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~.
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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.,:/", .
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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)
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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