HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-02-27-79-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
FEBRUARY 27, 1979
T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S
SUBJECT: ACTION:
Resolution #3645, Ordering Annexation to
Ltg. Maint. Dist. AD 121 (Annex. 79/1,
Gallatin Rd.) Adopted
Ordinance amending Zoning Map (Zone Change
Case #139) Introduced
Appeal, CUP #84, 10032 Paramount Bl. Fearing continued to
(disco dance business) March 13, 1979
Zone Change Case #141, 12830-48 Paramount B1. Hearing continued to
March 13, 1979
Appeal, Zone variance #54, 9530 Brock Av.:
Reverse Planning Comm. & refer back for
report Approved
Direct City Attorney to prepare Ordinance
rescinding or changing provision that Council
actions reversing Planning Comm. be sent
back to Commission for report Approved
Executive session re litigation
Minutes: Regular Meeting February 13, 1979 Approved
Correspondence from Downey Chamber Commerce
urging adoption of Ord. re Sale of
Paraphernalia, etc., to minors Filed
Denial of Legal Claims: Ref. #411 & #412 Approved
General Warrants: #174083 - 174380
#205492 - 205532 Approved
Ordinance #583, Prohibiting Issuance of
Bldg. Permits on certain Portions Tweedy In. Adopted (emergency)
Resolution #3646, Decl. Int. to Vacate
portion of Alley E/o Paramount & S/o
Comolette Ave. Adopted
Resolution #3647, Revising Classification
Plan (re Human Services Advisor)
CC #SS-322, Imperial Hwy. & Paramount B1.:
Award to Damon Const. Co. & waive bid bond
irregularity (A/C #26-161B4 FAU & State
Matching Funds)
Zone Change Case #138 & Bell Gardens Annex.
& De -annex. - Discussion by Mr. O'Donnell
CC #439, Alley Const. N/o Fifth St. bet.
Smallwood & Rives &,W/o Downey Ave. bet.
Sth & Sixth Sts.: Award to Sully -Miller
Contracting Co. & auth. transfer of funds
Sale of Excess Property Well Site 11A,
E/s Ryerson bet. Luxor & Benares, to
adjoining property owner
Downey Chamber of Commerce Quarterly
Report for October 1 - December 31, 1978
Page 1 of 2
Adopted
Approved
Field trip to be scheduled
Approved
Authorized
Approved
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COUNCIL MINUTES,"FEBRUARY 27,'1979
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT: ACTION: PAGE NO.
Contract with Fire Inspection Expert: Auth.
City Manager to enter into contract without
Workers Compensation Approved 7
Retention of Charles Goldstein, Attorney,
for representing City in meeting & conferring
sessions in negotiations w/employea organiza-
tions & unions for fiscal year 1979-80 Approved 7
Discussion re Court decision for payment of City Manager to report back
employee raises next meeting 7
Change in Council Agenda to show "Staff
Recommendation" Approved 8
Reminder of League of Independent Cities
meeting on April 25, 1978, Raffles Rest. 8
Meeting adjourned to March 6, 1979, 4:30pm 8
Page 2 of 2
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
. 6270 t
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
FEBRUARY 27, 1979
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.,
February 27, 1979, 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
r' Lyell W. Swearingen
William L. Greene Chairman
ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager
John H. Saunders, Assistant City Manager
Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney
Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development
Ronald Leege, Director of Finance
John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation
William F. Martin, Police Chief
Don Davis, Fire Chief
Howard F. Stup, Building Official
Francis E. Carter, Assistant City Planner
Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer
Thomas Tincher, Housing & Redevelopment Coordinator
Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer
Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary
The Flag Salute was led by Councilman Swearingen. The 'Invocation was
delivered by Councilman Jackman.
HEARINGS
Mayor Greene declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing
on Downey City Lighting District Annexation 79/1, Gallatin Road. He inquired if
the City Clerk had the Affidavits of Posting and Publication, to which the City
i
Clerk responded in the affirmative.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and so
ordered to receive and file the Affidavits.
Mayor Greene inquired if the City Clerk had received any written protests or
objections, and the City Clerk replied he had not.
There being no one present to speak in protest to the Annexation, it was
moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Miller to close the hearing.
RESOLUTION NO. 3645
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ORDERING ANNEXATION OF A CERTAIN AREA INTO LIGHTING
MAINTENANCE DISTRICT AD 121 AND TO MAINTAIN AND FURNISH
ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THOSE STREET LIGHTING FIXTURES
LOCATED ON STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES WITHIN THOSE AREAS
UNTIL JANUARY 31, 1983 (ANNEXATION 79/1)
The Resolution was read by title only. It wasmovedby Councilman Jackman and
seconded by Councilman Miller to waive further reading.
' It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed
by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3645.
Mayor Greene declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on
Zone Change Case No. 139, west side of Lakewood Boulevard,-Sth Street to within
150 feet of Firestone Boulevard. He inquired if the Citv Clerk had the Affidavit
Clerk responded in the affirmative.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and so
ordered to receive and file the Affidavit.
Mr. Carter reported on the request to change the zone from R-3 (medium density
multiple family residential) to C-P (professional office) and C-1 (neighborhood
Council Minutes 2/27/79 -1
�kA commercial). He commented on the current development of the properties, noting
six of the 19 lots are developed with commercial uses granted under zone excep-
tion. The zoning of the properties would be in keeping with the adopted General
Plan and existing commercial developments, "
Mayor Greene inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence on
this matter, and the City Clerk replied he had not.
There being no one present to speak in favor or in opposition, it was moved
by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and passed by unanimous
vote to close the hearing.
ORDINANCE NO,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNER
AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ADOPTED BY SECTION 9106.06 OF
THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (PLANNING RESOLUTION NO, 243,
ZONE CHANGE CASE N0, 139)
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Miller and
seconded by Councilman Jackman to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed
by unanimous vote to introduce the Ordinance,
Mayor Greene declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing
on Appeal to Conditional Use Permit No. 84, 10032 Paramount Boulevard. He in-
quired if the City Clerk had the Affidavit of Publication, to which the City Clerk
responded in the affirmative.
It was moved by Councilman Miller to receive and file the Affidavit.
Mr. Carter reported on the request to establish, operate, and maintain a
disco dance business, snack bar and coin operated game arcade with no alcoholic
beverages on the property. Depending on expansion of the building, the requested
operations would require 175 on -site parking spaces, but the existing lot provides
only 43. He commented on the zoning of the surrounding properties and said the
Planning Commission's denial of the case was based on the inadequate off-street
parking.
Mayor Greene inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence on
this matter.
Mr. Shand replied a letter in apposition was received from Howard 0. Wolf
and a petition in opposition was filed by property owners and shop keepers in the
general proximity of the property ift question.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and so
ordered to receive and file the letters of protest,
Mayor Greene inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in
favor of the appeal,
Linda Soto, 9331 Washburn, the appellant, said she requested a letter of the
hearing date so she could have legal representation; however, she did not receive'
a letter, and she then asked for a continuance of the hearing,
Mr. Shand stated he did not receive a request for a letter from Mrs. Soto.
Mr. Carter said the Planning Division carries an application in the property
owner's name, in this case Mr. Burbeck, and notification of the hearing was sent
to Mr. Burbeck.
Councilman Jackman stated he would like to hear the testimony of those who
are present for this hearing.
Councilman Miller concurred.
Mr. Sorensen advised it is customary for the one making the appeal to speak
first, those who are in opposition speak second, and then the appellant has the
opportunity for rebuttal. He said there should be a specific waiver on the record
that if the appellant wishes to continue the hearing that she accepts the procedure
allowing the opposition to speak tonight and then only the appellant or her repre-
sentative speak next time. Otherwise, the entire hearing should be held at this
time.
Council Minutes 2/27/79 -2-
Mrs. Soto consented to the waiver. , 272
Mrs. Evelyn Burbeck, representing Wilbur Burbeck, David Burbeck, and Harry
James Burbeck, owners of the property, stated Mrs. Soto did not receive the notice.
she requested. She does not feel the disco dance business will be a detriment to
the neighborhood, and young people have to travel to another city to find a disco
establishment that does not serve liquor or has gambling.
There being no one else to speak in favor, Mayor Greene then inquired if
there was anyone present to speak in opposition.
Mrs. Carol Pascuzzi, 8038 Dinsdale, commented on the close proximity of her
property to the Burbeck property and of the existing noise at the intersection of
Florence and Paramount. She cited statistics of accidents for that corner as
being the second highest for accidents in the City for the last six years. She
said the alley behind her home is used as a raceway, and with more traffic it
would be worse.
Chief Martin concurred that Downey and Paramount for the last three years has
rated in the top three for accidents in the City.
Mr. Dennis Pagenkopp, 9925 Parrot, said this is not a business for a family
neighborhood; most businesses in the area are small and not open during the even-
ings. He said it could bring in many people from other areas increasing the
traffic on his street.
Thelma Singleton, 8139 Dinsdale, concurred with the previous speakers in
opposition and stated concern regarding the alley being turned into a race track.
Mr. Richard Joy, 8048 Dinsdale, asked for a show of hands of those present in
opposition to the appeal, and approximately 12 people raised their hands.
Louise Jones, 10009 Parrot Avenue, feels the disco would require more policing
by an already overworked Police force in the City.
There being no one else present to speak in opposition, it was moved by
Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote
�- to continue the hearing on Appeal, Conditional Use Permit No. 84, to 7:30 p.m.,
-"t March 13, 1979, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
Mayor Greene asked that the continued hearing be placed first on the Council
Agenda of March 13th.
Mayor Greene declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing
on Zone Change Case No. 141, 12830-48 Paramount Boulevard. He inquired if the City
Clerk had the Affidavit of Publication, to which the City Clerk responded in the
affirmative.
Councilman Jackman explained he will request a continuance of the hearing to
the next meeting in order to investigate input he has received.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and passed
by unanimous vote to continue the hearing on Zone Change Case No. 141 to 7:30 p.m.,
March 13, 1979, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
Mayor Greene declared that this is the time and place for a public hearing on
Appeal, Zone Variance No. 54, 9530 Brock Avenue. He inquired if the City Clerk
had the Affidavit of Publication, to which the City Clerk responded in the
affirmative.
Mr. Carter reported the request is to enlarge an existing single car garage an
additional eight feet; but to accommodate the expansion, the sideyard setback must
be modified from four to two feet. He said there are approximately 46 lots on the
applicant's block, nine of which have attached single car garages, and the other
properties have a detached two -car garage to the rear. The distance between the
houses is 10-12 feet or greater.
Mayor Greene inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence on
this matter, and the City Clerk replied he had not.
Mayor Greene then inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in
`favor of the appeal.
Mr. Ronald Ross, 9530 Brock Avenue, requested he be allowed to expand his
single garage so that he can have offstreet parking for both of his vehicles.
Council Minutes 2/27/79 -3-
r A6pl3
Mr. Thompson said he understands this would block access to the rear yard,
and he asked Mr. Ross how he would gain access to the rear of the property if the
garage were expanded.
Mr. Ross replied there is a gate and walkway on the other side of his house.
There being no one else to speak in favor and no one to speak in opposition,
it was moved by Councilman Mackaig and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to close
the hearing.
Mr. Carter responded to questions of the Council and pointed out that in the
particular area of Brock Avenue there are no two feet side yards --to grant a two
foot side yard would be a grant of special privilege. He explained the intent of
the four foot sideyard setback as set forth in the Zoning Ordinance is a minimum
setback needed to provide emergency access around buildings. It also provides for
light and air ventilation.
Councilman Miller stated he feels a two foot side yard could be maintained if
there was some assurance from the adjacent property owner that he would not add
onto the side of his house; and if the adjacent owner is agreeable, he could sign
a covenant or condition to be recorded on his property. With that in mind, he
said, he would be agreeable to granting the variance.
Mr. Sorensen explained if the Council wants to reverse the Planning Commission,
this would have to be referred back to the Commission for its report. Then upon
the report coming back, the Council can take final action. Also, if the Council
wishes, it may recommend a condition being attached that a covenant be recorded
giving the applicant an easement over the adjoining property.
Mr. Ross indicated he would not want to impose any conditions on his neighbor.
Councilman Mackaig said one of the main endeavors in the City is to provide
offstreet parking. He mentioned that he has measured his own property from the
side of his house to the retaining wall, which is two feet. Therefore, he would
be inclined to vote in favor of the variance.
It was moved by Mayor Greene, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and passed by
the following vote to reverse the Planning Commission on Zone Variance No. 54 and
refer it back for report.
The other Council Members were not agreeable to including the condition
suggested by Councilman Miller.
AYES: 4 Council Members:, Jackman, Mackaig, Swearingen, Greene
NOES: 1 Council Member: . Miller
Councilman Miller suggested a meeting between the Council, Planning Commission,
and Planning staff and then possibly have an unbiased Planner at the meeting to
help the Council understand why ordinances are written the way they are.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed
by the following vote to direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance rescind -
to the Commission
Councilman Jackman stated he, can see no purpose for sending this Zone Variance
back to the Commission.
Discussion followed.
Councilman Mackaig concurred the Council should meet with the Planning
Commission because there are too many differences of opinion between the Council
and Commission.
AYES: 5 Council Members: Jackman, Miller, Mackaig, Swearingen, Greene
At 8:37 p.m., Mayor Greene recessed the meeting to executive session to discuss
pending litigation The meeting resumed at 8:55 p.m. with all Council Members
present.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and passed
by the following vote .to approve the Consent Calendar:
Council Minutes 2/27/79 -4-
Minutes: Regular Meeting, February 13, 1979.
Correspondence from Downey Chamber of Commerce urging adoption of Ordinance
regarding Sale of Paraphernalia, etc. to minors.
Denial of Leaal Claims. Ref
General Warrants: #174083 - 174380; #205492 - f205532: $849262.13.
AYES. 5 Council Members: Jackman, Miller, Mackaig, Swearingen, Greene
ORDINANCE NO. 583
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OFTHE CITY OF DOWNEY
PROHIBITING THE ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS ON CERTAIN
PORTIONS OF TWEEDY LANE (EMERGENCY)
The Ordinance was read in its entirety.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to adopt emergency Or{linanpe No. 583.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 3646
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO VACATE A PORTION OF THE
ALLEY EAST OF PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD AND SOUTH OF
COMOLETTE AVENUE
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Miller and
seconded by Councilman Jackman to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed
by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3646. (Sets hearing for March 27, 1979).
RESOLUTION NO 3647
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REVISING THE CLASSIFICATION PLAN
The Resolution was read by title only.
Mr. Thompson explained this would be reclassification of the Human Services
Advisor position, placing the schedule of pay the same as the Recreation Supervisor,
He .said Mr. Mike Testi, the Human Services Advisor, has been doing an outstanding
job; this was requested prior to last budget but was delayed; and money has been
appropriated for this.
A discussion was held regarding what would be paid for fringe benefits.
Mr. Thompson pointed out this is being brought up because Mr. Testi is the
only one of this classification in the City, and his qualifications are unique. He
said Mr. Testi has successfully counselled many young people, and the schools have
indicated Mr. Testi's great value in working with the youth. Mr. Thompson also
mentioned Mr. Testi deals with cases of drug and alcohol addiction and performs
family counselling services.
it was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to
waive further reading.
It was moved by Mayor Greene, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and passed by
the following vote td'adopt Resolution No. 3647.
Chief Martin commented on the extra duties Mr. Testi has absorbed with the
boxing program, which he said has been very effective. Mr. Testi started the pro-
gram on his own time in the evening without any compensation. He believes Mr.
Testi earns the compensation recommended.
Councilman Jackman requested a report on how many boys are involved in the
boxing program and where they live in the City.
Further discussion ensued.
Council Minutes 2/27/79 -5
Councilman Mackaig suggested waiting uaztil Budget session and then do all
of the increases at the same time.
AYES. 4 Council Membersa Jackman, Miller, Swearingen, Greene
NOES, 1 Council Member- Mackaig
CASH CONTRACTS
Cash Contract #SS-322, Imperial Highway and Paramount Boulevard
Mr. Spindel stated in addition to the award of contract, it is recommended
the Council waive the irregularity in the bid bond.
Mr. Sorensen explained it has been the Council's custom in the past to waive
the irregularity, and the contract will not be approved until the contractor fur-
nishes the required bond.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to award Cash Contract #SS-322 in the amount of the unit
prices bid, to Damon Construction Company, the lowest and best bidder (Account
#26-16184 FAU & State Matching Funds), and waive the bid bond irregularity.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Dennis O'Donnell of Coldwell-Banker Commercial Brokerage Company, addressed
the City Council to provide new input from the owners of the property regarding Zone
Change Case No. 138 and the Bell Gardens annexation and de -annexation of property.
He said the Council requested the City of Bell Gardens be approached regarding
whether it would consider changing the current zoning of the property to be annexed
by Downey from the present M-1 to R-2, and Bell Gardens refused to pursue it. It is
his understanding members of both cities have discussed the boundaries north of
Foster Bridge Road and that the City Council would like more input or feedback con-
cerning further consideration of boundary adjustments north of Foster Bridge Road.
He has been instructed by the property owners he represents to indicate they fail to
understand how this is relevant.
Mr. Thompson stated that at the meetings with people in the neighborhood, they
felt there was a relevancy and also felt there was some potential threat to their
existing property. He said upon their request, additional discussions were
initiated to determine if, during the time of going to LAFCO for restudying the
corporation boundaries between the two cities, it would be appropriate to change
the boundary on the northern portion so as to remove the threat the residents feel,
and hopefully remove their objection to the proposal.
Mr. O'Donnell indicated it was, his understanding further contact would be made
with the Flood Control District, who controls that property, to determine what
their thoughts would be in terms of future implications, projections, developments,
declarations of surplus property, etc. He has been told a letter exists dated
November 1, 1978, from one member of the Ground Water Division of Flood Control to
another, and it was indicated in the letter that any future consideration of that
area would be considered detrimental to the citizens of both Downey and Bell Gardens
because it acts as a water basin reservoir.
-Mr. Spindel said the City of Downey has not as yet received a copy of that
letter. He noted the Flood Control at the present time is experiencing severe
financial difficulty, and in the future it might be more so.
Mr. O'Donnell mentioned that pursuant to a previous request of Councilman
Jackman concerning the specifics as to how much land is to be annexed and de -annexed
by the two cities, the property owners solicited and placed on retainer a licensed
surveyor engineering firm to determine the precise boundaries and net acreage of the
properties involved and to determine the exact position of the Southern California
Gas pipe and adjacent easement. The net acreage is determined, including the fact
that the pipeline does not affect the property on the southeast corner of Scout and',
Suva. At the request of the property owners, he has prepared the LAFCO petition
document, which they have signed, and the final LAFCO application will be typed ----
within the next week to ten days. Mr. O'Donnell pointed out that both properties
are void of any productive income --they are a dumping ground for refuse. He said
he has been authorized by the owner of the property containing the hole that he
will, without benefit of an existing offer, install a 42 inch pipe required by the
Flood Control and fill and compact the property at the estimated cost of $70,000
$100,000. Mr. O'Donnell extended an open invitation to the Council for a tour of
recent developments of the type, shape, and size of buildings anticipated to be
potentially developed on the two properties consistent with code requirements,
including landscaping.
Council Minutes 2/27/79 -6-
® 6276
Councilman. Miller suggested including the citizen's group that has been working
on this.
Mr. O'Donnell agreed.
Mr. Thompson will make the arrangements with Mr. O'Donnell.
Mr. O'Donnell advised he attended the Bell Gardens City Council meeting last
evening and that the Council reaffirmed its previous approval. There was no dis-
cussion about any boundary line adjustments,
CASH CONTRACTS (continued)
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to award Cash Contract #439, Alley Construction (1) North
of Fifth Street between Smallwood Avenue and Rives Avenue; (2) West of Downey
Avenue between Fifth and Sixth Streets, in the amount of the unit prices bid, to
Sully --Miller Contracting Company of Long Beach, the lowest and best bidder, and
authorize transfer of funds in the amount of $5,200 from Account #21-13952, and
$500 from Account #21-13955 to Account #21-13953 (A/C #21-13953).
MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL ACTIONS
It was mowed by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to authorize the Sale of Excess Property Well Site 11A,
located on the east side of Ryerson Avenue between Luxor and Benares, to the
adjoining property owner.
it was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and so
ordered to approve the Downey Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Report for the period
October 1 - December 31, 1978.
Contract with Fire Inspection Expert
Mr. Sorensen advised it is contemplated this will be an independent contractor
and, therefore, there will not be any Workers Compensation benefits.
Responding to questions, Chief Davis commented on the difficulty other cities
have had in filling such a position within their Fire Departments. He discussed
the contract requirements for the specialist to work a guaranteed minimum of 32
hours a week and of the need for this expertise in the Fire Prevention Bureau. This
will not increase the Departments manning table, but it will reduce the Budget to
some degree because there will be no fringe benefits paid.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract
with an independent Fire Inspection Expert, provided the contract is entered into
without Workers Compensation.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Thompson recommended the Retention of Mr. Charles Goldstein, Attorney at
for the purpose of representing the Citv in meetina and conferring sessions
1979-80 and possibly future multi -year contracts. The contract is identical to th
one drafted two years ago except the hourly rate is $80 instead of $70. The total
expenditure under the last contract was $13,500.
Councilman Jackman indicated he would be willing to vote approval this time,
but would prefer more notice next time. He said he would rather have someone else
and feels the Council should set the parameters which Mr. Goldstein must work under.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by the following vote to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract
with Mr. Charles Goldstein, Attorney at Law, for representing the City in meeting
and conferring sessions with City employee organizations.
AYES. 4 Council Members-. Jackman, Miller, Swearingen, Greene
ABSTAIN. 1 Council Member. Mackaig
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilman Miller inquired regarding how the Court°s decision for payment of
employee raises effects Downey honoring its Memorandums of Understanding (MOU).
Council Minutes 2/27/79 -7-
:; 6277
Mr. Sorensen replied it did not relate to Downey's case specifically because
word has not been received that the Supreme Court accepted the petition, although
the principles announced in the case would prevail. The opinion becomes final
March 17th absent some action by the Court. He said in effect what the Supreme
Court said is the provision to annul increases under MOD's was contrary to both
the Federal and State Constitutions and that the matter of raises, salaries, and
compensation to employees is a matter of municipal fare and not subject to State
legislation, He also said insofar as General Law Cities and employees not covered
by MOU's are concerned, the Court indicated it was the intent to treat all
employees alike, and they are entitled to receive raises that would be granted or
compelled,
Mr. Thompson said the Finance Department is making preparation to abide by
the decision and previous actions of the Council. He will report back next meeting.
At the request of Councilman Mackaig, the Council Agenda will be changed to
show "Staff RecommendationB9 rather than "Recommended Council Action,"
Mr, Thompson requested each Council Member place on his calendar the League
of independent Cities meeting to be held the evening of April 25, 1978, at the
Raffles Restaurant,
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting
was adjourned at 10.-05 p.m. to 4e30 p.m., March 6, 1979, in the Council Chamber of
the Downey City Hall,
�6
Robert L, Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer
/Xz� Z.lkae�_
William L. Greene, Mayor
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