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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06-21-78-Adjourned Regular Meetinga 7f MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JUNE 21, 1978 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 4:00 p.m., June 21, 1978, in the Green Room of the Downey Theatre, Mayor William L. Greene presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Theodore H. Jackman Kenneth J. Miller Mayor Pro Ten 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 declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on tae City of Downey Municipal Budget for 1978-79, which was continued from the adjourned regular meeting of June 16, 1978. Mr. Thompson stated he received a call from Senator Campbell, who has indi- cated the committee in Sacramento should be reaching a conclusion concerning the allocation formula. He said there are two possibilities the committee could consider: One is the allocation Downey has predicated its budget on, which would be an allocation of one percent of each City's pro rata share of the total tax rate as it exists during this current tax year; the other possibility supported by the Counties is that there would be an allocation rate based upon an average of the last three years tax rate, in which case Downey would lose around $400,000. However, if the distribution of 1/20th of the $4 billion State surplus is approved to the Cities, then it is anticipated Downey's share would be around $600,000. Mr. Thompson stated Senator Campbell has mentioned it is possible the money could be earmarked for public safety services. He then commented on redevelopment organiza- tion charts showing the current reductions. Mr. Wynne reviewed the new recommended Budget. Councilman Miller suggested a reduction in the dog license fee for people on fixed incomes. Mr. Thompson said an ordinance is being prepared for the Council's considera- tion on this matter. Responding to Councilman Swearingen's question regarding a freeze on wages for City employees, Mr. Thompson explained he discussed consideration of a wage reduction with each of the employee associations, and in each case the answer was negative. He also asked the employee associations if they would consider a delay in the effective date of the contractural increase, and most indicated they would be willing to discuss this issue --the Police Officers Association said it would not discuss it. Councilman Mackaig expressed his views regarding the new recommended Budget as the outcome of Proposition 13. A copy of his written remarks is on file in the City Clerk's office. Mr. Thompson stated staff has attempted to come to grips with the problems involved and will make the best of this situation. He commented on the personnel reductions in City staff over the last eight years and noted Downey has the lowest number of employees of any City its size on a comparison basis. Councilman Mackaig feels the cuts in personnel should include Management. Mayor Greene requested a chart of employees salaries. A discussion was held regarding further cuts to be incorporated in the Budget. Council Minutes 6/21/78 (adjourned) -1- G-07 Chief Martin proceeded to explain the Police Department Budget, showing the reductions proposed in personnel, equipment, and supplies. He responded to questions regarding the trade-in and maintenance of Police vehicles. Mr. Spindel reported on the revised Budget for the Public Works Department, which includes restoration of street sweeping as requested by Council. He commented on the revised Budget figures as a result of cuts made in personal services, materials and supplies, equipment rental, and vehicles. Councilman Mackaig requested further information regarding the Department's vehicles. Mr. Spindel then reviewed the Community Development Budget noting cuts in personal services and the reduction of three vehicles. Mr. Thompson commented on the Legislative Budget, which includes the elimina- tion of one vehicle and the Assistant City Manager position. Chief Wood proposed as an alternative, that when it is time to trade-in the Police Chief and City Manager vehicles, that these vehicles be used by the Fire Department and inspectors, and trade-in the older vehicles instead. The Fire Department does not propose to eliminate any of its vehicles because they are needed for fire inspections on a daily basis. Speaking to the Library Budget, Mrs. Miller stated the position of Assistant Librarian has been changed to Senior Librarian. There are no vehicles in the Library Department. Mr. Neavill reviewed the Parks & Recreation Budget and outlined the uses of the vehicles within that Department. Councilman Mackaig questioned the benefit of the proposal to move the Park & Recreation offices from Apollo Park to the Recreation Center. Responding to further questions, Mr. Neavill said the Park Budget does not provide funds for paper or personnel to print the senior citizen newsletter. Mayor Greene also raised questions regarding mailing the City's Communicator. It was moved by Councilman Swearingen to eliminate the Communicator. The motion died for lack of a second. Councilman Jackman called for improvement of the Communicator and Mayor Greene concurred. Mr. Neavill commented on other reductions in the Parks & Recreation Budget pertaining to travel expenses, planting and landscaping materials, recreation equipment, and special programs. He said all equipment and materials retained in the Budget for the Theatre are essential for keeping the building open and avail- able for rental purposes --all other programs have been eliminated. Mayor Greene feels the Park Budget should include $12,000 for this summer only for recreation programs. The rest of the Council concurred. Mr. Wynne reviewed the Finance Department Budget and commented on use of City vehicles. He discussed reductions in the Budget pertaining to staff development, travel and meeting expenses, and expenses for the Annual Report and the Budget. Mr. Gordon Strand, 12359 Gneiss Street, President of the Downey City Youth. Band., commented it will be difficult for the Band to continue without City support of funds or facilities. He requested Council reconsideration regarding the __. co -sponsored organizations. Mr. W. K. Luckow, 9016 Cecilia, referred to the proposed hours for the Library to be open each week, and he suggested the Library could be open longer by utiliz- ing high school students for checking out the books. He also suggested charging a modest fee for a Library card. There being no further business to come before the City Council, at 6:20 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to 5:00 p.m., June 26, 1978, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer William L. Greene, Mayor Council Minutes 6/21/78 (adjourned) -2-