018-2020*2021-2023** Contract Year TTL Cost # of Animals TTL Cost # of Animals TTL Cost # of Animals # of Days Year 1 $ 62,808 501 $ 73,006 582 $ 43,862 242 1,525 Year 2 $ 62,606 499 $ 59,082 471 $ 68,604 337 1,938 Year 3 $ 77,647 619 $ 59,082 471 $ 67,039 (Budgeted) 145 (Jul-Feb) 670 Total $ 203,061 1,619 $ 191,170 1,524 $ 179,505 717 4,133 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 6 *Rate per animal **Rate per day in shelter Page 24 of 42 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 7 501 499 619 582 471 471 242 337 145 FY 15 FY 16 FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 FY 22 FY 23 (JUL- FEB) Number of Animals Annually Sheltered -FY 15/16 –FY 23/24 # of Animals Page 25 of 42 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 8 471 209 283 145 794 1525 1938 670 2 7 7 5 FY 20/21 FY 21/22 FY 22/23 FY 23/24 (JUL-FEB) No. Animals, Days in Shelter, & Average Day/Animal Avg Days Shelter Days Animals (Dogs & Cats) Page 26 of 42 81 69 53 128 214 92 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 FY 21/22 FY 22/23 FY 23/24 (Jul-Feb) Number of Dogs & Cats Sheltered Annually Dog Cat 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 9Page 27 of 42 Animal Services –Staffing Levels & Costs Riverside County Contract Operates Shelter Municipality Operations Salaries Total Desert Hot Springs $356,755 $580,802 $ 937,557 Palm Springs $1,192,128 $516,854 $1,708,982 Municipality Animal Control Officer FTE FY 23/24 TTL Budgeted Cost Palm Desert 1 $ 372,493 Cathedral City .5 $ 335,000 Coachella 1 $ 490,000 Indian Wells On-Call $ 10,886 Indio 3 $ 1,280,000 La Quinta 1 $ 370,000 Rancho Mirage On-Call $ 50,000 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 10Page 28 of 42 Dog License Fees 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 11 County issues license and collects fees on behalf of the City. o County retains processing fee of $11.35 per license o Remainder is credited to the City o PDMC Sec. 6.08.040 establishes that if a fee is not adopted, it should be the same amount for similar dog licensing in unincorporated areas of the county. o Fee established in 1998, no fee has been adopted. o City subsidizes 1-Year Licenses Fee $3.35 for altered dogs $5.35 for altered dogs owned by Seniors Citizens 60+ Type of License 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year Altered Dogs $8 $15 $19 Unaltered Dogs $50 $100 $150 Altered Dog, owned by Senior Citizen 60+ $6 $7 $8 Palm Desert Dog License Fees est. 1998 Page 29 of 42 Dog License Fee -Municipality Comparison 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 12 Type of License 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year Altered Dogs (Palm Desert & Rancho Mirage)$8 $15 $19 Indio $17 $26 $36 Cathedral City & Unincorporated $25 $50 $75 LaQuinta & Coachella $17 $34 $49 Unaltered Dogs (Palm Desert & Rancho Mirage)$50 $100 $150 Indio $100 $175 $225 Cathedral City & Unincorporated $120 $240 $360 LaQuinta & Coachella $100 $200 $300 Altered Dog, owned by Senior Citizen 60+ (Palm Desert & Rancho Mirage)$6 $7 $8 Indio $10 $15 $20 Cathedral City & Unincorporated $12 $24 $36 LaQuinta & Coachella $12 $24 $36 Page 30 of 42 Reimbursement Program Mobile Clinic -2013/2014 last clinic at Civic Center Park •Cost approximately $11,400/year for 2 clinics •Discontinued due to low turn out, targeted to Palm Desert residents, but no one turned away Reimbursement Program implemented in FY 14/15. •$25 reimbursement for vaccination •$50 reimbursement for spay/neutering •Full cost reimbursement for adoption (excludes medication) 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 13Page 31 of 42 33 7 10 11 18 12 - 21 9 4 13 4 -1 - 3 ---- - 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 23/24 Reimbursements -# of Animals Treated Vaccines Spay/Neuter 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 14Page 32 of 42 $2,934 $2,926 $5,419 $3,034 $5,296 $1,437 $295 $226 $290 $53 $- $1,000 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000 $6,000 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 23/24 Reimbursements Amounts –Animal Adoptions Adoption Reimbursement 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 15Page 33 of 42 Staff Observations & Considerations Reimbursement Program •Consider including reimbursement for microchipping •One-time cost of $21 vs. $34.10 for daily sheltering •Consider increasing reimburse amounts for Spay/Neutering: •$100 for cats and $150 for dogs (approximately 50% of cost through Animal Samaritans SPCA) •Riverside County Animal Services does not offer public Spay/Neutering at the Shelter •Improve outreach and marketing of program (Brightside) •Include signage/QR Code about Reimbursement Programs in the dog parks 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 16Page 34 of 42 Staff Observations & Considerations Dog License Fee •Consider adding a dog license fee in FY 24/25 Fee Schedule as follows: 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 17 Type of License 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year Note Altered Dogs $8 $15 $15 $20 $19 $22 Will be lowest for Contract Cities, Except RM Unaltered Dogs $50 $120 $100 $240 $150 $360 Same as unincorporated Riverside County Altered Dog, owned by Senior Citizen 60+ $6 $12 $7 $13 $8 $14 Will be lowest for Contract Cities, Except RM 3-Year License vs. 1-Year over 3 Years Revenue: $10.65 same Expense: $22.70 reduction Page 35 of 42 Staff Observations & Considerations Animal Control Officer –Field Services •Dedicated Officer to Palm Desert •Responsive •All current Code Officers were former Animal Control Officers •Constant communication with staff •Assists with homeless outreach when animals are involved 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 18Page 36 of 42 Recommendation Renew and monitor another 3-year contract with Riverside County for Animal Services with the following: Include daily activity logs from the assigned Animal Control Officer to ensure contract compliance. Include address/location of where strays are picked up. Include address/location of individuals surrendering animals. Request annual rates/changes in March/April. 3/28/2024 City Council Study Session 19 Page 37 of 42 Page 38 of 42 CITY OF PALM DESERT CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: March 28, 2024 To: Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers From: Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk Subject: City Council Meeting of March 28, 2024 Below you will find questions received from the Mayor or Councilmembers and answers provided by City staff regarding tonight’s City Council meeting: ITEM 2b: STUDY SESSION: UPDATE ON ANIMAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES Q1: Page 25. Is this for Palm Desert only? A1: Yes, these are the total number of animals (dogs, cats, birds, others) sheltered annually for the City of Palm Desert. Q2: Page 25. How is this calculated? Are these numbers only relative to the Thousand Palms location? A2: These numbers reflect the total number of dogs and cats, the overall number of days in the shelter, and the average. For example, from July – February of this fiscal year, there were a total of 145 dogs & cats sheltered for 670 days, with an average of 5 sheltered days per animal. Our contract stipulates that animals shall be housed at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms. The County does have the discretion to take animals to other county f acilities at their discretion e.g. no capacity at the time etc. Q3: Does the City pay per animal that is taken in, or does the City pay for euthanasia fees? A3: The City pays a daily sheltering rate of $34.10 per day plus a $10.44 charge per impound for each dog or cat. There are no additional costs for euthanasia fees, or spaying/neutering a stray before they are adopted. Q4: Page 31. Has there been any interest from the community in having these again (mobile clinic)? How were they advertised? A4: Staff is not aware of any interest from the community in hosting mobile clinics. In 2013, when the last mobile clinic was held it was advertised at the Shelter, in Brightside, and flyers at City Hall. Page 39 of 42 03/28/2024 Question & Answer Memo Page 2 of 4 ITEM 13e: AUTHORIZE AN AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT NO. A43790 WITH FG CREATIVE INCREASING COMPENSATION FOR PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER MARKETING SERVICES Q1: What is the breakdown of their justification to increase account services by nearly $2000? A1: With the renegotiation of the operational contract with the YMCA, greater emphasis has been placed on marketing the Aquatic Center. The enhanced scope of work required more hours over the second quarter of the year, which correlates to a higher fee for account services. Q2: How many billboards is the City getting for $10,500? What is the ROI on billboards? A2: Billboards are useful for brand-building and reaching new audiences with information about the Aquatic Center. They are part of the previously approved PDAC budget, and placement has been spread out over the fiscal year as part of Lamar's digital billboard program. This program provides tremendous flexibility in messaging and placement, when compared to a traditional static billboard that would have one location and one message for the duration of the contract. Q3: Where will they be placed? A3: These digital billboards are placed in 10 locations around the valley, and the PDAC slot rotates from board to board, allowing the messaging to be seen in multiple locations. Q4: What website enhancements are they planning to implement for a $3,000 increase? A4: This fee is for a complete website redesign, including new photography, an updated, more user- friendly design, new programming, and reservation portals. ITEM 13f: AUTHORIZE AN AMENDMENT TO INCREASE THE CITY'S CONTRACT WITH FG CREATIVE FOR EL PASEO PARKING & BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT MARKETING SERVICES Q1: What services are listed in the original contract with FG Creative, C43370? A1: Below is the scope of services outlined in Contract C43370: • Develop an annual budget that includes a comprehensive, strategic and diversified media plan and account management that promotes El Paseo to its target audience, in accordance with direction provided by the Board. This media plan should demonstrate maximum efficiency of spend and a clear ability to measure return on investment (ROI).  Negotiate, schedule, and maintain media buys in accordance with the approved media plan. Please note that all buys performed on behalf of the EPPBID must be billed at net amounts.  Provide media administrative services including, but not limited to, record keeping; flowcharts; budget recaps; billing; processing payment; maintaining media buy schedules; buy confirmations; tracking make goods and credits; trafficking of creative materials.  Develop and implement a monthly merchant outreach program.  Attend and present pertinent updates at the monthly EPPBID Board meetings.  Evaluate all media proposals submitted to the Board and issue recommendations based on cost, validity, and perceived benefits to the marketing/advertising objectives of the Board.  Provide monthly and quarterly reports summarizing project activities and achievements of all services outlined in this scope of work.  Submit detailed invoices to include the projects and services worked on or completed with supporting documentation for the previous month's activities.  Develop an annual branding campaign and create all graphic assets as needed to fulfill the media plan and all outbound marketing. To include but not limited to: digital, print, radio and collateral material, and other elements, as mandated by the media plan. Page 40 of 42 03/28/2024 Question & Answer Memo Page 3 of 4  Create a strategic Social Media Plan and manage all aspects of the EPPBID social media channels, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. • Organize and manage two Merchant meetings per year if viable (Pre-Season and Post-Season). • Manage Public Relations efforts as needed on behalf of the EPPBID.  Agency shall represent EPPBID's voice and vision when working with media partners, in the best interest of the “El Paseo" brand. Q2: How often has EPPBID had to tap into their reserves in the last 6 years? A2: Fortunately, staff is not aware of any time the EPPBID has had to tap into its reserves to cover a budget shortfall. Because EPPBID funds fluctuate depending on revenues collected from members of the district, the board's first pass at its annual budget is always conservative, based on an average of the previous six years' revenue. As the actual revenues accrue, the board then revisits marketing priorities based on actual funds available in excess of its reserves and makes a mid-year budget adjustment. This careful approach allows the board to maintain good stewardship over its constantly fluctuating and unpredictable resources. Q3: How much was taken from the reserve in 2020? A3: When the pandemic hit in early 2020, the EPPBID Board drastically cut its budget to conserve funds in light of a projected drastic drop in revenue. As it turned out, sales of luxury goods were especially strong during the pandemic, so the district finished the year with more funds than anticipated, and the board did not have to tap into its reserves. Q4: What are the merchant relations that need to be enhanced? A4: The Board has prioritized merchant relations over the past several years to achieve its goals of supporting small store owners while ensuring that it is representing its members well. The results were positive in terms of having an engaged and active membership. For FY 2023-2024, the board reluctantly reduced the budget spent on merchant relations in order to address other marketing priorities. When deciding on how to apply a mid-year budget adjustment this year, the board voted to bring that line item back up to what it has been in past fiscal years. Q5: Will merchant relations be uniform from Highway 74 to Portola? A5: Yes, the monthly report highlights that an equal amount of time is spent on each block of the district. Q6: What enhancements are going to be made? A6: The budget increase allows for more one-on-one marketing meetings, more store visits, and greater support during the summer months. ITEM 13k: APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR NEW LIBRARY FACILITY PROJECT AND AWARD ARCHITECT CONTRACT TO RICHÄRD KENNEDY ARCHITECTS FOR CONCEPTUAL DESIGN SERVICES (PROJECT NO. CFA00027) Q1: Won't it make more sense to request this work after a decision is made about the new library site? Might the available footprint be a significant variable in the design work? A1: The Architect’s scope of work for Conceptual Design Services will be required regardless of site location. The anticipated building program is approximately 20,000 to 25,000 SF. All sites currently being considered will support the required footprint. Funds for other preconstruction services and architect contingency identified in the Staff Report will be utilized to analyze the other sites. Page 41 of 42 03/28/2024 Question & Answer Memo Page 4 of 4 ITEM 14d: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR THE SELECTION OF THE MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM Q1: If there is a desire to maintain a seniority-based rotation for the position of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, may ties be broken by mutual agreement? Are there any rules which can be imposed that if a member declines service it does not result in a disruption to the normal rotation? A1: Yes, if the City Council prefers a seniority-based rotation it is permissible to allow ties to be broken by mutual agreement. Under this rule, if two or more members are tied, they may come to a mutual agreement on the sequence of who will serve as Mayor Pro Tem. If mutual agreement is not reached, it is recommended that ties be broken by lot (such as a coin toss, drawing straws, or high card from a standard deck). Under the current resolution, if a member declines service as Mayor Pro Tem ther e is no mechanism to reset the member’s seniority since last serving as Mayor, if ever. This results in the member who declined maintaining their seniority and having preference to serve as Mayor Pro Tem in future years. A rule may be imposed that if a member declines to serve, then that member’s future placement in the rotation will be as if they served in the year for which service is waived. Furthermore, it is recommended that the priority be based on “the longest continuous service since last serving as Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem, if ever.” This will ensure that a member who served as Mayor Pro Tem but declines service as Mayor will have their seniority reset. Page 42 of 42