HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-28-71-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
MAY 28, 1971
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special Called Meeting
at 5:00 p.m., May 28, 1971, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City
Hall, Mayor Joseph G. Ferris presiding.
PRESENT: Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Ferris
ABSENT: Councilmen: Hollis
ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager
Donald B. Robison, Assistant City Manager
Ellen C. Davis, City Clerk
Councilman Winton delivered the invocation, followed by the Flag
Salute led by Councilman Jennings.
The Mayor declared the purpose of this Special Meeting is to discuss
the Helicopter Law Enforcement Services Agreement, Argus Program. He
inquired of the City Clerk if she had the required Affidavit of Posting
and giving Notice, to which she responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Ferris stated that at the last Regular Meeting of the City
Council held May 25th, the Council discussed the matter of taking action
to notify the proper County agency of its intention to terminate the
agreement in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. He said at
that time the Council was advised that the only requirement was a 30-day
notice and the City was not bound beyond that point. Since that time,
he stated, the City Attorney reviewed the agreement and advises there are
two methods to terminate the agreement; (1) termination can be made within
60 days following any increase in base rate of the Argus Helicopter Patrol
Service; (2) termination can be made by giving 30 days' notice prior to
the expiration of the agreement, which would be June 1, 1971.
The Mayor stated the agreement does not define "base rate", and,
therefore, it would be advisable to terminate by giving the 30 days'
notice prior to the expiration of the agreement. He stated further that
since the last Regular Meeting, the City of Whittier has given notice to
terminate the agreement, and the City of Santa Fe Springs is considering
the same action. He said under the terms of the agreement, cost of the
program is spread among the participating cities, and the termination of
the City of Whittier would result in a 5c increase on the tax rolls, plus
the requested increase, and could mean approximately $120,000. if the
program were continued during the fiscal year 1971-72. He recommended
notice be given of the City's desire to terminate the agreement. Mayor
Ferris spoke regarding Senate Bill #249 which has passed the Senate and
is on its way through the Assembly, which would increase the retirement
benefits for the coming fiscal year, resulting in an additional $66,000.
cost to the City.
Councilman Morton stated that in view of the report of the Mayor
and the remarks of the Chief of Police at the last Regular Meeting, as an
administrator he believed the program was too expensive to continue, and
in view of the further increase as a result of the termination of the
agreement by the City of Whittier, as well as the City's present budget
situation, he would recommend termination of the agreement.
It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Winton,
and passed by the following vote that the Mayor be authorized to transmit
the necessary termination letter to the County of Los Angeles and to
notify the other cities who are parties to this agreement of the City
Council's action.
AYES: 4 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Jennings, Ferris
NOES: 0 Councilmen: None
ABSENT: 1 Councilmen: Hollis
Council Minutes 5/28/71 -1-
In response to a question by Councilman Morton, the Mayor stated that
Councilman Hollis was notified of this Special Called Meeting and its
purpose and he was in accord with the action taken.
It was moved by Councilman Morton, seconded by Councilman Winton,
and so ordered to adjourn. The Meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
ATTEST:
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ELLEN C. DAVIS, CITY CLERK
Council Minutes 5/28/71 -2-