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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-27-75-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MAY 27, 1975 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT: ACTION: Engineering/Public Works Employee of the Year Award to Sid Lee Hearing on Budget for Fiscal Year 1975-76 Continued to 6/9/75 Hearing of Protest of Kenneth J. Miller on amount of Utility Users Tax Closed; no action Removal of Items from Consent Calendar Minutes, May 12, 1975 Approved Agenda Correspondence Items Filed Denial of Legal Claims: Ref. #228, 229, 230 Approved CC #356, Guatemala Ave. - Acceptance of imprvmts. Approved General Warrants #138016-138285; #148238-148254; #201522-201536 Approved Resolution 03119, Adopting profile, plans & specs for const. of Proj. 7850, 1970 Storm Drain Bond Issue Adopted CC #369, Crawford Park Bldg. Addition Deferred until City has balanced budget Policy until July 1st that expenditures involving General Fund be deferred Resolution #3120, Decl. Int. to establish Underground Util. Dist. along Fifth St. bet. Brookshire & Birchdale Adopted Resolution #3121, Amending Personnel Rules & Regs. by designating as Deferred Comp Add'1 Employee Remuneration paid by City as Employee Contribution to Retirement System Adopted Resolution JJ3122, Opposing SB 101 (Mills) & AB 1246 (Ingalls)re Restructuring of SCRTD by Separating Rapid Transit & Bus Functions Adopted CC #337, Fourth P1., Fourth St., & Fifth St. - Award of contract Approved CC #358, Wheelchair Ramps & Sidewalk Const., var locations - Award of contract & auth. extra work Approved CC #SS-275, Suva St. & Lubec St. - Extra work & acceptance of imprvmts. Approved Agreement for Recycling of Solid Waste Approved w/modifications Agreement w/County Rd. Dept. for funding of const. of Florence Ave. Bridge at Rio Hondo - Auth. Mayor to sign Approved Sidewalk Matching Funds - Deny for M.F. #352 & approve for M.F. #353 thru 366) Approved Sidewalk Matching Funds - M.F. #318 & 319 Approved PAGE NO. 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 Page 1 of 2 COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 27, 1975 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT: ACTION: DIP #667, S/s Luxor bet. Mitla & Karmont - Auth. Chapter 27 & apprv. PMF, $1,440 Approved DIP #668, W/s Mitla bet. Luxor & DePalma - Auth. Chapter 27 & apprv. SMF $144 & PMF $725 Approved Pedestrian Obstruction Removal Program Removed from Agenda Downey Comm. Hospital Budget, Fiscal Yr. 1975-76; Rate, Salary & Room Rate Increases Approved Report on staff review of alternatives re Animal Control Services Downey Meals on Wheels To be placed on next Agenda w/info re Use of CETA Employee Req. for study of July 4th period re statistics from other cities Req. for consideration of setting aside entities that are tax consuming & operating from Gen. Fund Membership in U.S. Conference of Mayors Use of CETA employees to help in maint. of property for retired, unemployed & disabled citizens Budget, Fiscal Year 1975-76, Council study session; Mayor to prepare Agenda Budget. Comm. to report back Staff report being prepared Set for 4:00 p.m., 6/18 & possibly 6/19 in Green Room PAGE NO. 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 Page 2 of 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MAY 27, 1975 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 8:00 a.m., May 27, 1975, in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Joseph E. DiLoreto presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Donald H. Winton, Walter S. Temple, Hazel N. Scotto, Richard M. Jennings, Joseph E. DiLoreto ABSENT: Council Members: None ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Donald B. Robison, Assistant City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development Richard D. Patton, Director of Finance John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation Loren D. Morgan, Police Chief Edwin H. Wood, Fire Chief William A. Goggin, City Planner Ray T. Lake, Building Official Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer John H. Saunders, Administrative Analyst Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Councilman Jennings, followed by the Flag Salute led by Councilman Winton. With the assistance of City Manager Thompson and Community Development Director Spindel, Mayor DiLoreto presented Engineering/Public Works Employee of the Year Awar to Sid Lee. Mayor DiLoreto declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Budget for Fiscal Year 1975-76. He inquired if the City Clerk had the Affidavit of Publication, to which the City Clerk responded in the affirmative. It was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilman Winton, and so ordered to receive and file the Affidavit. In presenting the proposed Budget, City Manager Thompson said in order to sustain the present operating programs of the General Fund through fiscal year 1975-76, it is recommended that $10,869,390 be appropriated from the General Fund. He commented on the following proposed budget appropriations: General Fund -- Recommended appropriations for major classes of expenditure for Personal Services, Materials/Supplies, Charges/Services, and Equipment Rental. General Fund -- Recommended appropriations for Public Safety, Physical Environ- ment, Culture -Recreation, Community Development, General Government, and Human Services Recommended appropriations for Enterprises (Water Service, Golf Course), Special Programs (Street Lighting, Equipment Acquisitions), and Capital Improvement Program (Capital Projects). Mr. Thompson reported the total recommended budget for all projects is $14,392,010, which is a five percent increase over the current year. He commented on data received from other cities comparable in size to the City of Downey and said as a result of the survey it is indicated the City of Downey is rendering services at less cost and with fewer employees than with comparable cities. Also, Mr. Thompson noted the City of Downey is operating with fewer employees than it did five years ago. Commenting further on the proposed budget, Mr. Thompson stated the operating budget requests for the General Fund exceed available resources of the City by nearly $500,000, not counting any provision for salary adjustments for the coming year. However, he said, these departmental requests were reduced by $2.60,000 and further reductions are anticipated. Mr. Thompson explained the following major fiscal recommendations are incorporated into the Budget: Council Minutes 5/27/75 -1- 1. Transfer of Safety Lighting Maintenance and Operations from the Street Light-. rS ing District to the General Fund and an increase in the General Property Tax rate to $0.60. 2. Transfer additional amounts of the Gas Tax Fund to the General Fund for Street Maintenance. 3. Transfer $410,000 from the Capital Improvement Projects Fund (Cigarette and Room Tax) to the General Fund to offset operating costs. 4. Transfer $77,000 from the Employee Benefit Fund to the General Fund, 5. Maintain current level of services. 6. Maintain reserve amount as contingency to cover any salary changes as they may be negotiated and approved by the City Council. Mr. Thompson stated the balanced budget as presented will sustain the current level of services in the City. Finance Director Patton discussed the economic climate that has directly impacted the revenues and expenditures of the City and commented on the five elements that com- prise the budget: Operating Programs, Capital Improvement Program, Enterprise Program, Street Lighting Program, and Equipment Management Program. He briefly commented on the General Fund Analysis and Enterprise Funds. Mr. Patton indicated the current revenues from all sources will total an estimated $14,258,200, or only 4.7 percent over the current year estimates, and the General Fund current estimated revenues for 1975-76 will total $8,937,390, or a 5.9 percent increase over the current year estimate revenues. He commented on the Revenue Tax sources for the City, including Property Tax, Sales Tax, Utility Tax, Business License, Franchise Tax, Investment Earnings, Inter -governmental Revenue, Charges for current services, and Miscellaneous other revenue. Councilman Jennings raised questions regarding the reserve in the self -funded Workmen's Compensation and Employees' Medical Insurance programs. Mr,. Thompson reviewed various changes in the programs of the City and mentioned -- capital improvements for the coming year remain under study because of the significant impact of the transfer of Cigarette Tax into the General Fund, if approved by the City Council. He also reviewed the Revenue Sharing Funds received since January 1972 through June 30, 1975, and the funds pledged for various projects this year and next. Mr. Thompson discussed the Improvement Management Program, which is funded through equipment rental charge maintenance and replacement of all City -owned equipment. He pointed out that salary increases is the biggest item in the budget, and the 1976 Municipal Elec- tion, insurance liability, electrical and utility charges total well over $175,000, as compared to the current budget. A discussion was held regarding the 29c Property Tax and 25c special Park Tax. Councilman Winton commented that the City is providing the optimum of service it can with the amount of employees, and he feels the civil service employees are well paid. He said the City is being optimistic projecting a six percent increase over last year and feels there will be serious days around the corner. He discussed the City's loan. to finance construction of the Hospital, initiation of the Hotel -Motel -Cigarette Tax set aside for capital improvements, construction of the Theatre which is supported by the City, and initiation of the Utility Users Tax. Councilman Winton said it is at the point where the City is either going to have to curtail services or increase taxes, and he is of the opinion the City should provide the best services it can. He read Section 1207 of the City Charter pertaining to Tax Limits and said the Council has always made provision out of the General Fund for these tax assessments, but there has been tremendous pressure by the citizens for enlargement of the Park District and Library. Councilman Winton stated the Parks & Recreation is consuming more than what the revenues and taxation are, and he thinks the 54c needs to be continued, but withdraw the Parks & Recreation out of the General Fund as a separate entity and assess taxes according to the City Charter entitlement. Also, he said, the same would apply to the Library,and the General Fund taxation of Property Tax be dropped, which would mean an increase in Property Tax. Mayor DiLoreto said he does not believe this is the time for any Property Tax increase, and to increase taxes at this time would be flaming the fires of inflation. He stated each department head could be called upon to make a very serious scrutiny of the functions of his department and come up with a definite recommendation to the City Council, whereby personnel could be reduced by five percent. Responding to the Council Minutes- 5/27/75 -2- suggestion of setting u special funds, he _ems gg g p pointed out that the City did consolidate into one Lighting District. However, he said if the General Fund is not capable of sustaining the cost for the supplying of electrical power and current for safety or street lighting, a special fund can be set up. Mayor DiLoreto noted with the strong guidance of the City Manager a conservative posture for any salary increases can be made. He said any special levy for Library services should be placed on the ballot. Mayor DiLoreto discussed increases in revenue generated from electricity, Property Taxes, fees and charges and mentioned the revenue picture has not remained stagnant. He again called for a reduction in personnel to come up with a balanced budget without increasing Property Taxes at this time. Councilwoman Scotto remarked the Council has learned that the City is operating with less employees than it did five years ago and should be cautious as far as City services are concerned. Discussion followed. Mayor DiLoreto inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak to the Budget. Mr. Ken Miller, 7336 Cleargrove Drive, asked the Council to look to the provisions in Section 1207 of the City Charter that can be utilized to generate revenue without putting it on the ballot. Mrs. Evelyn Richards, 10302 Pangborn Avenue, referred to Revenue Sharing Funds and spoke regarding the need for expansion of the Library. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Temple, and so ordered to continue the hearing on Budget for Fiscal Year 1975-76 for 7:30 p.m., June 9, 1975, in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall. Mayor DiLoreto declared a recess at 9:22 a.m. The meeting resumed at 9:32 a.m., with all Council Members present. Mayor DiLoreto declared that this is the time and place for the hearing of Protest of Kenneth J. Miller on the amount of Utility Users Tax claimed by the City to be due. The City Clerk has notified Mr. Miller of the time and place of the hearing before the City Council in accordance with Section 6192 of the Ordinance. Mr. Ken Miller, 7336 Cleargrove Drive, said last Friday he paid $35.91 to the City for Utility Tax, however, he owes more than that amount. He indicated he will go over this matter with Mr. Middlebrooke, Manager of Revenue. Mr. Miller mentioned in reviewing the delinquencies it would indicate there is a considerable sum of money the City loses in the Utility Tax and suggested the Finance Director look into this. He further suggested that if the Utility companies are paying some of the citizens' taxes, it has to be reflected in rates to other users. Mr. Miller said according to his records he owes another $11.59 for the billing period in question. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Temple, and so ordered to close the hearing. No further action was taken. Removal of Items from Consent Calendar Agenda Item VIII-C-1, Cash Contract #369, Crawford Park Building Addition, was removed from the Consent Calendar. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Winton, and passed by the follow-'.ng vote to approve the Remainder of the Consent Calendar: Minutes of City Council Meeting of May 12 1975. Communication from Public Utilities Commission regarding Application of Sou California Gas Company to_Tncrease Natural Gas Revenues (Application #55676 Advice Letter #916). Communication from Public Utilities Commission regarding Application of Gen Telephone Company to Increase Rates and Charges for Telephone Service (Application #55383). Communication. from City Clerk -Treasurer regarding Proposition 9 Filing - City Manager. Denial of Legal Claims: Ref. #228 Mike Masanovich Construction Co.; Ref. #229, Tino Zanardini; Ref. #230, Cary John Woody. Cash Contract #356, Guatemala Avenue - Acceptance of improvements and responsibility for maintenance thereof. Council Minutes 5/27/75 -3- General Warrants lil38016 - 138285• #148238 - 148254. #201522_ _201136, $411 117027� RESOLUTION NO. 3119 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING A PROFILE AND IMPROVEMENT PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT 7850, UNIT 1, 1970 STORM DRAIN BOND ISSUE IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY, AND AUTHORIZING THE USE OF CITY STREETS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE AYES: 5 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto, Jennings, DiLoreto Councilman Jennings said Cash Contract ,$369, Crawford Park Building Addition, is $10,000 of Capital Improvements. He suggested the Council withhold this matter until - the City has a balanced budget. City Manager Thompson stated if it would be the intention of the Council to with- hold all capital items until after budget review, he would suggest the Council not cause contractors the expense of bidding unless the Council intends to consider it within that time. Councilman Winton recommended the Council establish a policy, whereby staff not spend time on preparing plans and specifications if they are to be rejected at the next Council meeting. Councilman Jennings said this would be policy just until July 1st. Discussion followed. Mayor DiLoreto said Matching Funds or Gas Tax improvements would continue to be considered by Council, but large capital expenditures involving General Fund would be deferred. RESOLUTION NO. 3120 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ESTABLISH AN UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT ALONG FIFTH STREET BETWEEN BROOKSHIRE AVENUE AND BIRCHDALE AVENUE AND CAUSING ALL SPECIFIED UTILITIES THEREIN TO BE RELOCATED UNDERGROUND (DISTRICT NO. 9) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Co.uncilr�an Winton, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Temple, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3120. Responding to questions, Community Development Director Spindel explained there will be acquisition of five feet of right-of-way on each side of the street for which the property owners would be paid, and the amount they would be paid for the acquisi- tion would exceed the amount estimated for their undergrounding. He said the property owners do have the option of paying the underground assessment over, a ten-year period. AYES: 5 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto, Jennings, DiLoreto RESOLUTION NO. 3121 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS BY DESIGNATING AS DEFERRED COMPENSATION ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEE REMUNERATION PAID BY THE CITY AS EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION TO THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Temple, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Temple, and passed by the following vote to,'adopt Resolution No. 3121. Councilman Jennings inquired if this would be applicable only to the recent employee increase paid through benefits. City Attorney Sorensen said this Resolution would cover future increases of that nature. . AYES: 4 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto.. DiLoreto NOES: 1 Council Member: Jennings Council Minutes 5/27/75 -4- RESOLUTION NO. 3122 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY OPPOSING SB 101 (MILLS) AND AB 1246 (INGALLS) WHICH BILLS PROPOSE RESTRUCTURING OF THE SCRTD BY SEPARATING THE RAPID TRANSIT AND BUS FUNCTIONS The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Temple, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Temple, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3122. Councilman Jennings stated opposition to the Resolution. Discussion followed. AYES. 4 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto, DiLoreto NOES: 1 Council Member: Jennings Following a summation of bids, it was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Temple, and passed by the following vote to award Cash Contract #337 Fourth Place Fourth Street and Fifth Street, in the amount of the unit prices bid, to Damon Construction of South Gate, the lowest and best bidder, and reject all other bids, AYES, 5 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto, Jennings, DiLoreto Cash Contract #358, Wheelchair Ramps and Sidewalk Construction Various Locations It was pointed out that the proposed work is in the downtown area, and it was felt since this is near the civic center and City Hall it would be accessible to people in wheelchairs. Following a summation of bids, it was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Temple, and passed by the following vote to award Cash. Contract #358, Wheelchair Ramps and Sidewalk Construction, Various Locations, in the amount of the unit prices bid to Wilbur A. Harrison of Gardena, the lowest and best bidder, reject all other bids; authorize extra work in the amount of $650, to be charged against Fund 71 Streets and Sidewalk Fund Projects. AYES: 4 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto, DiLoreto NOES: 1 Council Member: Jennings It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Temple, and passed by the following cote to approve extra work in the amount of $1,174.99 and accept the improvements completed in conjunction with Cash Contract #SS-275 Suva Street and Lubec Street, and accept responsibility for maintenance thereof. AYES e 5 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto, Jennings, DiLoreto Recycling Solid Waste It was moved by Councilman Temple and seconded by Councilwoman Scotto to authorize the Mayor to sign the Agreement for Recycling of Solid Waste. (See later motion.) Councilman Wanton commented that at his request he received estimates which indi- cated there is possibility of fiscal success of the program. He requested that when the time n.s imminent for the invitation of the people to participate that it be indicated to the people that the success of the program is directly due to their contribution of their efforts and that the City is initiating the program in the interest of conservation but shares none of the profits or gains from it. Councilwoman Scotto asked if it is assumed the processor's records will be available for City audit in. regard to the recyclable material and said she would like to have that monitored closely. She also commented on the $15. rate per ton set as a minimum and asked that "minimum" be included in the contract. Mr. Willard Rosing of the Sessler Company, 10659 Sessler Street, South Gate, said he has not seen the agreement. A copy was presented for his review. Referring to Paragraph 4 of the Agreement, Councilman Jennings stated this puts the entire burden on the household to determine what is recyclable and what is not, and he thinks this dooms the entire project to failure. Council Minutes 5/27/75 -5- Mr. George Lawrence of the Southern California Glass Reclamation Program, 1800 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, said if the program after a 30-day period were to be terminated, his company would assume the responsibility of notifying the partici- pants that the program had been terminated. Mr. Rosing commented steps will be taken to make the program work, and it is bound to work if everyone gives their cooperation. He said, however, if the program fails, then steps will be taken to communicate with the public, with his company absorbing the cost, and he has no objection to that being included in the contract. Further, Mr. Grosing stated the books will be open for City review. Commenting on the $15. rate, he said that was the lowest price which could be paid for materials, and at the end of the six-month period anything over that would be subject to negotiation after the City°s inspection of the books. Discussion followed. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto to insert the word "minimum" in the agreement to read "$15.00 minimum". No second. City Attorney Sorensen stated his concern regarding the insertion, inasmuch as the contract is between the processor and contractor. He mentioned the City can always give notice of termination. After further discussion, Mr. Sorensen suggested the following be added to the agreement: Paragraph 7b add:"and the processor's books and records shall be open to reasonable inspection by the City". Add Paragraph 8d: "In the event of termination the processor shall cause the citizens of the City to be notified of such termination". On the advice of the City Attorney, it was moved by Councilman Temple, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to approve the Agreement for Recycling of Solid Waste with the modifications as read. AYES: 4 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto, DiLoreto NOES: 1 Council Member: Jennings It was moved by Councilman Winton, seconded by Councilman Temple, and passed by the following vote to approve the Agreement with the Los Angeles Countv Road DeDartm e at Rio Hondo and authorize the Mayor to execute. Mayor DiLoreto explained with the change in Mayorship of the City of Bell Gardens, the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce, and a personal letter from the City of Downey, this matter was resubmitted to the Bell Gardens City Council and approved. Councilman Jennings inquired about FAU funds. Community Development Director Spindel commented that the funds are in a general FAU fund administered by the County, and there is an unofficial allocation to each City in the County based on population. He said the City°s prorata share based on estimates for a three-year period is $1,066,000. City Manager Thompson indicated this obligation would not come near the one million. dollar figure, and the City°s matching share would be $50,000, During discussion it was pointed out the City`s boundary is on the west side of the bridge, and most of the bridge is in Downey. Mr. Spin.del noted two other projects have been authorized for FAU funds: One was for buses, which was a preliminary authorization, and the other was $50,000 for the bicycle bridge at Foster Road. Roll call vote: AYES: 5 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto, Jennings, DiLoreto Councilman Jennings said he had asked that the budget presentation include a page showing moneys accruing to the City other than through taxes, such as FAU funds, CETA funds, and other Federal grants. Mr. Thompson indicated this can be done, however, he pointed out that the City does not actually receive the FAU money and CETA funds are a reimbursement for moneys spent by the City. Council Minutes 5/27/75 -6- It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Winton, and passed by the following vote to deny Sidewalk Matching Funds for M. F. No. 352, and approve Sidewalk Matching Funds for M. F. Nos. 353 through 366 for sidewalk construction at the following locations: M.F. No. Address Estimated City Cost 352 7149 Dinwiddie $ -0- 353 11035 Studebaker 87.00 354 12207 Paramount 59.00 355 7982 DePalma 77.00 362 11041 Studebaker 87.00 363 11803 Mitla Ave. 541.00 364 7737 Phlox St. 55.00 365 7743 Phlox St. 100.00 366 8336 Boyne St. 106.00 Total Estimated City Cost $1,112.00 AYES: 5 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto, Jennings, DiLoreto It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to approve Sidewalk Matching Funds for sidewalk construction at the following locations: Estimated M.F. No. Address City Cost 318 8136 Stewart and Gray Rd. $150.00 319 8142 Stewart and Gray Rd. 416.00 Total Estimated City Cost $566.00 AYES: 5 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto, Jennings, DiLoreto It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to authorize initiation of Chapter 27 proceedings for curb, gutter, sidewalk, paving, and driveway aprons on Downey Improvement Project No. 667, South side of Luxor Street between Mitla Avenue and Karmont Avenue, and approve paving matching funds in the amount of $1,440. AYES: 5 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto, Jennings, DiLoreto It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to authorize initiation of Chapter 27 proceedings for sidewalk and street paving on Downey Improvement Project No. 668, West side of Mitla Avenue between Luxor Street and DePalma Street, and approve sidewalk matching funds in the amount of $144. and paving matching funds in the amount of $725. AYES: 5 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto, Jennings, DiLoreto Pedestrian Obstruction Removal Program Mayor DiLoreto said that he and Councilwoman Scotto would like to have this removed from the Agenda. He indicated he does not understand what the implications of the project will be as to what material would be removed, and this could be of substantial cost to the City. Councilman Temple asked for a report back regarding what is to be removed. City Manager Thompson stated the objects referred to are covered by ordinance. Councilman Jennings indicated there are many places in the City where there are no sidewalks on routes to some schools. He further stated there are many houses in the City where the garage does not have ample parking space without the car touching the sidewalk. He suggested these be corrected first. Councilman Winton spoke regarding the possibility that a residence with ivy might be able to cut a strip to allow room for ingress and egress without removing all of the ivy. He said suggestions like this will be conducive to people participating voluntarily. Mr. Spindel reported at the present time the pedestrian obstruction removal pro- gram is based on complaint. Council Minutes 5/27/75 -7- _ _�� Councilman Jennings reiterated that he does not think the City should initiate this program until undertaking a similar program to see that all automobiles are re- moved from the sidewalk. Removed from the Agenda. It was moved by Councilman Jennings and seconded by Councilman Temple to take the proposed Downey Community Hospital Budget for Fiscal Year 1975-76 under submission. Following discussion the motion and the second were withdrawn. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Temple, and passed by the following vote to approve the Downey Community Hospital Budget for 1975-76 as presented and approve the rate increases, salary increases, and room rate increases. AYES: 5 Council Members: Winton, Temple, Scotto, Jennings, DiLoreto CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Thompson commented on the interim Contract for Animal Services with the County and the arbitrary nature by which the County is cancelling contracts. He said Staff is reviewing alternatives, and if it is desirous to submit a different recommendation to the Council regarding other means of animal control, there may be the necessity of calling a special meeting of the Council before the end of the month (May). ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mrs. Evelyn Dack, 9242 Gallatin Road, current president of the Downey Meals on Wheels, said the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs advised they had no funds available for this program. She requested following the Mayor's suggestion of April 22nd for a $2500 appropriation for the next six months, at which time Downey Meals on Wheels and the City Council would have an opportunity to reassess the financial needs of the program. Mrs. Dack further commented on the need for a full-time person in the office four hours a day, five days a week. Councilwoman Scotto asked if the $2500 would go for hiring this employee. Mrs. Dack replied without financial assistance, the employee could not be hired. Responding to questions regarding the City furnishing a CETA employee, City Manager Thompson said it is a possibility, if that is the Council's decision. Councilwoman Scotto suggested that a CETA employee be used to work with the Meals on Wheels. Mr. Thompson advised the CETA program would have to be re-examined, and someone with the right experience and background would have to be recruited for this work. Councilman Temple indicated he would have no objection to using a CETA employee but said he would want it understood that it would not necessarily be an ongoing thing, and the City may not fund the project until the budget time comes up. Mrs. Dack informed the Council the program is intended to be ongoing. She commented on their agreement with the Downey Hospital for serving up to 50 meals. Councilman Temple mentioned that when the City first understood it would be receiving Revenue Sharing Funds, one of the policies established by the City Council was that it would not fund any ongoing projects with Revenue Sharing money. Councilwoman Scotto inquired if Meals on Wheels for 90c through the School District had been considered. Mayor DiLoreto requested the City Manager to look into the possibility of legal use of a CETA employee for Meals on Wheels and that the information be brought back at the next Council meeting. Mrs. James Holman, 9856 Pangborn Avenue, said it has been learned that County funds will be available after January lst, especially if there is a Walking Program. She called for the City to back the Meals on Wheels Program and match the funds raised as previously indicated. To be placed on the next Agenda. Council Minutes 5/27/75 -8- Councilman Winton commented on a request from an individual company regarding Legalization of Fireworks and Fireworks Sales. He said many of the surrounding cities have legalized and allow the sale of fireworks and, therefore, there are fireworks set off in the City of Downey. Councilman Winton asked that a report be submitted to the Council from the Fire Chief relative to the number of incidents related to cities contiguous to Downey and their damages suffered from fire and injury as compared to Downey's. City Manager Thompson mentioned in meeting with the organization making the re- quest he has indicated that this could be studied on the 4th of July period taking statistics from other cities. Then, he said, a comparative study could be made relative to Downey`s situation in previous years. Councilman Winton requested the Budget Committee and the Council to consider his suggestion of coming back with a recommendation of setting aside those entities which are tax consuming and are operating from the General Fund. Instead, these entities would possibly operate from funds generated by other purposes and sources within the realm and rights of the Charter. Those functions could be established based on their own operations and their own tax base and thus alleviate the General Fund of that particular expenditure. Councilwoman Scotto referred to a memo from Mayor DiLoreto regarding Membership in the U. S. Conference of Mayors and asked for the comments of Councilmen who have attended any of the programs. Councilman Winton advised he has not attended any of the programs, but his comments from reading their minutes is that the Conference of Mayors is for large cities with most of their functions based upon large city needs and problems, and he thinks the voice of Downey and the funds spent for the membership are a cry in the dark. Mayor DiLoreto indicated that was his thought in sending the memo. He said the City spends $900 a year in membership, plus the cost of attending the conference, and he wonders if there is a balance between the cost and whatever benefit the City may derive from it. Councilman Jennings noted there would not be Revenue Sharing today if it weren't for the lobbying of the Conference of Mayors. Councilman Temple mentioned the Budget Committee will have a recommendation and report for Council. Councilwoman Scotto inquired regarding the status of the request for Use of CETA Employees to help in the maintenance of property for retired, unemployed, and disabled citizens. Mr. Thompson said a staff report is being prepared and will be submitted next meeting. However, he stated, it would be helpful when requests and suggestions are made that the Council indicate its feeling; then the report will be ready. Councilman Jennings requested that a specific date be set for the Council study session on the Budget for Fiscal Year 1975-76. Following discussion, the Council set 4:00 p.m., June 18, 1975, in the Green Room of the Downey Theatre as the time and place for the study session. Also, if necessary, 4:00 p.m., June 19, 1975, in the Green Room will be set as the hold -over date for the Study session. Councilman Jennings asked if the Department Heads will be present. Mayor DiLoreto replied yes, and he will prepare an agenda and submit it to the Council. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m. Robert L. Shand, —City Clerk -Treasurer Joseph E. iLoreto, Mayor Council Minutes 5/27/75 -9-