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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 05-08-01 - Regular MeetingThe City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:42 p.m., May 8, 2001, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Robert C. Winningham presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: PRESENTATIONS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MAY 8, 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 Bonnie Kehoe, Recreation Division Manager Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary Mayor Winningham presented to Chief Sauter, a Proclamation declaring Saturday, May 12, 2001, as Fire Service Recognition Day. Chief Sauter encouraged everyone to attend Fire Service Recognition Day at Station 1, noting it is a fun filled, information packed day Mayor Winningham presented to Isobel Frailey, a Proclamation declaring May 2001 as Older Americans Month and Wednesday, May 9, 2001, as Older Americans Recognition Day. Mayor Winningham presented to Kidsday Spokespersons, Janet Gabray and Christian Anguino, a Proclamation declaring Saturday, May 12, 2001, Kidsday 2001, at Furman Park. Ms. Gabray and Mr. Anguino commented on events that will take place during Kidsday, which consist of a penny carnival, environmental fair, petting zoo, food booths, and live music. Council Minutes 5/08/01 -1- 013775 018774 HEARINGS Mayor Winningham opened the public hearing on 2001 -2002 ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP GRANTS. 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. Mr. Velasco advised the City expects to receive allocations in the amount of $1.370 million in CDBG funds and $528,000 in HOME funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He narrated slides, pointing out the City also expects to receive another $469,000 in loans to be paid off (program income) and from monies carried over from projects in the works. He reviewed conditions and limits the City must meet in order to receive these funds and referred to the staff report, which lists categories and programs recommended. There was no correspondence received regarding this matter. Mayor Winningham asked if anyone wished to speak regarding the 2001 -2001 Action Plan. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, suggested the City become more involved with senior projects and consider a program that would serve as a day care for seniors where caretakers can drop them off for a few hours. He mentioned other cities who offer this service through churches and hospitals. Mayor Winningham advised the Downey Regional Medical Center (DRMC) is working on a similar program and is in the process of securing a site. They have funding available through a private foundation grant. Council Member Trejo pointed out the Hospital program is called the PACE program and will include overnight care. There being no one else to speak, it was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and so ordered to close the public hearing. Council Member McCarthy requested clarification of the terms low and moderate income used in the Housing and Neighborhood Improvement program and was informed standards are provided by the Federal Government where a household of four people with a gross income of $43,600 and under a year would be considered moderate income and low income would be 20 to 30 percent less. Council Member Cartozian inquired about the five Written Requests for Funding listed on Attachment A and was informed these facilities were the only ones who submitted requests. It was also noted Queue -Up Inc., a new request this year, did not receive funds, as the cap for public service programs had been reached and no additional funds were available. Council Minutes 5/08/01 -2- All l 77; It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and unanimously carried to approve the 2001 -2002 Action Plan and authorize the City Manager to submit the Action Plan, HUD form SF -424, and Grantee Certifications to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Agenda Items VI -F -1, TRACT MAP NO. 53325 — 11706, 11724 AND 11732 RIVES AVENUE, and VI -F -2, LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT A.D. 121, FISCAL YEAR 2001 -2002, were removed at the request of Mayor Winningham. CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Perkins, 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, APRIL 24, 2001: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 508: STREET REHABILITATION AND RESURFACING (STATE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (STH') AUGMENTATION FUND) (ACCOUNT NOS. 26 -16508 AND 26- 35438): Award a unit price contract, in the amount of $624,873 to Sully- Miller Contracting Company for the rehabilitation and resurfacing of various streets citywide; and appropriate AB 2928 transportation funds in the amount of $200,000 for the project: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 521, SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL: BROOKSHIRE AVENUE (ACCOUNT NO. 26- 16521): Approve plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 166019 — 166402; WIRE NUMBERS 30000118 -125; $2,834,712.73: Approve. LOAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: Approve Operative Agreement No. 28 whereby the City loans $200,000 to the Downey Community Development Commission: Approve. (Council Member McCarthy pointed out a correction to Operative Agreement No. 28, noting it should read Woodruff Project Area and not Firestone Project Area) APPEAL OF ZONE VARIANCE NO. 01-18 — A REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE FOR OVERSIZED FENCING FOR A TENNIS COURT IN THE REAR YARD SETBACK ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9856 DOWNEY SANFORD BRIDGE ROAD ZONED R1- 10,000 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) (APPLICANT: GUILLERMO PADILLA) (APPELLANT: MARGARET L. MARVIN): Set hearing for 7:30 p.m., May 22, 2001, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall: Approve. Council Minutes 5/08/01 -3- tiarSt ZONE CHANGE NO. 01-21 FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 8319, 8325 AND 8333 IOWA STREET (OWNER/APPLICANT: PRAMOD AND ANJU MULTANI): Set hearing to consider amending the City's comprehensive zoning map for the above properties from M -2 (General Manufacturing) to HM (Hospital - Medical Arts), for 7:30 p.m., May 22, 2001, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall: Approve. ORDINANCES ORDINANCE NO. 1100 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 A DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO THE SALE AND USE OF FIREWORKS Chief Sauter explained, as directed by the Council, he is presenting options and survey information on Fireworks Ordinances in other communities. He mentioned the Council's concern with regard to reported losses of revenue by the groups working the fireworks stands after the Downey Municipal Code amendments related to fireworks in the Spring of 1999. He reviewed the net revenues of the 18 stands, which shows the sales of fireworks to have increased by nearly nine percent. He also reviewed the four items requested for review: Hours of discharge; allowable days of sale; allowable hours of sale; and the number of stands allowed, and noted several options for each. He also reviewed fireworks enforcement, involving teams of Police and Fire staff working together, with the power to cite and occasionally fine people. The Fire Department also has confiscation power and picked up approximately 100 pounds of legal and illegal fireworks throughout the last 4th of July holiday period. He pointed out this enforcement cost the City over $6,300 in overtime pay. He mentioned before the 1999 Code change, fireworks were sold for 6 to 7 days, noting the reduction to four days of sales has resulted in a 9 percent rise in net revenues. He reviewed the history of holiday fires, stating most occur on the days prior to and after the 4th of July. He referred to a survey of cities allowing fireworks sales, cities banning sales, and cities that have fireworks shows. He noted the fireworks shows are very successful and are a great place for community groups to conduct fundraising projects. He responded to comments from the Council. Rick Ussery, 12236 Horley Avenue, Booster President for the Warren High School Marching Band Color Guard, advised they did not notice a drop in sales when the days were reduced from 6 to 4, noting sales actually went up a little. He felt the current hours are not a problem but opening earlier on the 4th of July would help to make extra sales. He noted his group depends on this money for operating expenses for the various functions conducted for youth and encouraged the Council to continue to support youth groups by continuing to allow the sale of fireworks. Council Member Perkins inquired as to how groups in other cities that do not have fireworks sales, raise funds for their youth activities. Mr. Ussery mentioned other fundraising activities his group conducts and noted donations are also received, but the majority of their budget is brought in from the fireworks stand. Council Minutes 5/08/01 -4- 6 7f l Tommy Thompson, 11108 Newville Avenue, past President and past District Governor of the Downey Lions Club, complimented the Chief on his outstanding presentation. He noted fireworks are essential to his organization, the proceeds from which they provide reading glasses for youth in the community. He also mentioned other projects they participate in, such as Flag Day, student speaker contests and sending youth to Wilderness Camp for the deaf He stated their sales were affected by the discontinuance of the Warren High School carnival and noted fireworks costs have also gone up. Dick Engles, 9518 Muller Street, founder of Downey Pop Warner Football, stated he was the original instigator of firework sales in the City and noted the various volunteer groups are raising funds for the City's youth by volunteering their time. He referred to the budget for Pop Warner Football, noting any reduction in funds causes cuts in their program. He also pointed out the cost of fireworks went up 10 percent last year. A. A. D'Alessandro, 9905 Pangborn Avenue, President of the Downey Optimist Club, referred to an article in the Downey Eagle regarding the activities of the Optimist Club. He advised the Optimist Club's fireworks sales have been reduced since the Sam's Club facility closed and they need the four additional hours of sales to increase their profits. Mike Prokop, 10444 Julius Avenue, stated the Downey Rose Float Association appreciates the concerns of the Council and Fire Department regarding fireworks but felt 99 percent of the problems arise from the illegal fireworks. He felt there was no way to keep illegal fireworks out of the City and that placing limitations on the hours of sales in Downey only causes people to purchase elsewhere. He noted the stands in other cities will prosper while Downey's stands will not. He suggested the Council extend the hours of sale; add Saturday, June 30th, this year; and consider the amount of revenue brought in by the fireworks stands to fund various activities in the City. Richard B. Pridham, 10402 Bellman Avenue, commended the civic and youth programs mentioned by the various civic organizations but felt ethics are involved and noted he must conduct his life in a way that makes him part of the answer and not part of the problem. He mentioned the damage estimate each year from fireworks related incidents and felt cities that have banned fireworks did so for good reasons. Kelly McGinty, with son Ryan and daughter Nicole, 11257 Cecilia Street, stated the 4th ofJuly was their favorite holiday next to Christmas. Mr. McGinty mentioned his involvement in Downey Youth Football and that group's fireworks stand and suggested the hours of fireworks sales be extended, with the addition of Saturday, June 30th, this year. Council Member McCarthy mentioned he had requested this issue be reviewed and complimented Chief Sauter for his presentation. He mentioned that complaints received after the 4th ofJuly are reviewed during a meeting held by the Police and Fire Departments, fireworks stand groups and the City Council where the future of fireworks is also discussed. He noted he would like to see the City's stands be competitive with surrounding cities and would like to see the hours expanded; the hours of activity shifted; and the number of stands to remain at eighteen. Council Minutes 5/08/01 -5- Council Member Cartozian read a letter from Yvonne Hanniwinkle( ?), Chairperson of the Downey High School Football Booster Club wherein she mentioned the club does not have a problem with the days and times currently set, as recent sales show they have done consistently better with fewer days and hours and she encouraged the Council to continue this fundraising event. Council Member Cartozian agreed with Council Member McCarthy on the extension of hours to allow the volunteer groups to prosper at this time but wanted them to keep in mind possible future considerations regarding the sale of fireworks as a whole. Council Member Trejo referred to the numbers mentioned in Chief Sauter's presentation, noting the fire loss during the last two years. He stated revenue has gone up and thought two additional hours of sale would have little effect. He felt the most impacted hours are around noontime. He supported Council Member McCarthy's notion to review the long -term use with the volunteer organizations that rely on these sales for most of their revenue. Council Member Perkins suggested considering a change to have one stand permit for every 5,950 residents and was in favor of leaving the number of days of sales as is. He felt most of the clubs have maintained a higher profit with less days and hours, noting the window of opportunity to extend hours of sales is on July 4th. He suggested opening the stands at 8:00 a.m. and closing them at 8:00 p.m. on July 4th. He advised the volunteer groups to prepare themselves for alternate fundraising plans, as future Councils may not share the views of the present Council. He suggested the City review reinstating the community fireworks program held at Warren High School and read a letter from one of his constituents opposing the sale of fireworks in the City and suggesting the reinstatement of the community fireworks program. Mayor Winningham mentioned his involvement with fireworks stands and noted most of the funds were raised in two days. He reviewed the reduction of days and other changes made to the Ordinance in 1999, which he felt did not impact sales. He felt the City needs to get to the point where it can reinstate the community fireworks show and ban fireworks sales. He suggested the Council direct the Police and Fire Departments to increase their efforts to cite people with illegal fireworks. He concurred with Council Member Perkins to open the stands at 8:00 a.m. and close them at 8:00 p.m. on the 4th of July only; keep the permits at 18 stands; and to change the allowable hours for discharging fireworks from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the 4th of July. Council Member McCarthy suggested the following changes to the Fireworks Ordinance: Change the hours of activity on July 4th to allow fireworks to be ignited from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; change the number of stands to one permit for every 5,950 residents, change the hours of sales each day to 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and suggested the Council chose the four days of sales, giving them the possibility to add a weekend day. He also noted this year would be an exception and suggested adding an additional day, Saturday, June 30th. Mr. Vose advised that changes must be incorporated into the Ordinance and suggested looking at each element separately in an attempt to obtain concurrence of the Council. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and unanimously carried to change Section 3342 of the Downey Municipal to permit one stand for every 5,950 residents. Council Minutes 5/08/01 -6- It was moved by Council Member McCarthy and seconded by Council Member Cartozian, to change the hours of discharge on the 4th of July from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (The motion was withdrawn after further discussion by the Council and staff) (see new motion below). It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Cartozian, and unanimously carried to amend Downey Municipal Code Section 3331, changing the hours of discharge of fireworks on the 4th of July from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy to amend Downey Municipal Code Section 3340, Subsection (h.2), to change the hours of sale for fireworks on all four days of sale to between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (The motion died for lack of a second) After further discussion by the Council, it was moved by Mayor Winningham, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to amend Downey Municipal Code Section 3340, Subsection (h.2) to change the hours of sales of fireworks to: 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. on days 1 and 2; 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on day 3; and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on day 4, July 4th. Prior to the vote, Mayor Winningham accepted comments from Mr. Engles and Mr. Prokop in the audience, where it was noted many years ago fireworks stands were open from 8:00 a.m. and suggested that the Council keep in mind the competitiveness with neighboring stands when considering extended hours of sales. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy to amend Downey Municipal Code Section 3340, Subsection (h.1) to allow the Council to set the four days of sales and to add Saturday, June 30th, as a fifth day of sale in the year 2001. (The motion died for lack of a second) 4137 After further discussion by the Council, it was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Cartozian, and carried by the following vote to amend Downey Municipal Code Section 3340, Subsection (h.1) to allow the sale of fireworks for four (4) days including the Fourth of July. The actual days will be set by the City Council. (See the reconsideration of Council Member Trejo's vote below and revote on Section 3340) AYES 3 Council Members: Trejo, McCarthy, Cartozian NOES 2 Council Members: Perkins, Winningham Mr. Vose advised that a motion and second are needed to introduce the Ordinance with language changes modifying the Code relating to Section 3331 regarding the discharge of fireworks from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.: Section 3340 regarding the hours of sale; Section 3340 regarding the days of sale to be set by the Council; and the modification to 3342 in terms of one stand per 5,950 residents. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Winningham, and carried by the following vote to introduce the Ordinance with the changes as noted. AYES 3 Council Members: Trejo, McCarthy, Cartozian NOES 2 Council Members: Perkins, Winningham Council Minutes 5/08/01 -7- 6337 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING CHAPTER 3, OF ARTICLE III, OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE REGULATION OF FIREWORKS The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Cartozian, and failed by the following vote to waive further reading. (Requires a unanimous vote.) AYES 4 Council Members: Trejo, McCarthy, Cartozian, Winningham NOES 1 Council Members: Perkins Mr. Vose requested a few minutes to review related Downey Municipal Code sections while the Council continued the meeting for Oral Communications. (See continuation of the fireworks issue after Oral Communications) ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE NO. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, asked that everyone be given the same time limit when speaking at Council Meetings, whether it is at a hearing or under Oral Communications; he also mentioned a problem resulting from a stop sign on Downey Avenue at Second Street, which he feels causes traffic to back up into Firestone Boulevard. Richard Pridham, 10402 Bellman Avenue, stated he felt the improvements to Downey Avenue were a step in the right direction. He also expressed concern about trash and leaves blowing into the storm drains that wash down toward the City of Long Beach and create a burden of disposal for that city. He suggested Downey become truly interested in regulating the amount of trash blown down the storm drains. He mentioned sending letters and pictures to the County Health Department and to City stall' of violations he has found. ORDINANCES (Cont.) issues. A DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO THE SALE AND USE OF FIREWORKS Council Member Trejo advised he would like to rescind his votes on one of the fireworks Mr. Vose inquired if Council Member Trejo was one of the affirmative votes and the response was yes. He advised that he could make a motion to reconsider. Council Minutes 5/08/01 -8- It was moved by Council Member Trejo, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and carried by the following vote to reconsider the vote on the amendment to Downey Municipal Code Section 3340, allowing the Council to set the four days of fireworks sales, which will include the 4th of July, and add Saturday, June 30th, as a fifth day of sale in the year 2001. AYES 4 Council Members: Trejo, Perkins, Cartozian, Winningham NOES 1 Council Members: McCarthy It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Cartozian, and failed by the following vote to amend Downey Municipal Code Section 3340, Subsection (h.1) to allow the Council to select the four days of fireworks sales, which will include the 4th of July. AYES 2 Council Members: McCarthy, Cartozian NOES 3 Council Members: Trejo, Perkins, Winningham It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Trejo, and carried by the following vote to leave the four days of fireworks sales, in Downey Municipal Code Section 3340, Subsection (h.1), as is, commencing on July 1st and ceasing on July 4th. AYES 4 Council Members: Trejo, Perkins, McCarthy, Winningham ABSTAIN 1 Council Members: Cartozian Mr. Vose advised the Council to reintroduce the Ordinance because there has been a substantial change to the Ordinance. The reintroduced Ordinance would include the language change to Section 3331, the sale from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; the change to Subparagraph (h), Section 3340, which is the four consecutive days but from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. on the 1st and 2nd, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the 3rd; and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on the 4th; and the change to Section 3342, which is one stand per 5,950 residents. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to reintroduce the Ordinance. Council Minutes 5/08/01 - ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING CHAPTER 3, OF ARTICLE III, OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE REGULATION OF FIREWORKS 0137,84 The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Trejo, and unanimously carried to waive further reading. :OAr,V RESOLUTIONS APPOINTMENT OF KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, CITY CLERK Mayor Winningham announced the City Council appointed a new City Clerk, Kathleen L. Midstokke, to replace Judith McDonnell, stating "no one can ever replace Ms. McDonnell," and advised Ms. Midstokke will come on board May 14th. RESOLUTION NO. 6475 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPOINTING KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM — APPROVE SUBMITTAL OF A PROJECT APPLICATION FOR AB 1475 FUNDING Mr. Alvarez explained this item will allow the City to move forward with an application for funding under the Safe Routes to School Program funded by the State and administered through Caltrans. Applications are made annually for funding to improve highways and streets around school zones. The City's application is for improvements along Gurley Avenue and De Palma Street, which will allow for construction of sidewalks and wheelchair ramps, installation of a flashing beacon at DePalma near Warren High School and installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Downey Avenue and DePalma Street. The application is for $130,000, with the total estimated project cost at $140,000. The city will match the grant funds with a 10 percent local match. He mentioned a similar grant awarded for Brookshire Avenue and hoped the City would be as successful with this application. Council Member McCarthy mentioned the intersection of DePalma Street and Gurley Avenue is in need of a traffic signal. He referred to the approval of the Safe Routes To School grant for Brookshire Avenue, inquiring if a crosswalk was included in the project, and the response was yes, there will be crosswalks at the flashing signals. Council Member Trejo advised that Warren High School students also utilize the street at the other side of the school to enter and exit and requested funding be sought for improvements to this street in the future. He was informed this area will be reviewed during next year's application process. Council Minutes 5/08/01 -10- RESOLUTION NO. 6476 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF THE "DE PALMA STREET SCHOOL ROUTE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM" APPLICATION FOR AB 1475 FUNDING The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval TRACT MAP NO. 53325 — 11706, 11724 AND 11732 RIVES AVENUE Mayor Winningham pointed out this is one of the first residential projects involving the Standard Urban Storm Water Mitigation Plan (SUSMP), which requires the retention of the first 3/4 of an inch of rain water from commercial, residential and industrial projects before it hits the storm drains. He referred to the design of the map, noting how the water is now channeled to the property lines and the natural swells incorporated to allow the water to drain down into catch basins with filtered screens. He advised that grading is very critical on the entire project. He felt this was a good program but will probably require a full -time staff person to overlook projects and perform onsite inspections to make sure the grading is adequate. Mr. Alvarez noted the water drainage system for this project was designed to have the water going between the property lines, with each lot splitting the water and rainfall retained on site. The rainfall from the new street to be built as part of the project will go into the catch basins off Rives Avenue. He noted the driveway will be concrete blocks with grass strips or rocks between to retain water instead of having a continuous concrete driveway where water would run off into the street. Council Minutes 5/08/01 -11- RESOLUTION NO. 6472 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT MAP NO. 53325 (11706, 11724, AND 11732 RIVES AVENUE), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT NO. 023798980 AS SURETY 013 The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT A.D. 121, FISCAL YEAR 2001 -2002 Mr. Alvarez explained this item sets the assessment for the street lighting and landscape district. He noted the significant number of street lights as well as traffic signals in the City, advising that the operation and maintenance are funded through assessments under the 1972 Street Lighting and Landscaping District Act. The City also assesses for maintenance of median landscaped areas in our streets. The City is broken down into 7 zones, with 6 for street lighting purposes and 1 for maintenance of landscaped areas. He reviewed the street lighting zones, noting the proposal being brought back at the hearing will be to set the new rates, stating the recent rate increases for energy iiitk and the anticipated rate increase in July will bring about an increase in assessments. He referred to Table 4 in the staff report, which outlines the increases in assessments, noting Zone III is at the maximum assessment, therefore approval from property owners will be required in the form of a vote. Mr. Vose advised the action requested tonight is necessary to go forward with the public hearing scheduled for June 12 and does not adopt the rates until after that hearing. Council Member McCarthy noted Zone VI also increased and inquired about what this zone covered. He was informed it covers lighting of public roadways adjacent to commercial properties and is restricted to Firestone Boulevard from Old River School Road to the West City limit. Mayor Winningham inquired if property tax increases are anticipated and was informed future property tax increases are anticipated, if the proposed rate increases are approved. RESOLUTION NO. 6473 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR ASSESSMENTS WITHIN LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT A.D. 121 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2001 -2002 RESOLUTION NO. 6474 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENTS WITHIN LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT A.D. 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 -2002 The Resolutions were read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt; and set the public hearing for 7:30 p.m., June 12, 2001, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members Council Member Cartozian recognized Older Americans Month and welcomed his father who was present in the audience. Council Member Cartozian mentioned attending the Downey Chamber of Commerce Street Faire, Saturday, May 5th, on Downey Avenue. Council Member Cartozian referred to the traffic congestion on Downey Avenue mentioned by a previous speaker and felt this would ease once people get used to changes in this area and utilize other streets. Council Member Cartozian commented on serving with other Council Members and staff last Saturday as a model in the fashion show put on by the San Antonio Guild, which benefits the Children's Hospital. Council Minutes 5/08/01 -12- Council Member Cartozian mentioned attending the Board of Directors Retreat for the Downey Regional Medical Center, which was a good opportunity for the City to have representation. Council Member Cartozian noted he will be attending the Fire Services Day and Kidsday events next Saturday. Council Member Cartozian commented on the electrical blackouts experienced in the City and encouraged everyone to conserve energy at all costs. Council Member McCarthy advised he also attended the workshop put on by the Board of Directors of the Downey Regional Medical Center and learned more about the opportunity to expand the Hospital's patient load with the addition of the Pioneer Medical Group. He conveyed the Hospital's appreciation to Public Works and Planning staff for their work in getting the Pioneer offices in and for putting together the new office building to be erected. Council Member McCarthy thanked everyone for their consideration on the fireworks issue and reiterated his desire to set up a meeting later this year with representatives from the public safety departments and the people operating the stands to develop ideas about what can be done in the future to help them raise revenue through alternate sources. He noted he is not a big fan of fireworks but is a big fan of the service clubs in the community. Council Member Perkins mentioned attending the National Day of Prayer event, which had excellent attendance. Council Member Perkins invited everyone to attend Kidsday at Furman Park next Saturday. Council Member Trejo thanked Bonnie Kehoe for extending an invitation to him and his family to attend the Kidsday Hall of Fame awards on Wednesday night. Council Member Trejo commended the Police Department on behalf of his wife, the Principal at Gallatin Elementary School, for their quick response to a vandalism incident at the school. Mayor Winningham mentioned the Daughters of the American Revolution Arbor Day event at Furman Park on April 27th, noting they have planted 51 trees since 1955 in honor of fallen members of their organization. Mayor Winningham noted his participation in the Cricket Bat -a -thon at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, and wished them well in their fundraising efforts. Mayor Winningham commented on attending the National Day of Prayer last Thursday, which had a very nice turnout. Mayor Winningham also mentioned attending the Street Faire last Saturday. Council Minutes 5/08/01 -13- 3,7.87 0137 Mayor Winningham complimented the appearance of Downey Avenue, which the business owners appreciate. He felt improvements passed recently for traffic signals would help to improve the traffic flow. Mayor Winningham noted another restaurant will be opening in the Downtown area. Mayor Winningham mentioned upcoming events: Nurses Day tomorrow, Kidsday Hall of Fame tomorrow night, and the YMCA Annual Golf Tournament next Monday. Mayor Winningham extended the Council's best wishes for a speedy recovery to Officer Maria Trevino. OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members City Clerk McDonnell expressed farewell comments to the Council and staff, noting it has been a pleasure to serve as City Clerk for the past 11 years. ADJOURNMENT: 10:32 p.m. The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., May 22, 2001, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk H: \CCLERK'SCONTE\M1NUf ES \CCMN0508 Council Minutes 5/08/01 -14- Robert C. Winningham, ayor