HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 09-28-99 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SEPTEMBER 28, 1999
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Lennie Whittington suggested the City contact the owner of
property on Firestone B1. regarding the clock tower located there 1
Certificate of Appointment to Tod Corrin, Downey City Hospital
Commission, Dist. 4 1
Proclamation re National Fire Prevention Week 1
Certificate of Achievement to Desi Alvarez from the Calif.
Integrated Waste Management Board 2
Res. #6300, adopt. General Plan Amendment #99-55 to
establish a Second Unit Development Area #24 & adopt a
Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact Adopted 3
Council Minutes: Adj. & Reg. Mtgs. 9/14/99 Approved 3
Warrants Issued: 1652 -- 2208, $2,432,970.06 Approved 3
Multi- Hazard Function Plan (MHFP): Approve the MHFP
so that proper training of City Staff can be facilitated
in preparation for potential disasters & emergencies Approved 3
City of Downey Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Prog., 1999 -2000: Approve DEB Prog. in compliance w/
U.S. Dept. of Transp. Final Rule 49 CFR Part 26 Approved 3
Ord. 1072, amending DMC Section 3185 re miscellaneous
parking regulations Adopted 4
Annual Review of Hospital Documents: Rec. & file docs.; refer
docs. to the Downey City Hospital Comm.; and req. a copy of
the salary guidelines from the Hospital Council of So. Calif. Rec/File 4
Downey Community Hospital's request to utilize a portion
of the parking area on the Hospital property to meet the
parking requirements for a proposed private medical office
bldg. Cont. 7
PAGE 1 OF 4
COUNCIL MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 28, 1999
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Agreement w /Stephen LaBarge, P.G.A. for Golf Professional-
Manager Services at Rio Hondo Golf Course: Approve a
3-year agreement Approved 8
Downey Transit Center, contract award for design and
engineering services: Award a contract to John Wulfmeyer
Architect Approved 8
Downey Avenue Urban Design Consultant Contract: Award
contract to Melendrez Babalas Assoc.; auth. the Mayor to
execute the Agreement; & place on the next Community
Development Comm. Agenda a req. for funding approval Approved 9
Cn. Perkins mentioned attending a breakfast of Boy Scout
Troop 251 9
Cn. Perkins req. staff review the south side of Firestone Bl.
re vacant tree wells & the condition of the sidewalks 9
Cn. Perkins congratulated Capt. John Finch on his
appointment as Police Chief 9
Cn. Perkins mentioned touring the Police facility &
complimented the recent improvements 9
Cn. Perkins ref. to Police Officer Wayne Presley's badge 1
on display at Police station in his memory 9
Cn. Perkins ref. to name change of Hospital & req. staff
to review whether Hospital has a permit to erect a sign in
front of the facility 9
S
Cn. McCaughan encouraged all citizens to tour the Police
facility 9
Cn. McCaughan mentioned graffiti on 7 St., Gallatin Rd.,
& Paramount Bl. & quick response to eradicate 9
Cn. Mcaughan req. the issue of newspaper racks be on
a future Agenda 9
PAGE2OF4
COUNCIL MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 28, 1999
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Cn. McCaughan ref. to Ordinance regulating first 20 ft.
of the front yard setback area 9
Cn. McCaughan req. a future Agenda item re establishing
green reen commons area between City Hall & the Library 9
,--�
Cn. McCaughan mentioned the LACDA flood control
project is coming to fruition & congratulated the City Manager
as a lead figure in the southeast area & on his 10 year tenure
with the City of Downey 10
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Cn. Lawrence noted the greens common area between City
Hall & the Library should attract more attention to the Downey
Civic Theatre 10
Cn. Lawrence noted the Newsrack Ord. is nearly ready for
submittal to the Council 10
Cn. Winningham mentioned the Keep Downey Beautiful
clean -up activity last Saturday 10
Cn. Winningham wished his daughter, Jennifer, a happy
21 birthday 10
Mayor McCarthy ack. the appoint. of Capt. John Finch as
Police Chief 10
Mayor McCarthy commented on the future of the City and
projects undertaken 10
Mayor McCarthy mentioned attending the L. A. Convention
5
Center where his wife was sworn in as a U. S. citizen 10
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Mr. Caton noted he has served as City Manager for 10 years 10
Mr. Caton ref. to negotiations re the NASA property 10
Mr. Caton noted Capt. Finch will do a good job as Chief &
thanked Chief Caldwell for a wonderful job 10
Mr. Caton mentioned the 3 developer finalists for the
NASA site 10
PAGE 3 OF 4
COUNCIL MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 28, 1999
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Adj. in memory of Joe Grafio, Jr., former Mayor, City
Cudahy; & Melba Miller, wife of former Mayor & Council
Member Ken Miller & mother of Police Capt. Mike Miller 11
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., October 12, 1999 11
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MINUTES OF TIIE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SEPTEMBER 28, 1999
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 8:38 p.m., September 28,
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.I.
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
Darrell George, Director of Community/Economic Development
Ron Irwin, Fire Chief
James Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Christina Garcia, Special Projects Coordinator
Linda Haines, Building Official
Darren Moon, Fire Captain
Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, suggested the City contact the owner of property
on Firestone Boulevard where a clock tower with two clocks is located, to see if they would be willing
to sell or donate it for display on City -owned property.
PRESENTATIONS
Council Member Winningham presented a Certificate of Appointment to Tod Corrin,
Downey City Hospital Commission, District 4.
Mayor McCarthy presented to Chief Irwin a Proclamation declaring the week of October 4-
10, 1999, as National Fire Prevention Week.
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Council Minutes 9 /28/99 -1-
12275
Chief Irwin advised that the Fire Department will be visiting classrooms in grades 1 - 4 during
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the period of October 4 -14, and encouraged everyone to set up a fire escape plan from their home and
to conduct periodic drills.
Mayor McCarthy presented a Certificate of Achievement from the California Integrated
Waste Management Board to Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works, explaining that Assembly
Bill 939 was passed in 1990 an effort to reduce solid waste in California. All cities were mandated to
reduce solid waste by 50 percent from that date forward and Downey received this certificate in
recognition of its exemplary performance and invaluable contributions for successfully implementing
the necessary programs to achieve the first waste diversion milestone.
HEARINGS
Mayor McCarthy opened the public hearing to CONSIDER GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. 99 -55 FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 11460 -11468 RIVES AVENUE
AND 7824 BURNS AVENUE, ZONED R -1, 5000 (SINGLE -- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO
CREATE A NEW SECOND UNIT DEVELOPMENT AREA (SUD) NO. 24 (APPLICANT:
CHARLES FREBERG).
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council
Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and so ordered to receive and file.
Mr. Yoshiki narrated a slide program, showing properties within the second unit development
area and explaining that this status allows additional dwelling units so long as the single - family
character is maintained. He noted the City previously had a number of SUD areas and wanted to
restrict this type of development. The properties in question include second units but were not
included in one of the SUD areas. They were considered nonconforming and could not be expanded.
He noted properties in the original study area, advising that the Planning Commission only
recommended the properties currently having a second unit development. These properties will be
added to new Second Unit Development Area No. 24, allowing them to make necessary additions or
changes to the existing units. He noted the only buildable lot, where an additional dwelling could be
build, is the property at 7824 Burns Avenue.
There was no correspondence received on this matter.
Mayor McCarthy asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of General
Plan Amendment No. 99-55 and there were none.
Mayor McCarthy asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition to
General Plan Amendment No. 99-55.
Principia Gregorio, 11535 Rives Avenue, mentioned she lives one block from these properties
and asked if this would mean she can build a second unit on her property and was informed she could
not, as the Second Unit Development Area only includes those properties mentioned.
There being no one else to speak in favor or in opposition to General Plan Amendment No. 99-
55 to create new Second Unit Development Area No. 24, it was moved by Council Member Perkins,
seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and so ordered to close the hearing.
Council Minutes 9/28/99 -2-
12276
RESOLUTION NO. 6300
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY TO
ADOPT GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 99-55 TO THE HOUSING
CHAPTER TO ESTABLISH SECOND UNIT DEVELOPMENT AREA NO. 24
TO INCLUDE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 11460 -62 RIVES AVENUE 11464-
66 -68 RIVES AVENUE, AND 7824 BURNS, ZONED SINGLE - FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL, R -1 5000, AND TO ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION
OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The Resolution was read by only. onl . It was moved by Council Member Winningham,
seconded by Council Member Perkins, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and
adopt.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
Agenda Item VI - - DOWNEY TRANSIT CENTER, CONTRACT AWARD FOR
DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, was removed at the request of Council Member
Winningham.
Agenda Item VI -E -4, DOWNEY AVENUE URBAN DESIGN CONSULTANT
CONTRACT, was removed at the request of Mr. Caton.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and •
unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Ordinance and approve the remainder of the
Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, SEPTEMBER
14, 1999: Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 1652 — 2208, $2,432,970.06: Approve.
MULTI- HAZARD FUNCTION PLAN (MHFP): Approve the MHFP so that the proper
training of City Staff can be facilitated in preparation for potential disasters and large -scale
{ . emer encies Copies will be available for review in the City Council office, the Library, and
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with each Department Head: Approve.
CITY OF DOWNEY DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE)
PROGRAM, 1999 -2000: Approve the DBE Program — 1999 -2000, in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation Final Rule 49 CFR Part 26: Approve.
Council Minutes 9/28/99 -3-
2 27 7
ORDINANCE NO. 1072
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
ORDINANCES: None
RESOLUTIONS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
ANNUAL REVIEW OF HOSPITAL DOCUMENTS
Mr. Powell advised that the Council scheduled the second meeting of September as the date to
receive and review documents Downey Community Hospital (DCH) is required to provide to the City
on an annual basis as part of its lease agreement.
Council Member Winningham requested the information be deferred to the newly formed
Downey City Hospital Commission, who will have their first organizational meeting this month. He
suggested that the Downey Community Hospital Foundation, Board of Directors list provided be
deferred back to the Hospital, as it is incomplete with regards to the number of board members.
Council Member McCaughan referred to a letter in the packet to the Hospital from the Joint
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations where it states the Hospital may make a
copy of their accreditation report available and suggested the City or the Downey City Hospital
Commission request a copy. He noted he has asked staffto obtain the salary guidelines published by
the Hospital Council of Southern California. He also referred to Page 2 of a letter in the packet from
Arthur Andersen LLP, and requested clarification of the meaning of the paragraph beginning,
"Because the above procedures." He was informed it meant they did not independently verify the
accuracy of the data but took the data as presented.
It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously carried to receive and file the documents; refer the documents to the Downey City
Hospital Commission; and request a copy of the salary guidelines from the Hospital Council of
Southern California.
DOWNEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL'S (DCH) REQUEST TO UTILIZE A
PORTION OF THE PARKING AREA ON TIIE HOSPITAL PROPERTY TO MEET
THE PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR A PROPOSED PRIVATE MEDICAL
OFFICE BUILDING
Mr. Vose explained that Downey Community Hospital wishes to proceed with the filing of an
application for the development of a medical office building on private property adjacent to the
property owned by the City, which is leased by the Hospital. They propose utilizing the parking area
of the Hospital to provide the necessary parking required by the zoning code and have prepared a draft
of a license agreement. He reviewed questions and concerns the City has regarding this agreement
Council Minutes 9/28/99 -4-
12278
and advised that staff has taken the p osition that they cannot proceed with the application from a
zoning and design review standpoint until consent is obtained from the City regarding the property
currently owned by the City. Staff is requesting direction from the Council, as to how they wish to
proceed.
Council Member Lawrence felt the concerns mentioned by the City Attorney are valid. She
felt the building should not be built without the required parking and contingent on the City's land.
She would like the issues addressed before going forward, noting the land use requirements of the City
have not been met yet.
Council Member Winningham asked what the square footage was for the proposed building
and what the parking requirements were. He was informed the proposed building would be 72,000
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square feet and the required kin is four spaces per 1,000 square feet, which totals 288 parking
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spaces and they have approximately 52 spaces available, which is a deficiency of 236. He then asked
how many spaces were available on the Hospital property and was informed the plans submitted show
adequate parking for both facilities.
Council Member Perkins mentioned he saw no problem with the Hospital proceeding with the
design but felt the parking issues must be addressed before final approval. He noted the building is
being built on private property by a private organization and questioned what would happen if it is
sold, as they would be required to have the 288 parking spaces and would only have 52.
Council Member McCaughan after reviewing a sketch of the properties involved, stated he was
not prepared to approve the license agreement or to consent to the use of the City's property for
parking. He asked if other property could be purchased to meet the parking requirements or whether
the building could be constructed on the City's property. He felt the Hospital could be allowed to
proceed with the design review process; however, the parking issues must be addressed prior to the
final design approval.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Winningham, to
continue this matter to a later date to allow staff and the representatives of the Hospital to
address these questions; and in the interim, the Hospital be allowed to proceed with the
processing of necessary permit applications. No action was taken on this motion; see later vote.
Bob Christoff, Schaeffer Development Group, 27715 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 203, Temecula,
recapped the parking as it is set up now, noting there is a present surplus of 183 spaces and with the
requirements for the new proposal there would be a surplus of 96 spaces. He stated the benefit of
having the building on Hospital owned property is that it realigns the entrance to the parking lot with
Iowa Street and improves traffic circulation through the parking lot, removing the angled parking and
replacing it with perpendicular parking and two way traffic. He noted the medical office would bring
quality physicians to the Hospital campus and would replace the present aging building. He advised
that putting the building on the Hospital campus puts the required parking on private property and
expressed concern if the property was sold in the future.
Council Minutes 9/28/99 -5-
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Council Member Winningham inquired as to how many employees the Hospital currently has
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and was advised 1,200. He also nquired about the area cordoned off for the heliport and was advised
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this area would no longer be utilized for that purpose. He asked if the joint usage parking agreement
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encumbers the City's property and the City Attorney advised that it would depend on how the
agreement is drafted and the provisions in the agreement.
Mr. Vose noted the speaker described a situation where there is adequate parking or
circulation, which is fine for today but may not be years down the road, noting these issues need to be
addressed. He noted the license agreement is inadequate as a legal document to provide required
parking for a building, which is on separate private ro ert and is under separate and distinct
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ownership.
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, referred to Page 2 of the letter from Mr. Carrico
and read item 1. He stated his understanding of the Government Code is that a joint use agreement
requires a unanimous decision of the governmental agency and mentioned his concern with the fact
that the Hospital is presently suing the citizens of Downey. He also referred to Mr. Vose's letter,
Page 2, last paragraph, where it suggests DCH consider building the structure upon the City's
property and using the private property for parking purposes, noting the building would become the
property of the City, if the private property is sold. He also felt the Hospital should pay for this use of
the City's property.
Jim Derry, 7845 Fourth Street, Director of Corporate Communications for Downey Regional
Medical Center, noted the Hospital is prepared to sit down and address the concerns of the City
Attorney and Planning staff and work out a suitable agreement. He supported the motion to proceed
with the permit application and felt that a reasonable resolution can be reached.
David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, echoed the last speakers comments, stating if there is an
agreement regarding the parking and if it is on City property, the City should receive a fair return for
use of that space.
Betty Ferraro, 7605 Second Street, recalled that the citizens of Downey voted in 1963 and
again in 1983 that the lease should be extended to the Hospital for the public benefit and felt that
parking for a private medical group is not for the public benefit and would cause Hospital patient
visitors to park further away. She felt the Hospital has done everything in the last 16 years to erode
City/Hospital relations and to reduce the City's oversight and now asks the City to share the parking.
She thought it would be discriminatory to the landlords of other medical buildings within walking
distance of the Hospital if the proposed medical building was offered such a deal. She suggested
referring this to the Downey City Hospital Commission.
Charles Hutchinson, 8502 Dacosta Street, advised that this is not the first medical building
proposed for that property, noting the prior group faced the reality that it would require a parking
structure and did not proceed with the project. He felt that parking at the Hospital is a problem now
and the property on Patton Road was purchased for the use of the employees. He did not feel this
project would be in the best interest of the citizens of Downey and suggested the telephone company
property be considered.
Council Minutes 9/28/99 -6-
12280
Dr. David Hubble, 12113 Julius Avenue, stated he has received figures ures showin the present
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Hospital Administration is losing money each month and noted there are many vacant medical offices
in the City. He mentioned driving through the Hospital arkin lot today, noting it was almost full.
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Mayor McCarthy inquired what the architect meant when referring to the campus and was
advised it was the land the Hospital is situated on that the City owns. He reiterated the City's concern
regarding the future of the building and parking requirements, mentioning a similar situation
concerning an apartment building that, due to the increased number of people having cars, does not
have enough parking spaces.
Dr. Verner Waite, 5243 Vista Del Sol, Cypress, commented that the City's past experience
with the present Hospital Parent Board will be what it will experience in the future.
Mr. Whittington advised that the employee parking lot on Patton Road is full every day.
David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, referred to the restriping of the Hospital parking lot
from angled parking to perpendicular parking, stating this type of parking is less condusive for people
to park and to get in and out of their cars. He suggested staff take this into consideration when
reviewing the situation.
Pat Hansen mentioned being hospitalized at DCH recently for about a week and noted his wife
told him that parking at the Hospital was out of the question but parking at the blue building across
the street was always available.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously carried to allow the Hospital to proceed with the design review process for planning
purposes; address parking issues and other issues raised prior to Council approval; continue to
a later date where staff and the Hospital representatives address the concerns raised; and in the
interim, the Hospital be allowed to proceed with the processing of necessary permit
applications.
Prior to the vote, Council Member Winningham said it was mentioned that the adjacent parcel
of property was available and suggested the Hospital pursue this as the resolution to the parking issue.
AGREEMENT WITH MR. STEPHEN G. LA BARGE, P.G.A. FOR GOLF
PROFESSIONAL- MANAGER SERVICES AT RIO HONDO GOLF CLUB
Mr. Jarrett advised that staff was notified by Bruce McDonald, the present golf professional at
the Rio Hondo Golf Course, that he would not be seeking an extension to his agreement expiring
October 31s of this year. In May, the Council authorized staff to solicit requests for proposals and to
begin a process that would lead to the selection of a new golf professional. Staff worked closely with
the P.G.A.; conducted extensive reviews of 13 proposals; and put together an interview board,
consisting of in -house staff and representatives from outside the City, to select the most qualified
Y qualified
It was determined that Mr. LaBarge would bring a very high level of service to the golf
course and the community. He reviewed Mr. LaBarge's career highlights, noting the agreement is for
a three -year period and is substantially the same agreement formerly held with the prior licensee. It is
anticipated that Mr. LaBarge will begin operational responsibilities November 1, 1999.
Council Minutes 9/28/99 -7-
122 81,
It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and
unanimously carried to approve a three (3) year agreement with Mr. Stephen G. LaBarge, P.G.A.
to provide Golf Professional- Manager Services at Rio Hondo Golf Club.
Council Member Winningham thanked Mr. Jarrett and the committee that worked on this
selection, stating he thought it was an excellent choice. He mentioned that the golf course is a source
of revenue for the City and its income repays its debt and supports the community center. He thanked
Mr. McDonald for serving the City for many years and wished him well in his new career.
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval
DOWNEY TRANSIT CENTER, CONTRACT AWARD FOR DESIGN AND
ENGINEERING SERVICES
Council Member Winningham requested a brief report regarding the architect chosen for this
project.
Mr. Jarrett explained that 70 letters were sent out inviting proposals for this project, 13
proposals were received and 6 firms were interviewed. He advised that the firm recommended, John
Wulfmeyer Architect, is very strong in the area of transit design, have strong credentials and have been
involved in many projects. He mentioned several of the transit centers they have been involved in,
advising that Ken Stein, who he will be working with, has also worked on a number of quality
projects. These gentleman will also be working with the landscape architect firm of Melendrez
Babalas Associates, who were identified by three of the six firms interviewed, and it was felt they had
a clear understanding of staff's expectations in terms of the project and in identifying a theme to tie the
transit center into the downtown area.
Council Member McCaughan noted this project would have to tie in to the downtown area and
the two consultants will have to get together. He felt that Firestone Boulevard and La Reina will be
an important intersection, as it once was, and felt the transit center will empty out in this area.
It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member McCaughan,
and unanimously carried to award a contract to John Wulfmeyer Architect for Design and
Engineering Services for the Downey Transit Center.
DOWNEY AVENUE URBAN DESIGN CONSULTANT CONTRACT
{ Mr. Caton mentioned that staff failed to place this on the Community Development
Commission Agenda and is requesting the Council award the contract to Melendrez Babalas
Associates to make sure design concepts for Downey Avenue will match up with the Transit Center.
He noted this landscape architect is the same one mentioned in the previous report and advised that
staff will request the Community Development Commission, at its next meeting, to authorize the
appropriation of funds.
Council Minutes 9/28/99 -8-
10.••∎
12282
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and
unanimously carried to award a contract to Melendrez Babalas Associates in the amount of
$40,732 to develop conceptual plans and cost estimates for improvements along Downey
Avenue from Fifth street to Nance Street, and authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement,
and place on the next Community Development Commission Agenda an item requesting
approval for funding.
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Council Member Perkins mentioned attending a breakfast of Boy Scout Troop 251, which
had a good turnout.
Council Member Perkins requested staff review the south side of Firestone Boulevard
between Downey Avenue and La Reina Street regarding vacant tree wells and the condition of the
sidewalks.
Council Member Perkins congratulated Captain John Finch on his appointment as Police
Chief, stating he looks forward to working with him and welcomed any suggestions that would
improve the Police Department.
Council Member Perkins mentioned touring the Police facility and complimented the recent
improvements.
Council Member Perkins referred to Downey Police Officer Wayne Presley, who was killed
in the line of duty in 1981, noting his badge, No. 5, is displayed in the Police Department in his honor.
Council Member Perkins referred to the gentleman who presented the plans for the Hospital,
noting he will get used to the name change to Downey Regional Medical Center. He asked staff to
review whether the Hospital has a permit to erect a sign in front of the facility.
Council Member McCaughan encouraged all citizens to request a tour of the Police facility to
see the impressive technology in use.
Council Member McCaughan mentioned a rash of graffiti on Seventh Street, Gallatin Road
and Paramount Boulevard last weekend and complimented the City's quick response to eradicate this
problem.
Council Member McCaughan requested the issue of newspaper racks be placed on a future
Agenda.
Council Member McCaughan referred to the Ordinance regulating the first 20 feet of the
front yard setback area, noting he still sees bad examples that should be corrected.
Council Member McCaughan requested an item be placed on a future Agenda for discussion
regarding establishing a green commons area between City Hall and the Library for landscaping,
grass and trees and eliminating several rows of parking. He suggested hiring a consultant to review
the possibilities.
Council Minutes 9/28/99 -9-
2 2 8 3
Council Member McCaughan mentioned coming across the Rio Hondo Channel recently and
seeing the parapet walls being constructed, which indicates the LACDA project is now coming to
fruition. He stated this is an example of how things can get done when cities and Councils organize
and noted Downey's City Manager is one of the lead figures in the southeast area. He congratulated
Mr. Caton on his ten -year tenure, stating he is one of the most excellent City Managers in this area.
Council Member Lawrence commented further on prior comments regarding a commons area
and felt it should tie in as a way to attract more attention to the Downey Civic Theatre.
Council Member Lawrence noted it was her understanding that the Newsrack Ordinance is
nearly ready for submittal to the Council. She said her issue has to do with visual blight and aesthetics
and not to regulate the content.
Council Member Winningham mentioned the Keep Downey Beautiful clean - up activity held
last Saturday and encouraged everyone to do their part.
Council Member Winningham wished his daughter, Jennifer, a happy 21 birthday
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tomorrow.
Mayor McCarthy acknowledged the appointment of Captain John Finch as Police Chief
and congratulated him.
Mayor McCarthy commented on the future of the City with the projected projects of a new
medical center building; transit center; upgrading the downtown area; development of the NASA site;
and development of the property at Firestone Boulevard and Patton Road. He also mentioned the
recent upgrading of the Police Department facility.
Mayor McCarthy mentioned attending the Los Angeles Convention Center last week where his
wife Katrine was sworn in as a United States citizen.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members
Mr. Caton noted he has served as Downey's City Manager for ten years.
Mr. Caton referred to negotiations regarding the NASA property, noting he was very
disappointed to find out today that NASA has placed the shuttle mock up for sale and did not inform
the City. He advised that staff has been working very hard to see if Building 1, which houses the
shuttle mock up and could be a good basis for a museum or history center, could be preserved. He
noted NASA officials were here last week to discuss this, stating there are a lot of challenges ahead.
Mr. Caton noted Captain Finch will do a good job and stated Chief Caldwell came into a
troubled department and did a wonderful job.
Mr. Caton stated he is very happy about the three developer finalists for the NASA site and
felt the community and Council will be happy with whichever one is selected as the final developer.
The meeting recessed at 10:12 p.m. and reconvened at 12:00 a.m., September 29, 1999, with
all Council Members present.
Council Minutes 9/28/99 -10-
12284
ADJOURNMENT: 12:00 a.m., September 29, 1999.
The meeting was adjourned in memory of Joe Graffio, Jr., former Mayor, City of
Cudahy; and Melba Miller, longtime Downey resident, wife of former Mayor and Council
Member Ken Miller and mother of Police Captain Mike Miller, to 6:30 p.m., October 12, 1999,
in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall.
*LP—, -1 41;d/GP -)446ealib6
: • ith E. McDonnell, ity Clerk Keith McCarthy, Mayor
H: \CCLERK \SCONTE\MINUTES \CCMN0928
Council Minutes 9/28/99 -11-