06-24-1978 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA June 24, 1978 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Vernon S. Evans at 8:05 A.M. in the City Council Chambers, 22 Civic Center Plaza. The following Council members were present: Gordon Bricken, David F. Ortiz, Harry K. Yamamoto, David L. Brandt, James E. Ward, John Garthe, and Mayor Evans. Also present were the following members of Staff: City Manager Bruce C. Spragg, City Attorney Keith L. Gow, Director of Public Works John E. Stevens, and Clerk of the Council Florence I. Malone. PROPOSED SALARY WAGE & Mayor Evans announced BENEFIT REDUCTION that with Council's 3-MONTH MORATORIUM IMPOSED permission he would depart from the Agenda to give Council members an opportunity to express themselves somewhat philosophically or otherwise as to their position on the proposed salary cuts. Councilman Garthe stated that in his speech yesterday evening, Governor Brown had said that cities would be receiving money from the State, and he suggested that Council delay its decision on salaries until such time as it is known how much money will be forthcoming. He then moved to delay doing anything in rela- tion to wages and fringe benefits until 3-4 months into the fis- cal year. Councilman Brandt seconded the motion. Councilman Brandt stated that he did not believe any Councilmen had been fully aware of the impact of an average 5 per cent salary roll-back and reduced fringe benefits that actually range from 6.1 to 22.7 per cent; and that for the time being he would support a moratorium on salary reduction. Councilman Bricken~stated that over the last 10 years the City's rate of expenditures has been doubling every 5 years; that the average cost per employee today is $24,000 compared with $8,000 10 years, ago~ and that the City must reduce its rate of growth of expenditures at te~st_.~..~he point where it does not exceed the rat~!~f inflation. Counciln~...Ortiz stated he would the source~{ revenue are known. support the motion until all Councilman Yamamoto stated that he favored maintaining the hiring freeze; that as soon as anticipated revenues are known, Council will have to decide ~how and where to use the funds to the City's greatest advantage; and that he favored a waiting period. Councilman Ward stated that the cost of government has gotten out of hand; that services to the public are the most important function of the City; that he favors waiting to see what the City's income will be and then taking a look at salaries. Mayor Evans stated the Council had definitely agreed and he had concurred with a reduction in salaries as necessary, but that he does not favor, has not favored and will not favor a reduction of salaries; that the Council should use other sources of revenue to balance the Budget; that if personnel cuts and program reduc- tions are necessary, they will be part of the process; that 3-4 months is too long to delay facing the issue and that, in his opinion salary reductions are not necessary at this time. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 253 JUNE 24, 1978