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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-04-22-93-Adjourned w CDC t 6 4 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL /COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING APRIL 22, 1993 The City Council /Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 6:30 p.m., April 22, 1993, in the Downey City Council Chamber, Mayor /Chairman Diane P. Boggs presiding. PRESENT: Council Members/Commissioners: Diane P. Boggs Mayor /Chairman Robert S. Brazelton Mayor Pro Tem /vice- Chairman Barbara J. Riley Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. (arrived at 6:38 p.m.) Joyce L. Lawrence ALSO PRESENT: Gerald Caton, City Manager /Executive Director Judith McDonnell, City Clerk /Secretary Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Art Rangel, Asst. Exec. Director /Dir. of Econ. & Comm. Dev. Ron Irwin, Fire Chief Jim Jarrett, Director of Community Services Clayton Mayes, Pol ice Chief Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works Lowell Williams, Director of Finance Ron Yoshiki, City Planner /Asst. Comm. Dev. Director Robert Brace, City Engineer Dennis Chelstrom, Police Captain Dennis Groat, Fire Marshall Bonnie Kehoe, Recreation Manager William Makshanoff, Building Official June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager STUDY SESSION - CITY OF DOWNEY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1993-94 BACKGROUND REPORT BY CITY STAFF Mr. Caton referenced the various sections of the City Charter that dictate the process followed in adopting the City's budget. He indicated this study session will provide guidance policies in balancing the budget for this fiscal year, i n c l u d i n g the areas of reductions and revenues. He spoke regarding estimated reductions of $1.3 million to City revenue taken by the State, and the various ways in which the City has dealt with this matter. The Budget Subcommittee composed of Council Member McCaughan and Mayor Boggs considered 75 budget reductions and revenue sources proposed by the City Manager to counteract the projected shortfall. Mr. Powell summarized the staff report, narrating a slide presentation showing financial difficulties facing the City as a result of the economic recession and State budget reductions. He mentioned measures used to offset the budget deficit, i.e, the City's hiring freeze, frozen employee salaries, reductions in supplies and services, and the PERS rebate. He explained a graph depiction of a multi -year summary of the General Fund affected by projected revenues and expenditures. Council /Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (Adj.) 4/22/93 -1- flub"-JJ PUBLIC COMMENTS ON BUDGET REPORT Carmen Vinyard, 8153 Cheyenne St., President of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, highlighted some of the quality services provided by the Chamber, and requested continued financial support. Summer Rivers, 8223 Suva St., member of Downey Dolphins Swim Club, spoke regarding the positive expression for young people afforded through swimming at facilities such as the community pool. Norman Horney, 9102 Angell St., disagreed with the recommendation to limit cases heard by the Design Review Board, stating a problem may arise when the Board disagrees with staff and the applicant on developmental issues. He suggested s ted certain expenditure reductions and revenue increases, and the need 99 for a modest salary increase to maintain valuable city employees. Ken Miller, 7336 Cleargrove Dr., favored increasing the utility users tax to provide cash flow in lieu of establishing assessment districts. He mentioned the library is highly utilized and should remain open, and suggested innovative techniques to curb costs for street sweeping. Dan Rivers, 8223 Suva St., expressed concern regarding the recommendation of community pool closure. He outlined the assets of the Downey Dolphins Swim Club and asked for continued support of the pool facility, suggesting outside contractors be used for pool services to generate expanded revenue. George Johnson, 8029 Cheyenne Ave., noted the hardship that extra taxes would place upon senior citizens and property owners, and recommended reviewing the golf course site as a potential source of revenue. Mel Brown, 7157 Pellet St., referenced material he distributed regarding constitutional law on tax abilities of public officers and the separation of state and federal powers. Frank Wei, 10064 Lesterford Ave., discussed discrepancies within the budget document, citing the breakdown of figures presented in the report, and mentioned the necessity of maintaining the police and fire departments. Richard Pridham, 10402 Bellman St., suggested cost - saving measures in the areas of street lighting, transit buses, community mail-outs, and sale of City property in the downtown area. Larry Squire, 9546 Metro St., complimented sta ff a nd Council fo r conducting this public budget study session, and suggested the City consider the Golf Course as a revenue source. Willie Bre s , 11309 Buell St., concurred with Mr. Squire's comments. Doris Patterson, 10524 Lesterford Ave., expressed concern with proposed reductions in the Keep Downey Beautiful Program, noting its positive community benefits. Joan Smay, 13338 Castana Ave., stressed the importance of maintaining the library as a public service. Council /Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (Adj.) 4/22/93 -2- C696 Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St., thanked Council for conducting this study session, and discussed possible cost savings and revenue ideas, such as a dual dispatch system for emergency services. Grace Horney, 9102 Angell St., recommended increasing the utility users tax to cover the budget shortfall instead of curtailing City operations. Chris Mon jay, 12702 Dolan Ave., President of the Rio Hondo Men's Club, spoke regarding the detrimental affect of wear and tear on the Golf Course, and recommended maintenance to insure the site is in good condition to continue as a viable City revenue source. Steve O'Gorman, 8600 6th St., favored supporting Downey's infrastructure, specifically the need to maintain the community pool and library. Fred Brinkman, 9161 Arrington Ave., thanked Council for allowing public input in the budget process and expressed support for the police and fire departments, the library, and a modest salary increase for employees. He recommended the use of private contractors to reduce costs. Myrtle Risley, 7938 Phlox St., noted the golf course is financially self - sufficient, and mentioned her dismay at the proposal for licensing cats. Irene Makshanoff, 8303 Birchcrest Rd., requested an increase in the Code Enforcement Division, citing the needs in her neighborhood. Frank Dominguez, 12715 Gneiss Ave., expressed support for the Police Department and requested increased police patrol in the southwest portion of Downey. John Drake, representing the Downey City Employees Federal Credit Union, spoke regarding the rate at which rental fees are charged, and asked for a reduction in the proposed rental fee for the Credit Union. Delores B acus , 10330 Downey Ave., suggested money be diverted from the Rose Float Association budget to continue supporting the widely attended Summer Park Concerts. Edwin H. Wood , 9318 True Ave., discouraged distribution of the proposed budget reduction ideas that adversely affect employee morale. The meeting recessed at 8:15 p.m. and reconvened at 8:25 p.m. with all Council Members/Commissioners present. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL /DISAPPROVAL OF BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Mayor /Chairman Boggs expressed support of increasing the utility users tax as a means to offset the budget crisis. Council Member /Commissioner McCaughan recommended possibly setting an expenditure limit to hold down costs. Council /Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (Adj.) 4/22/93 -3- �t'* " Council Member /Commissioner Brazelton noted the measures already taken by staff to reduce the budget, and mentioned he favored an increase in the utility users tax to offset budget shortfalls. Council Member /Commissioner Riley commented on the public's concerns and ideas for handling budget difficulties. Council Member /Commissioner Lawrence stressed the importance of maintaining a high level of public service, and questioned using reserve funds as an alternative to increasing the utility users tax. Mr. Caton discussed the policy of maintaining a safe amount of reserve funds in the City, although this money can be a potential revenue source. Mayor Boggs clarified that as a Member of the Budget Subcommittee, her recommendations are not based on any perceived increase in revenue. The Council then reviewed proposed budget reductions for 1993 -94 and gave their consensus as f o l l o w s : REDUCTION IDEAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS 1. Reduce travel by 70 percent; main y p maintain employee development yes 2. Reduce all office and special activity supply accounts by 5% yes 3. Reduce advertising in Personnel from $7,500 to $3,500 yes 4. Reduce number of copiers no 5. Discontinue support of employee memberships in service clubs - the importance of networking in the community afforded by employee memberships no 6. Cut physical examinations for management yes 7. Reduce support for Chamber of Commerce no 8. Planning Commission meet once a month no 9. Change Design Review Board format - Council and staff agreed on conducting two meetings per month, starting earlier in the day yes 10. Implement PERS golden handshake program to encourage early retirements, thereby reducing workforce yes 11. Close City Hall every other Friday no 12. Change time of one Council meeting per month to afternoon no Council /Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (Adj.) 4/22/93 -4- 13. Reduce SEAACA support yes G 3 14. Furlough non - Police & Fire employees 13 days per year no 15. Possible lay -off situations no 16. Eliminate all part -time employees no 17. Merge Communicator with Recreation brochure yes 18. Cancel Public Information Program no 19. Work toward elimination of labor negotiator contract by u t i l i z i n g staff in this area yes 20. Eliminate part -time help in Personnel yes 21. Sell bus passes in Cashier section of City Hall yes 22. Freeze Purchasing manager position - Mr. Caton to review structure of organization in cost savings effort yes 23. Reduce general governmental programs no 24. Reduce swimming pool program Eliminate P1 summer lap swim yes Eliminate summer Saturday swim lessons yes Eliminate school year program: Study reductions yes Eliminate weekend recreation swim no Eliminate family night no Eliminate weeknight lessons no 25. Close Downey Swimming Pool no 26. Reduce Library budget by 30% no 27. Eliminate library reference desks no 28. Reduce Library budget by 5% yes 29. Reduce Library budget by 10% no 30. Eliminate Library no 31. Eliminate partial support for summer concerts yes Eliminate support for Holiday Home Decorations no 32. Reduce Theatre budget 5% yes 33. Close City theatre no Council /Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (Adj.) 4/22/93 -5- PG9 34. Youth Sport programs Eliminate DJAA Basketball scorekeepers yes y Eliminate field preparation for youth groups no 35. Reduce part -time recreation program 33% no 36. Eliminate all recreation & social service programs no 37. Eliminate support for special service rou s : 9 P Human Services Referral Service no We-Tip yes Cerritos Corridor no PTA Helps no Rose Float Association no Holiday Parade pre- parade activities yes Holiday Parade (Police/Maint. overtime) yes 38. Eliminate Community Services Dept. no 39. Eliminate Building Division part -time help no 40. Cut architect and engineering service in Building Div. no 41. Reduce Planning & Economic Development programs no 42. Eliminate support for Keep Downey Beautiful flyers and clerical support no Trees and landscaping materials cut 50% - this item was set aside for further information to clarify the areas affected. 43. Street sweeping reduction no 44. Eliminate City Hall Plant service yes 45. Reduce building maintenance supplies /services y es 46. Reduce fertilizer and Chemical application to street medians & eliminate annual flower plantings no 47. Eliminate street crack sealing & button replacement programs /decrease street striping frequency no 48. Eliminate oleander trimming contract /reduce mowing frequency on street medians no 49. Transfer two maintenance positions to existing vacancies in Water Division yes 50. Eliminate janitorial services in City Hall, Police and Library no 51. Reduce minimum manning by three positions (Fire Dept.) no Council /Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (Mj.) 4/22/93 -6- 52. Close one fire station /eliminate one Engine Co. no C 7 0 0 53. Reduce manning on fire ladder truck from 4 to 3 no 54. Reduce Fire Prevention Bureau by one position no 55. Eliminate funds for K-9 Training, etc. yes 56. Freeze crossing guard contract yes 57. Eliminate half Police Dept. cellular phones yes 58. Freeze four vacant police officer positions yes 59. Freeze agent promotions Police Department yes 60. Freeze five vacant Police Aide II positions yes 61. Freeze one Police Captain position no 62. Reassign DARE and Community Relations Officers to field duty and eliminate three positions no 63. Reassign DARE & Community Relations Officers to field duty and use retired police officers yes 64. Reassign DARE & Community Relations Officers to field duty and use non -sworn personnel no BUDGET SUPPLEMENTS 1. Add two Code Enforcement Officers to increase a Consider placing residential Code Enforcement Program into budget BUDGET REVENUE RAISING IDEAS 1993 -94 1. Charge Credit Union rent for City Hall office analyze reduction in rental fee 2. Require cat owners to license their cats yes 3. Charge for paramedic services when caller is frequent caller for non - emergencies no 4. Charge people for non-emergency, n o n - p u b l i c safety fire response no Item numbers 5 through 10 concerning generating revenue in the areas of forming assessment districts, utility users tax, City Fees, and police response to loud party complaints, were not specifically discussed. The m a j o r i t y of Cou nc i 1 favored increasing the utility users tax as opposed to establishing assessment districts to raise revenue. Mayor /Chairman Boggs discussed the flexibility and fairness of the utility users tax option for raising revenue. Council /Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (Mj.) 4/22/93 -7- el 01 Council Member /Commissioner McCaughan preferred to delay voting on any revenue increase plan until the projected costs in the 1993 -94 budget are clearly defined. He mentioned the benefits of implementing an assessment district, citing the accountability of money spent that is collected in this manner. He favored an expenditure limit based on last year's budget if the utility users tax is increased. Council Member /Commissioner Lawrence commented on having the f l e x i b i l i t y of restructuring financial priorities that is afforded by the utility users tax option. She noted the detrimental psychological effect of collecting an assessment in a lump sum as opposed to the monthly payment of the utility users tax. Council Member /Commissioner Brazelton requested staff reevaluate the budget figures after reviewing the input received tonight. He discussed the misleading nature of an assessment district, noting it frees money in a department which can then be used for other purposes. The utility users tax is fairly distributed between property owners and tenants, is easily regulated, and is received monthly by the City. Council Member /Commissioner Riley spoke regarding the fairness and easy payment plan of the utility users tax. Mr. Caton indicated staff will review the budget based on direction given by Council tonight. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None. ADJOURNMENT: 10:55 p.m. The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., April 27, 1993, in the Downey City Council Chamber. d-e,t4eS)) Lim `L _`ter './ G ith E. McDonnel City Clerk /Secretary Diane P. Bogs, Mayor/ V; ''man Council /Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (Adj.) 4/22/93 -8-