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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 12-11-01 - Regular Meetingui3398 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:39 p.m., December 11, 2001, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Meredith H. Perkins presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Meredith H. Perkins Mayor Rick Trejo Mayor Pro Tem Kirk O. Cartozian Keith McCarthy Robert C. Winningham PRESENTATIONS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECEMBER 11, 2001 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 Jason Mikaelian, Associate Planner Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing Christina Vogel, Assistant to the City Manager Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary Mayor Perkins presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Coach Mario Salazar and Assistant Coach Bob McFall (sp. ?) of the Downey American Youth Soccer Organization, Boys under 14 Division; in recognition of the team's Second Place Finish at the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) 2001 National Games in Westpoint, New York. Each team member introduced himself. Coach Salazar stated the boys are his vitamins and medicine and thanked them for allowing him to be their coach. He also acknowledged additional people who assisted the team. Mayor Pro Tem Trejo presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Coach Gabriel Leyva of the Downey American Youth Soccer Organization's (AYSO), Girls under 12 Division, for the team's Championship Finish at the 2001 National Games in Westpoint, New York. He introduced Assistant Coach Wynn Powell and Trainer Jaime Castilla. Each team member introduced herself. Council Minutes 12/11/01 -1- Coach Leyva thanked Bob Johnson, Commissioner of AYSO, for the opportunity to coach the girls and thanked Wynn Powell for his help in organizing fundraisers to help team members and their families travel to New York. He stated the girls enjoyed the Championships and made their parents and their City proud. He thanked Mayor Pro Tem Trejo for the Certificate of Appreciation and thanked his wife for her support. Mayor Perkins acknowledged newly elected Downey School Board Trustee, William Gutierrez, and his wife, who were in the audience. HEARINGS Mayor Perkins opened the public hearing for CONSIDERATION OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 01 -87 TO UPDATE THE HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S GENERAL PLAN, IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE OF CALIFORNIA REQUIREMENTS. • 01 3999 Ms. Midstokke affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Trejo, and unanimously carried to receive and file. Ms. Midstokke advised she distributed Figure 4 -1, a missing page from the 2000 -2005 City of Downey Housing Element bound report, noting it was also added to the public packet. Mr. Yoshiki explained staff has been working with the State Housing and Community Development Department since the early 1990's to bring the City's General Plan into compliance with State requirements. He advised the State has now approved the City's draft Housing Element and narrated a Power Point program explaining the Housing Element and State Fair Housing Act. He noted cities must provide five -year strategy plans and referred to legislation to encourage cities to accomplish the State's housing goals, which also provide that sanctions could be imposed if a city does not have a Certified Housing Element. He noted outside funding is more readily available to __. cities with a Certified Housing Element. He advised staff contracted with Cotton Bridges and Associates in December 2000 to assist with the preparation of the Housing Element. Draft documents were submitted to Housing and Community Development for review and were brought before the Planning Commission on November 20, 2001, where the Commission adopted Resolution 2170, recommending adoption of the Housing Element. A letter was received from the State Department of Housing and Community Development dated November 29, 2001, indicating the draft housing element was in full compliance with the State's review. He recommended the Council adopt the General Plan Housing Element after which staff will secure a certification statement from Housing and Community Development indicating the City's full compliance. He gave credit to Cotton Bridges and Associates and Planning staff member, Jason Mikaelian, for their work in putting the document together. He responded to comments from the Council. Council Member McCarthy referred to data in the charts and graphs on Pages 2 -2, 2 -3, 2 -6 and 2 -12, of the Housing Element, suggesting staff review the numbers for consistency, to which they agreed. He also noted he was happy with Goal 4 on Page 3 of the staff report, minimizing government constraints, and felt this was admirable. Council Minutes 12/11/01 -2- Council Member Winningham inquired about what has been added to the 2000 -2005 housing goals and was informed many of the goals were a continuance of the General Plan adopted in 1992. He was referred to Table 5 -2, on Page 5 -3, where old goals and accomplishments were discussed, and to Page 5 -19, Chart 5 -3, which discusses new goals for this plan. Council Member Winningham commended the report and Mr. Mikaelian, stating the City is proud of the Heritage Court Senior Housing Project and will be able to conduct other projects like it through the certification of the Housing Element. Mayor Perkins asked if anyone wished to speak in favor of or in opposition to the proposed General Plan Amendment. There being no one to speak, it was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and so ordered to close the public hearing. RESOLUTION NO. 6526 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE REVISED HOUSING ELEMENT TO THE CITY'S GENERAL PLAN 2020 AS COMPLIANT WITH STATE LAW; AND THE ADOPTION OF THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION AS SATISFYING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Council Member Trejo, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL Agenda Item VI -E -6, ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT INITIATION NO. 01-75, was removed by James H. Mitch, Civil Engineer, representing the owner of the project, Mr. Mohammed Pornamdari. Agenda Item VI -E -3, AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY RELATED TO OPERATION OF THE SWIMMING POOL AT DOWNEY HIGH SCHOOL, was removed at the request of Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street. Agenda Items VI -E -1, AMENDMENT TO LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND RUSSELL D. MILLER FOR THE OPERATION OF THE INDEPENDENCE PARK TENNIS CENTER, and VI -E -5, BUDGET APPROPRIATION OF CDBG FUNDS, were removed at the request of Council Member Cartozian. Council Minutes 12/11/01 -3- CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Winningham noted he would abstain from voting on Agenda Item VI -F -3, PARCEL MAP NO. 25994, 8362 AND 8368 LEXINGTON ROAD, due to a possible conflict of interest related to the proximity of the subject property to property he owns. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Cartozian, and unanimously carried, with the abstention as noted by Council Member Winningham, to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: SPECIAL MEETING, NOVEMBER 20, 2001, AND ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, NOVEMBER 27, 2001: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 510/526/527 CITYWIDE STREET RESURFACING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT: Authorize the Mayor to execute the attached Professional Services Agreement with Kabbara Engineering for Preliminary Engineering work: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. 629 BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (ACCOUNT NOS. 40 -16532 AND 72- 13003): Authorize the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Lee and Ro, Inc., in the amount of $268,864 for the design of the Bellflower Boulevard Improvement Project; and appropriate funds in the amount of $80,682 from the Sewer Fund: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 171861 — 172113; WIRE NUMBERS 30000241 -248; $1,447,174.44: Approve. RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH BURKE, WILLIAMS AND SORENSEN FOR PROSECUTOR SERVICES: Approve. Council Minutes 12/11 /01 -4- RESOLUTION NO. 6527 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPLICANT TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE PER CAPITA GRANT PROGRAM UNDER THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2000 RESOLUTION NO. 6528 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPLICANT TO APPLY FOR THE ROBERTI- Z'BERG- HARRIS URBAN OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PROGRAM UNDER THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2000 014001. 0 14 0 11 ,' Council Minutes 12/11/01 -5- RESOLUTION NO. 6529 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF PARCEL MAP NO. 25994 (8362 AND 8368 LEXINGTON ROAD), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A REFUNDABLE CASH DEPOSIT AS SURETY RESOLUTION NO. 6530 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF PARCEL MAP NO. 26309 (8319, 8325 AND 8333 IOWA STREET), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A REFUNDABLE CASH DEPOSIT AS SURETY RESOLUTION NO. 6531 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR A GROUNDWATER STORAGE CONSTRUCTION GRANT PURSUANT TO THE SAFE DRINKING WATER, CLEAN WATER, WATERSHED PROTECTION AND FLOOD PROTECTION ACT (PROPOSITION 13, WATER CODE DIVISION 26) ORDINANCES: None RESOLUTIONS: None ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS LOCATION FOR 2002 DOWNEY STREET FAIRE Ms. Vogel advised staff is requesting the Council consider the use of Brookshire Avenue, between Firestone Boulevard and Civic Center Drive, for the 2002 Chamber of Commerce Street Faire and direct staff to work with the Chamber on the Faire application and plans for use of the streets. She explained issues that surfaced regarding use of Downey Avenue since the recent completion of the downtown beautification project. At a recent meeting, staff suggested the Street Faire Committee consider placing booths back -to -back along Downey Avenue to open up sidewalks and increase pedestrian use and visibility of businesses in the area. The Street Faire Committee brought to light a number of problems they felt would result by remaining on Downey Avenue. They stated the completion of improvements narrowed the roadway, which would reduce the number of booths that could be placed on the street. They also felt back -to -back booths would create logistical problems for getting vendors in and out of the area. Staff suggested Brookshire Avenue as an alternative and the Street Faire Committee requested the matter be placed on the Council Agenda for consideration. She referred to a letter in the staff report from U. S. Bank, stating they preferred the faire be held on a different street. Council Member McCarthy mentioned concern with access to the High School and pool facility and inquired if Downey Unified School District had been contacted. Ms. Vogel advised the School District was contacted and referred to a letter in the staff report, which indicates the Street Faire Committee spoke with School Superintendent Dr. Ed Sussman about scheduled activities at Downey High School and was informed there will not be any. She noted there will be access to the parking lot at the high school but was not sure about the parking at the pool facility. Council Member McCarthy suggested staff contact the Downey Dolphin Swim Team to confirm the faire will not interfere with their scheduled events. He also inquired if Third Street had been considered, and was informed it was used last year to add additional booths and could be considered, but it is not as wide or long as Brookshire Avenue. Council Member Winningham asked Chief Finch about egress for the Police Department and was informed the Police Department feels it is workable and will work with the Street Faire Committee. He noted traffic from the High School will have to egress onto Patton Road, which may cause traffic problems. David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, felt the faire booths could still fit on Downey Avenue and thought the Street Faire may not be as successful on Brookshire Avenue, as it attracted people to the downtown area. Mayor Perkins advised the number of booths was reduced at this year's Street Faire and would be reduced even more if the faire is held on Downey Avenue next year, which will affect the Chamber's profits from the faire. He stated it is hoped moving the faire to Brookshire Avenue will have no bearing on its success. Council Member Winningham pointed out the configuration of back -to -back booths and the new configuration of Downey Avenue resulted in a loss of 91 booths over a two -year period. He also mentioned correspondence received from businesses on Downey Avenue who shut their business down due to the Street Faire. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, referred to the letter previously mentioned from U. S. Bank and felt holding the faire on Brookshire Avenue will not solve the problem, as he felt people will still park downtown in the Bank's parking lot. He suggested staff and the Chamber consider the possibility of holding the Faire east and west on Second and Third Streets, coming all the way down on Third Street to the Civic Center, with booths around the circle. Steve Hoffman, Chairman of the Street Faire Committee, 8301 Florence Avenue, Suite 312, advised there will not be a problem with the Downey Dolphins or the School District and the entire area mentioned on Brookshire Avenue should be available. He noted the loss of the booths is very important but access in and out, with the current configuration, is almost impossible, making setup and takedown very difficult. He noted the Street Faire Committee feels the width of Brookshire Avenue will afford greater access and will allow more booths. Council Minutes 12/11/01 -6- 014003 Council Member Winningham suggested staff consider posting 30 minute parking restrictions on Downey Avenue during the day of the Street Faire to assist the businesses in that area. Council Member Cartozian mentioned meeting with School Superintendent Ed Sussman regarding events planned at Downey High School during that time period and pointed out there is a swap meet at the High School every Saturday when possible, which brings in about $2,500 to $3,500 of revenue to group or groups who share the event. He also noted testing scheduled at the site will be moved to Warren High School. Joan Warner, Executive Director of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, 11131 Brookshire Avenue, commented on streets considered by the Street Faire Committee and stated Brookshire Avenue was selected because six businesses on Downey Avenue did not want the back of the booths to their businesses, which would make setting up and taking down a nightmare. She stated she has not discussed the issue of compensation with Dr. Sussman but, if needed, stated the Chamber will find a sponsor. Ms. Warner advised the High School parking lot will probably be utilized for the kid's zone and will be a contained area, not for parking, as they do not want people spilling out onto Firestone Boulevard. She noted people can park all around and walk over to the faire. Council Member Winningham asked if the parking restrictions mentioned on Downey Avenue will be a problem. Ms. Warner stated not at all, if they can use Third Street. She noted there are many things to be considered, such as the number of spaces, which was 205 before the reconfiguration of the street, and need to figure out where the food courts and stages will be, which it is felt it would be best to hold the Faire on Brookshire Avenue. Council Member Winningham requested staff take into consideration that Civic Center Drive cannot be blocked for P.D. access to the west and cannot be a pedestrian thoroughfare. He noted between City Hall and the Library would be the passageway from downtown structure parking lots to the faire. He also pointed out the impact to the Embassy Suites and Library and suggested consideration be given to blocking out some parking. Mayor Perkins also suggested not having loud music near the Library, if possible. Chuck Anna, 8237 Birchcrest Road, mentioned the City just purchased 168 acres of land with parking and suggested holding the Street Faire at that location (former Boeing site). Michael Laky, 8933 Gardendale Street, inquired if the Chamber is willing to give the Downey High School club that would utilize the area on that Saturday, the privilege to charge for parking on that day. He advised he is a member of the Thespian Society and stated the swapmeet is a big moneymaker for the Downey High School clubs. Council Member Cartozian felt this would go in hand with any compensation plan worked out by the Chamber. Council Minutes 12/11/01 -7- It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Cartozian, and unanimously carried to consider the use of Brookshire Avenue, between Firestone Boulevard and Civic Center Drive, for the 2002 street faire, and direct staff to work with the Downey Chamber of Commerce on a faire application and plans for Brookshire Avenue. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and read a poem entitled "Take Time." Harold Tseklenis, mentioned the new Greek Church being built on Downey Avenue, stating it may turn out to be the architectural jewel of the community. OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval AMENDMENT TO LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND RUSSELL D. MILLER FOR THE OPERATION OF THE INDEPENDENCE PARK TENNIS CENTER Council Member Cartozian stated he liked the idea of a month -to -month agreement with Rusty Miller and wondered why this direction was chosen. Mr. Jarrett advised the City will be evaluating the operation of the center, as it relates to changes that will occur there over the next few months with the development of the new skate park. He felt the role and responsibility of tennis pros are changing and wants to make sure the best and most qualified person fills this position when the new facility is opened. He noted staff will come back to the Council for authorization to advertise for bids to select a new operator sometime in the spring. Council Member Cartozian commended the job by staff. It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Council Member Trejo, and unanimously carried to approve the Amendment to License Agreement between the City of Downey and Russell D. Miller for the operation of the Independence Park Tennis Center. Council Member Trejo pointed out there have been two professional tennis players from the City of Downey, Robert Van Hoff, who won the National Singles Title for the University of Southern California (USC), and his brother Eric Van Hoff, who also played professional tennis, since the tennis center was opened in 1974. AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY RELATED TO OPERATION OF THE SWIMMING POOL AT DOWNEY HIGH SCHOOL Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, mentioned his concem with the City giving up its lifeguards and felt it was a liability issue for this City. He questioned if the School District has certified lifeguards. Council Minutes 12/11/01 -8- 0141105 01 -iJUu Council Member Winningham advised the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Downey Unified School District states, in Item 1, that the District will use its own certified lifeguards during the use of the pool and no City lifeguards will be required. Council Member Cartozian commended Mr. Jarrett and his staff for seeing this amendment to fruition and advised that Downey High School has its own lifeguards. It was moved by Council Member Trejo, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and unanimously carried to authorize the City Manager to execute an "Amendment of Agreement between the Downey Unified School District and the City of Downey" related to the operation of the swimming pool at Downey High School. BUDGET APPROPRIATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS Council Member Cartozian inquired if these funds are related to improvements already made and, if so, where are they appropriated. Mr. Powell advised it is not a retro issue. The benches, trash receptacles, bicycle racks and other amenities will be additional items for further refinements to the downtown area and will be funded by CDBG funds for this fiscal year. It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and unanimously carried to appropriate $62,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Downtown Streetscape Improvements. Council Member McCarthy mentioned when plans for CDBG funds were reviewed this project was included but it was not included in the overall budget, to which staff agreed. He stated he was happy to see bicycle racks included and suggested bicycle racks also be included at the new transit center. ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT INITIATION NO. 01 -75 James Mitch, Civil Engineer on the project located north of the I -105 Freeway, east of Woodruff Avenue, noted the applicant/appellant Mohammed Pomamdari is also present. He explained this application is a residential project, which requires conformity between the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance and was denied by the Planning Commission. He felt the subject area should be in conformance, as the project is surrounded by low- density residential to the east and west and has C2 commercial and high- density residential to the north. It is a narrow piece of property that is excess land north of the I -105 Freeway. He stated development of the I -105 Freeway altered the land use pattern in this area and the previous analysis of compatibility no longer exists. He also noted the property is isolated and affects its ability to be used commercially. He reviewed the zoning of surrounding properties, noting residential uses and uses compatible with residential usage surround the project area. He referred to other areas of the City, such as Angell Street, where similar situations existed and where the excess freeway properties were allowed to be residential areas. He referred to the City's adoption of the Housing Element, which recognizes the desire to maintain single family housing wherever possible, and felt this application would further its goals and objectives. Council Minutes 12 /11 /01 -9- Council Member Cartozian referred to a statement on record by Mr. Mitch that states the Planning Commission approved this application about four or five years ago and noted he has been advised by staff that they have no paperwork verifying this statement. Mr. Pomamdari explained he brought the application before the Planning Commission about four or five years ago for initiation and the vote was 5 -0 to proceed. The Commission had also requested he submit an EIR and he tried to minimize the EIR but they wanted a General EIR and he was trying to negotiate this issue. In the meantime, his application fee was refunded and he was informed he would have to reapply. Council Member Cartozian stated there is a difference between being given the okay to proceed and actual approval, to which Mr. Pomamdari stated he understood. He asked if Mr. Pomamdari agreed with the limitations on development of the property due to the storm drain easement that runs across the site and street lighting development and was informed Mr. Pomamdari does not agree with the easement and felt it could be utilized as a driveway. Mayor Perkins pointed out the issue tonight is to make a decision on a denial by the Planning Commission of a request to initiate a general plan amendment to reclassify the land use designation from "Neighborhood Commercial" to "Low Density Residential" for property located at 12850 Woodruff Avenue, zoned single - family residential, R -1, 5000. Council Member Winningham inquired if the project can be built without variances, with a low- density residential general plan amendment. Mr. Mitch responded stating he felt there are other altematives in low- density residential usage without variances and noted they are willing to proceed with the general plan amendment that would allow them to take a look at the project. Council Member McCarthy referred to the approval of the Housing Element and noted Item 23 in the plan referred to zoning code revisions, with the intent of creating more areas for housing. He pointed out the lot on the reverse side, south of the I -105, is a housing project that is virtually the same on Laurelwood Lane, and stated he felt this project looks like an opportunity for more housing. Council Member Winningham inquired if staff knew the lot size of the condominiums on the south side of the I -105 and was advised the average depth of the properties is 90 feet off the street. David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, suggested the Council give the applicant a chance to see if the project is workable and to not deny the appeal at this point, as it might add more housing to the community. Mr. Vose advised the motion is to either deny the appeal or to initiate the general plan amendment. Council Member Cartozian inquired as to what year the I -105 Freeway was completed and was informed it was around 1993, after the last general plan review. He suggested holding off on this denial and coordinating it as part of the 2000 General Plan Review. Council Minutes 12/11/01 -10- '114'.Ui Council Member Trejo echoed the comments of Council Member Cartozian and would like to see the proposal. Council Member Winningham stated he had hoped the applicant would have had a site plan for review, noting he has a lot of questions. He felt it was a substandard lot for a housing development. Mr. Vose clarified there is also one more option, which was introduced by Council Member Cartozian, which is that the request be referred as part of the General Plan Update. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy to initiate the General Plan Amendment for reclassification to low- density residential. The motion died for lack of a second. Mayor Perkins advised he was on the Planning Commission when this request was first presented. He noted it was not an approveable project at that time and a site plan was never brought back. He referred to the project on Laurelwood Lane and noted those homes were already there when the freeway cut through. He reviewed the three choices before the Council and noted his preference is to deny the appeal and uphold the decision of the Planning Commission. Council Member McCarthy stated he felt the homes on Laurelwood Lane are recent homes, stating they appear newer than homes in the surrounding area. It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and carried by the following vote to refer the request to initiate a general plan amendment for reclassifying the land use designation of property located at 12850 Woodruff Avenue for coordination with the General Plan 2002 Update. AYES 4 Council Members: Cartozian, Trejo, Winningham, McCarthy NOES 1 Council Members: Perkins Mr. Mitch thanked the Council and stated the applicant will do his best to bring a nice project to the City, if the request to reclassify the and use is approved. OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members Council Member McCarthy wished everyone Happy Holidays. Council Member McCarthy mentioned receiving correspondence from the Friends of the Downey City Library expressing their appreciation for the landscaping around the Library and he gave kudos to the Public Works Department. Council Member McCarthy advised that Police Corporal Rich Tuttle was commended by one of the teachers at Warren High School. Council Minutes 12/11/01 -11- Council Member McCarthy commented on the second to last meeting of the LACDA flood control Committee, which has met for the last 10 years regarding the levies along the Los Angeles River. He noted it was a great example of communities, elected officials and contractors coming together to deliver a quality product, which was far below the projected cost and completed sooner than the original timeline. He mentioned engineering miracles by the Army Corps of Engineers, where as many as 15 bridges that may have needed raising or replacing were engineered instead so the design of the piers actually subverted the water to flow under the bridges. He thanked the City Manager of Downey and those of surrounding cities who worked on this issue and also commended Congressman Steven Hom for his leadership. Council Member Winningham mentioned attending the Downey Unified School District Board of Education swearing in ceremony for the three incumbents re- elected and the one new member. He congratulated them and noted Cheryl Andresen was appointed as the new President of the Board of Education. Council Member Winningham referred to correspondence received addressed to the Honorable Robert Winningham, Mayor of the City of Downey, from the County Supervisors' Office, in regards to an Ordinance passed on November 27th related to graffiti prevention, which defines a new method of graffiti, glass etching, that they added to the Ordinance. He requested staff review it to see if there is anything the City can incorporate into its Graffiti Ordinance. Council Member Winningham requested a presentation be added to the January 8, 2002, Council Agenda, to acknowledge members of the community who partnered with the City as volunteers to oppose the power plant in South Gate. He noted he has a list of the individuals involved. Council Member Winningham mentioned receiving a copy of a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Jose Martinez of Downey to City Planner Ron Yoshiki complimenting Senior Planner Jay Jarrin for his professionalism and confidence in assisting them with their project. He suggested a copy be placed in Mr. Jarrin's personnel file. Council Member Winningham announced that Council Member Cartozian will be graduating from the Downey Citizens' Police Academy and congratulated him on this accomplishment. Council Member Trejo commended the Downey Chamber of Commerce for the Holiday Lane Parade, which he and his family enjoyed. He also commended all the volunteers who participated in this event. Council Member Trejo acknowledged that St. Raymond's Catholic Church opened their new parish hall on Saturday. He mentioned he was a student at St. Raymond's for eight years and stated the churches in Downey are very strong. Council Member Trejo wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Council Member Cartozian advised he met with Dr. Edward Sussman, Superintendent of the Downey Unified School District, and former Mayor Hazel Scotto, at the School District offices and noted they are moving along with the organization of the "Know Your City" forums in January and February 2002. Council Minutes 12/11/01 -12- Council Member Cartozian mentioned he and the other Council Members attended the Employee Service Awards at Sambi's Restaurant on November 29th, where recipients included Police Chief Finch and Community Services Director James Jarrett. Council Member Cartozian commended Downey High Student Javier Mayer for being crowned "Mr. Downey" in the first Mr. Downey Pageant. Council Member Cartozian mentioned he enjoyed being a part of the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Lane Parade. Council Member Cartozian noted he attended the Downey Council PTA breakfast with Mayor Winningham, recognizing students in the School District. He advised one of his students, Julie Anderson, sang the National Anthem. Council Member Cartozian thanked community members and Civil War buffs, Richard Holt and Dennis O'Connell, who volunteered to come to Downey High School last Thursday in full Irish Brigade attire for the Union Army of the North in the Civil War and conducted a reenactment of a gun salute, which the students really enjoyed. Council Member Cartozian recognized his Father Fred and Uncle Dick in the audience and thanked them for coming to the meeting. hall. Mayor Perkins thanked the Council for electing him to serve in the capacity of Mayor. Mayor Perkins mentioned the opening of St. Raymond's new parish, noting it is a beautiful Mayor Perkins urged everyone to mark their calendars for Thursday, December 13th, when the Chamber of Commerce will hold the Holiday Home Decorating Awards. Mayor Perkins wished everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members Mr. Caton mentioned what an enjoyable year it has been to work with this Council and referred to issues going on in surrounding communities. He stated it is very clear that this Council takes their actions with the best interest of the community at heart. Mr. Caton commended Police Chief Finch for over 25 years of service and Director of Community Services James Jarrett with 32 years and mentioned how important their length of service and institutional memory is to him and other staff. Council Minutes 12 /11 /01 -13- Mr. Caton spoke regarding the LACDA flood control project, which is coming to completion after nearly 10 years with assistance from various government sources. He anticipates the remainder of Downey properties should be out of the flood area by the end of January. He thanked John Adams of the Downey Eagle for his coverage of this project and commended the assistance of Congressman Steven Hom and the City's two United States Senators. He hoped the City would be out of the flood zone by the second week in January 2002, which he stated is a major accomplishment. Mr. Caton wished everyone Happy Holidays. ADJOURNMENT: 9:32 p.m. Mayor Perkins noted it is anticipated the December 26, 2001 (December 25th is a City holiday) meetings will be adjourned for lack of quorum. The meeting adjourned in memory of Helen Graves, mother of City employees Michelle Cornwell, Finance Department, and Tim Graves, Water Division. I i 01. Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk H: \C CLE RK\SC ONTE\M INUTES`c cmn 1211 Council Minutes 12 /11/01 -14- Meredith H. Perkins, Mayor (61 4u.i l