HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10-29-04 - Special MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 29, 2004
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The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special Meeting at 6:37 p.m., October 29,
2004, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall located at 11111 Brookshire Avenue,
Downey, Mayor Kirk O. Cartozian presiding.
PRESENT:Council Members:
Kirk O. Cartozian
Keith McCarthy
Anne M. Bayer
Meredith H. Perkins
Rick Tmjo
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tempore
Absent
Absent
ALSO PRESENT: Charles S. Vose, City Attorney
Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Mayor Cntozian announced that there are two items that will be discussed in Closed Session
and the possibility for potential announcement of Closed Session actions. Any action or discussion is
with the understanding of a potential agreement and nothing will be done on Item No.1 other than
with the agreement of City management as well.
Council Member Perkins asked City Clerk Midstokke whether the two other Council
Members had called in or are excused and the response was no.
ORAT I COMIVIUNICATIONS
Diane Boggs, resident of Downey, indicated that due to the inconvenient time and short notice
of the meeting, former Council Member Dr. Gary McCaughan could not attend this evening but
concurs with everything she is about to say. She read a letter from former Council Member Joyce
Lawrence, resident of Colorado, indicating that she is embarrassed of the way the Council is treating
City Manager Caton. Ms. Boggs’ comments included that she is distressed with the timing of this
meeting and urged that the Council wait at least five weeks for a new member to be seated.
Hilaine Julian, resident of Downey, questioned how the proposed actions will benefit the
taxpayers of Downey and indicated she does not support the proposed actions.
Joseph Lumsdaine, resident of Downey, questioned the reason for the minimum notice and
indicated that he was worked with Mr. Caton over the years and considers him a wonderful City
Manager.
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Zenzi Deverauux, resident of Downey, questioned the need for a Friday meeting with no
notice in the newspapers and where would the money be coming from to buy out Mr. Caton’s
contract.
Ken Miller, resident of Downey, indicated that the meeting should not be taking place with
two Council Members absent and requested that the record reflect he is objecting to the manner in
which this meeting is taking place and the items on the agenda.
Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, suggested that the Council meeting of last Tuesday
could have been adjourned to this meeting and these items should be put off until after the election.
He questioned the need for a full time City Attorney.
Mayor Cartozian clarified that the item regarding the City Attorney is a recommendation of
the City Manager.
In response to Mayor Cartozian’s request for clarification, City Attorney Vose responded that
no decision has been made; at this point it is a personnel matter and Council is going into Closed
Session to discuss the items.
Gary DeRemer, resident of Downey, mentioned the 52.1 million budget deficit; the cost to
terminate the City Manager, and that the money from the Downey Landing project is speculative.
Mike Prokop, resident of Downey, expressed his disappointment in calling this meeting and
the contemplated action; mentioned that is seems like there has been an usual amount of Closed
Sessions; and requested reconsideration.
Roger Brossmer, resident of Downey, feels that even with the short notice, all interested
persons have had the opportunity to speak; respects the gumption of the Council in moving forward;
and noted that personnel issues are confidential.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cartozian announced that the City Council is recessing to Closed Session (7:22 p.m.)
to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
1.SECTION 54957 – PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVAULATION/54957.6 –
SALARY NEGOTIATIONS (CHARLES S. VOSE, NEGOTIATOR) – CITY
MANAGER.
2.SECTION 54957 – PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE
EVALUATION/APPOINTMENT/EMPLOYMENT (LEE POWELL, NEGOTIATOR)
– CITY ATTORNEY.
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RECONVENED
The meeting reconvened in open session at 7:50 p.m., noting the absence of Council
Members Bayer and Trejo. There were no Closed Session actions to report.
Mayor Cartozian announced that in light of a few items, one that two members are not present
tonight and the items deserve to be discussed by all five members; and in light of the comments
made, that Council will be adjourning with no action on either item.
3.CONSIDERATION OF 6TH AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
WITH CITy MANAGER GERAT,D M. CATON. This item was not heard.
4.CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH CITY ATTORNEY
CHARLES S. VOSE. This item was not heard.
ADJOURNMENT: 7:51 p.m.
Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk Kirk O. Cartozianm
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