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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06-13-77-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JUNE 13, 1977 5767 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 4:30 p.m., June 13, 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 Donald B. Robison, Assistant City Manager Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development Edwin H. Wood, Fire Chief Martin F. Wynne, Acting Director of Finance Janet Ignasiak, Assistant City Librarian Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Continued Study of the City of Downey Budget for Fiscal Year 1977-78 Mayor Jennings announced Councilman Greene will have to leave the meeting at 6:4 5 p.m. Mayor Jennings then commented on receipt of a bill from the National League off(' e dues assessment schedule in the amount of $1500. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to pay $1500 to the National League of Cities. The Council discussed the advantages of joining the National League of Cities. the vote was held pending receipt of information concerning the membership dues paid to the League of California Cities. (See vote this page.) Mayor Jennings noted receipt of a letter from the City of Norwalk requesting support of each City in the lst Supervisorial District in asking Supervisor Schabarum to seek re-election in 1978. It was the concensus of the Council to answer the letter stating the Downey City Council, as a body, does not wish to take a stand; but, as each member choses, may support Supervisor Schabarum individually. Mayor Jennings reported on a Resolution from the City of Compton requesting immediate construction of the Century 105 Freeway. Staff will prepare a resolution for Council's consideration in reaffirming its position on the I-105 Freeway. Mr. Thompson noted the League of California Cities membership is $4,000. Roll call vote to approve $1500 membership to the National League of Cities: AYES: 5 Council Members: Miller, Greene, Jackman, Scotto, Jennings Mayor Jennings commented briefly on the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority Budget. He said the Norwalk City Council has approved an expense account for the commissioners of a maximum of $50 per meeting, or a total of $50 per month. Mr. Thompson advised this would require a change in the Joint Powers Authority It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Mayor Jennings, and passed by the following vote to approve $50 per meeting for the Animal Control Authority, and a maximum of $50 per month. Mayor Jennings stated normally, there is one Animal Control meeting per month, although occasionally there is an additional meeting. Councilman Greene said he would rather see the Council monthly expenses raised approximately $25, and not approve the fee for the Animal Control Authority. Council Minutes 6/13/77 (adjourned) -1- Councilman Jackman inquired regarding what the Animal Control is costing the City as opposed to the revenue coning in. It was noted the estimated income of the Animal Control operation is $138,000; in the Animal Control budget it is estimated Downey will spend $142,817. A discussion was held regarding the effect the Animal Control operation has on the City's budget and computer time involved. Mr. Wynne outlined some changes in the Animal Control budget. Councilman Jackman said he does not feel a citizen should have to pay any back fees for dog licenses. Mr. Thompson favored upholding the City's policy. Councilman Jackman suggested setting a statute of limitations on the number of years a person would have to be penalized for not paying his dog license fee. Mayor Jennings said any changes in the dog licensing ordinance should be con- sidered after July lst. Roll call vote on motion to approve $50 per meeting for the Animal Control Authority, at a maximum of $50.00 per month: AYES: 1 Council Member: Scotto NOES: 4 Council Members: Miller, Greene, Jackman, Jennings Failed. Further discussion was held regarding the Animal Control Budget. Mr. Thompson pointed out that if the City of Montebello joins in the Animal Control operation, it will reduce Downey's potential loss. He said further analysis of the Animal Control budget will be brought back to the Council. Mayor Jennings declared a dinner break at 5:30 p.m. The meeting resumed at 6:C0 p.m., with all Council Members present. Speaking to the budget for the Co -Sponsored Groups, Mr. Neavill stated new agreements have been prepared and include hold harmless clauses as well as pro- vision for liability insurance, naming the City as the additional insured. He pointed out the only change in the amounts recommended for the Co -Sponsored Groups is $6500 for the Youth Band. Mr. Neavill commented on the Park & Recreation Depart- ment operating budget costs for the Christmas Parade; Mixed Chorus; Downey Symphony; Downey Museum of Art; and the Downey Youth Band. He indicated the Recreation & Community Services Commission is reviewingthepossibility of a full-time position of Director for the Art Museum. It was noted the recommended budgets for the Historical Society and Meals on Wheels have been transferred to the Human Services Program. The Council discussed considering an allocation to Meals on Wheels should it be needed in the future. Mayor Jennings asked that the Historical Society be placed back in the Co - Sponsored Groups section of the Budget rather than in Human Services. Further discussion was held regarding the Co -Sponsored Groups. Councilwoman Scotto requested that a quarterly report on the Co -Sponsored Groups be submitted to the Council for review. The Council reviewed the function of the Downey Jaycees. Councilman Jackman feels the Chamber of Commerce can do more to promote the business community and should be asked to use the City's allocation in a campaign to help the City increase its revenue in Sales Tax. A request was made that the Council be advised as to what percent of the busi- ness community is a member of the Downey Chamber of Commerce. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Mayor Jennings, and passed by unanimous vote to approve the Non -Departmental Budget with correction of $14,000 to the Downey Chamber of Commerce. Council Minutes 6/13/77 (adjourned) -2- Councilman Greene was excused from the meeting. Mrs. Janet Ignasiak, Assistant City Librarian, presented the Library Services Budget. Charts were used to highlight the budget, the increases requested, and their use. She commented on the necessity of reclassifying a Senior Library Assist- ant. to Librarian and the addition of one full-time position of Library Assistant. Mrs. Ignasiak outlined increases for operating charges and services, operating materials and supplies. A discussion was held regarding installation of a new security system in the Library. Councilman Miller requested a report back on how the security system is working in school libraries. Mr. Spindel commenced with the Community Development Budget consisting of Planning, Building & Safety, and Engineering Divisions, which he said shows an in- crease of 4.9 percent over last year. He commented on increases for personal services, supplies, operating charges, and increased costs for the slurry seal contract and curbs and gutters. Mr. Spindel commented further regarding the budgeted amounts for repair of traffic signals, the house mapping program, and the increased costs for printing and advertising of the Zoning Ordinance. He responded to ques- tions regarding temporary hours and employees paid under Federal Grants. Discussion followed. Mr. Spindel explained there is a proposed five percent reduction in time spent by inspectors issuing permits --that time will be spent in makine inspections "in the field." He then cited errors in the Street Lighting Budget and pointed out that al- though the budget is presented at this time it will be completely redone in August prior to setting the rax rate for the Lighting District. Mr. Spindel reviewed the Water Budget, Fund 51, which he said includes Pico Rivera. He mentioned the actual cost to Pico Rivera is $159,550 and the estimated revenue from Pico Rivera is $194,570. Mr. Thompson commented on the Water Fund Overhead account. Mr. Spindel outlined the costs to the City for operating a full City water system and the fact that it will cost the City $12,500 for each month it does not take over the system. Mayor Jennings said the budget should be shown exactly as it exists now and then alter it if the full City system is acquired. Councilman Jackman requested the miscellaneous reimbursements be broken down. Discussion followed. Mayor Jennings asked that the Council now discuss and make decision on the request of Helpline Youth Counselling°s request for $8716. Councilman Jackman inquired what the cost would be to the City if it performed its own service; also, what would happen if the City withdrew from Helpline. Mr. Thompson replied the cost to the City would be considerably higher. He said, if the City withdrew, presumably those cases referred by Mike Testi or the Youth Diversion Project to Helpline would have to be turned over to the County or another private agency. Councilwoman Scotto commented regarding the problem Helpline is having with funding. Discussion ensued. Mayor Jennings said the $8000 is a prorata share and suggested that if the Council approves the funding it should be on a contingency basis that Youth Counsel- ling receives prorata funding from the other cities involved. It was a concensus of the Council that the $8716 be allocated for Helpline contingent upon the same approval by the other cities involved. Mr. Thompson said the budget will then include the amount for Helpline. Mayor Jennings stated after presentation of the Finance Budget, he would like to know the total income received by the Finance Department to offset expenses in the Finance Department. He also requested an updated Water Budget as of July 1, 1977. Council Minutes 6/13/77 (adjourned) -3- i70 Prior to presentation of the Finance Budget, Mr. Wynne submitted to the Council for information a survey conducted of Finance Departments in cities comparable in population to Downey --full service cities with an in-house computer. Mr. Wynne then commenced with his review of the Finance Budget commenting on revenue programs and warrants, including payroll for City and animal control employees. A discussion was held regarding Social Security and retirement for the animal control employees. Councilman Jackman indicated at some future time he would like to discuss the warrant registers for a better understanding of what the Council is approving. Mr. Wynne then commented on the Licensing and Collection Division, which in- cludes validating machine transactions and water services and pointed out that dog licenses is the main reason for the increase in 1976-77 validating machine trans- actions. He discussed the increase in data processing over the last two years, conversion of the computer system, and responded to questions regarding the computer and key punch systems. Mr. Wynne commented on the increase in the Personal Services Budget, which includes salary increases; longevity; a new accountant position; and new water clerk and part-time water clerk positions, contingent upon the take over of Southern California and Park Water Companies. He noted the increased costs for materials and supplies are due to inflation and rising costs for materials. Questions were raised regarding the printers that do work for the City and whether the printing is awarded on a bid basis. Mr. Wynne mentioned there are various printers that do work for the City. The Purchasing Agent normally receives informal bids for the work to be done. He pointed out that there is an increase in the operating charges and services over the last fiscal year. He commented on the change from postcard water billing to the return envelope system, which was required by law. Mr. Wynne explained the amount budgeted for printing the annual report and Budget is exactly the amount spent in 1976-77. He said equipment rental is budgeted $5,000 over last year, which is for the pro- posed upgrading of the Computer -Printer. Mayor Jennings noted the next Budget Study session will be held at 5:00 p.m., June 20, 1977. He then inquired about the proposed increase in Business License fees. Mr. Thompson replied three alternatives were submitted to the Council and an ordinance can be prepared based on the alternative selected by the Council. Following discussion, this matter was held pending further information to be presented by Councilman Miller. Mayor Jennings summarized the budget accomplishments at tonight's meeting. Councilman Miller feels the street lights in the Freeway corridor should be removed from the Street Lighting Budget and placed in the General Fund --since the State owns that property is should pay for the street lights. He said it would then relieve the people who will only pay for the benefit they receive. Mayor Jennings requested that any recommended changes to the budget be made as soon as possible. Mr. Thompson responded that if the Finance Budget is amended to exclude the new positions and charges as a result of the water company acquisitions, then, when the acquisitions take place it will be necessary to again amend the budget to include those revenues. He said he would prefer to leave the General Fund as is and redo the Water Fund. He was asked that his report show the offsetting revenues for the increases proposed as a result of the water acquisition. During further discussion, Mr. Thompson pointed out he has presented a "tight" budget, and if decreases are made in the budget services will be decreased. Councilman Miller asked when the Tax Incidence Study will be completed. Mr. Thompson replied that work must be completed on the 701 Program, and the City is spending a great deal of City manpower on this program which must be com- pleted. He will report back on the status of the study There being no further business to come before the City C, cil, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Ricpia d M. Jenning , Mayor Council Minutes 6/13/77 (adjourned) -4- `