HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11-11-97 - Regular Meeting10756
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REG ULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 11, 1997
The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an
Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:34 p.m., November 11, 1997, in the Council Chamber of the Downey
City Hall, Mayor/Chairman Barbara J. Riley presiding
PRESENT:Council Members/Conrmissioners:
Barbara J. Riley
Gary P. McCaughan, M.D.
Keith McCarthy
Robert S. Brazelton
Joyce L. Lawrence
Mayor/Chairman
Mayor ProTeIn/Vice-Chairman
ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager/Executive Director
Charles Vose, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk/Secretary
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Ron Ilwin, Fire Chief
James Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Mark Sauter, Assistant Chie£7Fire Marshal
APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES - OCTOBER 28, 1997
It was moved by Council Mernber/Commissioner Lawrence, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner McCarthy, and unanimously carried to approve the Closed Session Minutes
of October 28, 1997.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor/Chairman Riley announced the Council/Commission is r'ecessing to Closed Session
(6:35 p.m.) to discuss the following Sections of the Governrnent Code
A. SECTION 54957 - Public Employee Evaluation - City Manager
B. SECTION 54956.9, Subdivision (b) - Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated
Litigation - exposure to litigation (one potential case)
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 11/11/97 -1-
10757
C. SECTION 54956.8 - Conference with Real Property Negotiator Jim Jarrett; Property, two
Union Pacific Railroad Co. properties on southwest corner of Nance Street and Downey
Avenue created by Tentative Parcel map #23806; Negotiating Party, Union Pacific Railroad
Co.; Under Negotiation, price and terms of payment.
The meeting reconvened in open session at 7:37 p.m. with all Council Members/-
Commissioners present. There were no Closed Session actions to report.
The meeting recessed at 7:37 p.m.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The meeting reconvened for Oral Communications at 9:02 p.m. with all Council Members/-
Commissioners present (see Oral Communications under the Regular City Council Meeting) and
recessed at 9: 10.p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 9:28 p.m. with all Council Members/Commissioners present.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:28 p.m.
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City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 11/1 1/97 -2-
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
NOVEMBER 11, 1997
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Proclamation re America Recycles Day November 15, 1997
Mayor Riley presented a plaque recognizing the Downey
Unified School District as the 1997 Recycler of the Year
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 2
2Council Minutes: Adjourned & Regular Meetings, 11/11/97 Approved
Cash Contract #609 - Roof Replacement & Repair: Waive
the bid irregularity, authorize the required transfer of funds,
& award a contract to SCR Group, Inc. dba Southern
California Roofing Co.Approved
Approved
2
2Warrants Issued: 137366 - 137808, $1,946,060.73
Moratorium on wireless communication ordinance: Rec. &
file the report on progress made on the ordinance & set the
public hearing on the extension of the moratorium
Set hrg.
7:30 p.m., 1 1/25/97 2
Res. #6111, approving the appointment of Gloria Reed to
Design Review Board Adopted
Adopted
2
2
Res. #6112, approving the appointment of Dr. Edward
Mongan to the Library Advisory Board, Dist. 3
Res. #6114, calling & giving notice of the holding of a
Special Municipal Election on 2/10/98 for the submission of
a proposed amendment to the Downey City Charter
(Charter Amendment #11 )Adopted 6
Res. #6115, setting priorities for filing a written argument
re a proposed City Charter Amendment & directing the
City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis Adopted
Adopted
6
6~
Res. #6116, providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments
for City measures submitted at municipal elections
PAGE 1 OF 4
COUNCIL MINUTES, NOVEMBER 11, 1997
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Res. #6117, providing that a proposed Charter Amendment
relating to elections be submitted to a vote of the qualified
electors of said City at a Special Municipal Election to be
held 2/10/98, as called by Res. #6114 (Charter Amendment
No. 12)Adopted 6
Res. #6118, setting priorities for filing a written argument
regarding an additional proposed Charter Amendment re
elections & directing the City Attorney to prepare an
impartial analysis Adopted 6
Res. #6119, requesting the Board of Supervisors of the
County of L. A. to render specified services to the City
relating to the conduct of a Special Municipal Election 2/10/98 Adopted 6
6
7
8
Retention of Martin & Chapman Co. as election consultant/
supplier for 2/10/98 Special Municipal Election Approved
Appropriation of funds for Special Municipal Election 2/10/98 Approved
Citywide Street Sweeping Contract Contd. to 11/25/97
Cash Contract #591, Phase II - Civic Center Water Well:
Approve extra work & accept the improvements completed for
the construction of the Civic Center Water Well Approved 8
Mr. Lennie Whittington submitted a survey on no. of vehicles
parked on Manatee St., which reflects a parking problem in the
area of Downey Community Hospital; circulated a photograph
of a new generator installed at the hospital th,it was not
included in the City’s review of the project 8
Mr. Joel Lubin c'omplimented the decision to have two Council
Members file the arguments in favor of Chatter Amendments
11 and 12 & expressed a concern about Amendment 12 9
Diane Boggs-Verderber questioned status of the bus bench
replacement program & asked about the wording of a pin
worn by Cn. Lawrence
\
PAGE 2 OF 4
COUNCIL MINUTES, NOVEMBER 11, 1997
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Res. #6113, establishing a policy for the destruction of
certain obsolete records within the Police Department &
rescinding Resolution #5912 Adopted 9
9
9
Cn. McCaughan re update on child care survey
Cn. McCaughan requested review of satellite dishes in area
of Warren High School by Code Enforcement
Cn. McCaughan re traffic problems resulting from left-turn
signal at Firestone Bl. & Lakewood Bl. & requested
stafF memo 9
10
10
10
10
Cn. McCaughan restated previous request for code info. re
commercial trucks parked on City streets
Cn. McCaughan requested a study session re Code Enforcement’s
monitoring of yard sales & also the number of pending cases
Cn. McCarthy noted several bus benches have been installed
along Imperial Hwy.
Cn. McCarthy complimented the new Sav-On project on
Firestone Bl. at Paramount Bl.
Cn. McCarthy congratulated recently elected Cerritos College
Board members & also Downey Unified School District Board
members 10
Cn. McCarthy recognized this year’s Downey Holiday Lane
Parade Grand Marshals, Bob Verderber & Diane
Boggs-Verderber 10
10
10
10
Cn. Lawrence acknowledged Chamber of Commerce President
Steve Allen & complimented Chamber’s mentoring program
Cn. Brazelton emphasized the importance of the Charter
Amendments proposed by Council
Cn. Brazelton congratulated Bob Verderber on his re-election
to the Cenitos College Board
PAGE 3 OF 4
COUNCIL MINUTES, NOVEMBER 11, 1997
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Mayor Riley mentioned calls from citizens re solicitations from
people purportedly representing police organizations 10
Mayor Riley asked about time frame for young people selling
door-to-door after dark 10
Mr. Caton announced the hiring of the City’s new Building
Official, Linda Haines, who will begin on 12/1/97 10
Adjourned in memory of L. A. County Deputy SherifFMichael
Hoenig & Phil Soto, Former State Assemblyman & La Puente
City Council Member 11
11Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., November 25, 1997
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PAGE 4 OF 4
10758
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
NOVEMBER 11, 1997
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:39 p.m., November 11,
1997, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Barbara J. Riley presiding.
PRESENT:Council Members:
Barbara J. Riley
Gary P. McCaughan, M.D.
Robert S. Brazelton
Keith McCarthy
Joyce L. Lawrence
Mayor
Mayor ProTem
ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Charles Vose, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk-Treasurer
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Greg Caldwell, Police Chief
Ron Irwin. Fire Chief
James Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Art Rangel, Director of Economic & Community Development
Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Bob Brace, City Engineer
Greg Mayfield, Water/Sanitation Superintendent
Mark Sauter, Assistant ChiegFire Marshal
Kathy Simmons, Administrative Assistant, Public Works
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev./City Planner
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Riley presented to Kathy Simmons of the Public Works Department a Proclamation
declaring November 15, 1997 as America Recycles Day, to focus the nation’s attention on the
importance of recycling.
Mayor Riley introduced Donna Boose, Deputy Superintendent of the Downey Unified School
District, and Jean Hardy, Director of Purchasing and coordinator of the District’s recycling program.
She presented them with a plaque recognizing the School District as the 1997 Recycler of the
Year
HEARINGS: None
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10759
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
Agenda Item VI-F-3, RESOLUTION FOR DESTRUCTION OF POLICE RECORDS,
was removed at the request of Council Member McCarthy.
Agenda Item VI-C-2, CASH CONTRACT NO. 591, PHASE II, CIVIC CENTER
WATER WELL, was removed at the request of Council Member McCaughan.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Brazelton, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder of
the Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, OCTOBER 28,
1997: Approve
CASH CONTRACT NO. 609 - ROOF REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR (ACCOUNT
NOS. 40-13031, 40-17212 AND 40-17213): Waive the bid irregularity, authorize the required
transfer of funds, and award a contract, totaling $105,440, to SCR Group, Inc. dba Southern
California Roofing Company for the replacement of the two deck roofs and repair of the main
roof on the City Hall building, and repair of the roofs on the Library, Theater, and Golden Park
buildings: Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 137366 - 137808, $1,946,060.73: Approve
MORATORIUM ON WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ORDINANCE: Receive and file
the report on the progress made on the City’s Wireless Communications Ordinance, required
by Government Code Section 65858(d); and set a public hearing on the extension of the
Moratorium on the Wireless Communication Ordillance for 7:30 p.m. November 25, 1997, in
the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 6111 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF GLORIA REED, SMALL BUSINESS
REPRESENTATIVE, TO TIIE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
RESOLUTION NO. 6112 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF DR. EDWARD MONGAN TO THE
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD FOR COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT THREE
ORDINANCES: None
RESOLUTIONS: None
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iG 760
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
ESTABLISH DATE FOR SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION REGARDING
CHARTER MEASURE RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES OF POLICE
AND FIRE
Ms. McDonnell noted this item was requested by Council Member Brazelton at the last
Council Meeting and relates to the charter provision for police and fire services in the City of Downey.
She advised the language for the two Charter Amendments proposed for submittal to the voters has
been prepared by the City Attorney. The earliest date for an election is February 10, 1998. In
addition to the resolutions presented, there are two minute actions requested, one approves retaining
the firm of Martin & Chapman Co. for election services and the other is to appropriate $80,000 for
election costs.
Mr. Vose noted the resolutions could be considered in two groupings. In the second
resolution, the Council will have to designate one or more of its members to write a written argument.
He advised that the language has been modified in the first resolution, Charter Amendment No. 11, to
eliminate the numerical 2/3 referenced and to keep only the wording two-thirds. The fourth
resolution, Charter Amendment 12, brings the Charter into compatibility with State Law, which has a
period of 12 months before the same subject matter can come back before the City Council and the
voters. He recommended moving forward with resolutions 1 and 4 and noted if approving resolution
4, the Council would need to approve resolution 5 and designate a Council Member or Members to
write the written argument in favor.
RESOLUTION NO. 6114
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY,
CALIFORNIA, CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A
SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1998,
FOR THE SUBMISSION OF A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE
DOWNEY CITY CHARTER
RESOLUTION NO. 6115
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY,
CALIFORNIA, SETTING PRIORITIES FOR FILING A WRITTEN
ARGUMENT REGARDING A PROPOSED CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT
AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL
ANALYSIS
RESOLUTION NO. 6116
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY,
CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FOR THE FJLING OF REBUTTAL
ARGUMENTS FOR CITY MEASURES SUBMITTED AT MUNICIPAL
ELECTIONS
Council Minutes 1 1/11/97 -3-
tO 761
RESOLUTION NO. 6117
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY,
CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING THAT A PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT
RELATING TO ELECTIONS BE SUBMITTED TO A VOTE OF THE
QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF SAID CITY AT A SPECIAL R'IUNTCIPAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SAID CITY ON FEBRUARY 10, 1998, AS
CALLED BY RESOLUTION NO. 6114 (Charter Amendment No. 12)
RESOLUTION NO. 6118
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY,
CALIFORNIA, SETTING PRIORITIES FOR FILING A WRITTEN
ARGUMENT REGARDING AN ADDITIONAL PROPOSED CHARTER
AMENDMENT REGARDING ELECTIONS AND DIRECTING THE CITY
ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN IMPARTLAL ANALYSIS
RESOLUTION NO. 6119
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY,
CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO RENDER SPECIFIED SERVICES TO THE
CITY RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION TO BE lIELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1998
The Resolutions were read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy,
seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried by the following vote to waive
further reading and adopt. (see vote on Page 6)
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence and seconded by Council Member McCaughan to
nominate Council Member Brazelton to file the written arguments in favor of Charter Amendments 11
and -12 (see substitute motion on Page 6).
Mr. Joel Lut)in, 7820 Allengrove Street, stated his preference for having the Mayor file the
written arguments, stating the Council has been elected to control the level of services in the City of
Downey. He noted his support for Charter Alnelldnrent No. 11 and mentioned his concern with the
last sentence of Charter Amendment No. 12, referring to a letter he forwarded today to the Council
Diane Boggs-Verderber, 8629 Meadow Road, spoke in favor of the nomination of Council
Member Brazelton to file the written arguments. She stated she was disheartened to hear that papers
had been filed by one of the 1996 Council candidates and felt this person does not understand the City
of Downey. She advised that one of the reasons the City incorporated was to have its own public
safety departments and felt it was essential that local control is maintained in these areas.
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iU762
Mr. Robert Cormack, 9632 La Reina Avenue, gave a brief overview of the history of the City,
noting a Charter City has more ability to control services to its people. He stated everything must be
done to advise cjtizens that the best public safety services are with the City’s own police and fire
departments and urged the Council to fight to keep what the City has.
Mr. Jim Derry, 7845 Fourth Street, congratulated the Council for taking this issue head on.
He mentioned that 400-500 people at a Furman Park community meeting were opposed to having fire
services go out of the City and stated there are many citizens who will back the Council in their effort
to keep the Downey Fire Department in the City.
Mr. Robert Bryan, 723 1 Luxor Street, stated he is glad the Council took this issue head on so
that the voters have an opportunity to make a decision in what is provided for them. He noted this is
an issue in many surrounding cities and felt the Council should be looking at what types of services the
County can provide and making the citizens aware of these.
Mr. Ken Miller, 7336 Cleargrove Drive, asked how much the election will cost and was
advised approximately $80,000. He suggested establishing a fund to assist those firemen who are not
happy working for the City move to a difFerent location
Lola Descotaya (Sp. ?), 10519 Downey Avenue, felt a change in public safety services would
bring about big changes in the City. She previously lived in the City ofMaywood and asked everyone
to look at the changes that have taken place in that city, urging the Council not to allow the City of
Downey to be converted into another Maywood. She stated that many Latinos have moved into the
City of Downey looking for a better future for their families and asked the Council not to make this
change in the community.
Mr. David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, spoke in favor of the resolutions and felt the City
should have control over its own police and fire departments. He asked if the issue needs to be
pursued now due to time restrictions or could it be put off until the General Election next June, which
would save costs.
Mr. Roy Beard, 7920 Fourth Place, mentioned his experience working with the County in the
Los Angeles SherifFs Department and stated once the County is in control of safety services in a city,
that city is limited to their resources and response is dictated by necessity. He referred to a past crisis
in surrounding areas, and noted it was reassuring that the Downey fire and police departments
protected the City’s boundaries. He stated a contract with the County would be for a specified period
of time and could not be changed during that period. He urged the Council to consider what is best
for the majority of residents.
Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, mentioned his concern during a recent fire in
the City at a furniture store and his understanding the County would cover the City’s fire stations
while they were fighting this fire, along with engine crews from surrounding cities, and that this
coverage did not occur.
Council Minutes 11/11/97 -5-
10763
Council Member Brazelton advised he has lived in Downey since before the City incorporated
and he was chairman of the committee that drafted the first City Charter. One of the basic provisions
was local control for public safety, which has been intact ever since. He feels this issue should be
brought before the citizens as soon as possible to allow them to express themselves,
Council Member Lawrence stated the City incorporated in 1956 so that it could run its own
affairs. She noted problems in the County with health services, the new jail that cannot be opened, and
the sherifFs budget that is out of control, stating she would rather have the City’s budget set by the
City than in downtown Los Angeles by people who don’t know who the City of Downey is.
Council Member McCarthy noted he moved to Downey because of the services it provides and
does not want to lose any local control over these services. This election will give residents the
chance to restate their support of local control of public safety services.
Council h4ember h4cCaughan mentioned there were several disasters that occurred before the
citizens came together and incorporated the City to provide for its own defense. He felt the majority
of the citizens will support the issue of local control for these services and he is in favor of Charter
Amendment No. 11.
Mayor Riley stated it is her job as a Council Member to support the City Charter. She felt
local control was very important and will support the Charter Amendment.
When asked about the basis for the second amendment, Mr. Vose explained the purpose of
Charter Amendment No. 12 is to stop constant amendments of the charter being brought forward
every 6 months or so. It gives a minimum of 12 moIlths between a particular amendment being
brought back before the voters, if one side is dissatisfied with the results.
It was moved by Council Member McCalthy, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and
unanimously carried to authorize both Mayor Riley and Council Member Brazelton to file the
written arguments in favor of Charter AnrendrIIents ll and 12.
The motion to waive further reading and adopt the Resolutions was carried by unanimous
vote
RETENTION OF MARTIN & CHAPMAN CO. AS ELECTION
CONSULTANT/SUPPLIER FOR FEBRUARY 10, 1998 SPECIAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
It was moved by Council Member McCaugllan, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously carried to retain the firm of Martin & Chapman Co. of Anaheim as the City’s
election consultant/supplier for the February 10, 1998 Special Municipal Election, and
arlthorize the City Attorney to prepare a contract for the Mayor’s signature.
Council Minutes 11/1 1/97 -6-
10764
APPROPRiATION OF FUNDS FOR SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO
BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 10, 1998
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and
unanimously carried to appropriate $80,000 from the General Fund to Account No. 104-
1130.0700 (City Clerk budget) to cover costs for the Special Municipal Election to be held in the
City of Downey on February 10, 1998.
CITYWIDE STREET SWEEPING CONTRACT
Mr. Caton explained this item deals with a request to authorize stafF to negotiate a five year
agreement with R. F. Dixon Co., Inc. He then mentioned a letter received from National
Environmental Services requesting that the Council not award a five year extension to R. F. Dixon
Co., Inc., but put this contract out to bid.
Mr. Redmayne advised staff recommends negotiating an additional five year extension with R.
F. Dixon Co., Inc., which is a local company that has served the City well in the past, has done an
excellent job throughout the City with very few complaints, and has been very responsive to special
situations, and has been reasonable in cost over the 10 years. Council’s approval would enable staff to
negotiate another five year contract.
Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, commented on the controversy with the initial
street sweeping contract which he stated was not handled through the normal competitive bidding
process as it should have been. He has contacted the County and found that several companies sent
certified letters to the City requesting they be placed on the bid list. He urged the Council to approve
a new contract through open competitive bidding.
Ani Samuelian, 11914 Front Street, Norwalk, Executive Secretary with Nationwide
Environmental Services, Division of Joe’s Sweeping Inc., gave a brief overview of the services this
company can provide to the City, stating they can save the City $30,000 per year, $150,000 over a
five year period. She requested that the Council not renegotiate the contract with R. F. Dixon Co.,
Inc. but instead give other contractors a chance to place a bid.
Mr. Steve Dixon of R. F. Dixon Co., Inc. mentioned the company was established in 1959 and
has been the City’s local contractor since that time. They are the largest sweeping contractor in
California and the eleven western States and are available 24 hours a day for any problems that might
occur. They use state-of-the-art equipment, which they helped develop. He noted their competitors
have made promises to other cities and then raised the cost of their services by fifteen percent. He
advised Dixon has only raised their fees by 3.1 percent over the last five years and asked that the
Council take this into consideration.
Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, reiterated his earlier comments stating this
contract was not handled properly ten years ago and asked that the proper policy be followed this
time
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10765
Council Member Lawrence felt this contract should go to bid and allow competitors an
opportunity to bid on the job. She noted her particular interest in the policy of these companies when
days are missed due to Monday holidays and how they would solve this situation. She also stated she
believes in having vacuums.
Council Member McCarthy asked about the City’s obligation in receiving bids and was
informed the lowest responsible bid is accepted. He then expressed concern about the ability to
maintain the quality of service and supported stafFs recommendation to renegotiate with R. F. Dixon
Co Inc)
Council Member Brazelton felt that a request for proposal could include certain criteria and
requirements to provide for protection the Public Works Department desires and could contain a
strong cancellation provision if the criteria is not met.
Mayor Riley expressed her belief in the bidding process but voiced concern that new
companies may feel they can provide this service but may not actually be able to. She feels stafFhas
considered the facts before coming to this decision.
Council Member McCaughan suggested continuing this item for two weeks to allow time to
evaluate the bidding process.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Mayor Riley, and unanimously
carried to continue this item for two weeks to allow time to evaluate the bidding process and
learn more about the company who submitted the letter of interest in bidding for the contract.
Council Member McCarthy requested that a suwey be taken of surrounding municipalities on
what their costs are for the same contract.
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval
CASH CONTRACT NO. 591, PHASE II - CIVIC CENTER WATER WELL
Council Member McCauglran asked how the well is being pumped now and was informed the
new pump will be installed soon. The extra costs include design and equipment changes to
accommodate field conditions required by stafFand the Health Department. It was noted the present
pump met construction specifications but not performance specifications.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and
unanimously carried to approve extra work in the amount of 844,685.97 and accept the
improvements completed for the construction of the Civic Center Water Well.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, submitted results of a survey he conducted on
the number of vehicles parked on Manatee Street over a 27-day period during the month of October,
which reflects a parking problem in the area of Downey Community Hospital. He also circulated
a photograph of the new generator installed at the llospital, which was not included in the City’s
review of the project. He stated the Design Review Board was misled and not properly informed that
Council Minutes 11/1 1/97 -8-
i 0766
a generator was going to be installed close to homes, He hoped, if this is approved by the Design
Review Board at their upcoming meeting, that it then be brought before the Council, with a decision
to make the hospital get rid of the generator,
Mr. Joel Lubin, 7820 Allengrove Street, cornplirnented the decision on the two Council
Members authorized to file the arguments in favor of the two Charter Amendments and
expressed a concern about Amendment #12.
Diane Boggs-Verderber, 8629 Meadow Road, questioned the status of the bus bench
replacement program. She asked Council Member Lawrence about the wording of the pin she
was wearing and was informed it reads “Past Mayor.”l
nun
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval (Contd.)
RESOLUTION NO. 6113
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR DESTRUCTION OF
CERTAIN OBSOLETE RECORDS WITHIN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT,
AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 5912
Council Member McCarthy referred to Records of Internal Investigations, and asked if these
records are destroyed after five years. The response was yes, as this conforms with State law. He
also referred to Personnel Orders, and was informed that the permanent copy is kept in the employees
personnel file and any other copies around the station are lawfully destroyed. Chief Caldwell stated
the proposal is basically the destruction of duplicate copies with the exception of garage sale permits
and overtime records.
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded
by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt.
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Council Member McCaughan requested an update on the child care survey being conducted
and hoped this was proceeding.
Council Member McCaughan mentioned seeing satellite dishes in the area of Warren High
School, which do not appear to be up to code. He requested a review by Code Enforcement.
Council Member McCaughan indicated receiving several complaints about the left-turn
signal on eastbound Firestone Boulevard at Lakewood Boulevard, which is creating traffic
problems all the way back to Patton Road. He requested a staff on this.
Mr. Caton stated Lakewood Boulevard is still a State Highway and that signal is controlled by
the State.
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10767
Council Member McCaughan restated his previous request for current code information
relating to commercial trucks on City streets, especially in residential areas. He felt some of these
situations involve residents who are operating commercial ventures out of their houses, which is
illegal
Council Member McCaughan requested a future study session regarding Code
Enforcement’s monitoring of yard sales and also on the number of pending cases. He also felt
there may be an increasing workload in Code Enforcement.
Council Member McCarthy advised that several new bus benches have been installed along
Imperial Highway.
Council Member McCarthy complimented the new Sav-On project on Firestone Boulevard
at Paramount Boulevard.
Council Member McCarthy congratulated recently elected Cerritos College Board
members, and also the Downey Unified School District Board members, who were elected
through acclamation.
Council Member McCarthy recognized this year’s Downey Holiday Lane Parade Grand
Marshals, Bob Verderber and Diane Boggs-Verderber.
Council Member Lawrence acknowledged Charnber of Commerce President Steve Allen in
the audience and complimented the Chamber’s mentoring program for high school students.
Council Member Brazelton emphasized the importance of the Charter Amendments
proposed by Council and encouraged people to become involved.
Council Member Brazelton congratulated Bob Verderber on his re-election to the Cerritos
College Board.
Mayor Riley mentioned receiving calls this week from citizens receiving solicitations from
people purportedly representing police organizations and asked Chief Caldwell if the Downey
Police Department was making solicitation calls at this time. Chief Caldwell’s response was a definite
NO and he will prepare a press release to that afFect tomorrow.
Mayor Riley asked about the time frame for young people selling door-to-door after dark
and Chief Caldwell responded this would probably coincide with the curfew ordinance
OTHER BUSINESS - StafFMenrbers
Mr. Caton announced the hiring of the City’s new Building Official, Linda Haines, who is
currently the Building Official for the city of Cypress, is highly qualified for the position, and will begin
on December 1, 1997.
Council Minutes 11/1 1/97 -10-
IOT 68
ADJOURNMENT: 9:28 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned in nrenror)' of Los Angeles County Deputy SherifF Michael
Hoenig and Phil Soto, Former State Assenrblyman and La Puente City Council Member,
husband of NeII Soto, Pomona Councilwoman, to 6:30 p.m., November 25, 1997, in the Council
Chamber of Downey City Hall.
a &
Barbara J
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14
#ey,’MayoamcDonnell, City CIe-rE
H:\ccLERK\sco}frE\MINLrrEs\cchw llll.WPD
Council b4inutes 11/11/97 -11-