Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-11-76-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING MAY 11, 1976 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular adjourned meeting at 5:00 p.m., May 11, 1976, in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Hazel N. Scotto presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: William L. Greene Richard M. Jennings Kenneth J. Miller Theodore H. Jackman Hazel N. Scotto ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development & Public Works Richard D. Patton, Director of Finance John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation Robert R. DeSio, Superintendent, Physical Services Division Robert Coates, Superintendent, Water Division Hollis Stewart, Manager, Golf Course James R. Jarrett, Recreation Superintendent Thomas Hemphill, Administrative Analyst John H. Saunders, Administrative Analyst Thomas Fitzgerald, Technical Director, Theatre Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Councilman Jennings asked the City Manager to explain the difference in revenue percentages comparing 3 percent vs. 2.7 percent in the opening balance for the new Budget for Fiscal Year 1976-77. Finance Director Patton explained that the revised closing balance of $350,000 will possibly increase to reflect additional moneys to be realized be- cause of an updated Sales Tax for revenue forecast. City Manager Thompson commented on the accumulation of revenues including the opening balance transfer of funds into the General Fund and revenues allo- cated to the Capital Improvement Fund. Public Works Director Spindel rendered a presentation of the Public Works budget. Printed sheets were presented to the Council Members explaining the new budget. A discussion followed regarding systems used for paving of City streets, repairing "pot holes" in streets, and other related problems including cleaning of public rights -of -way. Mr. Thompson then defined the Priority I and Priority II streets within the City. Councilman Jennings commented on the central garage costs and called for a discussion regarding replacement of vehicles. Mr. Spindel distributed to the Council charts comparing costs vs. revenue from the various revenues allocated to the Public Works Department. He said it is very possible that no Aid to Cities Gas Tax($120,000) will be forthcoming next year. He stated one alternate would be for a one cent per gallon increase on the price of gasoline as a means of augmenting the Aid to Cities Gas Tax money. Mr. Spindel suggested that perhaps the City Council could write a letter to the League of California Cities regarding enactment of a gasoline tax increase. Councilman Jennings raised a question regarding manhours devoted to prepara- tion of the Rose Float. Mr. Spindel replied 1250 manhours (or $10,000) are involved in this project. Community Development Director Spindel then presented the Community Development budget, which is 2.6 percent below the current year budget. Discussion followed based on an outline of the Community Development budget. A question was raised regarding enforcement of the Noise Ordinance. Council Minutes 5/11/76 (Adjourned) -1- . 407 Mr. Spindel said he proposes to call upon the Fire Department to act as the enforcement agent. As yet, a decibel meter has not been purchased but is included in the budget. An alternate toward enforcing the Noise Ordinance would be to enter into an agreement with the Councy of Los Angeles. Mayor Scotto indicated the need for a report on the status of the golf course water rights and water well/reservoir system. Mr. Thompson said a report will be available within the near future. Councilman Greene suggested this 'matter be solved in a committee. Mr. Thompson said a report will be forthcoming in July or August. Parks & Recreation Director Neavill presented the Parks & Recreation budget and distributed a narrative summary reflecting the budget objective and major changes, department reorganization, projected revenues, and comparison of levels of service, including an operative budget summary and revised departmental organizational chart. Considerable discussion was held regarding new revenue for the Downey Theatre. Councilman Jackman asked for a review of priorities for the Downey Theatre and availability for "free" use by organizations. Mr. Thompson said he will prepare a report on this matter. Councilman Jennings entered into a discussion on the golf course and said he would like to see the existing water tower removed and replaced by an artificial lake and pressure tank system that would suffice for the defunct tower reservoir system. Prior to adjournment of the meeting, Councilman Jennings announced he will be leaving the City on June 6th and that he will make his budget recommendations available to the Council prior to the public hearing. At the May 18th study session the Finance Department and City Administration budgets will be reviewed along with the Capital Improvement Program and the Equipment Program. The City Manager will present Council with an updated SUA report. Councilman Jennings said he will list his ideas for cost reductions in the pending Hospital budget and will distribute this information to the Council. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., May 18, 1976, in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall. Robert L. Shand, Cfty Clerk -Treasurer Haz Scotto, Mayor Council Minutes 5/11/76 (Adjourned) -2-