Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 07-13-99 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JULY 13, 1999 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. • Certificate of Appointment to Maggie Carter, Emergency gg g y Preparedness Committee, Dist. 2 1 Certificates of Appointment to Jerald Silby & Russell Persion, Downey City Hospital Commission, Dist. 2 1 Certificates of Appointment to Dr. Alvin Fray & Charles Hutchinson, Downey City Hospital Commission, Dist. 5, (Mr. Hutchinson was not present) 2 Certificates of Appointment to G. Harold Tseklenis & Arturo Montoya, Downey City Hospital Commission, Dist. 3, (Mr. Montoya was not present) 2 Certi ;gate of Appreciation to Mica cka Sarabia, Outstanding Cressing Guard of the Year (Ms. Sa rabia was not present) 2 Council Minutes: Adj. & Reg. Mtgs. 6/22/99 & Adj. Mtg. 6/29/99 Approved 2 Cash Contract S.S. 480 -- Paramount Bi. pavement rehab. : Accept improvements & maint. responsibility & change order Approved 2 Warrants Issued: 156486 — 157161, $2,239,243.49 Approved 2 Z.C. #99 -28 -- for property located at 7602 Stewart & Set p.m. hr g. 7:30 g p Gray Rd. 7/27/99 2 Misc. #99 -32, a request for shared use parking for property Set hr g. 7:30 p .m. g p located at 8221 3 St., zoned C -3 (Central Bus. Dist.) 7/27/99 2 Reappointment of Steve Roberson to Bd. of Dir. of the S.E. L.A. County Private Industry Council Approve 3 Loan Agreement between the City & Community Dev. Comm.: Approve Operative Agreement #26 Approve 3 Reimbursement Agreement w /Rich Dev. Co. for off-size water line improvements at Dormer Tahitian village site Approve 3 N PAGL 1 OF 3 COUNCIL MINUTES, JULY 13, 1999 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO Res. #6286, adopting class specs. & establishing salary ranges for Police Dispatch Supv. &. Plan Check Tech. Adopted 3 Ord. amending Art. VIII of DMC by adopting the 1998 Introd. & set hrg. Edition of the Calif. Building Code 7:30 p.m., 7/27/99 3 Ord. amending Art. VIII of the DMC by adopting the 1998 Introd. & set hrg. Edition of the Calif. Electrical Code 7:30 p.m., 7/27/99 3 Ord. amending Art. VIII of the DMC by adopting the Introd. & set hrg. 1998 Edition of the Calif. Mechanical Code 7:30 p.m., 7/27/99 3 Ord. amending Art. VIII of the DMC by adopting the 1998 Edition of the Calif. Plumbing Code, & Uniform Introd. & set hrg. Swimming Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Code 7:30 p.m., 7/27/99 4 Ord. amending Art. VIII of the DMC by adopting the Introd. & set hrg. 1997 Edition of the Uniform Housing Code 7:30 p.m., 7/27/99 4 Ord. amending Art. VIII of the DMC by adopting the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Code for the Abateinent Introd. & set hrg. of Dangerous Buildings 7 :30 p.m., 7/27/99 4 Fire Dept. Basic Life Support Transport System: Approve the implementation of Basic Life Support ambulance transp. system & appropriations Approved 6 Street light operation & maint. — status report No action req. 6 Lennie Whittington ref. to business signs throughout the City in foreign languages, as well as gaudy paint, fluorescent lights and neon colors, which detract from beauty of City 7 Fred James reiterated his comments re the need for a left turn signal at Suva St. & Paramount BI.; suggested the song about Downey be played prior to each "concert in the park" 7 Mark Ryan submitted a proposal req. changes to the City's rules on signage for nonprofit organizations 7 Michael Colin g complained about noise emanating from p the Alpase Co. in Downey Mayor will review 7 PAGE 2 OF 3 COUNCIL MINUTES, JULY 13, 1999 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Cn. Winningham congratulated Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center on receiving nationwide Top -10 status 7 Cn. Lawrence req. a report from the P.D. on the cost to install a video camera to catch red light runners at the intersection of Lakewood & Firestone Blvds. Ref to staff 7 Cn. Lawrence ref to comments from Mr. James & req. a report on the no. of incidents at the intersection of Suva St. & Paramount Bl. Ref. to staff 7 Cn. Lawrence responded to comments re playing the Downey song at summer concerts • 7 Cn. Lawrence responded to comments re the display of foreign language signs 7 Cn. Lawrence indicated the Mayor is reviewing the complaint of noise emanating from the Alpase Co. 8 Cn. Perkins mentioned attending the ARC annual installation & awards banquet 8 Mayor McCarthy mentioned attending the ARC awards 8 Mayor McCarthy commented on two Agenda items, Sr. Housing Proj. & reimbursement agreement for improve- ments at the former Tahitian Village site 8 Mayor McCarthy introd. Mark Bowen, his appointee to the Emergency Preparedness Comm. 8 Mr. Caton mentioned this is the last meeting of City Eng. Bob Brace 8 Adj. in honor of City Eng. Bob Brace, retiring after 30 yrs. of employment, and in memory of Compton City Manager, Lawrence Moore 8 Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., July 27, 1999 8 h:\cclerk \sconte\tab10713 PAGE 3 OF 3 • 12215 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JULY 13, 1999 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:44 p.m.., July 13, 1999, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Keith McCarthy presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Keith McCarthy Mayor Joyce L. Lawrence Mayor Pro Tem Robert C. Winningham Meredith H. Perkins ABSENT: Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Charles Voce, City Attorney Judith McDonnell, City Clerk- Treasurer Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works Greg Caldwell, Police Chief Darrell Geot ge, Director of Community/Economic Development Ron Irwin, Fire Chief James Jarrett, Director of Community Services Lowell Williams, Director of finance Bruce English, Paramedic Coordinator Christi. Garcia, Special Projects Coordinator Linda Haines, Building Official Darren Moon, Inspector/Fire Education Mark Sauter, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Mark Sellheim, Principal Planner Dave Simmons, Battalion Chief Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing Steven Yee, Economic Development Coordinator June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS Council Member Perkins presented a Certificate of Appointment to Maggie Carter, Emergency Preparedness Committee, District 2. Council Member Perkins presented Certificates of Appointment to Jerald Silby and Russell Persion, Downey City Hospital Commission, District 2. Council Minutes 7/13/99 - 12216 Council Member Lawrence presented a Certificate of Appointment to Dr. Alvin Fray, Downey City Hospital Commission, District 5. She also advised she was appointing Charles Hutchinson to the Downey City Hospital Commission, District 5. (Mr. Hutchinson was not presen} to receive his Certificate of A ppointment). Mayor McCarthy, in Council Member McCaughan's absence, presented a Certificate of Appointment to G. Harold Tseklenis, Downey City Hospital Commission, District 3. He also advised that Council Member McCaughan was appointing Arturo Montoya to the Downey City Hospital Commission, District 3. (Mr. Montoya was not present to receive his Certificate of Appointment). Mayor McCarthy and Chief Caldwell advised that Micaela Sarabia was chosen as Outstanding Crossing Guard of the Year. (Ms. Sarabia was not present to receive her Certificate of Appreciation). HEARINGS: None CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading of the Resolution and approve the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, JUNE 22, 1999, AND ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 29, 1999: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 480 -- PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD PAVEMENT REHABILITIATION: Accept the improvements and the maintenance responsibility for the improvements constructed o-. Paramount Boulevard from Seventh Street to Florence Avenue, and approve one Change Order for a credit of $1,023: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. 605 — PHASE 11 UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK REMOVAL AND REMEDIAT1ON FIRE STATION NO. 1 (ACCOUNT NO. 40- 13023): Accept the underground storage tank removal, remedial excavation, backfill and pavement restoration work completed at Fire Station No. 1: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 156486 — 157161, $2,239,243.49: Approve. ZONE CHANGE #99 -28 — A REQUEST FOR ZONE CHANGE FROM R -1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO R -3 -0 (MULTI- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OWNERSHIP) FOR PROPERTY AT 7602 STEWART & GRAY ROAD: Set hearing for 7:30 p.m., July 27, 1999, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. MISCELLANEOUS (Msc) #99 -32, A REQUEST FOR SHARED USE PARKING FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8221 THIRD STREET, #101 AND 111, DOWNEY, ZONED C -3 (CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT). (Applicant: California Asset Properties, LLC/Daniel Vincent): Set hearing for 7:30 p.m., July 27, 1999, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. Council Minutes 7/13/99 -2- 12 REAPPOINTMENT OF STEVE ROBERSON TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SOUTHEAST LOS ANGELES COUNTY ,TRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL: Appoint Mr. Steve Roberson to represent the City as a Private Industry Council Director: Approve. LOAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: Approve Operative Agreement No. 26 whereby the City loans $2,200,000 to the Downey Community Development Commission: Approve. REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH RICH DEVELOPMENT COMPANY FOR OFF -SITE WATER LINE IMPROVEMENTS AT FORMER TAHITIAN VILLAGE SITE, 13535 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD: Approve. RESOLUTION NO. 6286 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING CLASS SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTABLISHING SALARY RANGES FOR POLICE DISPATCH SUPERVISOR AND PLAN CHECK . TECHNICIAN ORDINANCES ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, AMENDING ARTICLE VIII OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (DMC) BY ADOPTING THE 1998 EDITION OF TH 1: CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, BY REPEALING CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 7 OF THE DMC, BY RENAMING CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 6 OF THE DMC AND BY AMENDING SAID CA?1..:=FORN1A BUILDING CODE ORDINANCE NO. �--. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, AMENDING ARTICLE VIII OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (DMC) BY ADOPTING THE 1998 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA- ELECTRICAL CODE, BY REPEALING CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 7 OF THE DMC, BY RENAMING CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 6 OF THE DMC AND BY AMENDING SAID CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, AMENDING ARTICLE V111 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (DMC) BY ADOPTING THE 1998 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, BY REPEALING CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 7 OF THE DMC, BY RENAMING CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 6 OF THE DMC AND BY AMENDING SAID CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE Council Minutes 7/13/99 -3- 12218 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL FO THE CITY OF DOWNEY, AMENDING ARTICLIF VIII OF '1 IE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (DMC) BY ADOPTING THE 1998 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, AND THE UNIFORM SWIMMING POOL, SPA AND HOT TUB CODE, BY REPEALING CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 7 OF THE DV1C AND BY AMENDING SAID CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE AND THE UNIFORM SWIMMING POOL, SPA AND HOT TUB CODE ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, AMENDING ARTICLE VIII OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (DMC) BY ADOPTING THE 1997 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM HOUSING CODE, BY REPEALING CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 7 OF THE DMC, BY RENAMING CHAPTERS 1. THROUGH 6 OF THE DMC AND BY AMENDING SAID UNIFORM HOUSING CODE ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, AMENDING ARTICLE VIII OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (DMC) BY ADOPTING THE 1997 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS, BY REPEALING CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 7 OF THE DMC, BY RENAMING CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 6 OF THE DMC AND BY AMENDING SAID UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS B t) I LDIN . S The Ordinances were read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Winningham, -�-� seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading wild introduce and to set the hearing for 7 :30 p.m., July 27, 1999, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. RESOLUTIONS: None ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS FIRE DEPARTMENT BASIC LIFE SUPPORT TRANSPORT SYSTEM Chief Irwin explained that staff is recommending the Council approve the implementation of a Fire Department managed Basic Life Support ambulance transportation system. He narrated a visual program noting the ambulance would be staffed with two emergency medical technicians (EMT's), with a total staff of six EMT's, through a contract agreement with Employment Services Incorporated. The City would have complete control over the personnel selected. Procedures for running this program would be developed by the Paramedic Coordinator, with the ambulance being housed at Fire Station No. 3. The benefits would be shorter response times; paramedics would be released earlier Council Minutes 7/13/99 -4- t2 21 9 from the scene, allowing them to be available for other calls; and paramedics would have complete control of the basic life support from start to finish. He reviewed the paramedic program from its inception in 1974, and the subscription fee supported program initiated in 1986. He mentioned the duties of the Paramedic Coordinator, noting justifications for this change, such as changes in the ambulance industry, patient control, improved service, of service and cost effectiveness. He commented on changes required to put this prog ;°3.m into effect, advising start up costs are $254,000; predicted annual cost is $3 27,064; aril revenue from a 68% collection rate is $229,524. Ccuncil Member Perkins asked how the other 32% of calls are collected and was informed the majority are turned over to a collection agency for further action, with some Medicare and Medical billings being written off. Council Member Winningham inquired about the contract with Employment Systems Incorporated (ESI) and was informed it was an annual contract with employee benefits paid by ESI, with the City making the selection of who will service Downey. Council Member Winningham referred to the small subscription fee increase, stating he would like to review this in a year. He suggested that be worked back into any rofits from this program ngy YP p g improvements of the City's fire stations. Council Member Lawrence asked how this program would affect the current contract with Bowers ambulance and was informed the City would continue to do business with an outside company p Y as a backup. Council Member McCarthy asked if there was space available at Fire Station No. 3 for the necessary renovations to accommodate this program and the response was yes. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, spoke in support of the program and suggested the City consider giving seniors and indigent people ^ reduction on the subscription fee. He also questioned if a backup unit has been considered in case the Nw unit is disabled. Mr. Caton explained that the % mounts mentioned are estimates and the program will cost the City $30,000 plus the first year, with tartup costs added in. Afer a year or two, the City can reconsider the suggestions mentioned. Chief Irwin advised the City currently has two rescue paramedic units that are backed up by a reserve unit. The plan is to purchase one additional ambulance for the basic life support service and after the year 2000 (Y2K), one of the existing paramedic squads will be replaced and this would be retained as a second reserve. Mr. Whittington stated he would like to see the Hospital put the paramedic base station back into their emergency room. Council Member McCarthy asked the Director of Finance if he would be increasing his staff to handle the billing for this program and the response was yes, there would be a part time employee working approximately 20 hours per week. Council Minutes 7/13/99 -5- 12220 It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and unanimously carried (4 - to approve the implementation of a Fire Department managed Basic Life Support ambulance transportation system; the appropriation of $254,000 for initial purchases; and the appropriation of $327,064 for on -going personnel and equipment costs. STREET LIGHT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Mr. Alvarez commented on a concern vc ' ced at the May 11 t ` Council Meeting regarding the Y g g g City's street light system. He explained Southern California Edison Company is responsible for maintenance of the City's street lights, and when light outages are reported to the City, the City faxes the reporl to Edison and then follows up with the resident until the light is repaired. He noted 317 locations were reported in 1997 and 408 in 1998. It is Edison's policy to repair lights within 2 -to -3 days after receipt of the report; however, there were several instances where repair took longer. He introduced Sylvia Southerland from Edison for a more detailed report. Sylvia Southerland advised that she and Greg French, Edison's Manager of Street Lights Operations and Maintenance met with the City Manager and City' staff to look at ways that Edison could improve street light maintenance and reviewed data dated the last six months of 1997 and all of 1998. She advised that Edison will run a series of ads in the Downey Eagle advertising their street light service number to encourage residents to report outages directly to Edison. She submitted wallet size information cards to the Council and introduced Greg French. Mr. French, Manager of Street and Outdoor Lighting Operations for Southern California Edison, reviewed the data mentioned by Ms. Southerland, noting Edison refocused their activities and resources for street lighting and put this into a single department rather than split between 24 departments. Since this time, there has been a tremendous improvement in response time. He referred to a chart depicting the time it took from receipt of the repair call to the actual repair showing the improvement since the last six months of 1997 to date, which now reflects a little over one half day response time. He also referred to a chart depicting lights that Edison has proactively repaired which were not called in by the City or residents, and shows that over 50 percent of the street light repairs have been found by Edison during routine checks. He mentioned the improvements made within the last year have exceeded their goals, with 99 percent of repairs occurring within less than three days. He responded to comments from the Council. Council Member Perkins asked about the information a citizen needs to give when calling in a repair rec :est and was advised that each pole has a number posted and that a nearby address or landmark is usually sufficient. Council Member Winningham questioned how many times a year Edison checks for street lights in need of repair and was informed it currently occurs twice a year. Their goal is to increase this frequency to four times a year. He congratulated Edison on the improvements in their service. No action of the Council was necessary in this matter. Council Minutes 7/13/99 -6- !2221 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, referred to business signs throughout the City in foreign languages, as well as gaudy paint, fluorescent lights and neon colors on buildings and asked that attention be paid to these activities, which he felt detract from the beauty of the City. Fred James, 9360 Samoline Avenue, reiterated his comments g re ardin the need for a left regarding turn signal at Suva Street and Paramount Bo ollevard, noting another accident occurred at this location involving a Coca Cola truck; he also suggested playing the son about Downey that was �g h y g song y submitted at the June 22 Council Meeting prior to each "concert in the P ark." Mark Ryan, 10440 Paramount Boulevard, Vice - Principal of St. Matthias High School, expressed appreciation to the Council and staff for the work they do and offered the services of his school to the City. He submitted a proposal requesting changes to the City's rules on si na g g e g y g g, which would assist nonprofit organizations in displaying signs for fundraising activities. He requested that nonprofit organizations be allowed to use utility pole hangings or banners, similar to those proclaiming downtown Downey, when conducting a nonprofit event the y wish to advertise. Michael Coling, 12235 Nordesta Drive, Norwalk, complained about noise emanating from the Alpase Company located on SEAACA Street in Downey. He noted this company melts metals 24 hours a day every day of the year and the extremely noisy process disrupts his residential neighborhood. He urged the Council to review this situation and recommended havin g Alpase ase cease business from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and perhaps building a concrete wall around their facility. Mayor McCarthy mentioned receiving a letter on this matter and indicated he will review. OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval: None OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members Council Member Winnin;.ham congratulated Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center on receiving nationwide Top -10 status for the services they pr .7 vide. Council Member Lawrence requested a report from the Police Department on the cost to install a video camera to catch red light runners at the intersection of Lakewood and Firestone Boulevar, .s, suggesting that asset forfeiture funds could be used for this ur ose. p p Council Member Lawrence referred to the comments from Mr. James and requested a report on the number of incidents at the intersection of Suva Street and Paramount Boulevard to see if a left turn signal is warranted. Council Member Lawrence responded to the comment about playing the Downey song at summer concerts, noting she like the song and felt others would enjoy hearing it. Council Member Lawrence responded to the comment regarding the display of foreign language signs in the community, noting it is a First Amendment right for someone to advertise in their own language. She advised that she has asked Code Enforcement to look into g arish and hand painted signs that do not meet the City's Code requirements. Council Minutes 7/13/99 -7- 12222 Council Member Lawrence indicated the Mayor is reviewing the complaint about noise emanating from the Alpase Company. Council Member Perkins mentioned attending the ARC annual installation and awards banquet and applauded the volunteer efforts of individuals and organizations that support this g pp function. Mayor McCarthy also mentioned attending the ARC awards banquet, noting the benefits . q g provided by this organization located in Downey. ,.-•■ Mayor McCarthy commented on two items on the agenda, the Senior Housing project and g gp J the reimbursement agreement for improvements at the former Tahitian Village site, complimentin g staff on the abatement of weeds at this location. Mayor McCarthy introduced Mark Bowen, his appointee to the Emergency Preparedness Committee. OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members Mr. Caton mentioned this is the last meeting of City Engineer Bob Brace, who is retiring after 30 years of employment with the City. He requested the Council adjourn the meeting in Bob's honor. The meeting was recessed at 9:09 p.m. and reconvened at 10:15 p.m. with Council Members Winningham, Lawrence, Perkins and McCarthy present; Council Member McCaughan absent. ADJOURNMENT: 10:15 p.m. The meeting was adjourned in honor of City Engineer Bob Brace, retiring after 30 years of employment with the City, and in memory of Compton City Manager, Lawrence Moore, to --.% 6:30 p.m., July 27, 1999, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. (I i INK A Judith E. McDonnell, City Clerk Keith McCarthy Ma o H : \CCLERK \SCON'I \MII�TUTES\ccmnO713 pA4a4 • Council Minutes 7/13/99 . -8- •