HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-21-80-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
MAY 21, 1980
The -City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at
6:OO a.m., May 21, 1980, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor
Theodore H. Jackman presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Lyell W. Swearingen
Milton R. Mackaig Mayor Pro Tem
James T. Quinn
Robert G. Cormack
Theodore H. Jackman Mayor
ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager
William A. Ralph, Director of Public Works
Ronald W. Leege, Director of Finance
John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation
William F. Martin, Police Chief
John Saunders, Personnel Officer
F. D. Shade, Police Captain
Joseph P. Nix, Manager of Revenue
Sarah Thoren, Records Clerk
Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer
Mayor Jackman announced the purpose of the meeting is for a Study Session on
the City of Downey Budget for Fiscal Year 1980-81.
Mr. Ralph presented the Public Works Budget. With the aid of charts, he re-
viewed his organization chart and explained the titles in the Manning Table. He
also explained the reasons for each item listed for Capital Equipment Outlay
(Br-1). The tree trimming priorities program was discussed, noting liability
potential situations are rectified prior to trimming low hanging limbs and
aesthetic beautification programs. Tree well planting was mentioned for possible
elimination as a means of budget conservation.
The Water Budget was reviewed. Three items were removed from the Capital
Outlay section because equipment is needed to replace stolen items rather than
being classified as new merchandise. They are: Paving Breaker $1600; two
Tampers $2400; and an Air Hammer $600.
Mr. Thompson will prepare a report for the Council regarding use of
corporate stops for residential water consumer residences.
Councilman Mackaig feels the proposed new Budget is too high. He adv®cates
Budget cutting by all departments.
A discussion was held regarding water rates for the City. Projection charts
were used for comparing the Park/Southern California/Downey rate structures.
Councilman Cormack has some reservations regarding possible water rate
adjustments.
Mr. Thompson assured Councilman Cormack the water rate schedule changes
will not take place "this year."
Mr. Thompson also stated that if the Council desires to inject more limita-
tions into the Budget in addition to those already inflicted by his office, such
steps will be researched.
Councilman Mackaig expressed concern regarding staff titles. He said there
appears to be "too many chiefs and not enough indians." He mentioned elimination
of a title in an effort to reduce the pay scale.
In answer to a question by Councilman Mackaig regarding the use of City
vehicles for home use, Mr. Ralph outlined his system wherein such cars are made
available only as an "on call" conveyance. These units are not to be for per-
sonal use. On -call situations would be sewer breaks, water line leaks, etc.
Council Minutes 5/21/80 (adjourned) -1-
The next Budget Study Session was set for 4:00 p.m., May 27, 1980.
The meeting was then adjourned at 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., May 27, 1980, in
the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. J
Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Theodore H. Jackman,/Mayor
Council Minutes 5/21/80 (adjourned) -2-