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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 13, 1983
The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at
7:00 a.m., June 13, 1983, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor
James T. Quinn presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
James T. Quinn Mayor
Robert G. Cormack Mayor Pro Tem
Theodore H. Jackman
Randall R. Barb
ABSENT: Bob Davila
ALSO PRESENT: Bud Ovrom, City Manager
William A. Ralph, Director of Public Works
William F. Martin, Police Chief
Don Davis, Fire Chief
James R. Jarrett, Director of Recreation
Ruth Miller, Librarian
Lowell Williams, Acting Director of Finance
Francis E. Carter, City Planner
Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer
Ronald Yoshiki, Assistant City Planner
Ken Stewart,'Senior Building Inspector
F. D. Shade, Police Captain
Monica Reifman, Housing & Human Services Coordinator
Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer
Study Session - City of Downey Budget for Fiscal Year 1983-84
Recreation Department - Recreation: There is no change in the total number
of personnel.
Mr. Jarrett said very few part time hours are increased but some have been in-
creased as a result of Golden Park, most of which are salary step increases.
Councilman Barb commented on the vandalism and graffiti that has recently
occurred at Golden Park on the new building.
Mr. Ovrom indicated the budget as presented is basically status quo, and it is
intended to maintain the current level of service.
Mr. Jarrett mentioned some internal reorganization will be taking place with
regard to inventory of activities and programs in an attempt to maximize park staff.
Recreation Department - Theatre: The General Fund subsidy for the Theatre is
approximately $61,000. The total number of people assigned to the Theatre has been
increased by one, but it is anticipated this would be funded by Cable TV money.
Mr. Jarrett explained the increases in the operating budget. A rate adjust-
ment is being considered for the Theatre.
Library: The budget does not contain additional money it is anticipated will
be necessary the second half of the fiscal year for increased personnel to man the
expanded service area of the building.
Mrs. Miller highlighted the increase in operating expenses. She responded to
questions regarding proposed purchase of two computer terminals for on-line cata-
logues for the children's department. Mrs. Miller explained the increase in
Library technical services.
Councilman Barb asked why the rental charge in the equipment account has been
doubled.
Mrs. Miller will check into it, as well as the operating budget.
Planning Division: Brief review and no questions by the Council.
Building & Safety Division: Brief review and no questions by the Council.
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Engineering Division: Mr. Henriksen explained the increase in the Engineering
budget is primarily for vehicle costs. He also commented on the increase in the
Traffic Engineering budget.
Mr. Ovrom commented on his recommendation for balancing the General Fund, which
includes drawing down on the Cable TV franchise fee and phasing into the overhead
charge for the Water Fund. He will check into whether California Cablesystems has
five-year projections for Cable TV subscriptions.
Mr. Ovrom requested the Council's opinion regarding requests for funding from
the Southeast Council on Alcoholism & Drug Problems, the March of Dimes Walk-a-Thon,
and Women Against Sexual Assault. A decision has already been made to fund WE TIP.
Councilman Jackman suggested a policy, whereby a certain amount of money would
be set aside from the General Fund and allocated by percentage for the organizations —
requesting funds.
Councilmen Jackman and Cormack feel any money should go to Downey taxpayers.
Following discussion, Mr. Ovrom indicated staff will bring back a report of
specific recommendations for setting aside money out of Revenue Sharing, having
certain criteria, a committee to make recommendations based on proposals received
from organizations, and then the Council can make the allocations.
Mr. Ovrom commented the State has passed a bill that would possibly give the
City additional money during the course of the year in the amount of $59,567 for
library use only, and this is not reflected in the budget.
Lighting District Budget: It is indicated the residential rate will still be
set at zero.
A discussion was held regarding administrative and overhead costs. A 12 per-
cent figure will be set for administration on the various districts.
A discussion also took place regarding District III. It was noted there has
never been a rate set for safety lighting.
Councilman Barb disagrees with keeping a zero rate for residential.
Mr. Ovrom indicated a $5 charge per parcel could be established for safety
lighting, but it would have to be included in the public hearing for the Lighting
Maintenance District.
Councilman Barb feels at least a break-even figure should be charged.
Mayor Quinn declared a recess from 8:24 a.m. to 8:29 a.m. The meeting resumed
with all Council Members present.
Block Grant Budget: Ms. Reifman responded to questions regarding $469,000 for
personal services and explained the breakdown of the budget with regard to personnel.
Mr. Ovrom said the projected Federal grant for 1983-84 is $841,000. Following
further review of the budget, he indicated he would like to have the Block Grant
budget translated into the City's budgeting format.
Councilman Barb feels there should be come long range goals before the grant
money ends.
Mr. Ovrom would like to see the City phase out using Revenue Sharing for the
retirement program.
Water Utility: Mr. Ralph stated the budget includes a rate increase of
approximately 12 percent, including a six percent differential approved by the
Council. He noted this year the City bought less water and sold less well water.
Councilman Barb feels every fund should break even or maintain a surplus to
cover unexpected expenses.
Mr. Ralph commented on the difficulty of predicting accurately the sale of
water.
Golf Course: A discussion was held regarding the change in accounting pro-
cedure concerning the debt service payment to the City.
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Mr. Jarrett commented regarding the annual bond payment and responded to
questions of the council.
Discussion followed.
The projected revenue for next year is $906,900.
The Council reviewed the Golf Course revenue and expenses.
Transit - Elderly and Handicapped: There was a brief review and no questions
by the Council.
Redevelopment: Brief review.
Equipment - New and Replacement: Brief review.
Mr. Ovrom then recommended following the public hearing tomorrow evening, that
the Council adopt the preliminary budget as amended, with the exception of capital
improvement projects, which will be brought back for subsequent review.
The meeting was adjourned at 9;48 a.m.
Robert L. Shand, Cit Clerk -Treasurer ames T...Quinn, Mayor
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