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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11-13-01 - Regular Meetingfl]3` 0 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:45 p.m., November 13, 2001, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Pro Tem Meredith H. Perkins presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: PRESENTATIONS Council Minutes 11/13/01 -1- MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY NOVEMBER 13, 2001 Meredith H. Perkins Rick Trejo Kirk O. Cartozian Keith McCarthy Mayor Pro Tem Robert C. Winningham Mayor (excused) Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Charles Vose, City Attorney Kathleen Midstokke, City Clerk 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 William Davis, Business Development Manager Christina Vogel, Assistant to the City Manager Steven Yee, Economic Development Coordinator Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary Chief Sauter thanked the students present for participating in the inaugural Poster Contest for 2001 Fire Prevention Week and introduced Brenda Emrick, the Fire Department's Public Education Specialist, who initiated the program. He advised there were 480 participants, from kindergarten through fifth grade, who were allowed to utilize the art medium of their choice. He presented Certificates to contest judges, James Vallencia, Jason Chavez, Katie Vulner and Max Dino, Rio Hondo Community College students interested in becoming future firefighters. He introduced thel6 of the 19 finalists present, noting eleven elementary schools participated in the contest. Mayor Pro Tem Perkins thanked Brenda Emrick for implementing the poster contest, which was a big success. Gary Milliman, Southern California Director of the League of California Cities, described his job background and the services provided by the League of California Cities. He noted the. League is an organization of 476 cities in California and is a dues supported organization. He advised the Southern California office is located in Monrovia, with the main office in Sacramento. He supplied the Council with a package of information explaining the League's organization, how its policy development works, and what services it provides. He referred to the upcoming State budget and the concern about how cities will be affected by budget decisions made in Sacramento. He urged the City to be in contact with its State representatives before January to get their firm commitment that they will not further dip into City revenues to fund the State budget. He referred to the Fiscal Protection Initiative Measure targeted for the November 2002 Ballot that would provide Constitutional protection for property taxes, vehicle license fees, and other revenues. He also mentioned Assembly Constitutional Amend No. 4 (ACA4), which places on the March 2002 Ballot a Constitutional measure providing a guarantee of 20 percent of the sales tax on gasoline to cities for local streets and roads programs. He encouraged the Council to consider a public hearing or Agenda Item where staff could discuss the impacts to the City budget and also invited the Council and Management staff to participate in the Los Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities Meetings held on the first Thursday of every month in Montebello. Mayor Pro Tem Perkins thanked Mr. Milliman for his presentation and noted he has attended every League of California Cities Meeting since becoming a Council Member. He noted Mr. Milliman added leadership to the group after coming on board two years ago. Council Member McCarthy inquired who the author of ACA4 was and was informed the Senator who was most influential in making sure it was on the ballot was Senator Johanneson from Northern California. He asked if the bill initially had different text and was informed this was correct. He mentioned the City participates in more than 20 external organizations and one of the most critical is the League of California Cities. He urged citizens to contact their State legislators and the Governor on the need to secure funds. HEARINGS Mayor Pro Tem Perkins opened the public hearing on ZONE CHANGE NO. 01-70, FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 7601 -7643, 7649, 7651 AND 7665 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD. Ms. Midstokke affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and so ordered to receive and file. Mr. Yoshiki narrated a Power Point program, explaining this zone change request is a cleanup matter, in terms of land use policy, with the property at 7649 Firestone Boulevard initiating the application. He referred to a vicinity map depicting the subject properties and noted the City's General Plan indicates the land use policy for properties on the north side of Firestone Boulevard should be General Commercial. He advised the zoning pattern for this area has retained the neighborhood classification for a number of years and the cleanup matter is to take these neighborhood commercial areas and conform them to the General Plan policy. The zone change would make the entire area C2 (General Commercial). He advised that during the public hearing before the Planning Commission concerns were raised by residents about noise from the broader commercial opportunities available in this zone and about a possible bar -type or restaurant facility, due to limited parking. Staff indicated such a request would be handled in a hearing process and Council Minutes 11/13/01 -2- 013964 013'165 neighboring property owners would be notified. He responded to comments from the Council. Council Member Cartozian asked if any complaints were received from the homes to the north that face north on Second Street and abut this property and the response was no. He inquired what uses are allowed in the C2 zone and was informed it would be mid -size stores, such as Office Depot and Office Max, which are not allowed in the C 1 zone. He mentioned attending the Planning Commission meeting on October 3rd and noted there were residents in attendance that voiced concerns. There was no correspondence received regarding this matter. Mayor Pro Tem Perkins asked if anyone present, including the applicant wished to speak in favor of the zone change. Dominick Salomone, 1431 Mayflower Avenue, Arcadia, owner of the property at 7649 Firestone Boulevard, noted he applied to have the zone changed because he wanted to have a broader base for leasing his property. He noted the Cl and C2 zones are very similar but the C2 classification will double the types of businesses that can lease his property. Mayor Pro Tem Perkins asked if anyone present wished to speak in opposition and no one came forward. Council Member Cartozian noted the Planning Commission report states two people spoke in opposition. He mentioned Mr. Jerald Toogood, who is also an applicant, was listed and inquired if this was a mistake. Mr. Yoshiki advised that Mr. Toogood did have concerns about the C2 zoning possibly allowing adult type businesses and was opposed to the rezoning if this was the case. Council Member Cartozian inquired if Mr. Toogood is a lessee of the property and was informed he owns the two properties east of Mr. Salamone. He asked how Mr. Toogood stands on the zone change now and was informed he is in favor, with the exception of the concern he raised about adult businesses. It was noted this issue would be an area requirement and would require the public hearing process. There being no one else to speak, it was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Trejo, and so ordered to close the public hearing. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE ZONING MAP AND APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 01-70, CHANGING THE ZONE FOR 7601- 7643, 7649, 7651 AND 7665 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD FROM C1 (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL) TO C2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL), ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBERS 6249 - 028 -014, 015, 016 AND 017 Council Minutes 11/13/01 -3- ORDINANCE NO. The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Trejo, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading and introduce. Council Member Cartozian advised he looked at these properties and researched what types of businesses are allowed in the C2 zone. He noted properties to the north on Second Street to the far east by Rives Avenue are already zoned C2. He mentioned hearing a lot of noise from a tire facility in the area and referred to the noise rating on Page 9 of the report, which states this was less than significant, noting he felt it was more than significant. He pointed out staff did contact all residents within a certain radius and no one is in attendance to object to this noise issue. Mr. Yoshiki advised the Winston Tire facility has been there for a number of years with the C2 zoning and was permitted by right. Today this facility would require a conditional use permit through the public hearing process. During the public hearing process, staff is looking at a specific use and can evaluate the impact of that specific use. He noted requirements are in the Municipal Code for continuous noise and can be enforced. He pointed out pneumatic tools probably exceed the noise ratio and residents were advised to contact Code Enforcement to enforce any noise problems. Council Member Cartozian inquired if there have been complaints from residents on Second Street regarding any facilities on Firestone Boulevard and was advised concerns were raised about the animal hospital in this area and requirements were applied that all activities were to take place within the building. There were also conditions applied to address odors. It was noted violations of these requirements afford the City the opportunity to revisit the use for consideration of revoking the approval. Chief Finch pointed out most noise complaints are related to the bar next to El Taco, which has an entertainment permit. He noted this permit has been revoked in the past. Council Member McCarthy felt, with the frontage on Firestone Boulevard, this is a straightforward change and supported the zone change. Council Member Trejo mentioned changing from the C 1 to C2 zone changes the businesses allowed to larger retail facilities and supported the Ordinance to provide continuity of the development of Firestone Boulevard. He expressed confidence in the Planning Commission for making the right decision. Mayor Pro Tem Perkins felt this was the best use for this property along Firestone Boulevard and noted the buffer for residents from the alley in this area. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None HEARINGS (Cont.) Ms. Midstokke affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Trejo, and so ordered to receive and file. Council Minutes 11/13/01 -4- 013964 Mayor Pro Tem Perkins opened the public hearing on ZONE CHANGE NO. 01-70 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9215 HALL ROAD. 01390 7 Mr. Yoshiki advised this is also a cleanup item and narrated a Power Point program depicting the vicinity map of the property on Hall Road, east of Bellflower Boulevard, south of the railroad tracks. He noted the General Plan policy for this property, set into place in 1992, is residential, advising this is a triangular piece of property, with 700 feet of frontage on Hall Road. He stated the opposite side of Hall Road is a general manufacturing area. It is felt the 1992 policy was an incorrect land use policy and should be changed to reflect an industrial classification, which is the current zoning of this property. The property also has a subsequent zoning class, PB (Parking Buffer), which is a carryover from County activities to provide a major separation between intense activities and sensitive activities. In this case, industrial uses back up to residential uses and the parking buffer zone is a strip of land that backs up to the rear yards of the residential properties on Coldbrook Avenue. The applicants are requesting the parking buffer be maintained. The applicant proposes a 3,000 square foot office area and 55,000 square foot warehouse. Truck loading movements will be provided east of the building away from the residential areas, with normal visitor parking backing up to the residential area. He responded to comments from the Council. Council Member McCarthy inquired about the impact of the projected volume of truck traffic on Hall Road and was informed this was reviewed with Traffic Engineering, who indicated Hall Road did have the capacity to carry the anticipated truck volumes this facility would generate. Council Member Cartozian felt the facility is far enough east not to impact traffic and was informed the trucks would probably exit on Woodruff Avenue. There was no correspondence received regarding this matter. Mayor Pro Tem Perkins asked if there was anyone present, including the applicant, who wished to speak in favor of the zone change. Mark Russell of General Dynamics, 8787 Complex Drive, San Diego, CA, and Rick Olauson of Optimus Building Corporation, 5338 North Marina Pacifica Drive, Long Beach, CA, thanked staff for their presentation and thanked the Council for its consideration of this project. Council Member McCarthy inquired as to how many jobs will be leaving and how many will be available with the new uses. Mr. Olauson advised the property is currently a parking lot and the new use will bring new jobs to the City. He also noted the distribution center is limited in the amount of truck doors it can have. Mayor Pro Tem Perkins asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition to the zone change. There being no one else to speak, it was moved by Council Member Trejo, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and so ordered to close the bearing. Council Minutes 11/13/01 -5- ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE ZONING MAP AND APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 01-79, CHANGING THE ZONE FOR A PORTION OF PROPERTY AT 9215 HALL ROAD FROM PB (PARKING BUFFER) TO M2 (GENERAL MANUFACTURING), ASSESSOR PARCEL NO. 6284-013-003 The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Council Member Trejo, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading and introduce. The Council was in agreement this was a good use of this property and was in favor of the zone change. CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL: None CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Cartozian, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading of the Resolution and approve the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 16, 2001, SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2001, AND ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, OCTOBER 23, 2001: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 496 — BROOKSHIRE AVENUE /FIRESTONE BOULEVARD NORTH -SIDE LEFT -TURN SIGNAL (ACCOUNT NO. 26- 16496): Approve the final contract cost of $54,996.73 and accept the improvements and the maintenance responsibility for the traffic signal modifications: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. 628 — GAYMONT AVENUE /SUVA STREET DRAINAGE CULVERT REPLACEMENT (ACCOUNT NO. 72-13943): Award a lump sum contract, totaling $74,150 to Code Engineering, Inc. for replacement of the drainage culvert between Gaymont Avenue and Suva Street: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 170894 — 171494; WIRE NUMBERS 166, 30000217 -232; $4,135,886.20: Approve. Council Minutes 11/13/01 -6- RESOLUTION NO. 6520 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY PROVIDING FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CITIZEN'S OPTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS) PROGRAM, ESTABLISHING THE CITY'S SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE FUND ( SLESF), AND MAKING THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS WITHIN THE CITY'S SLESF 013'' 6 ORDINANCES ORDINANCE NO. 1108 (ADOPT) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS FOR OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD CASH CONTRACT NO. 620 — DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE PROJECT DOWNEY AVENUE — UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD TO FIFTH STREET (ACCOUNT NO. 26- 16600) Mr, Alvarez noted the Council approved a contract in September 2000 for improvements to and the beautification of Downey Avenue, which included narrowing the street, installing angled parking, beautification efforts in terms of bump -outs, landscaping, street trees, the installation of pedestrian lights, and street furniture. He advised work has been completed, it was a successful project, and serves as the catalyst for changes in this area. He noted, as a result of the completion of the project, the City was successful in obtaining a $500,000 grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's 2001 Call For Projects. He advised there were two change orders added to the contract for work in off -site areas: The installation of an irrigation system for the landscaping improvements on Paramount Boulevard, south of Imperial Highway; and the Firestone Boulevard/Old River School Road street widening on the southwest corner. The overall cost of the project, including the change orders and inspection services, contract administration, etc., was $1,470,000. Staff is recommending the Council accepts the project and introduces an Ordinance for the purposes of establishing angled parking on Downey Avenue as part of the project. Council Member Cartozian referred to Page 5 of the summary, ultimate bid items, such as raised planters and street furnishings, and inquired if this included trash receptacles and was informed it did. He noted downtown merchants were concerned about the number of trash receptacles and inquired if this was reviewed. Mr. Alvarez advised the ordering and delivery of the street furniture, which included the trash receptacles, took a longer period of time and they have only recently been placed in the area. Ms. Vogel advised that Mr. Alvarez's assessment is correct and pointed out the merchants were concemed that the trash receptacles did not arrive at the same time the improvements were completed. She felt they were satisfied with the number of trash receptacles in place now. Council Member McCarthy mentioned the grant application and requested a further comment from Mr. Alvarez on his previous comment that the project "delivered more than expected project value." Mr. Alvarez noted the project was completed with more pedestrian level lighting than originally bid and the total number of street trees was also increased, He felt these key items were an additional value, as well as items, such as the reworking of quite a bit of the downtown street lighting system to convert it from a 4KB to a 16KB system, which was not originally anticipated. Council Minutes 11/13/01 -7- Council Member McCarthy felt the street is overlit and is very bright in the evening. He suggested staff revisit the lighting in this area. He also mentioned he previously brought up the issue of the crosswalks at the intersections of LA Reina Avenue/Firestone Boulevard and Downey Avenue /Firestone Boulevard getting stamped concrete on the eight crosswalks and was informed this is being reviewed by staff but is not ready to be brought to the Council yet. Council Member Trejo stated he has heard good positive things about developments on Downey Avenue and felt it is a beautiful project. Mayor Pro Tem Perkins commended and thanked staff for their negotiations during this project to reduce the costs. He also mentioned the strategy of partnering with the contractors, which also helped drive down costs. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING PART 10, OF CHAPTER 1, OF. ARTICLE III, OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ANGLE PARKING The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Trejo, seconded by Council Member McCarthy and unanimously carried (4 -0) to accept the improvements and the maintenance responsibility for the downtown streetscape improvements constructed on Downey Avenue from the Union Pacific Railroad crossing to Fifth Street under Cash Contract No. 620; and to waive further reading and introduce the Ordinance. RESOLUTIONS: None ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Council Minutes 11/13/01 -8- ORDINANCE NO. "KNOW YOUR CITY" FORUMS SPONSORED BY THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS Ms. Midstokke noted a revised letter was received from the League of Women Voters confirming the changed dates of January 12 and February 2, 2002. Ms. Vogel commented staff recommends the Council direct staff to assist the League of Women Voters in the planning of the "Know Your City" forums and to approve the dates of January 12 and February 2, 2002. She pointed out representatives of the League attended the October 23, 2001, Council Meeting and explained the purpose of the forums, which is to educate the community, inspire future leaders, and engage people in civic involvement. She noted the City would assist the League by offering a location and assisting with the planning of the two programs. Council Member Cartozian inquired if they will both be held at City Hall and was informed staff is proposing they be held at the Barbara Riley Community Center in the Diane Boggs Auditorium. She noted Ms. Ruth White and Ms. Hazel Scotto of the League are in attendance to answer questions. 013986 013971 Ms. Scotto advised the League discussed the forums with Downey Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Sussman, and Trustee, Margo Hoeffer, which is why there was a change in the dates. She noted the School District showed a lot of enthusiasm and had ideas on who they would inform and involve. She stated the League is looking forward to the events and felt they will be helpful to the community. Council Member Cartozian referred to Ms. Scotto's previous comment that he might be able to assist in generating the cooperation of high school students and he suggested they meet to discuss this. He was informed, if the forums are approved by the Council, the League will contact the School District tomorrow and will schedule a meeting to discuss this point. Mayor Pro Tem Perkins requested the forums continue to be coordinated through Ms. Vogel, Assistant to the City Manger, to which Ms. Scotto agreed. Council Member McCarthy commended the League of Women Voters for bringing this forward. Mayor Pro Tem Perkins mentioned he will have the opportunity soon to serve the City in the capacity of Mayor and noted one of the things the City will attempt to accomplish in the coming year is education, not only to educate citizens but also the people who serve our citizens in City Hall. He stated he appreciated the League's efforts in getting this education process underway. Council Member Trejo inquired what age group the League is focusing on. Ms. Scotto advised the League will focus on high school seniors but will discuss this point further with the School District. The League is suggesting the students form panels, with the League supplying materials. It is hoped that a lot of information will go out and those involved will have a good understanding about what a City is all about. She noted her years of working with government have taught her that the general public needs to know more about their City. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Cartozian, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to direct staff to assist the League of Women Voters in the planning of the "Know Your City" forums and approve the proposed dates, January 12 and February 2, 2002. Council Member Cartozian applauded the League of Women Voters as tremendous volunteers for the City. He noted he attempts to get his students involved with understanding City Government in the classroom and by touring City Hall and felt this opportunity should be available to all residents. Council Member McCarthy noted it is admirable and a challenge to take an abstract mental process and make it tangible so people will understand it better and enjoy it more. Council Member Trejo stated he wished this type of program had been available when he was attending high school and supports the Forums. Council Minutes 11/13/01 -9- ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT AND MITIGATION PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION — PARAMOUNT GATEWAY STREETSCAPE PROJECT Mr. Alvarez explained this is another opportunity to obtain funds for beautification projects in the City. He noted the legislature appropriates approximately $10 million a year of gas tax monies for environmental projects to enhance transportation facilities and specifically projects where green space is utilized to beautify highways. Grants are limited to $250,000 and staff has prepared an application in the amount of $250,000 for the installation of a raised median along Paramount Boulevard north of Imperial Highway. He advised the City was recently awarded approximately half a million dollars for the installation of raised medians south of Imperial Highway on Paramount Boulevard from Imperial Highway to Gardendale Street, which is part of the effort to beautify that stretch of Paramount Boulevard. Council Member McCarthy noted this application will be reviewed and processed and may run into the next budget year. He inquired if the $42,000 will be a line item in the next budget and was informed this was correct. He applauded the improvements on Paramount Boulevard to date and supported the additional project. Council Member Trejo noted he would also like to see the beautification of other streets, such as Florence Avenue. RESOLUTION NO. 6521 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT AND MITIGATION PROGRAM UNDER THE SECTION 164.56 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAY CODE FOR THE PARAMOUNT GATEWAY STREETSCAPE PROJECT The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Trejo and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading and adopt, as amended, to include the name of the project; and authorize the City Manager to execute any agreements and requests for payment. Council Member Trejo commended Mr. Alvarez for the work he has done on this application. Mayor Pro Tem Perkins stated he was in favor of this project. He noted there are only two streets that run all the way through the City, Lakewood Boulevard and Paramount Boulevard, and the new vision is that the entire stretch of Paramount Boulevard from Gardendale Street past Florence Avenue to the I -5 Freeway have a median. He stated he hoped future Councils will share this vision. OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval: None OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members Council Minutes 11/13/01 -10- II� ,J,J ;- Council Member McCarthy mentioned the Lakewood Boulevard median, immediately south of Imperial Highway, needs some maintenance attention. 013 373 Council Member McCarthy requested a staff report for Council's review and consideration at an upcoming Council Meeting regarding, Assembly Constitutional Amendment No. 4, which will be on the March 2002 Ballot. Council Member McCarthy referred to an article in the Los Angeles Times newspaper Real Estate Section that mentioned property values and the benefits of purchasing in Downey. Council Member Cartozian noted he enjoyed the Employee Service Awards Luncheon at the Rio Hondo Country Club, which paid recognition to City employees. Council Member Cartozian also noted attending the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Luncheon, where the Rio Hondo Country Club was recognized as business of the year. Council Member Cartozian mentioned meeting with the State Assembly Member Marco Antonio Firebaugh for the newly created 50th District, which will include the southern portion of Downey, south of Stewart and Gray Road, west of Downey Avenue. He mentioned he discussed the concerns of Downey and the fact the City will require an open ear in that Assembly District. Council Member Cartozian mentioned attending the Annual Youth Fishing Event at Wilderness Park, which is a worthwhile event, and recalled attending as a child. Council Member Cartozian stated he hoped everyone paid recognition to the veterans who served their country on Veterans' Day yesterday. Council Member Cartozian wished Mayor Pro Tem Perkins a very Happy Birthday. Council Member Trejo announced the Hospital is going through a countywide training drill for bio- terrorism, which will be conducted Thursday. He advised he sits in on these drills, which have previously been conducted in preparation for earthquake disasters, but since the threat of bio - terrorism, this type of drill has been conducted. He noted the Hospital has been doing everything it can to prepare for such an event and noted the Fire and Police Departments will also be involved. He explained scenarios utilized for conducting these drills. Council Member Trejo congratulated both the Downey High and Warren High football teams, who made it to the playoffs this year. Mayor Pro Tem Perkins thanked Carol Rowland and the Keep Downey Beautiful Committee for the outstanding job they are doing in keeping Downey beautiful. He mentioned a recent cleanup event on November 3rd where over 250 people participated. Mayor Pro Tem Perkins congratulated the United States Marine Corps on their 225th Birthday. Council Minutes 11/13/01 -11- OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members Mr. Caton commented on meetings with the County over the last ten years regarding flood control and mentioned attending a meeting yesterday with the County and seven surrounding cities on this issue. He advised he anticipates the flood control project will be wrapped up by the end of December and by the end of January 2002 the remainder of Downey citizens will be taken out of the flood plain. He thanked Congressman Steven Horn for his assistance with a glitch with one bridge jointly owned by the ports, which was a small part of the project but was very important in that it be retrofitted. Mr. Caton announced that last week City employees were trained on bio- terrorism. Representatives were invited from other organizations and three hospitals were also present. He noted the City would be participating in the countywide drill on Thursday, where various scenarios will be played out. He stated the City is prepared as well as it can be prepared. Mr. Caton commended Public Works Director Desi Alvarez for the outstanding work he does for the City. The meeting recessed at 9:25 p.m. and reconvened at 9:45 p.m., with Council Members Trejo, McCarthy, Cartozian and Perkins present; Mayor Winningham absent. ADJOURNMENT: 9:45 p.m. The meeting adjourned in memory of Larry Hoag, longtime Downey resident and local realtor, to 6:30 p.m., November 27, 2001, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. /14(vaill,n Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk Meredith H. Perkins, Mayor Pro Tem H: \CCLERK \SCONTE\MINUTES ccmn1113 Council Minutes 11/13/01 -12- 013374