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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06-07-77-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JUNE 7, 1977 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 5:25 p.m., June 7, 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 John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation Edwin H. Wood, Fire Chief Martin F. Wynne, Acting Director of Finance Joseph C. Ciraulo, Personnel Officer Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer James R. Jarrett, Recreation Supervisor Thomas Hemphill, Administrative Analyst Jim Child, Superintendent of Parks Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Mayor Jennings announced the purpose of the meeting is for a study session on the City of Downey Budget for Fiscal Year 1977-78. At 5:25 p.m. Mayor Jennings recessed the meeting to executive session to discuss litigation. The meeting resumed at 6:30 p.m., with all Council Members present. Mr. Thompson noted the Parks & Recreation Budget reflects a few increases necessitated by the addition of Wilderness Park, Independence Park, and the Apollo Park Neighborhood Center. Mr. Neavill presented the Parks & Recreation budget and said the amount recommended for this year is $1,475,000, with a total increase of $50,240, represent- ing a 3.53 percent increase in the overall Park budget, which is felt to be the minimum in order to continue essential services to the community. He commented on the positions within the Department that have been eliminated through either attrition or retirement, the proposal to upgrade one secretary -steno position, and the addition of one lead worker in the parks division. Mr. Neavill further commented proposed increase in personnel for the Apollo Park Neighborhood Center, including two full-time maintenance workers, a coordinator working approximately 30 hours a week, and a number of part-time attendants to properly supervise the Center. Mr. Neavill discussed the proposed position of Golf Course Pro Manager and men- tioned it is hoped favorable bids will be received by June 30th. He said it is also proposed that the present Golf Course Manager would then be transferred to a new position as Manager of Administrative Services; part of his responsibilities would include contract supervision. Mr. Thompson reviewed the proposed relocation of the Parks & Recreation administrative staff at the Community Center building on Firestone Boulevard. Mayor Jennings said he does not feel there is sufficient park staff to handle the additional duties if Independence Park is completed this year and the Apollo Park Neighborhood Center becomes a full operation. Mr. Neavill responded to questions regarding the proposed increase for temporary hours and the status of CETA employees in the Park Department. Discussion followed regarding landscape maintenance of the Civic Center and salary increases in the Park budget. Councilwoman Scotto feels the City Hall needs more maintenance. She asked if the City Hall landscape maintenance were contracted out could the City receive better service. Councilman Jackman suggested the maintenance be sent out to bid. Mr. Thompson indicated he will study this matter and come back to the Council with a comparative report. Council Minutes 6/7/77 (adjourned) -1- Mayor Jennings asked that there be no studies made until the Council can dis- cuss this matter again after the budget is adopted. A discussion was held regarding proposed increases and estimated revenues and expenditures in the Parks & Recreation budget. Mr. Neavill commented on the utility services and equipment rental that were overestimated in last year's budget. He then conversed with the Council the Golf Course fund and the green fees. Mayor Jennings suggested that with a golf pro the tournament play could decrease. Mr. Neavill reviewed a summary of proposed revenue for the overall Parks & Recreation activities. Mayor Jennings asked about including remodeling of the Recreation Center in the proposed budget. Mr. Thompson replied that this will be brought back to the Council later this month,, and if the Council does authorize going out to bid at that time, the amount can be encumbered and reserved out of this year's appropriation. He said the amount would be part of the Civic Center Improvement Budget for use of Revenue Sharing Funds. Councilman Greene raised questions concerning the water shortage and the effect on the Parks & Recreation Department. Mr. Neavill responded that the Department has cut back its water usage ten per- cent. He said Mr. Zeke Avila who maintains the greens at the Golf Course has already cut back ten percent and is working on a program to cut back even further. Councilwoman Scotto requested Mr. Neavill to submit a report to the Council concerning the relationship between the City of Downey°s programs and the Cerritos College proposed theatre. For the Council's consideration, Mr. Neavill submitted information concerning the Co -sponsored Budget and the groups involved. The information, he said, goes into more depth regarding the amount recommended for each group and the allocation recommended in the Department's budget. Mayor Jennings suggested the Council discuss the budget for the Co -sponsored Groups and the Golf Course at its next study session and that Mr. Neavill return that evening. Mr. Neavill commented on the success of the volunteer program. Mr. Spindel narrated a graphic presentation of the Public Works Budget, noting an increase of six percent over last year's budget. He commented on the increased budgeted amounts for materials and supplies; operating charges, including palm tree trimming; and equipment rental. A discussion was held regarding Capital Outlay items, including paging units in City vehicles, and auto mechanics. Mayor Jennings favored having City mechanics for the Police vehicles and a left -turn sigtal for north -south traffic on Paramount at Firestone. Discussion followed regarding the DART Program, including the advertising. Mr. Spindel noted a savings in the street program in that the downtown area is swept: three times a week during the regular season and only once a week during the off-season. He commented on the street sweeping program for the residential and downtown districts. Mr. Thompson mentioned that because of the numerous citizens complaints that have been received, he has asked a City inspector to work on the weekend and check parking in violation of the Building Code. Eight violations were cited. Mayor Jennings raised questions regarding the budget for the Street Lighting Program versus expenses. Mr. Thompson will carry a further analysis at the beginning of each budget. In reviewing the Fire Department Budget, Chief Wood explained there is a small reduction in the administration budget, as well as increases in fire suppression; emergency medical services; operation costs, including the paramedic unit; fire communications; and operating services. In order to reduce public safety costs, he Council Minutes 6/7/77 (adjourned) -2- 5 766 said, the City should lean away from fire suppression activities and concentrate more on fire prevention. Chief Wood discussed with the City Council the fire equip- ment that has been ordered and the projected revenue to be derived from selling the old equipment. He also discussed the amount included in the budget for hand guns for the Fire Prevention Bureau. Responding to questions, Chief Wood explained the reason for the low record of legal claims is that when a problem occurs, he attempts to have it corrected immediately with the property owner at the lowest cost without having to involve insurance claims. Chief Wood commented that liability costs are higher in the Fire Department than any other department in the City. Councilman Miller inquired if there is a sign in the Senior Citizen Buses asking riders to fasten their seatbelts. Mr. Henriksen replied yes. Mayor Jennings commented he is concurring with the opinion of three other Council Members and questions joining the U.S. Conference of Mayors for the coming year and spending the $1125 for membership, plus travel expenses to attend. He indicated it is the Council concensus not to join this year. A discussion was held regarding the proposed increase in business license fees and the possibility of introducing an ordinance. Councilman Miller suggested the Council conduct a public hearing. Mr. Thompson said an announcement of the proposed ordinance and opening the meeting to discussion would accomplish the same as a public hearing. Mayor Jennings asked that the ordinance be written for introduction by the Council. Mr. Thompson submitted for Council approval an amendment to the Water Systems Acquisition Agreement extending the date from August 15th to September 1, 1977. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by unanimous vote to approve the Water Systems Acquisition Agreement as amended. Councilwoman Scotto reported the City of Downey will be making a presentation before the County Transportation Commission concerning the bus for the handicapped. It was noted the Downey Community Hospital would like to reappear before the City Council and request reconsideration of the Council's decision on the Hospital Budget. At 10:10 p.m., Mayor Jennings adjourned the meeting to 4:30 p.m., June 13, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, for continued study of the Budget for Fiscal Year 1977-78. Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Council Minutes 6/7/77 (adjourned) -3-