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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06-11-80-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JUNE 11, 1980 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 4:30 p.m., June 11, 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 Ten Janes 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 Don Davis, Fire Chief Ruth Miller, City Librarian Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer John H. Saunders, Personnel Officer John Thomason, Risk Manager Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Studv Session on City of Downey Budget for Fiscal Year 1980-81 Mr. Leege presented the Finance Department Budget, which includes a 7 percent increase over last year. He displayed Budget comparisons from the 1973-74 fiscal year, showing the various increases and decreases in the Department Budget. Eighty percent of the Budget for 1980-81 is for salaries and fringe benefits; 1.4 percent for equipment rental; and 6 percent for other costs. Mr. Leege then commented on the number of employees and the functions of the various divisions of the Finance Department. He reviewed the rental payment for the computer hardware and pointed out the lock box for water billing will expedite deposits for water payments. Mr. Thomason explained the work done by the Print Shop. A discussion was held regarding operating charges, materials, and supplies. Councilman Mackaig inquired about the annual audit of the City Departments. Mr. Thompson explained the Director of Finance makes periodic audits of the various accounts but that the firm of Diehl -Evans does the annual audit. The audit report is submitted each year to the City Council and filed in the office of the City Clerk. He then commented on the inventory system maintained by the Purchasing Division. Mrs. Miller presented the Library Budget along with a proposal to increase the Library hours from 42 to 58 hours a week, which she said would provide better service to the public. She noted the increase in Library circulation this year over last year and said 30 percent of the Library users are students. Mrs. Miller commented that }seeping the Library open longer hours would generate an increase in patrons and more materials would be circulated, including audio-visual equipment. With the increase in Library hours, it is felt the Library could operate with 16 full-time personnel and six part-time equivalent. She stated 14 percent of the Library Budget is for salaries. A discussion was held regarding the minimal Library charges for use of the audio-visual equipment. Mrs. biller commented on the salary portion of the Library Budget, noting the increase in the entire Department Budget is 11.4 percent, which includes the addi- tional Library hours. Next was a presentation of the City Manager's Budget, which includes three areas of expenditure: The City Manager's Office; Personnel Office; and Building Services, which involves the maintenance of City Hall. Mr. Saunders discussed the number of personnel in the Department and commented on the occurring, unforeseen Council Minutes 6/11/60 (adj.) -1- proble.:s involving building maintenance. The Department Budget reflects a $36,000 increase, $11,000 which is due to a request for carpeting in the City Manager's office and Finance Department. A discussion was held regarding the proposed Budget increase compared to the actual expenditure for 1979-80. Councilman Swearingeninquired regarding staff development. Mr. Thompson replied this involves all personnel who attend seminars or training courses relating to their jobs, which the City pays for. Also, some training sessions are the result of Government requirements, the costs for which can sometimes be reimbursed to the City. Mr. Shand presented the City Clerk -Treasurer Budget, noting it is 12 percent lower than last year because this is the off -election year. An amount has been added for reactivitating the Microfilm Program. The Budget is broken down into four sections: Municipal Clerk; Treasurer; Records Management; and Election. The staff consists of three personnel. Many of the costs for charges and services are principally mandated upon the City. Mr. Shand,commented on legislation, through efforts of the City Clerks' Association, enabling cities to publish ordinances by title only. Further efforts on the part of the Association are to reduce the amount of advertising required by the streets & Highways Code. Mr. Shand commented on other portions of the City Clerk Budget, noting the City Clerk uses his own auto- mobile. He said 8211 percent of the Budget is for payroll, and no new equipment is requested. He cited plans to eventually put City Clerk records on the computer, and he commented on the recent Charter Amendment to eliminate some of the costs for conducting a City election every other year, but explained the City Clerk will still handle the nominating process and statement of qualifications, as well as answering questions regarding registration. Mr. Thompson suggested the Council might want to consider discussing with Legislators the matter of legal claims, in that there is an effort by the League of California Cities to amend the State statutes to lessen and reduce the lia- bility exposure of cities, because cities are being sued for just about everything Mr. Neavill discussed the Golf Course Budget, pointing out that in the Operat- ing Expenditure, the bond indenture payment of $327,000 is included as an operating expense. This year with the proposed increases and a conservative estimate for revenues, there is an anticipated $660,000 revenue against the $658,000 expenditure. He said the increase in operating expenses is primarily accountable to the equipment rental fund and utility increases. Mr. Neavill pointed out the estimated amount of revenue for golf cart rentals and the restaurant could change significantly depend- ing on the weather and remodeling to be done at the restaurant next year. He indicated the gasoline situation has helped the golf course, in that more people are playing golf locally. Mr. Neavill estimated the architectural plans for the club house will be submitted to Council either the first or second meeting in July. He said when construction is completed, it is anticipated there will be a significant increase in the pro shop, restaurant, and driving range revenues. The Non -Departmental Budget was reviewed by Mr. Saunders. A discussion was held regarding the function of the Second Century Foundation. Particularly noted was the function of distributing the 10 percent Business License surcharge, which the Council has indicated should be for promotion of the City. Interviews have been conducted with many organizations for the purpose of allocating those funds. Councilman Swearingen feels the Chamber of Commerce should be the organization to distribute the funds, in that the Chamber is the spokesman for the business community of the City. Mr. Thompson pointed out that over half of the businesses in the City are not members of the Chamber. Councilman Mackaig questioned how some of the organizations receiving funds could promote business in the City. He noted he is opposed to the Tax. Mayor Jackman would rather refund the money back to the businesses then turn it over to the Chamber of Commerce. Councilman Mackaig would like to take a vote to see whether the two new Council Members are in favor of surcharging businesses the 10 percent. Council Minutes 6/11/80 (adj.) -2- C,_ Further discussion ensued. It was moved by Councilman 2ackaig to rescind the 10 percent surcharge on the Business License and eliminate this program, effective January 1, 1981. The motion died for lack of a second. It was moved by Councilman Swearingen and seconded by Councilman Mackaig to move the function of distributing the Business License Surcharge over to the Downey Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Thompson responded to questions regarding the composition of the Second Century Foundation. He explained how the various organizations have been promoting the City of Downey. Discussion followed. Mr. Neavill stated the Downey Association for the Fine Arts had proposed a weekend or week long arts festival so that participating organizations could have programs in various shopping centers in the City. He suggested perhaps that pro- posal would still be possible under the auspices of, the newly -formed Downey Arts Council, whereby participating organizations would be able to raise funds for themselves and have the capability of attracting people into Downey shopping centers. Councilman Cormack suggested the function of distributing funds should be a dual program. Mr. Jim Hill, 10602 Newville, said there is $14 million in the State Budget for the Arts Council, and he suggested the Downey Arts Council apply to the State for some of those funds. He was informed this is already being done. Mayor Jackman feels before voting on the motion that the City Council should have some advice from the City Attorney with regard to the agreement between the City and the Second Century Foundation. Mr. Thompson indicated he was informed by the City Attorney today that if the -..- Council wished to change this, it can ask to abandon or waive the City's contract with the Second Century Foundation, and if the Second Century Foundation agrees, then, in effect, there would be no agreement --that by mutual agreement the con- tract can be dropped. It was moved by Councilman Quinn to table the action to the next Council Agenda. Mayor Jackman asked about the Animal Control Budget. Mr. Saunders explained the Animal Control did submit a budgeted amount, but did not submit a final adopted Budget. Mr. Thompson gave an overview of the Capital Improvements Budget. Mr. Saunders briefly discussed the Equipment Budget. An additional position is requested in the Central Garage. The Theatre stage is in need of repair and it will be included in this Budget. Councilman Mackaig suggested the entire City Budget be referred back to the ity Manager for review and to make cuts amounting to 3/4 to $1 million. . Mr. Thompson said with the money available, he has presented what he feels to be a balanced Budget. Another Budget Study Session was set for 4:30 p.m., June 23, 1980. The meeting was then adjourned at 7:35 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., June 23, 1980, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. 21, Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Council Minutes 6/11/80 (adj.) -3-