HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-08-06-91-Special Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
0302
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
AUGUST 6, 1991
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special Called Meeting at
4:00
6
August 19
p.m., Au u 1991, in the Council Chamber p g 6, c C ambe of the Downey City Hall,
Mayor Barbara J. Hayden presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Barbara J. Hayden Mayor
Diane P. Boggs Mayor Pro Tem
Robert S. Brazelton
Robert G. Cormack
ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Tim McOsker, Assistant City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk
Cindi Apidgian, Executive Secretary
DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING CITY COUNCIL VACANCY
Council Member Cormack advocated using the appointment procedure to fill
this vacancy, as a special election would be too costly.
Council Member Boggs concurred, noting an election would be expensive and
mentioned there w i l l be a regular election in June of next year. She suggested
the procedure of advertising and requesting resumes be done expeditiously and
clarified that Council is not bound by the persons who apply for this vacancy.
Council Member Brazelton agreed to the appointment method and questioned
whether the language in the advertisement is sufficient so the option would be
open to appoint other people who may not apply for the position.
Mr. McOsker replied that the advertisement could include language to that
effect.
Mayor Hayden questioned the cost of an election and was informed estimates
would be approximately $3.00 per voter.
Ms. McDonnell explained that if the vacancy is not filled with .., 60 days,
there will be a Special Election in April, 1992.
Further discussion ensued regarding the cost and deadlines of an election
and the appointment procedure.
Mr. Joel Lubin, 7820 Allengrove, spoke regarding interpretation of the
City's Charter and future election dates.
It was moved by Council Member Cormack, seconded by Council Member
Brazelton, and unanimously carried to utilize the appointment procedure with
the understanding that Council is not be bound to make a decision from the
resumes submitted.
City Council - Spcl. Cl d . Mtg. 8/6/91 -1-
•
9 303 Ms. Joyce Lawrence, 9627 Cheddar St., questioned if the selection
interviews would be conducted in public and was informed the process will occur
in open session per the Brown Act.
DISCUSSION REGARDING PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THE CITY'S ELECTION DATE
Council Member Boggs mentioned there may be other needs to address as
Charter amendments in the future, such as impacts from the 1990 census.
Therefore, she would prefer to delay action at this time.
Council Member Cormack stated a change of the City's election date is
y
needed and suggested this modification be done as soon as possible.
•te■
Council Member Brazelton expressed concern with costs involved and sharing
the cost with the School District.
Mayor Hayden expressed support for a November election but agreed the cost
would be prohibitive.
Mr. Joel Lubin, 7820 Al l engrove St., spoke regarding the November election
and the subsequent costs, recall elections, and reduction of office terms. He
suggested delaying the Charter issue as it is not a high priority item.
Ms. Joyce Lawrence, 9627 Cheddar St., expressed an urgent need to modify
the Charter as it has been in conflict with State Codes for ten years. She
discussed the Charter Review Committee recommendations and requested action be
taken to remedy these discrepancies.
Mr. Roger Lawrence, 9627 Cheddar St., discussed his reasons for supporting
an election in June.
Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St., discussed extended terms of
office and the change of elections in the early 1980's.
Ms. Joan Fry, 7727 Finevale Dr., recommended Council review changing the
election date so people can vote for Council Members and School Board Members
at the same time.
e-i
Ms. Myrtle Risley, 7938 Phlox St., mentioned she works at voter precincts
during elections and knows that very few people vote during special elections;
general elections result in a larger voter turn -out.
OTHER BUSINESS - Council b
Mem ers.
Council Member Cormack requested the issue of weddings in Downey parks be
placed on a future agenda.
Council Member Boggs r
o s ecommended further analyzation of h
gg n o the Charter based
on recent laws and census changes prior to mending the document.
Council Member Cormack discussed the Murata family involvement with the
"triangle" portion of the City, noting their civic contributions and their
cooperative nature.
City Council - Spcl. Cld. Mtg. 8/6/91 -2-
9304
Mayor Hayden requested Council continue to address Charter amendments that
need to be reviewed.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 4 :30 p.m.
1; i r4, /
Judith E. McDonnell - , City Clerk { _ .a. r. J. r ayd, . yor
l e ,r-%
City Council - Spcl. Cld. Mtg. 8/6/91 -3-
f