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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJUNE 28,1967 I INVOCATION PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL 17 :7047 M I ,N UTE S ClrY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JUNE 28, 1967 , I Pursuant to the order of adjournment of th~ regular meeting of the City Council on June 20, 1967, the City Council of the City of Arcadia met in ~djourned regular session in the Council Chamber of the City Hall at 8 p.m., June 28, 1967. " City Clerk Christine Van Maanen Mayor Robert J. Considine PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Forman, Hage, Considine None SIGNS The request of M. T. Vallone for permission to display flags and open (Apartment house signs in connection with the opening of apartments at 620-630 ~. opening) Huntington Drive was APPROVED on MOTION by Councilman Forman, seconded k by Councilman Hage and carried unanimously. It was the consensus of P , the City Council that it would have no objection to displaying the' , , ~~two signs, but that flags or banners would not be in keeping with the policy which has been followed by the City for some time, therefore only the two signs were permitted, the dimensions to be consistent with City regulations. APPOINTMENT CIVIL DEFENSE BOARD APPOINTMENT PLANNING COMMISSION I APPOINTMENT RECREATION COMMISSION APPOINTMENT SISTER CITY COMMISSION APPOINTMENT PERSONNEL BOARD MOTION by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Arth and carried unanimously, Ray M. Rogers was reappointed to the Civil Defense and Disaster Board for a full four, year term ending June 30, 1971. MOTION by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Mayor Considine and carried unanimously, Irvin I. Livingston, Jr., was appointed to the Planning Commis~ion for a full four year term ending June 30, 1971. Mr. Livingston will assume the vacancy created by the termination of Kermit Ferguson~s second term on the commission. MOTION by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Forman and carried unanimously, Mrs. Ernest Fuerst was reappointed to the Recreation Commission for a full four year term ending June 30, 197~. , I MOTION by Mayor Considine, seconded by Councilman Arth and carried unanimously Mrs. Peer Clausen was reappointed to the Sister City Commission for a full four year term ending June 30, 1971. MOTION by Counctlman Forman, seconded by Councilman Arth and carried unanimously, W. Gerald Driscoll was appointed to the Personnel Board - term to end June 30, 1971. Mr. Driscoll will assume the vacancy created by the' termination of Richard Winslow's tenure. 1. 6-28-67 PUBLIC HEARING BUDGET 1967 -1968 /' --f2 /^ "';' I.~'( ., '1.,:/", . . f (I 17: 7048 Mayor Considine made the following remarks which are herein made part of the official record: "This budget hearing represents the culmination of some nine months of study by your City Council and its staff, on the City's financial situation and future. '~en,we hired our new City Manager, on September 20, we instructed him to present to the City Council a budget which would be easily understood and which would provide for new or additional revenue sources and tax methods as required, I to prevent an additional load on the property tax payers of the City. Beginning with the period October to January 3, the Council considered alternatives on the financial problems within the Water Department. We adopted an adjusted water rate to provide sufficient revenue for MWD charges, the costs of replenishment water, and capital needs of the department. "On January 31, the City Council received a report presenting the financial situation and outlook in the remaining departments of the City, and depicting our estimated revenue gap. A list of suggested new revenue possibilities accompanied this financial report. Since January, the Council has been studying these and other alternatives and has adopted some measures to close the reve- nue gap indicated by that report. "It has been our hope that through a thorough review of City finances, provisions for revenue problems for some time to come may be achieved. To this end we have sought for growth revenues which increase as our economy and prices increase. As an example, a business license tax based on gross receipts has more growth potential than the flat fee per business and employee. However, in this instance we adopted a flat fee approach to better satisfy our taxpayers. "Concurrent with these studies, the Council has instructed the Manager to critically review 'all department requests. Since January 31, the department heads and City Manager have been preparing the City's budget. Department heads were instructed to, and did, submit conservative budgets, totaling less than the total approved budget for 1966-67. These requests were then scrutinized carefully and discussed in great detail by the City Manager, his Administrative Assistant, the department heads, and the Controller, and were reduced by an additional $199,659. Further reductions totaling $38,945 were made by the Council and staff in final reviews which commenced May 5. "During the past six weeks, several business organizations I have become greatly interested in the City's financial problems ' and have made a number of suggestions. The Council and I, as Mayor, have met with the interested groups and have considered all of these suggestions. Our City'Manager and department heads were instructed to study each suggestion and to determine its feasibility, and where such suggestions could be reasonably adopted, we have done so. We have asked all department heads to cooperate with the various groups and to explain the need for any item in their budget. "The largest single reduction from the tentative budget is in the Council's Contingency Fund. This does not represent 2. 6-28-67 17:7049 any change in thinking as to'the amount which should be available. It does recognize the persistent requests of the various interested groups. "Another r~duction results from recent notification by the Southern California Edison Company that the rates for our street light, energy are being reduced. 'Further reductions are small, individually, but in total make ~ contribution to the lowest possible budget total. I "The budget now before us is a very frugal financial plan for the next year. Number of employees have been reduced for the second year in a row, total budget magnitude has been reduced for the second year in a row, and the property tax proposed remains unchanged. Our current $1.05 tax rate i's the lowest City tax rate since 1916 and has been maintained for four years. "The budget upon which this hearing is being held closes the revenue gap and is in balance. "We have appreciated the interest indicated in the City's financial situation by many of our citizens. We hope that this interest in City government will continue. . As the elected representatives of the entire community, we must accept and do take the responsibility for final approval of a budget which appears to be necessary for the best interests of the community. "We pledge unceasing effort to keep the City's expendi- tures to the minimum, consistent with the needs indicated by our resident s. " The City Manager explored salary adjustments which were in addition to adjustments submitted April 21, 1967. It was at the direction of the City Council that the additional salary increases were included in the proposed budget. He advised that the guidelines were, 1) internal relationships between classes, 2) private salary levels, and 3)" public agency salaries. (See report dated June 27, 1967.) A report on personnel matters (on file) and a categorical report on budget changes were also explored. A preliminary appraisal of results of the new cigarette tax was filed in report form. I Mayor Considine declared the hearing open and James Harvey, President of the local Chamber of Commerce, referred to communications from the Chamber, 1) General Plan Committee Consultant, and 2) suggested reductions in the budget in order to alleviate the need for additional revenue during the ensuing fiscal year. Both were acknowledged by the City Council and ordered filed for future reference. Mr. Harvey expressed appreciation to the Council and staff for many courtesies extended and their willingness to work with the Chamber in an effort to solve problems. James M. Wallin, 1747 Oakwood Drive, President of the Taxpayers Association of Arcadia, read a statement in part as follows: "That the association was not formed with the purpose to criticise departments, personnel, management or the operations of the city, but because of concern about the trend toward higher taxes, expenditures and the threat of inflation; that the opportunity is being presented to take a firm stand on principle and for economy 3. 6-28-67 17:7050 and efficiency on all levels of government." He then orally stated the following points: 1. We are opposed to any increase in taxes as we feel that there is no need for any increase in the City of Arcadia at this time. 2. We are for repeal of the cigarette tax immediately, before it is too late, as it has been very detrimental to business in Arcadia. 3. We are opposed to the real estate transfer tax. I 4. We feel that it is feasible to consolidate services and by attrition, cut down costs by eliminating the hiring of new personnel. 5. We feel that the City of Arcadia has substantial financial reserves and that if necessary, these reserve fund allocated to capital projects be used for the necessary conduct of regular business operations of our city until such time as the frozen assets, namely land owned by the City, have been sold and the cash returned to the proper accounts. 6. We are for adequate police and fire protection at all times. 7. We feel that it is possible to effect substantial economies in the budget as presented without the loss of any necessary services. Mr. Wallin expressed appreciation for the cooperation received by the association from the City Council and staff in its endeavors to be of some benefit to the City. No one else desiring to be heard it was MOVED by Councilman Forman, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried unanimously that the hearing be CLOSED. Councilman Forman expressed his personal views on the possible repeal of the cigarette tax. He stated in part that he felt it is much,too soon to make a judgment; that he would prefer to wait until the total picture could be evaluated. With reference to the proposed real property transfer tax he stated in part that if the State passes a similar bill the City would derive some benefit from that source, however, if the City adopts the subject ordinance and the State passes a bill then the City would derive nothing from that source. He ex- pressed a preference for a fee basis rather than the percentage basis as proposed; that he could not support an ordinance to this effect at this time and submitted that he leaned more toward putting five cents back on the ad valorem tax rate which would also balance the budget. I MOTION It was MOVED by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Arth that the amendments to the budget as presented in the City Manager's report (change in two revenue estimates reducing sales tax and increasing business license revenues) and a report dated June 27, 1967 recommending salary adjustments be APPROVED. Mrs. James Day, 38 W. Forest Avenue, expressed support of the Recreation Department and its activities. She objected to a local news release concerning the Swim Club. The City Manager advised that 4. 6-28-67 17:7051 the club operated during the summer months in both the instructional and recreational programs without normal budget support inasmuch as the program came into being after the budget was adopted last year; that it had requested a $1200 assist fund which is approximately 1/6 of the fees it is paying. Re advised that said sum is in the proposed budget. I William Jepson, 608 E. Sandra Avenue, also objected to the same local news release and stated in part that the 'Club is not a private one; that all children are welcome; that it is self sustaining and suggested a review of expenditures in that regard. Mayor Considine stated in part that the City Council is very pleased and proud of the swim club and its activities; that it has reflected that feeling by the desire to lend as much support as possible with available funds. Councilman Arth observed at this time that he personally felt that the fee of $6.50 for a family with two children could be reduced $1.00, thereby making an effort to make it possible for every child to participate in the program. Brief discussion held with Paul DOEshal, concerning the manner in which any possible deficit was met; that the total expenses were reduced and the amount needed to balance the budget was met through increased business license and real property transfer tax fees. Roll call was then taken on the aforesaid MOTION. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Forman, Rage, Considine None None RESOLUTION NO. 3946 The City Attorney presented, explained the content and read the title of Resoluti06FNo. 3946, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF TRE CITY/ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING TRE OFFICIAL BUDGET FOR TRE FISCAL YEAR 1967-1968." Adopted MOTION by Councilman Rage, seconded by Councilman Arth and carried on roll call vote as follows that the reading of the full body of Resolution,No. 3946 be waived: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Forman, Rage, Considine None None Councilman Rage further MOVED that Resolution No. 3946 be adopted. Motion seconded by Councilman Arth and carried on roll call vote as follows: I ,^u", AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Forman, Hage, Considine None None The City Manager explored new step raises for all classified personnel. Mayor Considine directed remarks to the three salaries for which the City Council is responsible, i.e., the City Attorney, City Manager and the City Clerk. With respect to the City Clerk he noted that Mrs. Van Maanen had offered to forego any salary increase in an effort to cooperate in reducing expenditures and that she had expressed gratitude to the City Council for not eliminating some of the clerical help in her office. With respect to the City Attorney, that inasmuch as he had found it necessary to reduce the number of his hours and that due to this change some adjustment will have to 5. 6-28-67 17:7052 be made in that office which is unknown at the present time, this salary bracket will remain at the same figure. With respect to the City Manager the City Council had agreed to increasing his salary $500 per year in order to reflect solid support in his administrative responsibilities. It was then MOVED by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Hage and carried on roll call vote as follows that the salary adjustments as presented in the City Manager's report dated June 27, 1967 be APPROVED, and that the City Manager's salary be increased by $500 annually. AYES: NOES: ABSENT : RESOLUTION NO. 3947 Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Hage, Forman, Considine None None I Whereupon the City Attorney presented, explained the content and read the title of Resolution No. 3947 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, RE-AFFIRMING THE OFFICIAL SALARY STEP SCHEDULE FOR THE VARIOUS POSITIONS IN THE CITY EMPLOY, ASSIGNING NEW SCHEDULE NUMBERS TO SUCH POSITIONS, AND ALTERING AND ADJUSTING THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM COMPENSATION FOR VARIOUS POSITIONS IN THE CITY EMPLOY, AND AMENDING ALL PRIOR RESOLUTIONS TO CONFORM HEREWITH." Adopted MOTION by Councilman Forman, seconded by Councilman Hage and carried on roll call vote as follows that the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 3947 be waived: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Hage, Forman, Considine None None Councilman Forman further MOVED that Resolution No. 3947 be adopted. Motion seconded by Councilman Arth and carried on roll call vote,as follows: AYES: NOES: ABSENT : Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Hage, Forman, Considine None None The City Attorney presented for the second time, explained the content and read the title of Ordinance No. 1352, entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 7531.1.2 OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING WATER CHARGES FOR FIRE SERVICE." ORDINANCE NO. 1352 Adopted MOTION by Councilman Forman, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried on roll call vote as follows that the reading of the full body of Ordinance No. 1352 be waived: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Forman, Hage, Considine None None I Councilman Forman further MOVED that Ordinance No. 1352 be adopted. Motion seconded by Councilman Arth and carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Forman, Hage, Considine None None 6. 6- 28- 67 BUSINESS LICENSE ORDINANCE CONTINUED I ORDINANCE NO. 1353 Introduced (Real property transfer tax) OPTION TO PURCHASE CITY OWNED PROPERTY (BBC) PERSONNEL (Payroll deductions) I HOLIDAYS 17:7053 It was the consensus of the City Council that an ordinance of such magnitude (increasing and adding new business license fees) should be prepared with all diligence and the matter was carried over until July 5 thereby providing additional time for careful preparation. James M. Wallin, 1747 Oakwood Drive, commented that the Association is in agreement with the proposal as reviewed with the business license officer. Mayor Considine assured Mr. Wallin that the proposal will not be changed, but that every effort is being made to include any unusual classification and category. r The City Attorney presented for the first time, explained the content and read the title of Ordinance No. 1353, entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 6 OF ARTICLE II OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING THERETO A NEW PART 8 ENTITLED "REALTY TRANSFER TAX" AND CONTAINING DIVISIONS 1 THROUGH 3." MOTION by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Hage and carried on roll call vote ,as follows that the reading of the full body of Ordinance No. 1353 be waived: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Forman, Rage, Considine None None Councilman Arth further MOVED that Ordinance No. 1353 be introduced. Motion seconded by Councilman Hage and carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Hage, Considine Councilman Forman, for reasons stated earlier in this meeting. None The City Attorney advised that the option agreement entered into with the BBC Corporation for the purchase of city owned property at Santa Anita and Wheeler Avenues had been submitted to the corporation with six conditions of tender; that same has been formally executed and complete and no longer conditioned, this being the first step in sale negotiations of the former Peerless Laundry site. Upon recommendation of the City Manager it was MOVED by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried on roll call vote as follows that the City Council authorize payroll deductions for dues of employees who have requested such deductions with the stipulation that they may be pe r mUted to withdraw such authorization at any time. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Forman, Hage, Considine None None Upon recommendation of the City Manager it was MOVED by Councilman Forman, seconded by Councilman Hage and carried on roll call vote as follows that the City Council extend holidays to include Veterans Day (November 11) and a half day before either Christmas or New Years at the option of the employee and his department head. AYES: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Forman, Hage, Considine NOES: None ABSENT: None It was noted that this rule does not apply to the police and fire departments which follow a different procedure. 7. 6- 28- 67 SICK LEAVE CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE 17:7054 The City Manager advised of a simplification and improvement of the sick leave program; that the greatest weakness in the present program arises from the practice of half-day credits after an accumulation of 30 days of sick leave. He then recommended the elimination of that half-day credit and make the allowance one full day of sick leave for each full month's work after six months, deducting any sick leave that has been used - no cash to be paid for any unused sick leave under any condition. He noted for the record that the aforesaid recommendation is not retroactive; if an employee has 60 days accumulated at the present time he begins therefrom., 90 days being the maximum which can be accumulated. I It was MOVED by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Forman and carried on roll call vote as follows that the recommendation concerning sick leave as outlined by the City Manager be APPROVED. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Forman, Hage, Considine None None Mayor Considine stated that the City Council is anxious to provide an equitable and a pleasant place of employment where employees may have their grievances heard and reviewed; that with the changes it is hoped the employees will return to work and present a happy image for the city. The City Council concurred in Councilman Butterworth's commendation of Mayor Considine's leadership especially during the last few months which has been a difficult period. Mayor Considine reported briefly on the conference of United States Mayors held recently in Hawaii, and advised that copies of the major presentations and resolutions will be distributed. He spoke concerning a "Statement of Principles" and strongly recommended that copies of same be directed to representatives on all levels of government. The statement acknowledges basically the need for redevelopment of some communities and areas, the need for highway and water control programs, and that where a problem can be handled on a local level it should be. He advised that he will make a formal report at the next meeting. Brief discussion ensued on expenses of attendance at such a conference. Mr. Considine explained that he spent a total of $515; that $600 was appropriated and that he would make a refund. He noted that the wives were invaluable in drawing people together at social events which permitted the mayors to accomplish many things through exchange of ideas. He stated for the record that Mrs. Considine did a very admirable job in this regard. He added that it would be his recommendation that in the future the mayor's wife I should be allowed some expense as a wife renders inestimable assistance. At 9:45 p.m. Mayor Considine adjourned the meeting. Mayor ATTEST: 8. 6- 28- 67