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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06-20-77-Adjourned Regular Meetinga4,7 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JUNE 20, 1977 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 5:30 p.m., June 20, 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 Loren D. Morgan, Police Chief Edwin H. Wood, Fire Chief Martin F. Wynne, Acting Director of Finance Russ K. Reynolds, Manager of Procurement Kent Parker, Accountant Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Continued Study on City of Downey Budget for Fiscal Year 1977-78 Chief Morgan outlined his request for two Cushman Motor Scooters in conjunction with the proposed Parking Enforcement Program. The cost for the scooters, including installation charges, would total $6550. He said with the present reserve of $3519 and the trade-in value of $1200, the cost to the City would be $1831. There would be no added expense for radio communications on the scooters. Chief Morgan pointed out the three -wheel motorcycles will not be replaced with Cushman scooters unless the Council approves the Parking Enforcement Program. During discussion, Mr. Thompson explained the procedure of budgeting money for new items. Chief Morgan commented on the time savings that could be derived if the City had its own color photo processor, as well as the daily savings in manhours. A discussion was held regarding the trade-in of the Police Chief°s vehicle. The trade-in value and number of years are included in the contract when the vehicle is purchased or leased by the City. Councilman Miller asked if there were more people issuing parking citations, would it then possibly cut down on the number of violations? Chief Morgan replied historically it has not worked that way. Responding to further questions, he commented on the number of Dodge vehicles in the Police Depart- ment and noted the contract for vehicles will be up for renegotiation in the near future. He mentioned he would prefer purchasing smaller vehicles. Mayor Jennings suggested the City discontinue its maintenance of outside vehicles for SEBIT and Animal Control and concentrate on maintaining the police vehicles, which could extend the life of the vehicles to two years. Chief Morgan responded that the Public Works garage could not accommodate main- tenance of police vehicles unless the number of personnel was expanded considerably and new equipment and facilities were purchased. Mr. Reynolds said studies have been made regarding keeping police vehicles for two years versus the one-year trade-in. He cited the many parts that would have to be replaced on the vehicles after just the first year of service and noted during the second year, the engine of each patrol car would have to be overhauled. He explained the current contract for police vehicles is an "open end lease;" there is a fixed trade-in; and the dealer maintains the vehicles which includes the replacement of any functional part of the automobile during the lease period, excluding damage caused by collision. The Council directed staff to conduct a study regarding the feasibility of a City garage. Mr. Spindel commented on Assembly Bill 650 which, he said, establishes research in the field of recycling resource recovery and litter control, and more stringent controls which would be financed through a per ton surcharge on all rubbish disposed Council Minutes 6/20/77 (adjourned) -1- of in land fills. He indicated it is anticipated this could cost each household in the City four cents per month added to the rubbish bill. Mr. Spindel mentioned the Sanitation Committee feels the Bill should be supported, except for the surcharge. Councilwoman Scotto said she would be in favor of objecting to the bill. It was the concensus of the Council that the Mayor send a letter objecting to the surcharge. RESOLUTION NO. 3413 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CALIFORNIA TEAMSTERS PUBLIC, PROFESSIONAL & MEDICAL _"- EMPLOYEES UNION, LOCAL 911, FOR THE FISCAL YEARS 1977-78 AND 1978-79 The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Greene, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3413. Councilwoman Scotto feels the Memorandum of Understanding should be kept simple and include all other items in the Personnel Manual. Councilman Jackman requested that the Personnel Officer make a report to the Council if many grievances are received. Mr. Goldstein explained the advantage of the unilateral agreement and said with everything included, there are fewer problems and disputes. It was noted that on Page 13 of the Memorandum, under Section 1, fourth line, the word "Counsel" should read "Council." AYES: 4 Council Members: Miller, Greene, Jackman, Jennings NOES: 1 Council Member: Scotto Commenting or, the Fire Department Budget, Mr. Thompson requested an expression from the Council as to setting fees for Paramedic service. Mayor Jennings stated it is his opinion there should be no fee. A discussion was held regarding costs for Paramedics. 1r. Thompson suggested any fee to be established should be only the amount that would be paid by an insurance company for ambulance service. Chief Wood explained the Paramedics are responsible for a patient until he has been released to a doctor, and many times this means transporting the patient to a hospital. Questions were raised regarding the cost per call for Paramedic service and transporting citizens to hospitals. Further discussion ensued. Mr. Thompson suggested the Council might want a survey made of people who have received the Paramedic service and what their opinion might be with regard to paying for that service. Councilman Jackman asked that this matter be taken under submission until he can confer with constituents. Taken under submission. Mr. Thompson explained and discussed with the Council the Animal Control Budget for 1977-78, including the revenue received directly from the Authority for finance administration and data processing. He then reviewed the Equipment Management Budget for the purchase and maintenance of equipment, including amortization and rental. Mr. Thompson pointed out the Equipment Reserve Fund provides money to replace equipment. Discussion followed. Mayor Jennings said he can see no reason to keep $164,000 in the Equipment Replacement Fund. He then moved to transfer $100,000 from that Fund to the General Fund. No second. Council Minutes 6/20/77 (adjourned) -2- Mr. Thompson replied the replacement fee for a fire engine alone is $75,000 to $100,000, and an expenditure of that amount could greatly decrease the Equipment Replacement Fund. Mr. Wynne stated once the estimated reserve equals the projected cost less the trade-in, it automatically stops adding to the reserve. He indicated in his opinion, the $164,000 reserve is a minimal amount considering the total cost of the City°s equipment. Further explanations were made regarding the Equipment Replacement Fund. Discussion ensued. The Council then discussed proposed changes in the Business License Fees for apartment units. Councilman Miller commented on the additional revenue that would be received under the proposed Schedule 3. He then asked about fire inspections made on apart- ment units. Chief Wood replied the inspection schedule is set up for twice a year for each commercial and industrial unit in the City. Councilman Miller suggested collecting fees from the apartment owners when their buildings are inspected. Councilman Jackman favored Schedule 1. Councilman Miller suggested a fee schedule for every ten units up to 100 and then $10.00 per unit over 100. It was moved by Mayor Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to approve Schedule 1 as presented on the Business License Fees. Councilwoman Scotto suggested an annual review of the Business License Fees. Discussion followed. AYES: 4 Council Members: Greene, Jackman, Scotto, Jennings NOES: 1 Council Member: Miller At 8:52 p.m., Mayor Jennings recessed the meeting to Executive Session to dis- cuss the City Attorney's salary. The meeting resumed at 9:27 p.m. with all Council Members present. The Council then reviewed the Emergency Services Budget and the salaries included. Mr. Thompson commented on the Radio Communication System Equipment proposed, which would be effective in a wide -spread emergency. He said the total expenditure for this equipment is approximately $18,950. Mayor Jennings feels the City should make do with its present equipment. Councilwoman Scotto indicated the City should be prepared in case of emergency ;% discussion was held regarding the 911 emergency telephone communication system. Councilman Jackman asked if there is any value to the equipment other than as an emergency. Mr. Thompson replied there could be a use, but it would be limited. Councilman Jackman feels the equipment is not needed at this time. Ham radios are available in emergency situations. Discussion followed. Councilman Greene stated even though the Council is attempting to cut down on the budget, he thinks this would be money well spent. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Mayor Jennings to delete the radio communication program from the budget. AYES: 2 Council Members: Jackman, Jennings NOES: 3 Council Members: Miller, Greene, Scotto Failed. Council Minutes 6/20/77 (adjourned) -3- The proposed Carpeting for the Police, Fire and Community Development Depart_� ments was held in abeyance per request of the City Manager. Also per request of the City Manager, under Fund 10 - City Manager, City Management Budget, all Capital Outlay Items under BR-1 were deleted, excluding one typewriter and one file cabinet. A discussion was held regarding the personnel portion of the City Manager Budget. Anti -Recession money was deleted. Questions were raised regarding contract- ing for custodial services. Mr. Thompson commented on the results of a study and mentioned that if the City did contract for custodial services there would then be no City custodians either during the day or in the evening when City Hall is closed; also, there could be a problem in the event the contractor could not be on the job; and it is desirable to have someone in the building during the evening for security purposes. Be cited the work that has been done by the City's maintenance workers and he commented on the work proposed for the Council Chamber. Councilman Greene indicated he would like to add $25 to the Council's Monthly Reinbursement Expense. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to increase the monthly reimbursement expense $25.00 for the City Council and $35.00 for the Mayor, effective July 1, 1977. AYES: 3 Council Members: Miller, Greene, Scotto NOES: 2 Council Members: Jackman, Jennings Mir. Spindel explained the Street Maintenance Projects requested for 1977-76 in- volve slurry seal, chip seal and paving projects included in the Operational Budget. Councilwoman Scotto asked if there is information available concerning Business Licenses for Realtors. Mr. Thompson replied all of the infomation regarding the Business License Ordinance was presented at the same time. Councilman Miller asked if the fees to be proposed include all licenses now in the Code, if there are some omissions. Mir. Thompson explained all areas were included. :Further discussion ensued. Councilman Jackman commented it is not fair for one individual to pay for a license on gross receipts based on commissions when another individual pays for a license on gross receipts based on the total sale. Mr. Thompson said he will look into it. The Council then discussed the estimated cost for improvements to the City Council Chamber. It was noted Public Works personnel will be doing the work on the ceiling. The cost does not include the Council Chamber drapes. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Mayor Jennings, and passed by the following vote to approve the $6,000 cost for Council Chamber ceiling improvements. AYES: 4 Council Members: Miller, Greene, Jackman, Jennings NOES: 1 Council Member: Scotto Next, the Council reviewed the request for a canopy to be constructed between the main City Hall structure and Engineering. It was moved by Mayor Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to approve the City Hall canopy for the cost of $6,000. AYES: 4 Council Members: Miller, Greene, Jackman, Jennings NOES: 1 Council Member: Scotto Councilman Greene asked if the Council wished to discuss building a second story over the existing Library structure. Mayor Jennings stated he feels the Library should not have a second story over the present building but should extend it to the south with a basement underneath. He said his suggestion is much more economical than building over the present structure, and the City should also be able to lease property from the school to build a parking lot. Council Minutes 6/20/b6 (adjourned) -4- 6782 The Council then discussed funding for Capital Improvement Projects, including concrete street improvements. Mr. Thompson commented on the proposed remodeling and reconstruction of the facility at the Rio Hondo Golf Course for a small banquet room in addition to the large room, which would allow accommodating two banquets simultaneously. The budget item of $20,000 for Wilderness Park Phase II - restroom, storage and nature area was deleted along with the corresponding Grant Fund, SB 174, of $60,000. The City was notified it would not receive funds from that grant. Mr. Spindel responded to questions regarding use of Gas Tax Funds for sidewalk construction on Fifth Street between Downey and Brookshire and signal systems on Bellflower and at Clark and Woodruff. A median will be installed on Florence Avenue between Paramount and Rives to cut down on traffic problems. Further discussion followed regarding landscaped medians. Mr. Neavill outlined a request for refurbishing the rehearsal room in the Downey Theatre to be used as an additional meeting room. The proposed cost is $20,000. He pointed out this is not included in the $60,000 estimated for remodeling the Community Center Building. Mr. Neavill commented on the need to determine the best way to treat or refill the soil in the baseball diamond at Rio San Gabriel Park and of the constant repair of the irrigation system. Councilwoman Scotto requested further information on the proposed Golf Course improvements prior to approval of the Budget. She discussed with Mr. Neavill the proposed improvements for the Theatre. Mayor Jennings requested that at some future date there be further presentation by the Planning Division concerning the Housing Element so that the Council may ask questions. Councilman Miller said if the Budget is adopted as is, it will require an addi- tional $220,000 in revenue. He asked if an 8C increase in Property Tax is proposed. Mr. Thompson replied yes, although other alternatives will be presented. At 11:02 p.m., Mayor Jennings adjourned the meeting to 6:30 p.m., June 28, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, for final Budget Study Session, in- cluding an executive session on personnel salaries. LI Robert L.Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Richard M. �rennings, Mayor Council Minutes 6/20/77 -5-