HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 09-14-99 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SEPTEMBER 14, 1999
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Certificate of Appointment to Nikki Utermohlen, Downey
City Hospital Commission, Dist. 1 (Ms. Utermohlen was
not present to receive her certificate) 1
Certificate of Appointment to Diane Boggs, Downey City
Hospital Commission, Dist. 4 1
Certificate of Commendation/Recognition to Gabriel
Quiroz from the Police Dept. for outstanding act of service 1
Proclamation to Gabriel Quiroz recognizing his courage
and actions in protecting the businesses & citizens of Downey 1
Certificates of Merit to Firemen, Peter Browne, Jeff
Simmons, Jose Garcia & Scott Wilcox for meritorious service
(Jose Garcia was not present) 2
Proclamation re National Emblem Week, 9/19-25/99 2
Application by Yellow Cab USA for permit to conduct
taxicab service in the City Approved 3
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 3
Council Minutes: Adj. & Reg. Mtgs. 8/24/99 Approved 3
Cash Contract #S.S. 489, alley reconstruction — N. of
7 St./E. of Smallwood Av.: Approve plans & specs. &
grant authority to advertise for bids Approved 3
Cash Contract #S.S. 492, Washburn Rd./Regentview Av./
Downey - Norwalk Rd. street reconstruction: Award a unit
price contract to Sully - Miller Contracting Approved 3
Warrants Issued: 1236 — 1651, $729,924.43 Approved 3
General Plan Amendment #99 -55 (proposed Second Unit Set hrg. 7:30 p.m.
Development Area No. 24) 9/28/99 4
PAGE 1 OF 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 14, 1999
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Fire Dept. instructional contract w /Santa Ana College Approved 4
Res. #6297, approving supplement nos. 8, 9 and 10 to
State - Downey Master Agreement #SLTPP -5334 covering
State -Local Transportation Partnership Program Funding
for pavement resurfacing and rehabilitation on Cecilia St.
& Gallatin Rd. Adopted p 4
Res. #6298, adopting the Memorandum of Understanding
between the City & Downey Police Management Assoc. Adopted 4
Res. #6299, adjusting the salary range for Jr. Accountant Adopted 4
Bill Minasian mentioned traffic congestion problems at
Carpenter Elementary School 4
Lennie Whittington mentioned dark lighting in the
Council Chamber; complimented the senior clean -up &
fix-up program; and mentioned that Edison repaired the
dim street lights on Manatee St. 4
Ord. amending Section 3185 of the DMC pertaining to
Misc. Parking Regulations Introduced 5
Downtown Improvement Strategy Timeline and
projected costs: Receive & file the timeline & improvement
strategy and form a Council subcommittee consistin g of
Council Members Perkins & Winningham Approved 6
Replacement of the radio network control switch for the
Downey Fire Dept. communications center Approved 6
Cn. Winningham commented on a presentation he made
on behalf of the Council to Emma Goss, an employee at
the Downey Municipal Court 6
Cn. Lawrence referred to traffic congestion problems
mentioned by Mr. Minasian at Carpenter Elementary School 7
Cn. Lawrence thanked the Fire Dept. for their support during
the recent forest fires 7
PAGE 2 OF 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 14, 1999
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Cn. Lawrence invited the public to attend a presentation by
the Downey Historical Society of a portrait of Governor John
Gately Downey in the Community /Sr. Center on 9/23/99 7
Cn. Perkins commented on attending the opening of Pop
Warner Football at Warren High School 7
Cn. Perkins commented on his attendance the memorial
service for former Santa Fe Springs Mayor & Council
Member Albert Sharp 7
Cn. Perkins spoke about the future of the NASA and
Downtown projects 7
Mayor McCarthy mentioned a display at the Library
depicting Downey's Sister City, Guadalajara, Mexico 7
Mayor McCarthy mentioned a display in the atrium at
City Hall regarding the Constitution 7
Mr. Caton mentioned Albert Sharp, former Mayor &
Council Member of Santa Fe Springs & his son Lea Sharp
who works for the City of Downey 7
Mr. Caton noted intent to announce 3 developer finalists after
.._., the next Closed Session 7
Mr. Caton mentioned the Council will tour the recently
upgraded Police Facility at 5:30 p.m. 9/28/99 & welcomed
the public to attend 7
Mr. Caton commented on the upcoming retirements of
the Police Chief and Fire Chief & his intent to interview the three
Police Captains & then make an announcement re selection
of new Police Chief after next Closed Session 8
Adj. in memory of Santa Fe Springs City Council Member
Albert Sharp, father of Project Engineer Lea Sharp 8
Meeting adjourned to 5:30 p.m., September 28, 1999 8
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PAGE 3 OF 3
12263
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SEPTEMBER 14, 1999
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 8:01 p.m., September 14,
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
Gary P. McCaughan, M.D.
ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Charles Vose, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk - Treasurer
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works
Greg Caldwell, Police Chief
Ron Irwin, Fire Chief
James Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Darrell George, Director of Community/Economic Development
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Christina Garcia, Special Projects Coordinator
John Finch, Police Captain
Mark Sauter, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor McCarthy announced he was appointing Nikki Utermohlen to the Downey City
Hospital Commission, District 1. (Ms. Utermohlen was not present to receive her Certificate of
Appointment).
Council Member Winningham presented a Certificate of Appointment to Diane Boggs,
Downey City Hospital Commission, District 4.
Chief Caldwell presented a Certificate of Commendation/Recognition to Gabriel Quiroz
for his outstanding act of service to the citizens of Downey by preventing a take -over robbery when he
took the time to call the Police Department, which resulted in the capture of the perpetrators.
Mayor McCarthy also presented to Mr. Quiroz a Proclamation from the City recognizing
his courage and actions in protecting the businesses and citizens of Downey.
Council Minutes 9/14/99 -1-
12264
Chief Irwin presented Certificates of Merit to Firemen Peter Browne, Jeff Simmons, Jose.
Garcia, and Scott Wilcox for meritorious services, explaining incidents where these firemen went
beyond the call of duty. (Fireman Jose Garcia was not present to receive his certificate).
Mayor McCarthy presented to Inez Milligan, President of the Emblem Club, a Proclamation
declaring the week of September 19 -25, 1999, National Emblem Club Week.
HEARINGS
Mayor McCarthy opened the public hearing on APPLICATION BY YELLOW CAB USA
FOR A PERMIT TO CONDUCT TAXICAB SERVICE IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council
Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and so ordered to receive and file.
Ms. Yotsuya reviewed the City's Code requirements for obtaining a permit to operate a
taxicab service in the City. She advised that Yellow Cab USA, located at 12116 Imperial Highway,
Norwalk, has applied for a police permit to conduct taxicab service in the City and that the Police
Department conducted a preliminary background investigation, which disclosed that Yellow Cab USA
has permits to operate in the cities of Arcadia and El Monte and are presently in the application
process for the cities of Whittier, La Mirada, Norwalk, Commerce and Cerritos. She noted, as a new
business, they do not have a verified annual financial statement to submit; however, they did submit
the necessary taxicab vehicle and meter information, as well as the required certificate of insurance.
The investigation revealed nothing that would prohibit Yellow Cab USA from safely operating a
taxicab service in the City.
There was no correspondence received regarding this matter.
Otto Gonzalez, owner of Yellow Cab USA, stated his company will offer prompt, efficient and
safe transportation to the citizens of Downey. He mentioned his employees are given a three -day
safety awareness class and are subject to drug testing.
There being no one present to speak in favor or in opposition of the application for permit, it
was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and so ordered
to close the hearing.
Council Member Perkins expressed concern that Mr. Gonzalez conducted business in the City
of Arcadia without obtaining a business license and is also concerned about the size of the company's
present storage yard in relation to the number of vehicles in operation.
Mr. Gonzalez mentioned he will look for a bigger yard in Downey, if his permit is granted. He
noted Yellow Cab USA is currently a co- operated business and most vehicles are taken home by the
drivers.
Council Minutes 9/14/99 -2-
12265
Council Member McCaughan referred to the DUI offense (driving under the influence)
mentioned in the staff report and the lack of yard space for the present vehicles and was informed
there was nothing in the background investigation to exclude this application. He voiced concern with
the fact that vehicles are taken home and parked on residential streets, noting he has seen cabs parked
in school bus turnouts during and after school hours. He felt the taxi stand was an issue that should be
reviewed and felt that some stands are being operated from residences.
Mayor McCarthy asked if Mr. Gonzalez foresaw any legal problems using the name Yellow
Cab USA, since there are other Yellow Cab companies, and the response was no.
It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously carried to approve an application for permit by Yellow Cab USA to conduct taxicab
service in the City of Downey.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL:
Agenda Item VI - - REPLACEMENT OF THE RADIO NETWORK CONTROL
SWITCH FOR THE DOWNEY FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS CENTER, was
removed at the request of Council Member Winningham.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member McCaughan advised he would abstain from voting on Item VI - C - 1, CASH
CONTRACT NO. S.S. 489, ALLEY RECONSTRUCTION — NORTH OF SEVENTH
STREET/EAST OF SMALLWOOD AVENUE, due to the close proximity to his residence.
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and
unanimously carried, with the abstention as noted, to waive further reading of the Resolutions and
approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, AUGUST 24,
1999: Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 489, ALLEY RECONSTRUCTION — NORTH OF
SEVENTH STREET/EAST OF SMALLWOOD AVENUE (ACCOUNT NO. 36-16489):
Approve plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids: Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 492, WASHBURN ROADfREGENTVIEW
AVENUE/DOWNEY- NORWALK ROAD STREET RECONSTRUCTION (ACCOUNT
NO. 26 Award a unit price contract, totaling $147,698 to Sully- Miller Contracting
for street reconstruction on Washburn Road from Woodruff Avenue to Regentview Avenue;
Regentview Avenue between Washburn Road and Downey - Norwalk Road; and Downey -
Norwalk Road from Regentview Avenue to the east: Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 1236 — 1651, $729,924.43: Approve.
Council Minutes 9/14/99 -3--
122613
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 99-55 (PROPOSED SECOND UNIT
DEVELOPMENT AREA NO. 24) APPLICANT: CHARLES FREBERG: Set hearing
for 7:30 p.m., September 28, 1999, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall: Approve.
FIRE DEPARTMENT INSTRUCTIONAL CONTRACT WITH SANTA ANA
COLLEGE: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 6297 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT NOS. 8, 9 AND 10 TO STATE -
DOWNEY MASTER AGREEMENT NO. SLTPP -5334 COVERING STATE-
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM FUNDING FOR
PAVEMENT RESURFACING AND REHABILITATION ON CECILIA
STREET FROM LITTLE LAKE ROAD TO STUDEBAKER ROAD AND
FROM CROSSDALE AVENUE TO FAIRFORD AVENUE; GALLATIN ROAD
FROM LAKEWOOD BOULEVA TO LEMORAN AVENUE; AND
CECILIA STREET FROM LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD TO CHANEY
AVENUE, RESPECTIVELY
RESOLUTION NO. 6298 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY POLICE MANAGEMENT
ASSOCIATION
RESOLUTION NO. 6299 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
--- ADJUSTING SALARY RANGE FOR JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Bill Minasian, 13255 Fidler Avenue, mentioned traffic congestion problems at Carpenter
Elementary School, noting he could not exit his driveway due to parents picking up their children
from the school.
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, mentioned dark lighting in the Council Chamber
making it difficult to see the faces of people during presentations; complimented the senior clean -up
and fix -up program through the Housing Division; and mentioned that his complaints to the
Southern California Edison Company about dim street lights on Manatee Street between
Brookshire Avenue and Patton Road resulted in Edison bearing the cost to repair the lights.
Council Minutes 9/14/99 . - 4-
122 6 7
ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING ARTICLE III, CHAPTER 1, SECTION 3185 OF THE DOWNEY
MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO MISCELLANEOUS PARKING
REGULATIONS
Captain Finch explained the Ordinance is being reintroduced to amend Section 3185 of the
Downey Municipal Code pertaining to miscellaneous parking regulations. Staff, at the direction
of the Council, reviewed the change recommended tonight, which leaves Subsection (d), dealing
with hotel and motel parking, as it currently exists in the Downey Municipal Code.
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, stated he had been in support of the previously
introduced Ordinance, noting he had been incorrect in his assumption that all motels who had
remodeled had complied. He was in support of the changes proposed.
Fernando Wang, 9565 Firestone Boulevard, submitted documents to the Council,
suggesting new language for this section of the Code. He advised that most zoning changes
grandfather in existing facilities and felt it would cause a hardship if existing hotels and motels
were not grandfathered in. He also suggested removal of the wording "or change ownership on
or." He introduced the new owner of the Courtyard Motel who was confused as to how this
change would affect him.
Mr. Caton expressed this was not the time to change or modify the language and
suggested the Council direct staff to bring the issue back at a future meeting and go forward with
the first reading of the Ordinance tonight.
Council Member McCaughan stated this process was initially undertaken to remedy the
parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas and suggested excluding this portion of the
Ordinance, passing the balance, and bringing the portion regarding hotel/motel parking back at a
later date.
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan,
seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and
introduce.
Prior to the vote, Council Member Lawrence mentioned she hoped staff would review this
section again before the second reading, stating if the City did not incorporate new laws at the
time of ownership changes, it would never have the ability to enforce new laws.
Mr. Caton noted this was a significant issue and would take away the City's ability to have an
impact upon a business when it changed ownership.
RESOLUTIONS: None
Council Minutes 9/14/99 -5-
12268
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY TIMELINE AND PROJECTED COSTS
Ms. Garcia referred to the August 10, 1999, study session where staff presented the
Downtown improvement strategy, discussed all the elements in detail, and made recommendations for
moving forward with the development and implementation of the strategy. At that time, the Council
requested staff* return with a timeline for implementation of the strategy, notin g the selection of an
urban retail recruitment consultant and urban design consultant were of particular concern. She
referred to the refined timeline in the staff report for each element, advising staff will
p � g present
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recommendations for the two consultants at the Community Development Commission Meeting on
September 28 She mentioned that the second part of staff's recommendation is for the formation of
a Council subcommittee to work with staff in reviewin g projects downtown •ects and issues. The
subcommittee will be formed with Council representation and key staff members involved with the
development of the improvement strategy.
Council Member Lawrence nominated Council Members Perkins and Winnin g ham to serve on
the subcommittee and they both accepted.
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, han and
y g
unanimously carried to receive and file the proposed timeline for the implementation of the
Downtown Improvement Strategy, and to form a Council subcommittee, consisting of Council
Members Perkins and Winningham, to work with staff in reviewing projects and programs for
Downtown.
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval
REPLACEMENT OF THE RADIO NETWORK CONTROL SWITCH FOR THE
DOWNEY FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
Chief Irwin explained that the dispatch center has dispatched for five cities for a number of
years and utilizes a mobile data system in this process. With the year 2000 (Y2K) approaching, it has
been discovered this system is no longer viable and will probably not work. The proposal is to replace
the switch prior to the end of the year, with Downey's share of the cost being around $28,000. He
responded to comments from the Council.
It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously carried to appropriate the funds and authorize the spending of $115,993 for the
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replacement of the network control processor with a radio network control (RNC) switch and
the related computer software for the Fire Department Mobile Data Terminal System.
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Council Member Winningham commented on a presentation he made to Emma Goss, a 30
year employee at the Downey Municipal Court, who retired at the age of 87. She was in charge of the
Jury Selection Room, which has been named after her.
Council Minutes 9/14/99 -6-
1 2269
Council Member Lawrence referred to the traffic concerns mentioned by Mr. Minasian and
said the Police Department spends extra time at the beginning of the school year to make sure parents
are following traffic regulations and was confident they would check into this situation.
Council Member Lawrence thanked the Fire Department for their support with the recent
forest fires and hoped everyone came home safe.
Council Member Lawrence invited the public to attend a presentation by the Downey
Historical Society of a portrait of Governor John Gately Downey in the Downey Room at the
Community /Senior Center on September 23r at 7:30 p.m.
Council Member Perkins commented on attending the opening of Pop Warner Football at
Warren High School where a young lady singing the Star Spangled Banner stumbled through parts of
the song and was assisted by young people in the audience, stating Downey's young people want to be
part of the solution, not the problem.
Council Member Perkins also commented on his attendance at the memorial service for
former Santa Fe Springs Mayor and Council Member Albert Sharp, noting he was not part of the
problem but part of the solution and initiated many projects still in existence today.
Council Member Perkins stated, as the City looks to the next few years, he hopes it will look at
the NASA and Downtown area projects and become part of the solution, not the problem.
Mayor McCarthy advised that the Library's display case currently depicts Downey's Sister
City, Guadalajara, Mexico, and suggested everyone take the time to view the exhibit.
Mayor McCarthy mentioned a display in the atrium of City Hall regarding the Constitution,
noting September 17 is Constitution Day.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members
Mr. Caton mentioned Albert Sharp, former Mayor and Council Member of Santa Fe Springs,
noting his son Lea works for the City of Downey and is an outstanding employee.
Mr. Caton mentioned upcoming activities in the City, such as the departure of Boeing and the
decision of how to utilize the site. He stated he expects to announce the three developer finalists for
the project after the next closed session meeting on September 28 He advised that the City will have
a community meeting in October to outline the three finalists and will also bring the three finalists to
one of the Council Meetings in October for a formal presentation to the Council. He noted the Brown
Act only allows two of the Council Members to be involved in this process, while the remainder of the
Council has yet to meet with the developers. The hope is that by the end of November the master
developer will be chosen. He felt the citizens of Downey will be very excited about the proposals.
Mr. Caton mentioned there will be a tour of the Police Facility at 5:30 p.m. at the beginning
of the September 28 Council Meeting, noting the Council has not had the opportunity to view the
recent upgrades. He noted Chief Caldwell will lead the tour and welcomed the public to attend.
Council Minutes 9/14/99 -7-
122?O
Mr. Caton mentioned Chief Caldwell will be retiring at the start of the year 2000 and Fire
Chief Irwin will be leaving later in the year 2000. Per City Charter, the selection of Police Chief
falls upon the decision of the City Manager, who must then gain concurrence of the City Council. He
intends to select the next Police Chief from inside the department and will interview the three captains
within the next two weeks, hoping to discuss his selection with the Council during the next Closed
Session Meeting, gain Council's concurrence, and then make an announcement at the next Council
Meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:08 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned in memory of Santa Fe Springs City Council Member Albert
Sharp, father of Project Engineer Lea Sharp, to 5:30 p.m., September 28, 1999, in the Council
Chamber of Downey City Hall.
- (it
(' udith E. McDonnell, City Clerk eith McCarthy, or
Y Mayor
Council Minutes 9/14/99 -8-