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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-01-24-78-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JANUARY 24, 1978 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT: ACTION: PAGE NO, Five, Ten, Fifteen and Twenty Year Awards to Employees 1 Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 2 Minutes: Regular Mtg. January 10, 1978; Adj. Reg. Mtgs, June 28 and July 18, 1977 Approved 2 General Warrants: #157815 - 158048 #204213 - 204273 Approved 2 Resolution #3493, Designating No Stopping Anytime along Portions of Stewart & Gray bet. Lakewood Bl. & Firestone Bl. & rescinding all previous no parking Resolutions on those portions Adopted 2 Resolution #3494, Ord. Dir. Comm. Dev. to make report (Annex. 78/1 Eucalyptus St.) Adopted 2 Engineer's Report (Annex. 78/1) Received & filed 2 Resolution #3495, Decl. Int. to Annex to City Ltg, Dist. (Annex. 78/1 Eucalyptus St.) Adopted 2 Resolution #3496, Adopting Fiscal Year 1977-78 (last 5 months) Budget of Park & So Cal Water Utility Fund Adopted 3 Resolution #3497, Establishing Three Water Service Zones for separate Water Rates & Rescinding Res. #2380 & 3491 Adopted 3 Resolution #3498, Opposing Housing Distr. Adopted with City of Proposals of SCAG Burbank wording 4 Resolution #3499, Apprvg., Confirmg., & Ratifyg. Base Rental under City Water Fac. 'Corp. & City Lease & Sublease Adopted 4 CC #410, Bldg. & Restroom Modifications @ Various locations: Accept bids & award to R.A. Stillman Const. of Downey, in amount of unit prices totaling $125,441 (A/C #29-13933, Approved - Change orders to #21-13929, & #21-17121) be negotiated 4 Clean Community Systems Anti -Litter Program: Approp. $1500 from Gen. Fund Balance to A/C #10-4-3444 Approved 5 City-wide Traffic Control Devices Inventory, State Office of Traffic Safety. Proceed & auth, advertising consultant bid proposals Approved 5 Annual Element 1978-79 Transportation Imprvmt. Program: Submittal to SCAG & County Transp. Approved 6 Safer Off -Systems Program (A/C #26-16196): Submit certain projects to Caltrans Approved 6 Reinvestment in Downey Program - Section 312 Loan Program Consulting Services Agmt. Approved 6 Concept of Preliminary Housing Rehabilitation Financial Assistance Guidelines & initiate Rehabilitation Financial Assistance Program in areas recommended Approved 7 Continuation of SE Burglary Investigation Team Failed 7 Page 1 of 2 COUNCIL MINUTES, JANUARY 24, 1978 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONT°D) SLTR7FCT s ACTIOND PAGE NO. Increase Manning Table by one in Police Dept, beginning April 1, 1978 Approved 7 Report on Guadalajara Visit Expenses Set meeting bete Council, Sister City Comm, & Rose Float Assn, to discuss future of Sister City Program Approved 8 Unemployment Insurance Administrationo Autho City Mgr, to enter into agmt, w/Reed, Roberts Assoc,, Inc, & approp, $875 (approx. $1700 - annually) from Fund Balance for admin, fees during fiscal 1977-78 Approved 8 Fiscal Assistance Fund ® Allocation of Anti - Recession Funds for CETA Personnel, Approp, $2700 in Anti -Recession Funds for those CETA employees exceeding $833 limit; & approp, $7900 Anti -Recession Funds - $4600 for seven Leadmen & $3100 for two Foremen Approve 9 Informal meeting on Santa Ana Freeway Widening to be held 1/26/78 at Maude Price 9 Discussion re Property Tax Refund for Senior Citizens 9 Discussion re Landscaping in Florence Ave, median 10 Discussion re Candidate Election Signs 10 Discussion re Analysis of net Utility Tax paid to City by Edison Co. 10 Inquiry re Change of zoning from Cm3 to R-2 on Paramount bet. Imperial & Gardendale 10 Meeting adjourned in Memory of Mr, Gano Culwell and Mr. William Temple 10 Page 2 of 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JANUARY 24, 1978 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7a26 p.m., January 24, 1978, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Half 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 Carl K. Newton, Acting City Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development Martin F. Wynne„ Director of Finance John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation William F. Martin, Police Chief Edwin H. Wood, Fire Chief William A. Goggin, City Planner Ray T. Lake, Building Official Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer Thomas Tincher, Housing & Human .Services Coordinator James J. Jarrett, Recreation Supervisor John H, Saunders, Assistant to City Manager Robert Coates, Water Superintendent James Funk, Principal Planner Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Reverend Edward Ullrich, Downey Moravian Church, followed by the Flag Salute led by Signe Van Hoeven, Mayor Jennings and Councilwoman Scotto presented Five Year Awards to the following employees: Elmer Brannon, Police John Ehrenfeldt, Police Ralph Engler, Police Steven Guthrie, Police Steven Steinbrecher, Pub, Wks, James Rice, Police Michelle Tomlinson, Library Susan Lippert, Pub, Wks, Robert Gilbert, Comm. Dev, Mayor Jennings and Councilman Jackman presented Ten Year Awards to the following employees: Joseph Cole, Parks Doris Dahout, Comm, Dev,/Planning Kenneth Dietzman, Pub, Wks, Byron McIntosh, Fire Peter Parsons, Police William Rundell, Police Ruby Cardon, Library Virginia Black, Police Clinton Crosby, Fire Forrest Darling, Fire Ronald Kotlarek, Pub. Wksv Melvin Parks, Police Dorothy Procter, Police Donald Slumpff, Fire Elwood Risser, Adm,/Bldg, Serv, Mamie Brown, Credit Union Mayor Jennings and Councilman Miller presented Fifteen Year Awards to the following emplcyeesa Donald Dorn, Police George Goltra, Fire Harald Henriksen, Comm, Dev, Ralph Howe, Fire Francis Rost, Comm, Dev. Mayor Jennings and Councilman Greene presented Twenty Year Awards to the following employees: Carlyle Agrelius, Fire Harvey Archer, Fire Donald Bradley, Fire Cecil Brownlie, Fire Russell Brumbaugh, Fire Glenn Lovrien, Fire James Mathes, Fire Ray Lake, Comm. Dev./Bldg. & Sfty. Council Minutes 1/24/78 -1- Byron Morey, Fire Willis Whitaker, Fire Milton Willmore, Fire Edwin Wood, Fire Doris Hain, Pub, Wks,/Comm, Dev, Manuel Hernandez, Pub, Wks,/Water Johnny Rodriguez, Pub, Wks,/Water Mabel Painter, Finance REMOVAL OF ITEMSFROMCCNSENT-CALENDAR _A Agenda Item VIII®B-1, Correspondence from City of Burbank, was removed from the Consent Calendar, To be taken up under Resolutions, Agenda Item VIII-C-1, Cash Contract #409, Apollo Park Parking Lot, was removed from the Consent Calendar and Agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by the following vote to approve the Remainder of the Consent. Calendar - 10, 1978 June 28 lu General Warrants-. #157815 - 158048W #204213 - 204273x $797,1450580 AYESa 5 Council Members-. Miller, Greene, Jackman.,, Scotto, Jennings ORAL COMMUNICATIONS _ Items not on Agenda. None ORDINANCES-. None. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO, 3493 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DESIGNATING NO STOPPING ANYTIME ZONES ALONG THOSE POR- TIONS OF STEWART & GRAY ROAD BETWEEN LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AND FIRESTONE BOULEVARD AS DESCRIBED BELOW AND RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS NO PARKING ANYTIME RESOLUTIONS ON THOSE DESCRIBED PORTIONS The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Miller, and so ordered to wa-"4ve further reading It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No, 3493, RESOLUTION NO. 3494 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO MAKE A REPORT PURSUANT TO THE STREET LIGHTING ACT OF 1919 (ANNEXATION 78/1 EUCALYPTUS STREET) The Resolution was read by title only, Mr. Spindel reported this Annexation is .in response to a petition signed by 60 percent of the property owners on the street. He said the annual operating cost will be $274.56, the installation cost for the first and second year will be 45o4C per $100 assessed valuation, and the third year and continuing cost will be 16,44 per $100 assessed valuation. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and so ordered to waive further reading of the Resolution. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3494. It was moved by Mayor Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to receive and file the Engineer's Report. RESOLUTION NO, 3495 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ANNEX A CERTAIN AREA TO THE DOWNEY CITY LIGHTING DISTRICT AND TO MAINTAIN AND FURNISH ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO STREET LIGHTING FIXTURES ON THE STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES WITHIN THAT AREA UNTIL JANUARY 31, 1983 (ANNEXATION 78/1 EUCALYPTUS STREET) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and so ordered to waive further reading, Council Minutes 1124/78 -2- 15911i6 It was moved by Councilman Jackman„ seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No, 3495� RESOLUTION NO, 3496 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 1977-78 (LAST FIVE MONTHS) BUDGET OF THE PARK m SO CAL WATER UTILITY FUND WITH IMPLEMENTING DOCUMENTS The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilmar, Miller, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3496, Councilman Greene inquired about the proposed purchase of a 10,000 GVW flatbed truck for the flushing crew, Mr. Spindel explained this was inadvertently omitted from previous information submitted to the Council, Mayor Jennings mentioned he had asked Mr. Thompson regarding the possibility of transferring whatever is left in the Fire Department Budget for fire hydrant rental to help balance the remaining year's budget, and it was indicated this could be done, Discussion was held regarding the number of acre feet of water used in the Downey system and the number of CETA employees working in the Water Division, Mr, Spindel pointed out that some CETA employees have been involved in some on- going projects because at this time the Water Division is extremely busy making connections and cut-offs in Park and Southern California Water, but they would generally be working on replacement of services which is a capital improvement type project, Mr. Coates discussed with Councilman Miller the number of manhours used per day in reading water meters. Mr. Thompson commented that an attempt is being made to fill all of the CETA slots assigned to Downey, and as a result, additional supervision is being requested. Further questions were raised regarding the proposed budget, Mr. Wynne noted for information that the revenues and expenditures have been shown on an accrual basis, but in terms of a cash basis, it is estimated the Fund 54 will have a cash deficit at June 30th of approximately $60,000 to $80,000� AYES- 5 Council Members: Miller, Greene, Jackman, Scotto, Jennings RESOLUTION NO, 3497 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING THREE (3) WATER SERVICE ZONES FOR SEPARATE WATER RATES AND RESCINDING RESOLUTIONS NO, 2380 AND 3491 The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3497, Mayor Jennings referred to Section 3 of Resolution No, 3496, wherein it states P°The Director of Finance is hereby authorized to transfer monies between funds in such amounts and at such times during the fiscal year as he may determine necessary to the competent operation of the City." He asked if this would include any fund of the City. Mr, Wynne explained the wording is adopted from the Resolution of the City Budget, so it would apply to any fund. He cited an instance where it might be necessary to make such a transfer, Mr. Newton advised this is a common provision in resolutions establishing budgets of this nature, and he has seen it used in other cities as well, Mayor Jennings questioned whether this would be permitting the Director of Finance to make transfers from one department to another. Council Minutes 1/24/78 -3- Mr, Thompson replied no, Mr. Wynne said no appropriation would be made without Council action, 591i:`a RESOLUTION N0, 3498 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY OPPOSING THE HOUSING DISTRIBUTION PROPOSALS OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS 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 and seconded by Councilman Greene to adopt Resolution No, 3498, (See later motion,) Mr. Thompson explained the Resolution has been modified from the last Council Meeting and it is staff°s recommendation that this is more germane to the issue than the Resolution sent by the City of Burbank, Councilman Jackman said a decision should be made by the Council whether it wants to adopt the previous Resolution or this one. It was noted the wording of the previous Resolution is the same as in the correspondence from the City of Burbank, Agenda Item VIII-B-1, Councilman Miller feels staff's Resolution is more constructive in its criticism, Councilman Greene concurred with the wording in the Burbank Resolution, At the request of Councilwoman Scotto, copies of a letter from the City of Pasadena to Senator Richardson were distributed to the Council, Council Members voiced intent to take the Resolution under submission for prepa- ration of a new one, Mr. Thompson indicated his recommendation to the Council would be the wording contained in the Resolution prepared by staff, Mr. Spindel explained the staff Resolution was prepared by committee, and it was felt the Resolution adequately expresses the concerns of the City as far as the differences between its Housing Element and the SCAG model and offers some construc- tive criticism. He said it is believed SCAG is getting into areas of local control. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No, 3498 with the wording contained in the Burbank 'Resolution, Councilwoman Scotto feels staff should make a presentation to the Council regarding the Regional Housing Allocation model, and she pointed out that what SCAG is doing has been mandated by the Federal and State Government, She urged the Council to look into this further before passing the Resolution. AYES. 3 Council Members, Greene, Jackman, Jennings NOES° 2 Council Members, Miller, Scotto RESOLUTION NO, 3499 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING, CONFIRMING AND RATIFYING BASE RENTAL UNDER THE CITY OF DOWNEY WATER FACILITIES CORPORATION AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY LEASE AND SUBLEASE The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by ouncilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No, 3499. CASH CONTRACTS Following a summation of bids, it was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to accept bids and award Cash Contract #410, Building & Restroom Modifications at Various Locations, in the amount of the unit prices bid, totaling $125,441. to R. A. Stillman Construction of Downey, the lowest and best bidder (Account #29-13933, #21-13929, and #21m17121), Council Minutes 1/24/78 -4- Responding to questions, Mr. Spindel stated that after the bid is awarded staff will institute change orders to bring the cost down to possibly $15,000 to $20,000 lower than the bid price. He said eliminating the ornamental brick wall under Cash Contract #409 and putting up a less expensive wall will also save money, Mr. Jarrett noted the restroom improvements at the Theatre are to expand the womens° restroom to accommodate more people. He then reviewed the improvements pro- posed for each facility involved. Discussion ensued, Mr„ Spindel explained the contract has to be awarded as advertised and then change orders can be negotiated. He said the contractor is willing to cooperate with the City on this, and the contract can be reduced approximately $15,000-520,000, Mr, Spindel commented on the changes that could be made in the specifications to reduce the amount of the contract. Councilman Jackman suggested the project be rebid, He said he would not want to approve the contract on the hopes it can be reduced, Mr, Spindel stated that if the contract cannot be negotiated the City will have the right to eliminate bid Item #3, which would then save $20,000. Mayor Jennings requested Mr. Spindel to bring back the final cost before begin- ning construction on this project, including any changes involved. Further discussion followed. AYES. 4 Council Members; Miller,, Greene, Scotto„ Jennings NOES,., 1 Council Member. Jackman Clean Community Systems Anti -Litter Program Mr, Alex Baca, 12171 Julius Avenue, said he submitted a recent survey to the City, Mr., Spindel commented on the survey and noted the 63 percent results shows a community interest in the program. He recommended proceeding with the program so that a meeting can be set up with the leaders of the community service organizations in the City. Mr, Henry Oberndorf, 9731 East Imperial Highway, mentioned the estimated budget was prepared and submitted to the Council. He said the program can go no further without approval of the Council, Mr, Oberndorf commented on plans to establish a meeting with the various organizations and schools, Mayor Jennings said if the program is funded, it should be funded for the rest of the fiscal year and then it should be set up in the Non -Departmental Budget next year. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Jackman,, and passed by the following vote to approve the Clean Community Systems Anti -Litter Program and to appropriate $1500 from the General Fund Balance to Account #10a-4-3444, Councilwoman Scotto asked what would be accomplished in the next five months. Mr, Oberndorf replied the next activity will be a general meeting,, then, a photo- metric index to establish the principal areas for cleaning upp and teams will be organized to go to the various groups to solicit aid and volunteer help to attend seminars, .AYES:; 5 Council Members. Miller, Greene, Jackman, Scotto, Jennings it was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by the following vote to approve proceeding with the Sy -wide Traffic Control Devices Inventory, State Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), and authorize the advertis ing of consultant bid proposals, Mr. Spindel explained this is an inventory for all of the City°s traffic control devices, and the grant is $42,000 from OTS, for which the City would match $4800 of staff time only. What this would accomplish, he said, would be a computer- ized system of all the City°s traffic control devices, signs, signals, etc,, which, would be a great help in the maintenance and inventory. He pointed out the grant application does provide for the retention of a consultant to perform the work to be paid for entirely from the grant, Council. Minutes 1/24/78 -5- It was indicated the results of the inventory would aid the City with its pre- ventative maintenance of the devices, as well as provide knc-wle:dge as to whether a particular device is effective. Also, it would serve greatly in accident prevention throughout the City. AYESs 3 Council Members- Miller, Scotto, Jennings NOES% 2 Council Members% Greene, Jackman It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by the following vote to approve submittal of the Annual Element 1978-79 Trans aLta- tion Improvement Program (T.I.P.) to SCAG and Los Angeles County Transportation Commission. Mr, Spindel explained the items contained in this prcgram have been previously approved by Council. He commented on the funding involved, .AYES° 5 Council Members, Miller, Greene, Jackman, Scotto, Jennings It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by unanimous vote to approve for submittal to Caltrans certain projects under the Safer Off -Systems Program (Account #26-16196) Mayor Jennings declared a recess at 9.08 pome The meeting resumed at 9.22 p.m. with all Council Members present, Reinvestment in Downey Program - Section 312 Loan Program Consulting Services Agreement Mr, Thompson outlined the costs to the City amounting to $875, which would be paid to Bill Bond & Associates per case, and he pointed out the costs to the City during the initial startup phase would be $14.75 per hour for a Loan Specialist„ plus a flat fee of $190090 for loan inspections. He said it is felt there would pro- bably be a maximum of 40 loans made per year. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to approve the Section 312 Loan Program Consulting Services Agreement. Councilman Miller asked if the rehabilitation work inspections would be a dupli- cation of work performed by building inspectors. Mr, Thompson stated these inspections would actually be contract supervision Mayor Jennings noted the rehabilitation work inspector would be acting as superintendent for the homeowner. Mr. Tincher stated the Cityas building inspector would be involved in terms of the work in the normal process when a building permit is taken out and to see that the work meets City code, These basic steps are required under the 312 process as set forth by the Federal guidelines. He further pointed out there will be a lot of time spent in monitoring the contract and working as liaison between the property owner and contractor, Councilman Miller suggested this service might be worthwhile to any homeowner in the City who is having remodeling work donee Further questions were raised regarding proposed fees and time element involved. Mayor Jennings asked if the same person receiving $14.75 as a loan specialist during the initial start-up phase would be the same person making the property inspections and receiving $190.90. Mr, Tincher replied the money would be paid for the services of a firm, not an individual, and the company may be contracting with inspectors to come in and do the work. Discussion followed. Councilman Miller inquired about a provision in the agreement, whereby the con- tractor shall provide liability insurance. Mr. Newton said such a provision can be added, naming the City as an additional insured, The Council concurred with Mr. Thompson°s request that he confer with the City Attorney and draft the proper insurance provision covering this matter. AYES- 5 Council Members- Miller, Greene, Jackman, Scotto, Jennings Council Minutes 1/24/78 -6- It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to approve in concept the Preliminary Housing Rehabilitation Financial Assistance Guidelines and initiate the Rehabilitation Financial Assistance Pr22ram in the areas recommended. It was moved by Councilman Greene and seconded by Councilwoman Scotto to approve continuation of the Southeast Burglary Investiiation Team program, Responding to questions, Chief Martin explained his opinion on this matter is based on Chief Morgan°s preliminary report, He said last. month°s SEBIT activity in Downey was minimal. Chief Martin indicated, it is most important to him that he not lose the manpower, and he views this matter more of a decision as to where the two men involved will be used. He did point out, however, that he would request both men be returned to the Department if the program is not approved, which would mean increasing the manning table by one, Chief Martin further noted that if both, men were brought back into the Department there would be a savings of approximately $14,000 to the City, which is the amount it would pay for vehicle operation, operating and overhead to the SEBIT Program, Discussion followed regarding the effect on the City°s budget with or without. the SEBIT Program, Mr. Thompson suggested if the program is approved, it should be approved through the next fiscal year, The City°s share in the SEBIT Program through fiscal year 1978-79 would be $95,260.11. Mr. Thompson explained that when the SEBIT Program began, two men were assigned from the Police Department, and since that time, one position has been filled pending determination of the program. He cited various options available to the Council at this time in its action to either continue or discontinue the program. AYES, 0 Council Members-. None NOES-. 5 Council Members, Miller, Greene, Jackman, Scotto, Jennings Failed. it was moved by Mayor Jennings, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to increase the manning table by one in the Police Department beginning April 1, 1978. Discussion was held regarding the cost to the City for increasing the manning table. Chief Martin said the two employees will be assigned to the City°s burglary team in, order to provide the type of law enforcement that will be beneficial to the community. AYES,. 5 Council Members, Miller, Greene, Jackman, Scotto, Jennings Councilman Miller suggested staff take whatever possible action is necessary to recover the City°s share of the SEBIT equipment. Report on Guadalajara Visit Expenses Mayor Jennings commented on the events to which the City hosts the Guadalajara representatives during their annual visit to Downey, which is during New Years and the annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game. He favored completely remodeling the Sister City Program to where the visit occurs during the City°s annual Christmas Parade, which is the first Sunday in December, so that both Downey°s queen and Guadalajara's queen can ride on a float. He said if the program cannot be remodeled, then he would be in favor of abandoning it. Councilwoman Scotto commented on her trip to Guadalajara during her term as Mayor and she also favored changing the time for the Guadalajara visit to occur dur- ing the. City's Christmas parade. She suggested meeting with the Sister City Committee and Rose Float Association to work on a program and placing a deadline for coming to a decision. It. was moved by Mayor Jennings to meet with the Sister City Committee, for which he volunteered to be a representative, and give them a year to revise the program or drop it. Councilwoman Scotto asked that the motion be changed to also include the Rose Float Committee. She then seconded the motion and also agreed to serve as a representative, Mayor Jennings again stated the motion is to meet with the Sister City Commit- tee and Rose Float Association, and if the program cannot be revised to the Council°s satisfaction in the next fiscal year that the program be dropped. Council Minutes 1/24/78 -7- Councilwoman Scotto withdrew her second The motion was then seconded by Councilman Jackman. The motion was revised by Mayor Jennings and seconded by Councilman Jackman to meet with the Sister City Association and Rose Float Committee, and that the Council insist the program be revised so the next annual visit of the Guadalajara contingent will be the first week in December rather than the last week in December and com- pleted within the next fiscal year. Councilwoman Scotto said a year's time limit would be: an imposition and, therefore, she would have to vote 0°no." Councilman Greene suggested rewording of the mourn, The motion and the second were withdrawn. fF u It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to have a meeting between the Cosnoil, the Sister City Commit- tee, and the Rose Float Association to discuss the future of the Sister City Program. Councilwoman Scotto again offered, to attend the meeting. Mayor Jennings withdrew his offer to attend, AYES. 5 Council Members, Miller', Greene, Jackman, Scotto, Jennings It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded. by Coun.ci.lman Greene, and passed by the following vote to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Reed, Roberts Associates, Inc., for Unemplovment Insurance- Administration, and to appropriate $875 (approximately $1700 annually) from Fund Balance for admAinistrative fees during fiscal 1977-78, Councilman Jackman questioned spending $1700 to administer the program; as well as the number of employees that would be involved Mr. Thompson said he would have no way of knowing how many employees would be involvedg however, he pointed out Federal legislatn has indicated Unemployment Insurance must be effective January 1, 1978, and since State Legislature is still attempti.ag to pass enabling or guideline legislation, it is not known what options will be available to the City. Counicilman Jackman questioned the effect of the legislation. Mr. Saunders explained there are three options proposed in the State legislation, One, is the private method of 2,7 percent the. first $7,000 for the first three years and then based upon experience rate after that up to a maximum of 3,9 percent, the second method would be a straight reimbursement of paying whatever benefits unemploy- ment Insurance pays to an individual,, and the third method would be what is called a local public entity's employees fund. He commented the City will have 30 days after legislation is signed by the Governor to determine which of the three options it will select, out it is hoped to select the method most economically advantageous. Mr. Saunders mentioned the City has never dealt with such a program and the files and records may not be set up properly. He commented Reed, Roberts Associates will assist the City in training supervisors and set up proper documents so it is possible that within a year the City might want to administer the program on, its own, Mr. Thompson mentioned the City of Downey„ along with several other thousand cities, has entered into a case now before the Supreme Court challenging the consti- tutionality of this act as it applies to cities, and it is scheduled to come before the Court sometime during the next session. Mr. Wynne reviewed the services that would be provided by Reed, Roberts. Mayor Jennings inquired if the State Department of Unemployment has guidelines that might be helpful, Mr. Sauders replied staff has attended several seminars put on by the State and private companies, which have provided information of much assistance. Discussion ensued, Councilman Jackman questioned the need to enter into the program at this time, Mayor Jennings indicated it might be well to wait and see if the City hires a personnel officer who has expertise on this matter., AYESg 4 Council Members, Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings NOES, 1 Council Member: Jackman Council Minutes 1/24C78 -8- 5952 Mr. Thompson mentioned he will be interviewing candidates for personnel officer this week and next and then may have a recommendation for the Council. He said if these do not work out he may advertise for the position. Mayor Jennings asked if a personnel officer is hired from the private sector and understands Unemployment regulations, can the agreement with Reed, Roberts be terminated. Mr. Thompson replied yes. Councilman Miller suggested that with Council concurrence, at least 90 days prior to expiration of the agreement, information be brought back to the Council as to the performance of the firm and dollar benefit to the City;, so the Council can decide whether it wishes to continue with the program, Fiscal Assistance Fund - Allocation of Anti -Recession Funds for CETA Personnel It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to appropriate $2700 in Anti -Recession Funds for CETA Personal Services for those employees currently participating in the program who have exceeded the $833 limit„ and to appropriate $7900 Anti -Recessionary Funds for CETA supervisory effort - $4600 for seven Leadmen and $3100 for two Foremen. Responding to questions, Mr. Thompson indicated the City has 138 CETA people,, plus 50 in the schools, and CETA people have been assigned to almost every office or department in the City. He mentioned the Federal Government has passed a law, which is administered by the County, and the County informs each City how many positions are allocated to be filled. Then, he said, the City has the choice of hiring those people or not joining the program, in which case the County would hire the number of people allocated for Downey and put them to work in the County, Mr. Thompson com- mented on the projects that might not be done without CETA employees. Councilman Greene noted that sometimes there is a parking problem in the employee lot, and he questioned whether the regular employees might resent the CETA employees because they take up spaces. Mr. Saunders stated President Carter is presently reviewing the program and understands that local government has reached the saturation point on CETA employees. An attempt is being made to look into placing CETA employees in private enterprise. Mayor Jennings questioned paying CETA employees more than the $833 per month level set by the Government, Mr. Saunders replied CETA employees must be paid the same salaries and benefits as other employees. Responding to questions, Mr. Spindel explained that in many cases, CETA per- sonnel are supervised by regular employees and in some cases are helping regular employees. Further discussion followed. AYES.- 3 Council Members° Miller, Scotto, Jennings NOES.- 2 Council Members.- Greene, Jackman STAFF REPORTS Mr. Spindel indicated he has submitted a memo to the Council concerning 105 Freeway Homes, Mr. Spindel reminded the Council there will be an informal meeting on the Santa Ana Freeway Widening January 26, 1978, 7:30 p.m., at Maude Price School. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Miller inquired about the status of Property Tax Refund for Senior Citizens_ Mr. Wynne indicated a memo has been submitted to the City Manager. Councilman Greene noted the Disaster Advisory Committee has requested a badge. He then commented on a 1969 City Council information brochure. Council Minutes 1/24/78 -9- ^^ sidewalk area '0'' Councilwoman Scotto suggested landscaping in the Flerepee A�Snue med_axa would be more practical than placing trees in the-eidewalh area.- Florence Avenue median. Mr. Spindel said the main reason for the medians is traffic safetyo the landscap- ing project was approved in the budget„ but it will be necessary to have more public hearings, and EIR, and a negative declaration. Mayor Jennings commented on the attractive landscaped islands in the cities of Lakewood, Pico Rivera, and Norwalk. He suggested CETA employees be used in the tree planting program, Mr. Spindel stated there is a CETA tree planting crew, and they are planting the 15 gallon trees, Mayor Jennings mentioned the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance sets out the speci- fics for Candidate Election Signs, and he asked that when a candidate files his nomination papers will he receive a letter from the City stating the ordinance requirements and the subsequent results if the ordinance is not adhered to? Mr. Thompson replied there has been a press release,; and he will be meeting with the City Clerk regarding providing information to the candidates, Also, he indicated Chief Martin and Mr. Spindel have been asked to get together and decide who will follow-up on this, Mr. Thompson pointed out that if something is obviously wrong with a sign it can be taken down at that time. Discussion followed, Mayor Jennings pointed out there is a "Maddy for Governor" sign on Firestone Boulevard just west of Woodruff on the back support of a bus bench, Mr. Thompson mentioned if signs are in the public right-of-way they can be removed immediately, but he pointed out that State candidates do not come into City Hall to check City ordinances. Mr. Newton explained there is a basic provision where self-help can be used to abate a nuisance and that any crime constituting a misdemeaner is a nuisance. He cautioned the area of political signs should be pursued very carefully because there is certain protection for the candidate under the First Amendment Provision, A discussion was held regarding an analysis of net Utility Tax paid to the City vs. Target-5% on gross annual receipts from the Edison Company, Mr. Don Chambers„ 7811 Fifth Street, inquired if there is a date set to change the zoning of property from C-3 to R-2 on Paramount Boulevard south of Imperial Hiahwav north of Gardendale Street. Mr. Newton advised that one can only rely on the current zoning of property, that a proposed change is proposed only, and no reliance can be placed on property being rezoned simply based on statements made in other proposed actions by the City. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 1l 30 p.m. The meeting was also adjourned in memory of Mr, Gano Culwell, Member of the Personnel Advisory Board, and Mr, William Temple, father of former Mayor and Council- man, Scott Temple, i " Robert L, Shand, City Clerk Council Minutes 1/24/78 -10-