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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06-08-94-Adjourned w CDC Y4 'A MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL /COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED MEETING JUNE 8, 1994 The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an Adjourned Regular Meeting at 4:30 p.m., June 8, 1994, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor /Chairman Robert S. Brazelton presiding. PRESENT: Council Members /Commissioners: Robert S. Brazelton Mayor /Chairman Barbara J. Riley Mayor Pro- Tem/Vice- Chairman Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. (arrived at 6:35 p.m.) Joyce L. Lawrence Diane P. Boggs ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager /Executive Director Judith McDonnell, City Clerk /Secretary Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Gregory Caldwell, Police Chief Ron Irwin, Fire Chief Jim Jarrett, Director of Community Services Art Rangel, Director of Econ. & Community Development/ Assistant Executive Director Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works Lowell Williams, Director of Finance Robert Brace, City Engineer John Finch, Police Captain Bob Gallagher, Building Official Victoria Jenkins, City Librarian Greg Mayfield, Water /Sanitation Superintendent Mike Miller, Police Captain Rick Nathan, Police Captain Ed Velasco, Housing Manager Ron Yoshiki, City Planner /Asst. Community Dev. Director Mike Hadley, Police Sergeant Dennis McFarland, Assistant Superintendent, Physical Sys. Kathy Simmons, Administrative Assistant Cindi Lee, Executive Secretary STUDY SESSION - CITY OF DOWNEY PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1994 -95 Mr. Caton gave a brief overview of the proposed City of Downey budget, totalling $56,884,564, noting it is 1.4% or $806,000 below last year's budget. The total figure is comprised of an operating budget of $49,965,668 and a capital budget of $6,928,896. He discussed proposed State budget reductions that will affect the City, reducing local revenue in 1994 -95 by approximately $2,377,000. Revenue from the utility users tax has allowed the percentage of the General Fund Budget for Police (43 %) and Fire (22%) Departments to steadily increase. Non - public safety positions have decreased by 18%. He commented on accomplishments of the past year, including a $ 5 million renovation of the Rio Hondo Golf Course, and the new DowneyLINK intra- City Council /Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 6/8/94 -1- • 11, city transit system. He discussed effects of the troubled economy upon General Fund revenue sources, mentioning Enterprise Funds that are maintained on a profit and loss basis, and specifically designated revenue funds, such as gas tax monies. Recommended items to be included in the budget are an additional $70,000 in Redevelopment to fund a Washington lobbyist during critical times, and a Business Retention Assistance in Downey (BRAID) marketing brochure. He lauded the outstanding City staff and their cooperative efforts in presenting a balanced budget for 1994-95. Mr. Powell reviewed the City's revenue situation, including sales tax and utility users tax projects. A slight increase is expected in building activity revenues, and parking ticket administration in the Finance Division will provide a new revenue source. The proposed Golf Course fees will be consistent with the standards of play at other courses in the area. He highlighted the areas of Operating Expenditures, Capital Improvements, and Community Services projects for the upcoming year. Mr. Williams reviewed the budget for the Finance Department, which consists of Finance, Purchasing, Data Processing, and Parking Ticket Administration. He noted the proposed budget increase of 4% above last year would actually be only a 1.1% increase without the new parking ticket administration costs. Mr. Jarrett summarized the budget for the Community Services Department, consisting of administration, recreation, social services, acquatics, theatre, library and golf course programs. The proposed budget indicates an increase of 2.3% above last year because of salary increases. Council Member /Commissioner Boggs commented on the lack of expenditures during the past year in the Literacy Grant program, asking if that money would be carried over to the current budget, and was assured these funds would be included in this year's budget and spent in the upcoming year. Council Member /Commissioner Boggs noted the concern of the Downey Civic Light Opera (DCLO) regarding increase in theatre rates for four consecutive years. Ms. Marsha Moode, representing DCLO, commented on the affects of the increased theatre fees on the DCLO, including cutbacks in theatre productions, rehearsal time, and performances. She mentioned the costs incurred by the DCLO beyond their control, such as royalties and bringing in and unloading sets. She requested that consideration be given to the special needs of the DCLO and asked for fairness in rates for theatre use. Mr. Caton recommended the DCLO submit a specific budget proposal for review, and Council concurred. Mr. Range 1 reviewed the budget for the Economic and Community Development Department, including the areas of Housing, Planning, Building, Code Enforcement and Economic Development. The proposed budget reflects a 12% decrease from last year's budget, related to reduced development and City Council /Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 6/8/94 -2- { { construction activity occurring in the City. He distributed and discussed a report summarizing accomplishments in 1993 -94 and ro osed programs and goals P P P g g for 1994 -95. An additional $25,000 is being requested to fund a BRAID promotional brochure and an implementation plan as required under AB1290. Council Member /Commissioner Boggs questioned whether the loss of building inspectors was adversely affecting the progress of construction in the City, and was informed the workload level has been maintained to provide adequate ,•�,, service. Responding to Mayor Brazelton's questions, Mr. Rangel indicated that Code Enforcement is currently reactive in response to citizen complaints; however, a new Code Enforcement program will soon be proposed to include Police Department participation and proactive enforcement. The meeting recessed at 5:55 p.m. and reconvened at 6:20 p.m. with Council Members /Commissioners Riley, Boggs, Lawrence and Brazelton present; Council Member /Commissioner McCaughan absent. Mr. Redmayne summarized the budget for the Public Works Department, including past accomplishments and future goals. It was noted this Department has endured the largest decrease in personnel in the past three years, from 99 to 85 employees at this time. Council Member /Commissioner McCaughan arrived at 6:25 p.m. Council Member /Commissioner Boggs clarified that State funds would be used to repair Firestone Boulevard after relinquishment to the City. Mr. Redmayne indicated that approximately $4 million in State funds will be given to the City for upkeep and repair of Firestone Boulevard. Council Member /Commissioner Lawrence commented on median maintenance referenced in the budget and the need to make up street sweeping holidays in portions of South Downey. Council Member /Conuaissioner McCaughan discussed the Citywide tree - trimming budget, including hazardous areas that need to be addressed throughout the City. Chief Caldwell reviewed the budget for the Police Department, including the areas of Administration, Field Operations, Detective Bureau, Animal Control, and Contract Services. The budget is proposed to increase by 1.4%; however, reductions have been made in the area of computer service and vehicle usage costs. He discussed future Department goals, including an emphasis on training and a needs assessment on the police building facility. He noted the increased Los Angeles County booking fee will dramatically affect future operations in the arrest and incarceration of prisoners. Responding to concerns of Council Member /Commissioner Boggs, Chief Caldwell explained the arrest and booking procedures followed by the Department, noting the cost savings in issuing citations to certain violators after they are booked. City Council /Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 6/8/94 - c Discussion ensued regarding funding sources and replacement costs for equipment requests, liability insurance coverage, and specific contract services. Council Member /Commissioner McCaughan emphasized the importance of the Neighborhood Watch Program and integrating Code Enforcement with the Police Department. Chief Irwin summarized the Fire Department Budget, consisting of Administration, Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, Joint Fire Communications, Fire Prevention, and Emergency Preparedness programs, with a proposed increase of 6.7 %. He responded to Council concerns regarding closure of the paramedic base station at Downey Community Hospital. Ms. McDonnell reviewed the budget for the City Clerk's Office, noting the $36,000 increase this year reflects the estimated cost of the June 7, 1994 election. She mentioned a new computerized legislative record retrieval system currently available to City Departments that provides access to all City Council actions from 1990 to the present. Mr. Powell noted the City Council and City Manager budgets have remained consistent. The budget for the City Attorney has been reduced in the area of funding general litigation matters. Mr. Caton mentioned that $15,000 has been budgeted for the Downey Chamber of Commerce. He acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Chamber, requesting a budget allocation of $26,500, and outlining the programs to be funded. Ms. Joan Warner, Executive Director, Downey Chamber of Commerce, explained the Chamber's desire to have the Council prioritize the programs they wish to fund in the Chamber's proposed budget, totalling $26,500, which she briefly reviewed. Council Member /Commissioner Boggs summarized her suggestions for the Chamber budget, emphasizing the resources of volunteerism in community organizations and businesses. Council Member Riley questioned the number of businesses that are Chamber members, and was informed that out of 2500 business licenses in Downey, 467 businesses are Chamber members. Mr. Caton pointed out the Chamber is subsidized in part by the $1 per year lease agreement for the City property on which the Chamber facility is located. Discussion ensued regarding a perceived tension between the City and Chamber, with the City Manager and Council Members extending appreciation for the important work performed by the Chamber. Mayor /Chairman Brazelton asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak regarding the proposed budget. City Council /Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 6/8/94 -4- ,...� t; 4 6 • Mr. Patrick McDermott, 12273 Caladre Ave., congratulated Council Member/ Commissioner Barbara Riley on her re- election to the City Council representing District No. 2, and requested attention be given to the southwest portion of Downey during the next year. Council Member /Commissioner Lawrence discussed the need for better communications with residents, suggesting cable- casting of Council meetings, a more frequently published edition of the "Downey Communicator," including information regarding recent Council actions, and a centralized public ^ information program. She recommended staffing the City Hall reception desk with a volunteer to assist citizens who visit City Hall. Council Member /Commissioner Boggs indicated she will reserve her comments for a later date. Council Member /Commissioner McCaughan emphasized the need for BRAID and a similar effort toward neighborhood preservation. He advocated creating a central "funnel" area to receive problems at City Hall, favored integrating Code Enforcement with the Police Department, and cable- casting Council meetings if not done at the taxpayers expense. Council Member /Commissioner Boggs congratulated Mayor /Chairman Brazelton and Council Member /Commissioner Riley on their re- election to the City Council. Mayor /Chairman Brazelton noted that expenses have been curtailed as much as possible in the proposed budget. He emphasized the need to increase revenues, and suggested more communication with the Chamber of Commerce to facilitate working together. Mr. Caton advised that public input will be received on this matter at the budget hearing on June 28, 1994, wherein the suggestions of Council pertaining to Public Information Officer, the "Communicator," and cable - casting of Council meetings will also be returned for consideration. Council Member /Commission Riley commended Building Official Bob Gallagher for his informative talk at a recent "Citizens for Downey" meeting which she attended. ADJOURNMENT: 8:25 p.m. The meeting was adjourned to 4:30 p.m., June 14, 1994, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. - -t k 0 it / # // - 100, __________ada,ZL__ 'Ai 1 ill i"' , 'udi th E. McDonnell, City Clerk/ Robes t . Braze" - or /Chi rman Secretary City Council /Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 6/8/94 -5- •