Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-25-76-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING MAY 25, 1976 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 4:00 p.m., May 25, 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 Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development Richard D. Patton, Director of Finance John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation Robert Coates, Superintendent, Water Division John H. Saunders, Administrative Analyst Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Budget for Fiscal Year 1976-77 It was noted Mr. Allen Korneff, Administrator of the Downey Community Hospital, was present to answer any questions regarding the Downey Community Hospital Budget for Fiscal Year 1976-77. A copy of Councilman Jennings' memo concerning the Hospi- tal Budget was submitted to Mr. Korneff for his review. Mayor Scotto said if there is time the City Manager will discuss the SUA plan. Also, the City Manager has requested an executive session for 5:30 p.m. Councilman Jennings called for a review of the co -sponsored groups. Councilman Greene said the Rose Float Committee has plans to submit a budget to the Council. Mayor Scotto mentioned she had requested a breakdown of the costs for build- ing the Rose Float. Councilman Jennings said it should be determined whether the City should co- sponsor them. Discussion followed regarding the Rose Float costs. Councilman Greene suggested an evaluation of the participation in an attempt to improve the program. Councilman Jennings indicated he is in favor of the commercial contract services, the Sister City events, and the cultural contracts, with the exception of the Museum, which he feels the Museum should pick up a portion of the $11,000 contributed by the City. Councilman Greene left the meeting at 4:17 p.m. He returned to the meeting at 4:20 p.m. Mayor Scotto asked for a breakdown of the Rose Float costs. Community Development Director Spindel stated the total cost for the current fiscal year is $10,350, which is the City's labor and equipment. He said it is recommended in this year's budget to cut approximately $1500 overtime and use volunteers for watching the float in Pasadena. He noted the total manhours used on the Rose Float is 1250. Mayor Scotto asked Mr. Spindel to submit a breakdown of the costs and hours for the Rose Float Committee. Councilman Jennings Left the meeting at 4:28 p.m. He returned to the meet- ing at 4.34 p.m. Council Minutes 5/25/76 (Adjourned) -1- Mayor Scotto questioned the amount of maintenance costs for the Art Museum. Parks & Recreation Director Neavill said applications are now being taken to fill the vacant position of Art Museum Director. The Council reviewed the Legislative section of the Budget. Mayor Scotto indicated she would like to attend the Legislative Session. She asked for an itemized List of costs for trips made by the Mayor and City Council. Councilman Jennings said the Art Museum should provide some of its mainten- ance costs, since the Art Museum receives more allocation than any other co- sponsored group. Mayor Scotto suggested a policy regarding the number of Council Members attend- ing various trips. A discussion was held regarding City Council expenses and reimbursements. Mayor Scotto questioned the expense for legal advice. Finance Director Patton said the budgeted $17,000 is an amount for services rendered outside of the City Attorneys retainer. Councilman Jennings said he would like to see the written agreement outlining services the City Attorney will provide. Mr. Allen Korneff, Administrator of the Downey Community Hospital, commented on restrictions confronting the Hospital with regard to recent legislative law and third party reimbursement of Medi-Cal programs. He said the future for small community hospitals is limited and planners have been retained to work in the planning function to identify void areas. Mr. Korneff indicated the proposed 6.6 percent rate increase will cover a cost increase of about 16 percent; new services have been planned at the Hospital which are helping to generate new revenue to defray the inflationary costs. He commented on the accounting system used by the Hospital as compared to a municipal accounting system and reviewed the list of major capital improvements which will be paid for out of the budgeted reserve. Mr. Korneff spoke regarding a study on the EMI Scanner, which is a new X-ray technique necessary for neurological surgery. He mentioned the Hospital is start- ing some medical residency programs to attract young physicians, and also the Hospital must practice a standard of medicine in the community which is commensur- ate with that in adjacent areas. Councilman Jennings opposed the room rate increase amounting to $16.50 in less than six months. A discussion was held regarding ancillary increases and reserve for capital expenditures. Mr. Korneff commented on the good care given by the Hospital and said the "bad debt" rate is about 2 percent less than any hospital in the adjoining area. Mayor Scotto inquired about the seven -to -eight employee increase. Mr. Korneff replied he constantly monitors the staff load, and the increases were justified in view of the 25 percent increase in the total building space, which requires more maintenance and housekeeping staff. He cited new developments in the Hospital doing more outpatient work. He said administrative areas have not increased, however, patient care areas have. City Attorney Sorensen arrived at the meeting. Further discussion ensued. It was noted Kaiser Hospital is 20 percent higher on wage and salary base. Finance Director Patton asked about the average number of days for the accounts receivable turnover for the Hospital. Mr. Korneff said 52. Mayor Scotto indicated the Hospital Budget will be considered at the Council Meeting this evening. Council Minutes 5/25/76 (Adjourned) -2- _ -54:15 Mayor Scotto recessed the meeting at 5:33 p.m. to Executive Session to discuss potential litigation.. The Executive Session ended at 7:20 p.m. Mayor Scotto then declared a recess pending commencement of the regular agenda meeting at 7:30 p.m. `L�L- Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer HazelA. Scotto, Mayor Council Minutes 5/25/76 (.Adjourned) -3-