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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-02-78-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING MAY 2, 1978 k The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 4:30 p.m., May 2, 1978, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor William L. Greene presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Theodore H. Jackman Kenneth J. Miller Mayor Pro Tem Milton R. Mackaig Lyell W. Swearingen William L. Greene Mayor ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Donald B. Robison, Assistant City Manager 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 Ruth Miller, City LibrarianTerence Middlebrooke,.Manager of Revenue Thomas Tincher, Housing & Human Services Coordinator John Saunders, Assistant to City Manager .James Funk, Principal Planner Sgt. Ron Arrington, Police Department Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer The Council viewed a slide presentation of the League of California Cities con- cerning Propositions 8 and 13. A discussion was held regarding whether the Council will take a stand on the Propositions. Councilman Miller feels each Council Member should express his views for the public's information and a better understanding of the Propositions. He stated his opinion that there are more problems related to the passage of Proposition 13 than Proposition 8. Mayor Greene pointed out this year, the Council will be studying two budgets -- one which will take into consideration the impact of the tax relief propositions. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig and seconded by Councilman Swearingen that after listening to the discussions, the Council should take a stand either for or against Proposition 13. AYES: 2 Council Members: Mackaig, Swearingen NOES: 3 Council Members: Jackman, Miller, Greene Failed. Councilman Miller discussed the impact to the taxpayers of the City if Proposi- tion 13 - Jarvis Amendment passes. He pointed out the information gained from the Tax Impact Study at the time the Utility Users Tax was repealed, has enabled him to make his projections. He displayed charts and commented on what the homeowners, owners of apartments, and owners -users of commercial and industrial properties would receive, but noted the renter would receive nothing unless the landlord decreased the rent. Councilman Miller further outlined the effect this would have to the residential properties, particularly those sold since 1975. Councilman Jackman said although many people will be voting for Proposition 13 - - as a message to the lawmakers, the Council should face the situation of what it will do if Proposition 13 does pass. Mrs. Betty Kilpatrick, 8603 Meadow Road, sees Proposition 13 as a disaster for the community and said she has studied both propositions. She indicated she does not want a, smaller, less efficient Police and Fire Department, nor less service from the City. Mrs. Kilpatrick stated she feels she pays reasonable property taxes and urged the Council not to take a position on the propositions. Councilman Mackaig read a written statement entitled "Rationale for Supporting Proposition 13," a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk. Council Minutes 5/2/78 (adjourned) -1- Councilman Miller commented on the control Proposition 13 has with a two-thirds O'vI voting requirement. Councilman Swearingen said the Council should prepare itself for the outcome if Proposition 13 passes. Mr. Thompson commented the long range consequences of the propositions should be projected ten years into the future as to the effect they will have on the commu- nity and municipal goverment. Consideration should also be given to whether or not Downey will replace the lost revenue and to what extent services will be cut. Responding to a question, Mr. Thompson pointed out the impact would not be the same for each City, but Downey's budget would be cut a minimum of 18 percent and a maximum of 32 to 34 percent; however, it is still uncertain, and he feels school districts will be hit harder than the cities. He mentioned there is the possibility Downey may have to cut back approximately 100 employees, although CETA would not be affected because it is paid by Federal funds. Mr. Thompson stated he believes the City Council can replace all revenue by shifting to other taxes. Discussion followed. Mayor Greene recessed the meeting from 6:02 p.m. to 6:35 p.m. The meeting re- sumed with all Council Members present. At 6:35 p.m., it was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Mackaig to adjourn the meeting. � z Robert L. Shand,- city William L. Greene, Mayor I Council Minutes 5/2/78 (adjourned) -2-