The bocce ball court in the Civic Center Park was erected in 2006. (Photo by Nick Sestanovich)

At its regular meeting Tuesday, the city council issued several significant proclamations, including a heartfelt delivery to the Kyle Hyland Foundation and some commemorations of Benicia’s efforts and successes regarding sustainability; heard the biannual report from the advisory finance committee chairman including the status of the city’s new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software and plans for upgrading the city’s failing water infrastructure; and discussed first-responder fees and a proposed public-private partnership for expanding bocce ball fields, among other items.
After hearing at several consecutive council meetings that there was nothing new to report regarding the Arsenal neighborhood cleanup project, Mayor Elizabeth Patterson directed staff Tuesday to convene a subcommittee meeting to explore current options for moving forward with that project.
On behalf of the council, the mayor proclaimed September as National Preparedness month and acknowledged the Benicia Emergency Response Team (BERT), the Benicia Amateur Radio Club, the Radio Communications Club and the volunteers and staff at the police, fire and parks departments. She also proclaimed Sept. 5 to 11 as Suicide Prevention Week and the council heard some sobering facts about youth suicide in the state and here in Benicia, including “ideation” or thoughts people have about taking their own lives. Barbara Gervase, mother of teen Kyle Hyland who committed suicide in 2014, spoke about the Kyle Hyland Foundation and how it is helping to support teens and provide education and resources surrounding the issue to the community.

Financial Report

Finance Committee Chairman Michael Clarke presented the biannual financial report to the council. Highlights included Measure C funds and project status, the comprehensive financial software program that is now complete but not yet in use, the city’s contract with Siemens for new water meters, and the city’s efforts to improve the viability of its retirement programs.
Over the two years since the last biannual report, the city has developed a ten-year forecast for the general fund, water and wastewater funds. This led to Measure C and an additional $4.4 million in revenue and to new water and wastewater rates which will become effective Nov. 1.
Another major event was the securing of a contract with Tyler Munis to implement an ERP system to manage and coordinate resources, information and functions of the city’s business, all in one comprehensive accounting purchase. There have been delays in implementation due to vacancies in the finance department, “but we do expect by April, 2017 to begin generating reports,” Clarke stated.
The city also switched from Wells Fargo to Bank of America, based on a subcommittee’s recommendation after they conducted interviews with five banks.
“We issued a contract with Siemens to replace water meters city-wide to improve accuracy and accountability, and one with Bitmore for actuarial review of our workers compensation program and other post-employment benefit liabilities.”

Water rates

The council heard the second reading of proposed rate changes for water and wastewater treatment services. Councilmember Tom Campbell and Vice Mayor Mark Hughes restated their objections to the proposal as being excessive, while the other members of the council and Mayor Patterson expressed their support, agreeing that it was thoughtfully and prudently planned and urgently needed.
Some of the main features of the plan were reviewed, including the fact that the new rates contained a lower flat rate and a higher percentage calculated based on usage, which encourages conservation, and how the city has worked and will continue to work with businesses and residences that need assistance in lowering their usage and thereby lowering their rates. The condition of the city’s current system was also restated. The city has been addressing problems as they arise as emergencies, which is costing more in the long run than the cost of the planned renovation.
There was a general consensus that the most unfortunate result of the rate change is the burden placed on lower-middle income individuals and families who will be most impacted by the rate increases because their economic status does not quite qualify them for fee reduction based on financial need.

Bocce ball

The council heard from staff the results of discussions with Benicia’s bocce ball league regarding its request for a partnership with the city to allow completion of plans for new playing facilities. The league has requested that the city provide the approximately $95,000 needed to complete the project. The league has already raised approximately $125,000 toward the project on its own.
At issue were the nature of such a partnership and the exact source of funding, should the city elect to accept the partnership proposal and provide the funding requested. Once the city contributes money, then the city is required to bid out for the construction contract, which could affect the estimated total project cost. Also, staff would need to categorize the expense in a way that is legal and cost-effective.
Staff and council concluded that the city could agree to the partnership and meanwhile manage the accounting in such a way that all funds spent on the project would be directly recouped by the fees that will continue to be collected by current bocce league participants and by the additional 400 participants who would be able to join the league once the courts are completed. The likelihood of that increased participation is indicated by the length of the league’s current waiting list.

First responder fees

Discussion continued from previous meetings regarding the Benicia Fire Department’s request to take advantage of newly-allowed collection of first-responder fees. The department would issue statements to recipients of medical and medical transportation services informing them that the department would be billing their insurance while not requesting any payment directly from the individuals.
The council directed staff to conduct further research and clarification before they would be ready to approve the plan.

Further information

To read or view a text or video transcript of this or any city council meeting, visit the city’s web site at ci.benicia.ca.us or call the city at 746-4200.
The city of Benicia encourages all members of the public to participate in city government and attend city council and other city meetings.
City council meetings take place at Council Chambers, City Hall, 250 East L St., on the first, third and fourth Tuesdays of each month beginning at 7 p.m. Meetings stream live online at the city of Benicia web site at ci.benicia.ca.us and on Comcast Channel 27 or AT&T U-Verse Channel 99.
Copies of meeting agendas and supporting documents, as well as minutes (written transcripts) from previous sessions, are available at the city clerk’s office at city hall, the Benicia Public Library, or online at the city of Benicia web site under the heading Agendas and Minutes. Video transcripts of city council meetings are also available on the city’s web site.
Contact the city of Benicia at 746-4200. City offices are located at City Hall, 250 East L St., open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Meetings are occasionally canceled, so check the web site or call to confirm.

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