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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-15-79-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING MAY 15, 1979 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 5:00 p.m., May 15, 1979, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Kenneth J. Miller presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Milton R. Mackaig Theodore H. Jackman Mayor Pro Tem Lyell W. Swearingen William L. Greene Kenneth J. Miller Mayor ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation William F. Martin, Police Chief Ruth Miller, City Librarian John Saunders, Personnel Officer Joe Nix, Manager of Revenue Lyle Wilkinson, Battalion Chief, Fire Department R. A. Smith, Deputy Director of Public Works Thomas Tincher, Housing & Redevelopment Coordinator Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Study Session, City of Downey Budget for Fiscal Year 1979-80 Mayor Miller recessed the meeting for a dinner break. The meeting resumed at 5:27 p.m., with all Council Members present. Mr. Thompson gave a brief explanation of municipal accounting as it relates to budgeting, followed by an explanation of the City Budget. When the Council Members expressed an interest in Zero Base Budgeting, he explained it could be done next year, although it would be a mammoth undertaking. Mr. Thompson then commented on the departmental steps for preparing the Budget and the manner for projecting the fiscal year ending balance as of June 30th. This was followed by an explanation of the department budget segments for tracking costs. These segments are called: BR-1, Recap of Manpower Hours, Positions, Major Expenditure Objects and Acquisition of New Equipment; BR-2, Program Description/Activities and Measure of Performance. He pointed out the BR-3 is an informational sheet of estimated figures to show the cost of the various activities. The BR-4 form is the Line Item of the Budget by Major and Minor Object expenditures. Mr. Nix proceeded to review the Summary of the General Fund Revenue by major sources. Discussion followed regarding revenues derived from gasoline sales. It was noted an increase on the State Sales Tax could possibly affect the City's revenues. Likewise, large -car sales will probably decrease in favor of smaller vehicles, thus reflecting a lower Sales Tax revenue. Mr. Thompson said constant monitoring of the revenues and tight cost control are used as a means of combating inflation. Ruth Miller, City Librarian, reviewed the Library Budget, pointing out various increases due partially to inflation and some expansion in operating, such _ as the new computer. Attendance at the Library has increased since progressing to the new ten hour schedule. The computer is scheduled to go on line in November, 1979. A question exists regarding possible staff reorganization in the wake of the computer operation. Mrs. Miller will review this subject and report back. A discussion was held regarding an increase in use of public facilities in view of the current gasoline situation. Councilman Jackman said that during the Budget study sessions, he will have several questions to ask regarding the Equipment Rental Fund. Mr. Thompson then proceeded to review the General Fund Summary of all expendi- tures (Recap of the General Fund Budget document). The present estimated ending balance is $1,000,000. Council Minutes 5/15/79 (adjourned) -1- Discussion followed regarding manning hours and City employee statistics. There are currently 397 authorized City employee positions. Mr. Saunders will report back to Council on the current number of employed personnel, including CETA worker (and Animal Control). Councilman Jackman would like to know what the average employee load has been over the years. John Saunders also is to bring back a report reflecting the labor distribu- tion of departmental temporary employees. Mr. Thompson reviewed the projected budget: $1,000,000 estimated opening -- balance; estimated current revenues, $12,732,250; $729,400 to be transferred in from the Gas Tax Fund, giving a total of $13,461,000 and would make available $14,461,250 for appropriation. The recommended Budget is $13,297,000, plus $700,000 contingency to provide an estimated expenditure of $13,997,000. This would leave an ending balance of $464,250. There was a discussion concerning Gas Tax Fund expenditures. Mr. Thompson explained how Gas Tax labor costs are distributed. Mr. Spindel outlined how street repair priorities are established. Engineer- ing and Physical Services Divisions conduct the examination of streets in need of repair. He then explained the storm drain maintenance and construction program, after which he reviewed the Public Works -Physical Services Division Budget. Chief Wilkinson gave a review of the Fire Department Budget (Chief Davis is at a Fire Chiefs' Meeting). He pointed out there are continued cuts in the Budget, with $31,240 (2.3%) increase over the 1978-79 Budget. Mr. Neavill presented the Parks & Recreation Budget, reflecting a $64,680 decrease under the current Budget figure. The decrease is in view of deleting the Downey Theatre operation. Programs are basically the same as present fiscal year. Summer recreation programs will continue at the same level. Mr. Neavill then pointed out that the Parks & Recreation Budget does not provide for any possible additional burden due to increased usage of facilities as an outcome of the gaso- line situation. The Neighborhood Center at Apollo Park is experiencing increased usage. However, some revenue increases are anticipated through increased rental income. Chief Martin presented the Police Department Budget through a graphic pre- paration of charts and graphs. Mr. Thompson said the Animal Control Budget is delayed pending a meeting of the Animal Control Authority Board. The next Budget study sessions were set for 5:00 p.m., June 4 and 5, 1979. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to authorize the Mayor to sign an Agreement for Extension of the Cerritos Diversion Project to August 31 1979. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. izl� _// Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Kenneth J. Miljer, Mayor Council Minutes 5/15/79 (adjourned) -2-