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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 04-24-01 - Regular Meeting013743 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:40 p.m., April 24, 2001, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Robert C. Winningham presiding. HEARINGS PRESENT: Council Members: MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APRIL 24, 2001 Robert C. Winningham Mayor Meredith H. Perkins Mayor Pro Tem Rick Trejo Kirk O. Cartozian Keith McCarthy ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Charles Vose, City Attorney Judith McDonnell, City Clerk- Treasurer Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works John Finch, Police Chief Darrell George, Director of Community/Economic Development James Jarrett, Director of Community Services John Michicoff, Director of Finance Mark Sauter, Fire Chief Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS Mayor Winningham presented to Teacher Celeste Candida, Administrative Assistant, Peggy Hathaway, and Seventh and Eighth Grade students of St. Marks Episcopal School, a Proclamation declaring the month of April 2001, as Keep Downey Beautiful Month. Mayor Winningham announced his appointment of Bob Johnson to the Personnel Advisory Board for District 4. (Mr. Johnson was not present to receive his Certificate of Appointment) Mayor Winningham opened the public hearing to CONSIDER THE APPLICATION OF YELLOW CAB COMPANY S.G.V. FOR A PERMIT TO CONDUCT TAXICAB SERVICE IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY. Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and so ordered to receive and file. Council Minutes 4/24/01 -1- 01378 Ms. Yotsuya advised that Julian Cardenas, owner of Yellow Cab Company S.G.V., applied for a police permit to operate a taxicab service in the City of Downey. She reviewed Downey Municipal Code requirements for obtaining a taxicab permit, noting Mr. Cardenas met the requirements. The Police Department also conducted a preliminary background investigation, which revealed nothing that would prevent Yellow Cab Company S.G.V. from safely operating a taxi service in the City. She mentioned other cities Mr. Cardenas is currently licensed in and noted he anticipates operating three taxicabs in Downey. She noted a representative of the business is available to respond to any questions. There was no correspondence received regarding this matter. Mayor Winningham asked if the owner or his representative wished to address the Council. Ruben Ramirez, 937 West Cameron Avenue, Apartment 101, West Covina, representing Yellow Cab Company S.G.V., noted he was available to answer any questions. There being no one to speak in favor or in opposition to the application of Yellow Cab Company S.G.V., it was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and so ordered to close the hearing. Council Member McCarthy mentioned reviewing approximately five taxicab applications since being a Council Member and inquired if there was a maximum for this type of service. The response was no. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to approve the application for permit by Yellow Cab Company S.G.V. to conduct taxicab service in the City of Downey. CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL Agenda Items VI -E -1, LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR PARKS, PUBLIC FACILITIES AND MISCELLANEOUS PARKWAYS, VI -E -2, POLICE DEPARTMENT BRIEFING ROOM UPGRADE, and VI -F -1, PARKING RESTRICTION ON EAST SIDE OF PATTON ROAD BETWEEN A POINT 300 FEET NORTH OF MANATEE STREET AND THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD, were removed at the request of Council Member McCarthy. Agenda Item VI -G -1, ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 4603 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING THE USE OF LOUDSPEAKERS AND AMPLIFIERS, was removed at the request of David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member Trejo, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolution and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended: Council Minutes 4/24/01 -2- : 13 74 ; 3 COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, APRIL 10, AND ADJOURNED MEETING APRIL 14, 2001: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 502/507 MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR (CURB AND GUTTER, SIDEWALK, AND WHEELCHAIR RAMPS) (ACCOUNT NUMBERS 25- 13901, 25- 13958, 26 -16502 AND 26- 16507): Approve Plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 165611— 166018; WIRE NUMBERS 30000110 — 117; 82,293,438.23: Approve. ORDINANCES RESOLUTION NO. 6471 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE DEDICATION TREE PLANTING POLICY RESOLUTIONS: None Council Minutes 4/24/01 -3- ORDINANCE NO. 1099 (ADOPT) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTIONS 6554 AND 6554.1 OF PART 5 OF CHAPTER 5 OF ARTICLE VI OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS, INVESTIGATION, ISSUANCE AND GROUNDS FOR DENIAL OR REVOCATION OF PERMITS FOR MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS, MASSAGE SERVICES AND MASSAGE PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS FOR FIFTH STREET AND CECILIA STREET The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Cartozian, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and introduce. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AND FIRESTONE BOULEVARD SIGNAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM — LETTERS OF AGREEMENT WITH THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (MTA) Mr. Alvarez explained this item relates to grants the City received as part of the MTA Call for Projects last February. The MTA selected 73 projects out of 243 applications and Downey was fortunate to be awarded two grants, one for Firestone Boulevard and one for Lakewood Boulevard, to improve traffic signals. The main objectives are: To improve vehicle detection at signalized intersections; to install signal communication trunk lines for the City; and to improve traffic flow. He noted the system will facilitate the future integration/connection of cross streets. He responded to comments from the Council. Council Member Trejo questioned the purpose of the video detection cameras and was informed they are not for enforcement but are to serve as loop detectors to sense when vehicles are present. They will save on maintenance work when street resurfacing is done, as the loops will not have to be replaced, since the cameras will serve that function. Mayor Winningham inquired if the video monitor cameras will take video pictures and was informed they are a motion- sensor type of camera to detect vehicles. Council Member McCarthy questioned where the cameras will be mounted and was informed they will be mounted on the signal mast arms and should improve the movement of traffic by 25 to 40 percent. He stated the City was able to receive these grants due to its participation in the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, by being visible and working with local and State legislators. Mayor Winningham inquired if these signal improvements will interface with the traffic signal on Firestone Boulevard at the South Gate city limit and was informed it ultimately will when surrounding cities are interconnected but will not at the present time. Council Member McCarthy inquired if the City has corresponded with the City of South Gate regarding the traffic backup westbound on Imperial Highway and was informed this has not been actively pursued. He requested staff follow -up on this issue. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Trejo, and unanimously carried to authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the Letters of Agreement with the MTA for the Lakewood Boulevard and Firestone Boulevard Signal Communication System Projects; appropriate $257,000 from the Firestone Boulevard Relinquishment Fund account for the Firestone Boulevard Signal Communication System Project; and appropriate 5363,000 from the Gas Tax Fund account for the Lakewood Boulevard Signal Communication System Project. Council Minutes 4/24/01 -4- 03X54 0 01 ti OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Annroval LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR PARKS, PUBLIC FACILITIES AND MISCELLANEOUS PARKWAYS Council Member McCarthy questioned why the previous contractor did not submit a bid. Mr. Alvarez replied the current contractor gave notice several months ago that he wanted to withdraw from the contract and the City negotiated an increase in compensation at that time to encourage completion of the remaining seven months. Council Member McCarthy noted the lowest bid was 33 percent above the previous contract, and inquired if this was due to the additional work added. He was informed additional work is involved but the increase is due to current market conditions. Council Member Cartozian asked if a three -year contract is typical and the response was yes. Mr. Caton explained that during the recession in 1994 the Council determined that one of the ways to preserve jobs and still get the work done was to contract out for park maintenance. Since that time, there has not been a contractor who completed the three -year contract period. They usually underbid and then withdraw from the contract. The City has seen the contract amount going up to what is felt to be a more realistic level. Council Member Trejo inquired about the history of the proposed contractor and was informed reference checks disclosed other cities have been very pleased with the services of Wurzel Landscape. Council Member Perkins mentioned being assured that the landscaping on the west side of Paramount Boulevard from Imperial Highway to Gardendale Street will be maintained by the landscape company. Mayor Winningham inquired if staff felt it was still cost effective to contract out for this service and the response was yes. He then explained that the City typically takes the lowest bid and noted Wurzel Landscape works with the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, and other cities. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and unanimously carried to award a contract to Wurzel Landscape for landscape maintenance of the City's Parks, Public Facilities and miscellaneous Parkways. POLICE DEPARTMENT BRIEFING ROOM UPGRADE Chief Finch mentioned the briefing room is utilized seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and is the primary room for over 1,500 meetings a year. He reviewed improvements, such as the installation of a new projection system, which will require electrical work, recarpeting, repainting, and a cabinet to protect the electrical equipment. Council Minutes 4/24/01 -5- Council Member McCarthy mentioned attending the Citizens Academy five years ago, which utilized the briefing room, and noted the seating was very uncomfortable. He questioned if this was part of the upgrading and was informed new, more comfortable furniture was purchased during the prior Police Department building remodel. Mayor Winningham suggested a tile floor might be better than carpeting and was advised tile is being considered for the common hallways but not for the actual room, due to noise issues. It was noted Shirley Bennett of the Public Works Department suggested installing carpet squares, which can easily be replaced if damaged. It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to authorize the disbursement of Asset Forfeiture funds in the amount of $8,500 for the remodeling of the Police Department's Briefing Room. PARKING RESTRICTION ON EAST SIDE OF PATTON ROAD BETWEEN A POINT 300 FEET NORTH OF MANATEE STREET AND THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD Mr. Alvarez noted this request was made by the Downey Regional Medical Center (DRMC) who was concerned with large vehicles parked on the East side of Patton Road causing site distance problems. A field evaluation was conducted and it was determined this concern was valid. He stated there is considerable pedestrian traffic on Patton Road and recommended limiting parking on the easterly side by restricting the parking of large tractor - trailers. Council Member Cartozian mentioned a lot of the pedestrian traffic consists of high school students and felt this restriction will help make the students more visible. Council Member Perkins mentioned three outlets onto Patton Road: One from the Coca -Cola Company and two from the Downey Regional Medical Center. He suggested having no parking in this area at all, noting too many signs are confusing and requested sending this issue back to staff for -- further review. He mentioned two high -rise buildings being built by the Hospital and felt a lot of people will be crossing Patton Road and no parking on the East Side would be a big improvement. Council Member Trejo requested the record reflect he does work at the Hospital but does not have any direct monetary compensation involved. He supported the parking restriction and inquired how this will be enforced. He was advised that once word gets out that parking in this area will result in a ticket, enforcement will resolve itself. Mayor Winningham was glad to see, with the development of the Medical Center, mitigation measures on the signalized crosswalk, which he felt was an important safety feature. He suggested approving the Resolution tonight and revisiting it in six months, if additional problems are found. He advised that replacing the faceplates of the signs will cost around $25 per sign. Council Minutes 4/24/01 -6- t 3 . RESOLUTION NO. 6470 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY RESTRICTING PARKING OF VEHICLES OVER SIX FEET IN HEIGHT ON PATTON ROAD, BETWEEN 300 FEET NORTH OF MANATEE STREET AND THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Cartozian, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. ORDINANCE 1098 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 4603 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING THE USE OF LOUDSPEAKERS AND AMPLIFIERS David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, spoke in opposition to the Ordinance change, expressing concern that it is broad and eliminates all sound cast upon the street. He noted the language does not specify decibels and hoped it was not selective enforcement against an ice cream business in the northern part of the City and would not put this vendor out of business, as he felt this type of service was good for kids. Council Member Perkins explained this was a cleanup situation suggested by a Judge. Mr. Vose explained the prior Ordinance distinguished between commercial speech and non - commercial speech and it was this distinguishment that caused a problem in the Judge's mind, which is why it has now been eliminated. Council Member Trejo inquired if there have been any fatalities reported involving ice cream trucks this year and was informed there were none staff was aware of. Mayor Winningham noted a fatality in Orange County within the last year that involved an ice cream vendor. Council Member Cartozian also expressed concern about selective enforcement but did not feel this was a case between one vendor and another but was a necessary provision to clarify language in the Ordinance. He pointed out it would also apply to loudspeakers and amplifiers for students who play music louder than the confines of their vehicles. Council Member McCarthy commended staff for using strikeouts and Italics to signify the changes made to the Ordinance. He requested staff comment on the relevancy to ice cream vendors who currently use amplification, asking if these businesses work under a conditional use permit or a variance. Council Minutes 4/24/01 -7- Chief Finch explained the present Ordinance has been in effect since the late 1950's and was previously untouched. He noted it is one of many uses for regulating endeavors that go into specifically residential areas where enforcement is requested through calls received from community members. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Trejo, and unanimously carried to adopt. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Moustafa El Sherif, 7613 Nada Street, expressed his concern and complaint about a condominium project next door to his home, with an unsightly trash container in view of his property. He mentioned attending Planning Commission meetings and working with Planning staff regarding this project on Stewart and Gray Road and requested the City's assistance in rectifying this matter by moving the trash container from its present location. He mentioned the residents were not notified of the change in location of the trash container and submitted photos showing how it is affecting surrounding residents. Mayor Winningham requested staff bring a report back to the Council on why this trash container was moved. John Bower, 11855 Susan Avenue, contested a parking violation he received on street sweeping day yesterday morning. He noted the "no parking sign" was posted halfway down the street and was not visible to him where he parked his vehicle. He mentioned speaking to the parking enforcement officer who issued the ticket and asked her where the sign was. She pointed down the block. He said you could not see the sign, as there are trees that block it from view. He felt it was a poorly marked street and did not feel he should have to pay the ticket. Mayor Winningham requested this situation be reviewed. Mr. Caton stated the City has an appeals process in place and he will have Chief Finch discuss this process with Mr. Bower. Carol Pearce, 9911 Casanes Avenue, Director of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, representing the Chamber of Commerce, thanked the Council for the City's help with the Chamber's Annual Street Faire coming up on May 5, 2001. OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members Council Member Perkins referred to Mr. Bower's comments and mentioned previously receiving two parking tickets in front of his home on street sweeping day. Council Member Perkins commented on attending a play at West Middle School and complimented the drama teacher and her students for doing a fine job on this production. Council Minutes 4/24/01 -8- 0 1 71 - Council Member Perkins mentioned attending a funeral at the Downey Cemetery for a close friend who was 105 years old and had received five letters of commendation from President Clinton on becoming a centurion. He complimented City staff for handling the burial arrangements. Council Member Trejo commended the Police Department for dispatching an officer to the corner of his street where he thought criminal activity was taking place. Council Member Trejo reminded the participating Council Members of the San Antonio Guild fashion show on May 5th. Council Member Trejo complimented the work being done on Downey Avenue. Council Member Cartozian also complimented the stage production of "Little Women" at West Middle School. Council Member Cartozian commented on the recent anniversaries of unfortunate historic events that have taken place in the United States and around the World: The Columbine shooting; the Oklahoma City bombing; the Holocaust; and the Armenian genocide. Council Member McCarthy acknowledged Harold Tseklenis, who was present in the audience and assisted the City's opposition to the proposed Nueva Azalea power plant in the City of South Gate. Council Member McCarthy mentioned attending the 40th Anniversary celebration for Temple Ner Tamid, who plays a strong role in the community, noting they recognized Henry Bear, a local attorney, as Man of the Year. Council Member McCarthy noted the old playground equipment has been removed at Golden Park to make room for new equipment. Mayor Winningham complimented Community Services' staff for installing a rustic wooden fence at Wilderness Park after removing overgrown landscaping along Florence Avenue between the bridge and the 605 Freeway. Kudos also to Public Works staff for doing a fine job. Mayor Winningham commented on attending the Downey City Library's volunteer recognition program Saturday, April 21st, where a group of approximately 400 volunteers, ranging in age from 10 to 90, had accumulated in excess of 40,000 hours of volunteer time. OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members Mr. Caton mentioned the Library has filled the vacant Children's Librarian position. Council Minutes 4/24/01 -9- ADJOURNMENT: 8:50 p.m. The meeting adjourned in memory of John Ferraro, longtime member of the City Council for the City of Los Angeles, and Lacy Lee Mayfield, father of Greg Mayfield, Water /Sanitation Superintendent, to 6:30 p.m., May 8, 2001, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. Jdith E. McDonnell, City Clerk Robert C. Winningham, Mayor H: ICCLERKISCONTE\MINVfESlccmn0424 Council Minutes 4/24/01 -10- 0I 77.Z,.