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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-31-77-Adjourned Regular Meeting�i`*;57` MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING MAY 31, 1977 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 5:30 p.m., May 31, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Richard M. Jennings presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Kenneth J. Miller William L. Greene Mayor Pro Tem Theodore H. Jackman Hazel N. Scotto Richard M. Jennings Mayor ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development Martin F. Wynne, Acting Director of Finance Loren D. Morgan, Police Chief Joe Ciraulo, Personnel Officer John H. Saunders, Assistant to City Manager Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Downey Community Hospital Budget for Fiscal Year 1977-78 Mayor Jennings stated the Council has received the information it requested last meeting concerning the proposed increase in Hospital salaries, increase in room rates, and the beginning balance for this year. He inquired regarding the proposed $l million for capital projects scheduled for last year, which the Hospital did not spend. Mr. Allen Korneff, Hospital Administrator, explained last year there was a physician slow down which lead to a complete reversal of philosophy on the part of the public as to their need for physicians. Capital expenditures were then curtailed in case the money would be needed for operation of the Hospital. He said now that the census has come back and the Hospital is moving toward normal limits, building projects are again being planned. Mr. Korneff pointed out the Hospital will be moving ahead on the scanner and associate building, which will be approximately $1 million, and the other project planned is the intensive care and coronary care units. He commented on what could occur if the Hospital does not comply with requirements for adequate ICU -CCU services, as well as replacing certain Hospital equipment. Noting the amount that must be spent by the Hospital next year for projects is higher than the total available in the Capital Equipment Reserve, Mr. Wynne asked. if the Hospital intends to finance the balance. Mr. Kolodziej, also representing the Hospital, replied yes. He responded to questions regarding the estimated interest and financing charge. Councilman Jackman asked how much of a down payment has been spent for the purchase of the scanner. Mr. Kolodziej replied so far the Hospital has spent $45,000. Mr. Korneff said the down payment was negotiated at five percent rather than the one-third expected by most companies, and he pointed out that even though the down payment has been made, the Hospital is still checking on the viability of the project to make sure the scanner will be used and that the demands are still there. The decision to actually purchase the scanner will probably be made within the next 90 days. It was moved by Mayor Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to approve the Hospital budget in total, including the salary increases, excluding any increases in accommodations. Mr. Kolodziej commented on the amounts that would be available to the Hospital for purchasing the scanner and accessory building by January lst of next year Also, he said, working capital is needed for a reserve because if without the rate increase the Hospital spent the money on the scanner it would not have any money set aside to meet any type of contingency that might occur. A discussion was held regarding depreciation reserve, maintenance of current operations, and the amount spent for capital expenditures last year. Council Minutes 5/31/77 (adjourned) -I- Mr. Louis Brame, President of the Hospital Board of Directors, said the Hospital attempts to keep up with the quality of service. He noted considerable hours have been spent in watchdogging the Hospital operation, and the Hospital Board has approved the purchase of the scanner. He urged approval of the budget in its entirety. Councilman Greene stated he feels for this year, the Council should approve the budget as requested, but he would object to being a part of any future Hospital budgets unless someone from the City Manager's office or the City Council is in- vited to set in on discussions. Councilwoman Scotto requested the Council receive notice of future Hospital meetings. Mr. Korneff indicated there will be a time in the near future when the Hospital will not be able to generate enough capital to cover all expenses. He commented on legislation concerning provision for economic stabilization of hospitals, which would reduce hospital rate increases to a formula. Roll call vote on motion: AYES: 3 Council Members: Miller, Jackman, Jennings NOES: 2 Council Members: Greene, Scotto Mayor Jennings stated if in the near future the Hospital has completed plans and has bid for the scanner building with a definite purchase agreement to proceed on a specified date, he will be the first to favor a room increase at that time. Councilman Miller suggested the City Manager review the Hospital's program of capital expenditures, and if he can justify that the increase is trxly needed, then a recommendation should be made to the City Council. He pointed out he does not have the expertise to go through the figures and know what is really best for the Hospital. Discussion ensued. Mr. Korneff said this matter will be referred to the Board of Directors, and he will report back to the Council. He noted the rate increases were scheduled to begin July 1st. The City Manager was requested to meet with the Hospital Board and then report back to the Council. Downey Chamber of Commerce Budget Request The letter from the Downey Chamber of Commerce requesting $18,000 was presented to the City Council. Mr. Thompson stated that although the request is in the approval column of the City Budget, staff has not evaluated it in comparison with other needs in the City to where he can recommend approval of the amount. Mr. William B. Cole, General Manager of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, out- lined the Chamber°s request for $18,000 and commented on the services furnished, as well as staff hours involved and costs for materials during the last fiscal year. He commented on a survey on the use of tax funds by Chambers in neighboring as well as other comparable cities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Mr. Cole responded to questions of the City Council. Councilman Jackman said on the advice of the City Attorney, he will abstain from voting or commenting on this matter. He indicated he would like to see a copy of the point of law which restricts a Council Member from voting on a matter that involves an organization of which he is a member. Mr. Cole mentioned he is in the process of compiling information which has beet tested in other communities concerning this restriction on Council Members. He said the farm is actually considered a member of the Chamber, not the individual. Mr. Cole discussed with Councilwoman Scotto the Chambers that are accredited in nearby cities and remarked that the Downey Chamber is now in the process of becoming accredited. At the request of Councilwoman Scotto, he indicated he will provide to the Council a report on the status of the Chamber°s accreditation. It was moved by Mayor Jennings to increase the Chamber of Commerce from $10,000 to $12,000 this year and then consider it again next year. The motion died for lack of a second. Council Minutes 5/31/77 (adjourned) -2- There being no objections, the request of the Downey Chamber of Commerce was held pending a report back on the status of the Chamber°s accreditation. At 7:00 p.m., Mayor Jennings recessed the meeting to executive session to discuss wages. The meeting resumed at 7:56 p.m. with all Council Members present. for Fiscal Year 1977-78 In presenting the Police Department Budget, Chief Morgan narrated a slide pre- sentation showing the total Department budget as recommended at $3,967,840. He said the budget reflects a four percent increase over last year and includes personal services, equipment rental, operating services, and operating supplies. Chief Morgan mentioned the budget shows a salary savings and includes personnel vacancies in the Department that have not been filled. He commented on the various increases throughout the Department budget. Chief Morgan reviewed the Department's request for two parking enforcement officers who would be civilian employees, the revenue generated by parking violations, and the need for two new Cushman scooters. Spare radios are available for installation on the new scooters. He discussed with the City Council parking enforcement in the City and itemized expenditures projected in the budget for County ambulance service, the Investigation Fund, telephone ser- vice, jail services, medical and physical examinations, the Automated Want Warrant System, false arrest insurance, maintenance of office equipment, and Equipment Rental Fund. Chief Morgan responded to questions regarding the budget for reserve officers, the placement and hiring of crossing guards, reduction of staff in the Community Relations office, and funding for the SEBIT Program. He also responded to questions regarding the P.O.S.T. training program. Chief Morgan outlined the crime prevention program conducted by the Police Department each year, including programs in the schools. Mayor Jennings inquired as to the trading -in of police vehicles every two years rather than every year and whether the maintenance of police vehicles would be less if it were done by the City. Chief Morgan recommended against trading -in the police vehicles every other year and feels the cost for maintenance would not be less if the City were to perform the work. He pointed out that compact vehicles are not good for patrol work; however, he will be recommending smaller vehicles for detective units. Chief Morgan said for the ten hours a police officer uses his vehicle each day, he feels the vehicle is the most important tool the City can furnish an officer to use. Chief Morgan responded to questions regarding the proposed use of lifetime flashlights and yearly savings after the initial purchase. He commented on the need for a color photo processor. Councilman Greene was excused from the meeting at 9:10 p.m. Mr. Spindel reviewed the General Fund portion of the Public Works Budget, not including the Water Division. He commented on the increases over last year's budget for fringe benefits and costs for materials and operating charges. He said the budget includes palm tree trimming and a request for beginning the street name sign refurbishing program. No new personnel is requested except in the central garage, which is funded out of the Equipment Fund Budget. Salaries reflect some anticipated savings. Also, the budget does not include approximately $11,000 to be spent. on Capital Improvement Projects and does not include the cost for personnel in the central garage estimated at $140,730. Mr. Spindel responded to questions of the City Council and outlined the programs contained in the budget. A discussion was held regarding trimming, removal, and replacement of trees. Councilwoman Scotto indicated she does not favor the planting of Italian Cypress in the parkways where she said shade is needed. Mr. Spindel pointed out that merchants favor the Italian Cypress because they do not hide their signs; also, many of these trees are planted by the builder as part of the architectural design of a building. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto and seconded by Councilman Jackman to remove all of the Italian Cypress trees in the downtown area and plant trees that give shade and are attractive. Mr. Spindel suggested the Council conduct a hearing prior to removing and replacing the trees. Councilman Miller said he would not want to vote on this unless he knows what commitments have been made by prior Councils. Council Minutes 5/31/77 (adjourned) -3- Councilwoman Scotto requested information regarding the cost of removing and replacing the trees. The motion and second were withdrawn. The City Clerk will research this matter and report to the City Manager. It was moved by Councilman Jackman to adjourn the meeting. Monday, June 13, 1977, was set for a study session on the Budget for Fiscal Year 1977-78. Mr. Thompson stated he has been advised by Assemblyman Young's office that the Assembly Bill to remove abandoned houses along the Century 105 Freeway did pass unanimously by the Assembly Transportation Committee and will now go to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. At 10:08 p.m., the meeting was adjourned to 5:30 p.m., June 6, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, for study session on the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Ro ert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Council Minutes 5/31/77 (adjourned) -4-