HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-15-78-Special MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
MAY 15, 1978
The City Council of the City of Downey held a special called meeting at 4:00 p.m.,
May 15, 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
John T. Neavill, Director of Parks'& Recreation
Edwin H. Wood, Fire Chief
John H. Saunders, Assistant to City Manager
Terence Middlebrooke, Manager of Revenue
Don Davis, Battalion Chief
James Jarrett,Recreation Supervisor
Hollis Stewart, Manager, Parks Administrative Services
Kent Parker, Accountant
John Hume, Theatre Manager
Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer
Mayor Greene announced the purpose of the special meeting is to study the City
of Downey Municipal Budget for 1978-79.
Mr. Thompson stated a review was made of employment in the City, and from 1970
until last year employment stayed about the same; then this year, the City's employ-
ment was increased by 23. He commented the 23 employees were added to fulfill the
needs created by either new or expanded programs. Mr. Thompson further commented on
the CETA program and pointed out these employees are needed because of the added
projects. He responded to questions regarding the CETA program and said unless
re-established by Congress, the program will end September 30th.
Mr. Thompson then presented and outlined an analysis of the General Fund Balance
for this fiscal year, commenting on elimination of the Utility Users Tax, increase in
Property Tax, increased Business License Fee schedule, Sales Tax revenue, Motor
Vehicle in lieu, and all other sources, leaving an opening balance for next year of
$1,805,000, which is estimated for budgetary purposes. He said the estimated current
revenues are based upon a preliminary revenue analysis; and a revised analysis will
be presented within a few days. Mr. Thompson stated the City currently has $13,629,000,
including transfers into the General Fund, and together with the opening balance the
total available for appropriation is $15,434,000. The recommended operating programs
amount to $14,664,000, together with a salary contingency of $85,000, for a total of
$14,749,600, leaving a projected fund balance for next year of $685,000.
In discussing the Fire Department Budget to the City Council, Chief Wood dis-
played a map on the board and outlined the previous history of the budgetary process
and its impact on the Downey Fire Department. Also, he pointed out that the Budget
takes into consideration mutual aid agreements with surrounding and nearby cities.
The number one goal of the Fire Department is to provide fire protection for the
community. Chief Wood explained that during the last five years ten public safety
positions have been cut from the budget, but he feels he would be remiss as Fire
Chief if he recommended reducing the service below that which the Fire Department
is now providing. The 1978-79 Budget reflects a 5.4 percent increase for the Fire
Department. Chief Wood commented on the mandate to provide new types of helmets
and shoes. He outlined other budgetary requests, including reclassification of
two positions.
Discussion followed.
Mr. Thompson explained the Rental Account and Equipment Fund.
Councilman Miller requested an executive session at the end of the meeting to
discuss a personnel matter.
Chief Wood outlined the travel expenses shown under Administration.
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Councilman Jackman indicated he would like to see the total budgeted amount for
travel expenses, including legislators.
The Council tentatively set 4:00 p.m., May 24, 1978, and May 30, 1978, for
study sessions on the Budget.
Mr. Neavill discussed the Parks & Recreation Budget, including park and Theatre
functions, Golf Course pro shop and driving range operation, and park and Golf
Course maintenance. He said the Administrative Services portion of the Budget will
be increased 21 percent over last year, and he commented on the other increases
shown throughout the Budget involving personnel, supplies, and utilities and
materials at the Theatre, including remodeling of the ladies restroom. Mr. Neavill
pointed out there is a reduction in personal services, and he discussed the Golf
-' Course Budget. He responded to questions regarding projected Golf Course revenue,
Apollo Park maintenance, and tasks performed by the Manager of Administrative
Services.
A discussion was held regarding the number of parks in Downey and their usage.
At 6:10 p.m., Mayor Greene recessed the meeting to executive session to discuss
a personnel matter. The meeting resumed at 6:28 p.m, with all Council Members present.
At 6:28 p.m., the meeting was adjourned to 7:30 a.m., May 19, 1978, at the
Downey Community Hospital.
RobLlrt L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer William L. Greene, Mayor
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