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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06-13-78-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JUNE 12, 1978 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 4:00 p.m., June 12, 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 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 Librarian John H. Saunders, Assistant to City Manager Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Mayor Greene announced the purpose of the adjourned meeting is for a study session on the 1978-79 City of Downey Municipal Budget. Mr. Thompson advised the Budget represents an approximate total of $12,035,000, or a reduction of $2,632,000 for the General Fund only. He mentioned comparisons have been made with ten other cities similar to the size of Downey and that Downey is function- ing with fewer people than the average of those cities. Councilman Jackman arrived at the meeting at 4:05 p.m. Mr. Thompson explained cuts have been made in every department, and the signifi- cant impact proposed is that the City would have less efficient ability to handle citi- zen complaints. The proposed reductions are: Approximately 90 percent closure of one fire company; investigative effectiveness in the Police Department; the Library would be open 30 hours instead of 66 hours a week; the Theatre would be closed; recreation programs would be eliminated; minimum weed cutting; elimination of street sweeping; major cutbacks in street and tree maintenance and no tree planting; street median maintenance except what is necessary for traffic safety. Co -sponsored groups have been completely eliminated. Mr. Thompson then stated the following adjustments are proposed: Doubling the dog license, which would make the program self-sufficient; major increases in building and engineering fees; increases in park fees. Also, staff will be looking at consolidations and reorganizations during the year, and it is anticipated the revenue picture for next year will be very difficult. General Revenue Sharing Funds are not included in the Operating Budget. Further reductions recommended are the elimination of 54 full-time employees; 36' full-time equivalents on part-time; the laying off of 59 CETA personnel. Mr. Thompson mentioned the County Board of Supervisors has approved a motion determining that if the legislature does not pass a law covering distribution of the one percent, that allocation would be on the basis of the 1975-76 Property Tax rate, which would then mean another one-half million dollar loss in revenue to the City of Downey. He pointed out the City Council has the authority to consider a Utility Users Tax, an Occupation Tax, a sewer service charge, a franchise ordinance on industrial refuse haulers, a fire prevention inspection fee; or other revenue sources if it chose to do so. Mr. Thompson said he spoke with each of the employee associations with regard to the upcoming salary increases. The DCEA has indicated it will discuss this, and it would require action by the governing board as well as meeting and conferring on a new contract. The Teamsters has indicated it would consider a modification, if necessary, and would require a meeting and conferring for a new contract. The Police Officers Association has indicated it would not agree to any reduction in the existing contract. Response from the Firemen's Association is still pending. Mr. Wynne said as a result of Proposition 13, it is anticipated the allocation of Revenue Sharing Funds to the State and cities will drop. Councilman Miller favored a resolution of the Council opposing the County pro- posal for a 1975-76 tax base. Council Minutes 6/12/78 (adjourned) -1- ., 6058 Mr. Thompson then reviewed proposed cuts for each department: City Clerk -Treasurer: Elimination of one position - total reduction, $24,000. City Manager s Office: Elimination of two positions, including unfilled Personnel Officer position - total reduction, $73,000. Finance Department: Elimination of two unfilled positions, one demotion, and elimination of one part-time personnel - total reduction, $58,500. Non -Departmental: Elimination of subsidy to the Chamber of Commerce, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Christmas Parade, Symphony Orchestra, Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, Youth Band, Mixed Chorus, Art Museum, Southeast Coordinating Council of the Arts, Sister City Program, Rose Float Association, all Sister City events, and Helpline. Police Department: Overall reduction of nine sworn positions, three non -sworn, all of the crossing guards, and other reductions involving change in grade - total reduction, $520,000. Fire Department: Reduction of nine sworn and one non -sworn; adjustments in grade - total reduction, $404,000. Public Works: Elimination of 11.4 positions, several: demotions and transfers. Park Department: Elimination of 292 full-time equivalent positions, 25 CETA positions, and some demotions - total reduction; $283,760. Library: Elimination of all part-time positions - total reduction, $121,000. Community Development: Elimination of 10.6 full-time positions - total reduction, $348,000. Mr. Thompson noted all of the Gas Tax are required to be spend for street main- tenance purposes. Also, two positions will be eliminated at Apollo Park Neighborhood Center. Responding to questions regarding termination of employees, Mr. Thompson explained the affected employees would be placed on an eligibility List for two years, they would be re -hired as an opening occurred, and within the two-year period if re -hired, they would be given credit for their previous service. A discussion was held regarding the number of employees to be laid off. Chief Wood emphasized the impact demotions will have on the employees. —, Mr. Jay Bressler, 8361 Charloma Drive, said people voting for Proposition 13 were striking out at the taxation on their Property Tax bills, but they do not want a cut in their services for Police and Fire. He feels people would be willing to pay a Utility Tax. At 5:06 p.m., Mayor Greene recessed the meeting to executive session to discuss personnel matters. The meeting resumed at 7:50 p.m. with all Council Members present. Mayor Greene stated the Council has reviewed each person on the proposed list for termination and directed the City Manager to verify the seniority ranking of each person. No conclusions and decisions will be made at this time. Councilman Miller suggested moving forward to ensure the City as much as possible of the one percent. The Council set 7:00 a.m., June 16, 1978, for another study session on the Budget. Mr. Jeff Salisbury, 7520 Coventry Circle, member of the Downey Firemen's Associ- ation, inquired if any decision of the Council was made in executive session with regard to the employees. Mayor Greene replied the Council held discussions with each Department Head, but no decision has been made at this time. Mr. Ron Yoshiki, President of the Downey City Employees' Association, inquired regarding the list of employee positions that will be made available. Mr. Spindel advised that staff has been researching a new method for assessing the light- ing districts, which will be brought back to the Council for final determination by the third week in August. There being no further business adjournted at 8:00 p.m. W '^ y Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer to come before the City Council, the meeting was William L. Greene, Mayor Council Minutes 6/12/78 (adjourned da