Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-10-03-78-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 3, 1978 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 4:00 p.m., October 3, 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 Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Mayor Greene announced the purpose of the meeting is to review the Citv of Downey Capital Improvement Budget for 1978-79. Mr. Thompson explained the budget being submitted is idential to the pre- viously discussed budget, except for the Gas Tax Fund which has already been approved. He further explained that all approved Capital Improvement Budget items still must come to the Council for consideration at the time of authorizing the call for bids and the time of awarding bids. Mr. Thompson then reviewed the Budget, commencing with the General Revenue Sharing section: General Government Civic Center Development - Phase I, beginning with the 911 Emergency Dialing System facility. The $640,266 would become a reserve type'fund which could be utilized for whatever projects are approved. Councilman Jackman asked that if the Theatre group does not present a solid plan to utilize the Theatre building, could the $25,000 feasibility study money - be used for laying plans for use of the Theatre as part of the City Hall? Mr. Thompson replied yes, it could be done. Mr. Neavill reported on the progress of the Downey Theatre non-profit corporation. A progress report is being prepared outlining fundraising events and rental fee adjustments. Discussion followed regarding 748 limited seating capacity of the Theatre. Consensus is that more seating is necessary to assure successful operation of the Theatre. Mr. Thompson explained that Council approval of $25,000 of the Capital Improvement Budget would enable commencement of preliminary work on the 911 communications system. Mr. Spindel mentioned the Florence Avenue median was eliminated from a pre- viously approved FAU Budget. The item had been appropriated last year. The Council agreed that approval of the $25,000 would include a study of alternate uses of the Downey Theatre basement. Mr. Spindel explained the Physical Environment section of the Budget. No chances were made to this section. Mr. Neavill reviewed Culture/Recreation Projects Budget. Mayor Greene would like to see money made available for Independence Park. Councilman Jackman is concerned about increasing the size of the Golden Park structure. Mr. Thompson explained the program is to contact people in the Golden Park neighborhood to determine the needs and problems that exist at the park prior to presenting a plan for improving the facility. Council Minutes 10/3/78 (adjourned) -1- G `77 Councilman Miller raised the question of the Wilderness Park program earmarked as ;30,000 (1979-80) for lake bank stabilization. Mr. Neavill replied this project was originated to remedy any eventual break- down of the lake bank. At present, the lake bank does not show any signs of weakness. The remaining items on the Culture/Recreation Budget will require special attention. The City Manager will contact the State regarding the street median landscape reconstruction. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to remove the medians. The City Manager will contact the State as to what they intend to do about the median that is on a State highway. The motion and second were withdrawn. Park Service Yard alteration will be held in abeyance pending report back from the City Manager. So ordered by the Mayor. Golf Course Facility Development was reviewed. Mr. Thompson explained the projected program for expanding the banquet facilities to provide greater revenue. Mr. Wynne commented on receipt of additional cash into the Golf Course fund from the sale of water rights. Golf Course Facility Development will be held in abeyance pending receipt of the architect's report. Downey Library Refurbishing was discussed. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to delete the Library from the Capital Improvement Budget. Discussion followed. Mr. Thompson reviewed use of the Library by the public. He pointed out the biggest item for the Library is $19,500 for carpeting. Councilman Miller suggested an annual charge could be levied on Library cards. He asked if a report could be rendered on annual added revenue from fees charged for Library cards. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Mackaig to approve the Library refurbishings, except carpeting. Roll call on motion to delete the Library from the Capital Improvement Budget: AYES: 2 Council Members: Mackaig, Swearingen NOES: 3 Council Members: Jackman, Miller, Greene Failed. Roll call on motion to approve Library refurbishing, except carpeting: AYES: 5 Council Members: Jackman, Miller, Mackaig, Swearingen, Greene Passed. Mr. Wynne clarified that the Library Budget would now amount to $7,075, without carpeting. Councilman Mackaig requested discussion on the Guadalajara Sister City trip. Mr. Thompson reviewed Council policy regarding the Sister City program in Downey as discussed during a recent Council Meeting at which Mr. Scott Temple was present. The Council would endorse the program is no City money was involved. On the coming trip, Councilman Mackaig will pay his own way. Councilman and Mrs. Swearingen will also pay their own way. Miss Downey will be going and Jean Albrecht will act as chaperone. The Rose Float Committee indicated it will pay for the queen and also the chaperone if no donations are received. Council Minutes 10/3/78 (adjourned) -2- Mr. Thompson said it appears several people from the community are willing to underwrite costs for sending the queen and chaperone to Guadalajara, as well as paying for Sister City gifts. He suggested that no more than six people be considered for visiting Downey from Guadalajara. People of Downey will enter- tain, support and host guests when they visit the community. Mayor Greene prefers the Sister City visitors attend the Downey parade rather than the New Years festivities. Discussion followed. Councilman Mackaig feels the Mayor or City Manager should cover the matter of communicating with Guadalajara delegates as to who should journey to Downey in December. Mayor Greene said this item should be the responsibility of the Sister City Committee. Mr. Thompson agreed. Councilman Miller stated people who are going to assist the Sister City Program should understand that the City will not pick up any of the tab when the people visit Downey from Guadalajara. Councilman Swearingen feels the City Manager should be the one to correspond on this matter and that the Sister City Committee should be the one to render any decisions. Mr. Thompson, by way of review of the Capital Improvement Budget, stated the $640,266 General Government Civic Center Development fiture is not earmarked for anything other than $25,000 for plans and fees as explained and will remain as an appropriation. Mr. Wynne said he will prepare a Resolution for the October 10, 1978, Council Meeting reflecting the revised Capital Improvement Budget. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer L'� William L. Greene, Mayor Council Minutes 10/3/78 (adjourned) -3-