HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 05-30-95 - Adjourned w CDC f s
A
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL /COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
MAY 30, 1995
The City Council /Community Development Commi ssion of the City of Downey
held an Adjourned Regular Meeting at 4:00 p.m., May 30, 1995, in the Council
Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor /Chairman Barbara J. Riley presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members/ Commissioners :
Barbara J. Ri 1 ey Mayor/Chairman
Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. Mayor Pro Tem /Vice - Chairman
Joyce L. Lawrence
Diane P. Boggs
Robert S. Bra zel ton
ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager /Executive Director
Joyce Doyl e, Deputy City Clerk /Assi stant Secretary
Lee Powell , Assistant City Manager
Gregory Cal dwel 1 , Pol ice Chief
Jim Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Art Rangel , Director of Econ. & Community Development/
Assistant Executive Director
Lowell W i l l iams, Director of Finance
Joe Arranaga, Physical Services Superintendent
John Finch , Police Captain
Greg Mayfield, Water /Sanitation Superintendent
Mike Miller , Police Captain
Rick Nathan, Pol ice Captain
William Robinson, Assistant Fire Chief /Fire Marshal
Robert Brace, City Engineer
Bob Gallagher, Building Official
Gerry Steward, Water Quality Contract Administrator
Ed Vel asco, Housing Manager
---& Mi ke Wheatley, Pol ice Lieutenant
Ron Yoshi ki , City Planner /Asst . Community Dev. Director
Kathy Simmons, Administrative Assi stant
Steven Yee , Economic Development Coordinator
Cindi Lee, Executive Secretary
STUDY SESSION - CITY OF DOWNY PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995 -96
Mr. Caton gave a brief overview of the proposed City of Downey budget,
totalling $64,783,106, which includes an operating budget of $52,636,649 and a
capital budget of $12,146,457. He explained the State has bal anced its budget
this year by reducing local revenues, specifically diverting $2,034,000 in
Downey revenue to the State. He summari zed the 1 ocal economic conditions ,
noting that most sectors of the economy are improving except for building
activity which i s only projected to increase to 1993 1 evel s. He discussed the
various actions taken over the past four years to reduce the budget, including
eliminating 33 non - public safety positions that has resulted in the lowest
staffing level in over 25 years . Public Safety staffing levels have
increased, with 45% of the General Fund budget devoted to the Pol ice
City Council /Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 5/30/95 -
4
Department and 23% directed to the Fire Department. Funds from the utility
users tax have allowed these budgets to increase while other Departments have
either remained status quo or decreased. City initiatives undertaken to
assist the community during the past few years include the remodeled Rio Hondo
Golf Course; a new fixed route transit system; the transfer of Code
Enforcement to the Police Department; formation of the Urban Search and Rescue
Squad, Federal Government support for the construction of storm drain
improvements to the Rio Hondo River; establishment of a new Community /Senior
Center and Gymnasium at Apollo Park; and the acquisition of Firestone
Boulevard from the State. He mentioned Enterprise Funds that are maintained
on a profit and loss basis, and Special Revenue Funds with restrictive uses.
He reviewed some concerns about the City's financial situation, i .e., State
actions to divert further local revenue; eventual exhaustion of the PERS
Rebate which was partially used to balance this budget; salary increases for
non -sworn employees; operation and maintenance costs for the new Community/
Senior Center and Gymnasium; and efforts to retain Rockwell Space Division.
He expressed appreciation to Lee Powell , Lowell Williams, and the Department
Heads for their cooperative efforts in presenting a balanced budget for 1995-
96 .
Mr. Powell reviewed the City's revenue situation, noting that revenues in
the General Fund are expected to increase by 2% for 1995 -96. In all other
funds, projections have been conservative. He commented on the large increase
in the budget for Redevelopment, noting that certain housing funds and Federal
Grant money received from HUD are now recorded in the budget. Regarding
expenditures, he mentioned the Operating Budget has increased by 1.5 million
and 97% of that increase is directed to the Police and Fire Departments. He
indicated the proposed manpower level of 425 for 1995 -96 reflects a decrease
over the last ten years through attrition in the workforce.
Mr. Powell reviewed the budget for the City Manager's Department, which
remains status quo. Future plans for the upcoming year include working on
retaining Rockwell Space Center in Downey, continued involvement in regional
activities such as flood control and the 1-5 Freeway projects, maintaining a
revitalized sales tax base, and negotiating two employee labor contracts.
Mr. Williams reviewed the budget for the Finance Department, which
consists of Accounting /Cashiering, Purchasing, and Data Processing. He noted
the proposed budget increase of 3% above last year is because of the rise in
costs from Los Angeles County in collecting property taxes. He outlined
future cost - saving goals, such as reduction in telephone costs, computer
networking in City Hall, and changes in paramedic transportation billing.
Mr. Jarrett summarized the budget for the Community Services Department,
and commented on recent accomplishments, including establishment of the Dynix
Library Computer Access System for public use of services via a to uc hto ne
telephone. Increase in general park usage has resulted in the need for
additional services which have impacted the budget, and maintaining the newly
remodeled Golf Course will be a priority to assure a high level of service and
attract visitors to the facility. He explained that staff is presenting the
option for Council consideration to renovate and improve surrounding buildings
and landscaping at Apollo Park. After distributing material relating to a
revised design cost estimate for this additional work, he displayed a drawing
of the proposed Community /Senior Center and Gymnasium, and discussed the other
City Council/Comm. D ev . Minutes (Adj.) 5/30/95 -2 -
site improvements and renovation projects that would complete the entire area,
incl uding the costs involved. The entire project will cost $4,327,834 with
proposed changes in funding sources that will save General Fund monies and
i ncl ude a Section 108 HUD loan.
I I
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed Section 108 loan and schedule
for repayment.
Prior to final approval , Council Member /Commissioner Boggs requested
further loan information regarding the interest rate and other costs involved,
__ and recommended the savings of $765,000 in the General Fund be reserved and
not spent for unb udge ted items .
Council Member /Commissioner Lawrence advised she will be abstaining from
the portion of the discussion regarding the Hi storical Society because of a
potential conflict of interest as she is a Board Member of this Association.
Council Member /Commissioner Lawrence asked how the administrative
overhead was funded for the Golf Course operation, the DowneyLINK system, and
transit, and was informed that special project funds are charged to reimburse
the General Fund for the costs incurred .
Responding to questions, Mr. Jarrett explained offsetting expenditures
with fee supported programs and revenue generated in other areas, such as
Wilderness Park parking fees .
Mr . Rangel reviewed the budget for the Economic and Community Development
Department, including the Divisions of Pl ann ing , Building , and Housing . He
discussed important accomplishments of each Division and upcoming projects,
incl uding development of a new Ral phs Market, Massey Chevrolet Showroom,
Cal san Materials Recovery Facility and an In -N -Out Burger establishment.
Although staffing 1 evel s have decreased, it may be necessary to request
funding of a Pl anning position in the budget i f building activity increases.
He outlined proposed new activities planned d for the Redevelopment Agency and
Economic Development Programs, noting the successful efforts of BRAID in thi s
area. Staff i s requesting an additional $50,000 for a study to assi st in
retention efforts of Rockwell Space Center and to look at alternative site
uses if Rockwell should close.
Council Member /Commissioner McCaughan favored the development of a
computeri zed GIS system with broad capabil i ties for public service.
Mr. Brace reviewed the budget for the Public Works Department, consi sting
of Engineering, Sanitation, Recycling, Water, and Central Garage programs.
The Department's budget remains status quo , with a reduction in staffing
levels as a result of contract maintenance for medians and other areas. He
commented on the newly proposed landscaping zone which will fund necessary
tree trimming throughout the City.
Assistant Fire Chief Robinson summarized the budget for the Fire
Impartment, noting the proposed budget has increased 6.6% due to liability
insurance and salary adjustments. He commented on recent accomplishments,
such as continued development of the Urban Search and Rescue Team, and
restructuring of the Joint Communications Area and Administrative Office
layout adj acent to the Building Division to improve public accessibility in
City Hall .
City Council /Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 5/30/95 -3-
y
fY r
Chief Caldwell reviewed the budget for the Police Department, noting the
6.6% increase in the budget reflects salary adjustments. He discussed areas
of potential savings, including a longer period of turnover for police cars
and other equipment, and various staffing changes. He commented on future
charges coming down from the Courts and District Attorney's office that must
be absorbed by the Department, and the decreasing availability of money from
the Asset Forfeiture Fund. He mentioned recent accomplishments such as the
successful transfer of Code Enforcement to the Police Department, an improved
report-writing system, and increased training opportunities. Department goals
include modernizing and upgrading the facility and computer equipment room,
and continue quality training. He discussed his recommendation to substitute __
three sworn police positions for five non -sworn police assistant positions,
noting these trained civilians can work on activities that currently encumber
police officers' availability, such as routine reports and traffic direction.
Council Member /Commissioner Boggs expressed a safety concern with the
three year turnaround on police cars, and Chief Caldwell noted that if it
becomes necessary, modifications to this policy would be considered.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed police assistant schedules and
duties which are still being reviewed at this time.
Council Member /Commissioner McCaughan stressed the importance of re-
energizing the Neighborhood Watch Program and establishing routine multi-
family residential inspections through the Code Enforcement Program. He
requested a monthly log outlining Code Enforcement actions in terms of
feedback.
Council Member /Commissioner Boggs strongly concurred with the need to
continue training in all aspects of police work.
Mr. Caton suggested staff return with reports on the Neighborhood Watch
Program and Code Enforcement activities in the next few months for Council to
review policies in these areas.
In response to a question by Mayor /Chairman Riley, Mr. Rangel discussed
the involved court process of nuisance abatement to address the problem of
partially built houses that detract from the aesthetics of the neighborhood.
Council Member /Commissioner Lawrence reiterated the importance of
communicating information to the public, and asked staff to explore cable-
casting the Council Meetings to afford the public this opportunity.
Council Member /Commissioner Brazel ton commented on expected tight budgets
in future years, and the need to contract out more services as a cost- savings
measure.
Council Member /Commissioner Boggs expressed dismay about the lack of
public attendance at the budget meeting, and agreed with the need to contract
out services to save money.
Mayor /Chairman Riley requested a study be conducted and survey done
regarding cable - casting City Council meetings.
City Council /Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj .) 5/30/95 -4-
t #
mission concurred with studying the
The Council/Commission y g possibility of cable-
p
casting the meetings, and expressed its appreciation to all members of staff
for developing the budget document.
n briefly summarized the City Clerk's budget, Cato y y et, noting the decrease 9
from last year is due to the absence of an election this year.
Council Member /Commissioner Boggs questioned the cost of coordinating
with Los Angeles County for the General Election in November, if necessary,
and Ms. Doyle indicated the charge would be approximately $40,000.
Council Member /Commissioner Lawrence commended the City Clerk's office
for their service to the public.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None.
ADJOURNMENT: 6:20 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., June 13, 1995, in the Council
Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
ore . Doy e, Deputy ity er ar ara . Ri ey, Mayor airman
Assistant Secretary
City Council /Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 5/30/95 -5-