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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11-27-01 - Regular MeetingThe City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:40 p.m., November 27, 2001, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Robert C. Winningham presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: ALSO PRESENT: 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 Kathy Simmons, Integrated Waste Coordinator Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing Christina Vogel, Assistant to the City Manager Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS Kathy Simmons, Environmental Programs Manager for the City, explained the Used Oil Recycling program and presented winners of the Used Oil Recycling Calendar Award: Natalia Amador, Kelly Perales, Ileana Pineda, and Nathalie Ramirez, Old River School, Daniel Byun and Melissa Miranda, Maude Price School, Jose Cano and Sean Lee, Rio Hondo School, Alma Casco and Genesis Ordonez, Gauldin School, Julie Hofstra, Lewis School, Kristina Lopez, Unsworth School, and Francisco Samano, Carpenter School. Second place winner was Nathalie Ramirez; first place winner was Genesis Ordonez; and grand prize winner was Kelly Perales. She thanked Downey Unified School District for allowing the City to present this program to fifth grade students for the fourth year and thanked Kevin and Marianna Sales of KJ Services Environmental Consulting, who are having the calendar printed. She noted artwork from the 12 winners will be in the calendar, with the grand prizewinner's artwork on the cover. She recognized contest sponsors: All American Home Center, CalMet Services, Downey Ford Auto Center, Downey Regional Medical Center, Downey Symphonic Society, Embassy Suites Hotel, Frantone's Pizza and Spaghetti Villa, Import Car Service, Jiffy Lube, Kaiser Permanente, and Scher Tire /Goodyear Tire, and advised winning students will receive an engraved gold medallion, a Certificate of Achievement Council Minutes 11/27/01 -1- MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY NOVEMBER 27, 2001 Robert C. Winningham Mayor Meredith H. Perkins Mayor Pro Tem Rick Trejo Kirk O. Cartozian Keith McCarthy HEARINGS 013'301 from the City, a gift certificate to Frantone's Pizza, a gift certificate for a free oil change at Jiffy Lube, tickets for their family to attend a concert of the Downey Symphony Orchestra and a $70 gift certificate to Stonewood Center. First and second place winners will also receive CD players and the grand prizewinner will also receive a Game Boy Advanced and a one -night stay at the Embassy Suites Hotel. She introduced the Principals from the winning elementary schools in the audience. Mayor Winningham noted the presentation to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Recycler of the Year, will be brought back at a future meeting. Mayor Winningham read a Proclamation declaring the month of December 2001, Selective Service Registration Awareness Month. Mayor Winningham opened the public hearings on: PROPOSED DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT RELATED TO DELETING CERTAIN SUB -ZONES AND USES IN THE OS (OPEN SPACE) ZONE; AND 1. CERTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. 01-66) 2. ZONE CHANGE NO. 01-64, TO REZONE PROPERTY AT 12145 WOODRUFF AVENUE FROM M1 (LIGHT MANUFACTURING) AND PB (PARKING BUFFER) TO OS -RA (OPEN SPACE — RECREATIONAL AREA) 3. APPEAL, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 00 -06, TO CHANGE THE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM "OPEN SPACE" TO "NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL" 4. APPEAL, ZONE CHANGE NO. 00-07, TO CHANGE THE ZONING FROM M1 (LIGHT MANUFACTURING) AND PB (PARKING BUFFER) TO C1 (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL) 5. APPEAL, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 00-08, TO ESTABLISH A CHURCH FACILITY 6. APPEAL, ZONE VARIANCE NO. 01 -65, RELATED TO VARIABLE HEIGHT AND MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF A NEW STRUCTURE, all of which were continued from the Council Meeting of October 23, 2001. Mr. Vose advised he and staff have met with the applicants and current property owner to discuss available options, with the intent to preserve open space within the community and to be consistent with the recreational goals and policies adopted by the City in the past. The property was reviewed, based on the general plan designation, to see if there was some manner in which it could be utilized and brought into consistency with the recreational policies to allow for some type of public use. He noted it became obvious there were complications with a joint use agreement and utilization of the space by the public. He explained another option to allow the project to move forward with the necessary zone change and general plan amendment, which is an in -lieu payment of $300,000 to the City for recreational open space loss and reviewed ways to bring this about through the creation of a development agreement to protect the interests of both parties. He recommended the Council consider this option and, if approved, direct staff to bring the necessary actions back to the Council at its first meeting in January 2002. He suggested the hearing be continued after the public is allowed to speak. Council Minutes 11/27/01 -2- 01393 Ms. Midstokke noted there was no correspondence received regarding this matter other than the supplemental memorandum from the City Attorney dated November 27, 2001. Mayor Winningham asked if there was anyone present to speak in favor. Steve Sheldon, representing the applicant, 695 Towne Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 92626, stated the applicant is in agreement with the City Attorney's statement. Mayor Winningham asked if there was anyone present to speak in opposition, and there was no one to speak. There being no one else to speak, it was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to continue the public hearings to the first meeting in January 2002; for staff to move forward with direction for the Council on the option of accepting a $300,000 in -lieu payment for loss of recreational/open space area in connection with the approval for the rezoning of the subject property to "Neighborhood Commercial", approval of the General Plan Amendment from "Open Space" to "Commercial ", and approval of the Conditional Use Permit and Zone Variance for the subject property, as set forth in the City Attorney's memorandum dated November 27, 2001. Council Member Cartozian noted he would like to see this project brought together in a way that would develop other properties to maintain the same amount of open space the City has dedicated to maintain and was informed this would be part of the development agreement. Council Member McCarthy noted the inventory of open space will shrink by the size of this project and was informed it is hoped to pick up other open space. He mentioned he and the Mayor met with representatives of this project and appreciated their patience, flexibility and creativity in approaching this project. He felt this was the best outcome for this property, which has been owned by a group of Boeing employees. It has been listed as open space, which made it difficult to find projects that would work there. CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL Agenda Item VI -E -2, CONTINUATION AND EXPANSION OF CALCARD PROGRAM, was removed at the request of Council Member Perkins. Agenda Item VI -G -1, ZONE CHANGE NO. 01 -70 FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 7601 -7643, 7649, 7651 AND 7665 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD, was removed at the request of Council Member Cartozian. Agenda Item VI -E -1, AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR OPERATION OF THE CITY'S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM, DOWNEYLINK, was removed at the request of Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street. Council Minutes 11/27/01 -3- .013 16•L CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Winningham noted he was absent from the Meeting of November 13, 2001, but did review the Minutes and will be voting. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and unanimously carried to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, NOVEMBER 13, 2001: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 171495 — 171860; WIRE NUMBERS 30000233 -240, $2,196.609.55: Approve. FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENTS CITY - COUNTY COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT: Authorize the Mayor to execute a City- County Cooperative Agreement for various improvements on Firestone Boulevard: Approve. 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 -033 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 ORDINANCES: None RESOLUTIONS: None ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS FINALIZE WORDING FOR A BALLOT MEASURE REGARDING FIREWORKS AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS CALLING A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE CONSOLIDATED WITH THE PRIMARY ELECTION ON MARCH 5, 2002 Ms. Midstokke advised this item is related to the fireworks measure to be placed on the March 5, 2002, Primary Election Ballot, which was continued from the Council's prior consideration to place this measure on the November 2001 Ballot. She explained the measure was slightly revised based on Council's direction that the effective date should not be until Council Minutes 11/27/01 -4- ORDINANCE NO. 1110 ORDINANCE NO. 1111 01393 January 1, 2003, to allow one more 4th of July celebration in 2002, with the sale of safe and sane fireworks by the non - profit organizations. She noted the Council will need to decide who will write the written arguments in favor and against the measure. Mayor Winningham mentioned his concern with the title of the Fireworks Ordinance and inquired if the word "possession" should be included. Mr. Vose noted this issue was reviewed, stating his opinion that the issue of possession is outside the jurisdiction and is preempted by State law. The related Downey Municipal Code provisions talk about sale, use, and discharge, and except as specifically set forth, all other regulations or prohibitions with respect to fireworks are a State issue, as opposed to a local issue. He gave the example of someone buying fireworks in another jurisdiction and then driving through Downey, noting this would technically be a violation and would be inconsistent with State regulations. Mr. Caton advised that possession of non -safe and sane fireworks is not allowed and inquired if not having this wording would liberalize that regulation. Mr. Vose noted this regulation would stay intact, as it is a State regulation. Mayor Winningham inquired if the City has a choice in the alphabet letter designated to its Proposition. Ms. Midstokke advised if the City was having a stand -alone election, it would perhaps have that choice but stated in this case the City is consolidating with the County and will accept whatever letter is assigned. Mayor Winningham requested staff request Downey's Proposition does not include the letter "S," which he stated could be used for "safe or sane." Mr. Vose advised he would look into this request. Mayor Winningham asked if any Council Member wished his name added to the arguments in favor or against or the rebuttal and offered his own name for the argument in favor of banning fireworks. Council Member McCarthy advised he voted in opposition to placing this issue on the ballot and wished to present the argument against the measure. Mayor Winningham advised to add his name in favor and Council Member McCarthy's name against the argument for the Resolution in Agenda Item IX -A -3. Council Member Cartozian inquired if other Council Members can give the impartial analysis and was informed the City Attomey provides the impartial analysis. He then requested to join the argument in favor and be a signatory. Mr. Caton noted one issue is who will actually write the ballot argument and then comes the decision of who will actually sign it, which can be up to five individuals. Council Minutes 11/27/01 -5- 013184 favor. Council Member Cartozian advised he is willing to write the measure in favor. Council Member Trejo advised he would also like to be a signature for the argument in Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, referred to the issue of "possession," asking if it would be a violation if someone had fireworks but was not shooting them off and was informed it would not be a violation, as long as they were not shooting them off and they were safe and sane fireworks. RESOLUTION NO. 6522 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, MARCH 5, 2002, FOR THE SUBMISSION OF A PROPOSED MEASURE RELATING TO FIREWORKS The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Cartozian, and unanimously carved to waive further reading. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and carried by the following vote to adopt. AYES 4 Council Members: Trejo, Perkins, Cartozian, Winningham NOES 1 Council Members: McCarthy RESOLUTION NO. 6523 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON MARCH 5, 2002, WITH THE PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 10403 OF THE CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and unanimously carried to waive further reading. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and carried by the following vote to adopt. AYES 4 Council Members: Trejo, Perkins, Cartozian, Winningham NOES 1 Council Members: McCarthy Council Minutes 11/27/01 -6- RESOLUTION NO. 6524 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, SETTING PRIORITIES FOR FILING (A)WRITTEN ARGUMENT(S) FOR A PROPOSED MEASURE REGARDING FIREWORKS AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS 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; authorize Mayor Winningham and Council Members Cartozian and Trejo to write the argument in favor of the ballot measure; and Council Member McCarthy to write the argument against the ballot measure. RESOLUTION NO. 6525 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS FOR A PROPOSED MEASURE REGARDING FIREWORKS Ms. Midstokke advised this Resolution is optional but noted the City has traditionally allowed rebuttal arguments. She mentioned it does add a little expense to the ballot pamphlet but noted it is included in the estimated cost of $62,200. The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION MARCH 5, 2002, PROPOSED APPROPRIATION OF $62,200 FOR COSTS Ms. Midstokke noted putting the fireworks issue on the March 2002 Ballot brought the cost down significantly, $30,000 less, from the cost quoted by the County for the November 2001 Ballot. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, stated the law allows five people to sign an argument for an issue and since there are only three Council Members listed on the argument in favor, can there be two additional individuals, Mr. Vose advised the signatures are limited to the people mentioned in the vote and advised others can come on board if someone was not designated by the Council. He noted if the Council does not determine the author, there is another process by which people can come forward to write the arguments. Mr. Whittington inquired if this means the Council cannot have others sign as supporters and was informed this issue will be reviewed. Council Minutes 11/27/01 -7- 013985 0 1 3 '3 3 6 Mayor Winningham inquired if the Council could vote to add two members of the public at this time and was informed it was not necessary. Mr. Vose noted the law either limits it to the Council or allows the Council to add others. He noted he will look into it further. If the law allows, the Council will be able to add additional people if they wish to do so. It was moved by Council Member Trejo, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and carried by the following vote to authorize an appropriation in the amount of $62,200 to cover the estimated Special Election costs. AYES 4 Council Members: Trejo, Perkins, Cartozian, Winningham NOES 1 Council Members: McCarthy Council Member Cartozian noted he was happy to see the reduction in cost for the election and commended the City Clerk for her work in meeting the deadline to put this issue on the March 2002 ballot. Mayor Winningham acknowledged family members in the audience, wife Carol, daughter Amanda, son Scott and his friend Zoila. Council Member Cartozian recognized his students Jeannine, Auggie, Danny and Melanie in the audience. Ms. Midstokke recognized a journalism student from the University of Southern California (USC) who will be doing a report on tonight's meeting. She mentioned sharing agenda reports with him earlier today. Mayor Winningham acknowledged former Mayor Hazel Scotto in the audience. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Steve Hoffman, 8301 Florence Avenue, Suite 312, Downey, Chairman of the Street Faire Committee and Member of the Board of Directors of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, requested the Council look into allowing the Chamber to hold the Street Faire on Brookshire Avenue this year rather than Downey Avenue. He mentioned reasons for his request, noting changes to Downey Avenue have forced the Street Faire Committee to lose booths, 50 last year, and noted the configuration this year will cause the loss of an additional 41 booths and it will not be cost effective to hold the Street Faire. He requested the Council put this on the Agenda for consideration. He submitted a letter to the Council. Mayor Winningham also introduced, for the record, a letter delivered today from U. S. Bank regarding the Street Faire. Council Member McCarthy suggested the Downtown Subcommittee review this issue. Mayor Winningham referred this issue to staff to bring a report back at the next Council Meeting. Council Minutes 11/27/01 -8- Margaret Pashko, Public Affairs Manager for the Gas Company, 9240 East Firestone Boulevard, advised that gas bills will be a lot lower this winter. She reviewed the Gas Company's energy efficiency rebate programs and encouraged residents, businesses, and government facilities to take advantage. She noted information is available on the Gas Company's Web site, Socalgas.com, or through their toll free number (800) 427 -2000 and also noted the Gas Company performs energy audits and feasibility studies to provide targeted information for businesses. Mayor Winningham mentioned how proud the City is of the Energy Resource Center. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, mentioned the parent of a child attending Creative Beginnings Elementary School on Third Street contacted him to express their concern that there are no school zone signs in this area. He noted he discussed the issue with the City's Engineering Department and has just been advised that school zone signs will be installed. He questioned why there are two sets of lights on Downey Avenue, the old lights and the new lanterns, and was advised the smaller lanterns are pedestrian lights for the walkways until 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. and the overhead lamps are street lamps to provide illumination for traffic. He also referred to Patton Road and commended the Police Department for catching speeders in this area. He brought up the fact the Hospital was to install a crosswalk in this area with a light pedestrians could press to cross and stated it has not been installed to date. Mayor Winningham requested staff review the issue of the crosswalk on Patton Road to see if it was part of the development agreement and if so, when it was to be installed. He noted the new medical building is still under construction and suggested the City go ahead and stripe a crosswalk in the interim period. Richard B. Pridham, 10402 Bellman, commended the awards presentation for the Used Oil Recycling Calendar contest. He also commented on his effort during prior Councils to keep streetlights lit. He noted he counted 15 street lights out on his way to City Hall tonight on from the western portion of Woodruff Avenue in front of the Gas Company to Paramount Boulevard. He noted his prior effort revolved around a plan whereby lights could be policed at the City's convenience and felt this plan has fallen astray. OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR OPERATION OF THE CITY'S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM, DOWNEYLINK Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, inquired as to what organizations bids went out to for this proposal. Mr. Jarrett advised there is a list of five or six companies recognized in Southern California who provide this service and proposals will be sent to them. He noted a public notice is also published. He mentioned certain criteria must be met and the City will accept a proposal from any qualified proponent. Mayor Winningham mentioned the report specifies clean burning diesel only and was informed this is the industry standard right now and it has been the City's experience that clean Council Minutes 11/27/01 -9- 013387 013583 `. burning diesel is the most effective and efficient way to operate the system. The City would consider looking at other propulsion methods but felt diesel is the most cost effective. Council Member Cartozian commented he liked the idea of going out to bid to test the market, and is pretty satisfied with the current service. He inquired how often the City uses this process with other contracts. Mr. Jarrett advised there is no standard set for testing the market. He noted there are really not a lot of large operators in Southern California that provide this service and stated Laidlaw has provided a very satisfactory level of service. He advised there are new operators that have been successful and the City decided to give them the opportunity to submit a proposal to compete with Laidlaw. It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Council Member McCarthy and unanimously carried to authorize staff to solicit Requests for proposals for the operation of the City's public transportation system known as DowneyLINK. CONTINUATION AND EXPANSION OF CALCARD PROGRAM Council Member Perkins mentioned in July 2001 the City entered into the Calcard credit card program, which was initiated by Finance Director John Michicoff. He complimented Mr. Michicoff on an outstanding job of implementing this program and noted many of his accounts in private industry utilize the credit card system, which saves a great deal of money. He also mentioned he was pleased to see that verifications are performed by appropriate department managers. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Cartozian, and unanimously carried to approve the continuation and expansion of the purchasing card program, referred to as CalCard, to all City Departments. Council Member Trejo stated the report noted transactions had doubled and questioned the reason for this increase. Mr. Michicoff explained that between the months of April to June the program was in its infancy and many departments were not comfortable with how it was to be used. With familiarity with the program and the addition of three cards, the number of transactions increased. Council Member Cartozian noted he like the idea there are controls that transactions are within specific dollar limits. He inquired if there have been any problems associated with this program. Mr. Michicoff mentioned one problem occurred with the per purchase limitation, which is currently set at $500, and this purchase was $550. He advised the City now has one card authorized to exceed the $500 limit. Council Minutes 11/27/01 -10- OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members ORDINANCE NO. 1109 013983 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 Member Cartozian noted the C2 zoning allows for a wider range of tenants, which will help the applicant's business but hopes the applicant will find suitable commercial tenants. Council Member Trejo noted this property is located in his district and felt his constituents would advise him if there was a problem. It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Council Member McCarthy and unanimously carried to adopt. Council Member Trejo mentioned being involved in the countywide disaster drill for emergency preparedness, attended a meeting at the Hospital, and was involved in coordinating with the Fire Department on what types of plans would be implemented, if there were such a disaster. He was happy to see the Hospital, Downey Unified School District, and Fire Department involved. He noted our high schools were designated as centers for non - critical patients. He commended the Fire Department for doing a great job. Council Member Cartozian stated he was honored to be a part of the rededication ceremony for the downtown area on Downey Avenue. He felt great things are coming in this area as people find their way back to this once thriving location. Council Member Cartozian noted he, Council Members Trejo and McCarthy, and staff worked on the Redistricting Committee, noting it was interesting to serve on this committee. He felt the committee had reached a consensus to meet the requirements set forth for redistricting. Council Member Cartozian commended Mayor Winningham for his work on behalf of the City as its Mayor. Council Member McCarthy recognized the Executive Director of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, Joan Warner, and also the Chairman of the Chamber Holiday Lane Parade, Maria Larkin. Ms. Larkin advised this will be the Chamber's 50th Annual Parade and this year for the first time the 300 member Army Band will participate and Coca -Cola will have a float with Downey High School cheerleaders riding onboard. She urged everyone to attend and she applauded the City on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. Council Minutes 11/27/01 -11- Q 1" 9. Q Council Member McCarthy referred to and read three letters commending the Downey Police Department, one of which was from Deputy District Attorney Kathryn Philips commending Detective Dan Ponder for his dedication and professionalism during a case he worked on. Council Member McCarthy referred to the earlier presentation regarding the Used Oil Recycling contest and recited a quote he heard while at the Los Angeles Zoo many years ago, "the earth does not belong to us, we are borrowing it from our children." Mayor Winningham commented on the rededication of downtown Downey Avenue today, which he noted was initiated many years ago through the efforts of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Merchants Committee, and prior Council Members, such as Joyce Lawrence and Diane Boggs. He felt it was a positive project that turned out very well. Mayor Winningham mentioned the employee services awards will be held this week for employees who have served the City 20, 25 and 30 plus years. He stated it will be an honor to preside over this ceremony on Thursday evening. Mayor Winningham mentioned the Mr. Downey Pageant will be held this Saturday with about 20 contestants vying for the title. Mayor Winningham mentioned the 50th Anniversary of the Downey Chamber of Commerce Holiday Lane Parade, which will take place on Sunday. Mayor Winningham announced December 5th will be the Mayoral Transition Meeting. Mayor Winningham noted December 8th will be the grand opening of the St. Raymond's Parish, which underwent a great renovation. OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members Mr. Caton complimented Mayor Winningham by stating he has worked with at least 12 Mayors since coming to the City of Downey and has never had a more enjoyable year. He commended the effort Mayor Winningham has given to the City. Mr. Caton advised NASA signed the Interim Use Agreement on Monday, which means the entire NASA site is under the control of the City of Downey. He pointed out this signing was six years in the making and noted it allowed him to sign the City's first movie contract for the movie "Austin Powers III," which moved on -site on Monday. He commended the hard work of Mr. George and his staff and hoped the site will pick up momentum from hereon. The meeting recessed at 9:08 p.m. and reconvened at 11:30 p.m., with all Council Members present. Council Minutes 11/27/01 -12- ADJOURNMENT: 11:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned in memory of Dorothy Levin, co- founder of the Downey Museum of Art, to 6:00 p.m., December 5, 2001, for the Mayoral Transition Ceremony in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. 1/.6 // :►.� Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk H: \CCLERK\SCONTE\MINUTES \ccmn1127 Council Minutes 11/27/01 -13- c_ Robert C. Winningham, Mayor