HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11-09-99 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF TINE CITY OF DOWNEY
NOVEMBER 9, 1999
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
.—. Proclamation re America Recycles Day, 11/15/99 1
Presentation of plaque honoring Downey Ford as 1999
Recycler of the Year 1
Presentation to winners of the Elementary School Used
Oil Calendar Contest for fifth graders 2
Appeal of Conditional Use Permit 99 -57 & Zone Variance Hrg. Cont. to
99 -56 for property at 9851 Imperial Hwy. 7:30 p.m., 11/23/99 3
Lennie Whittington mentioned Coca Cola's new warehouse
is near completion; noted National 0-Ring expects excess
of 600 employees by end of year: and commented on
medical transportation for seniors promised by CareMore
& Golden Outlook 4
Abid Chowdhry ref. to home improvement proj. & voiced
concern about wa y City inspections ins ections are handled 4
Fred James re approval of left -turn signal at intersection of
Paramount Bl. & Suva St. 4
Connie Patin - Rodriguez discussed street sweeping signs &
schedule in front of Kirkwood Education Center on
Pangborn Ave.
Ord. amending Section 9128 of the Downey Municipal Code
allowing ambulance service business in the M1 (Light Mfg.) Ref. back to
zone (Code Amendment #99 -64) Planning Comm. 6
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 6
Council Minutes: Adj. & Reg. Mtgs. 10/26/99 & Adj. Reg.
Mtg. 10/27/99 Approved 6
Warrants Issued: 3103 — 3500, $1,011,304.88 Approved 6
PAGE 1 OF 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, NOVEMBER 9, 1999
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Res. #6303, establishing a new salary range for Principal
Civil Engineer Adopted 6
Ord. #1073, amending Section 3186 of the Downey
Municipal Code re speed limits Adopted 6
Downey Holiday Lane Parade Permit: Approve applic. for
1999 Chamber of Commerce Parade & expenditures
incurred by the City in support services Approved 7
Photo -Red Light Signal enforcement report Rec. & File 7
Res. #63 02, consenting to a transfer of control of the
Cable TV franchise from MediOne of L. A., Inc. to AT &T Corp. Adopted 8
Cn. Winningham re street sweeping signs & schedule at
Kirkwood Education Center Ref. to staff 8
Cn. Winningham thanked Community Svcs. Dept. for
contribution to Pumpkin Patch event; thanked City Mgr.
for assistance in getting Coca Cola Co. to donate products 8
Cn. Lawrence mentioned attending the 1 -5 Frwy. Consortium
Joint Powers Authority Meeting re proposed frwy. widening 8
Cn. Lawrence thanked Keep Downey Beautiful & the scouts •
for the clean arkin lot at the NASA site 8
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Cn. Perkins commented on his attendance at a Physical
Services Dept. luncheon honoring outstanding employee of
the quarter 9
Cn. Perkins complimented Brownie Troop No. 15 for leading
the flag salute 9
Cn. Perkins mentioned attending the Downey Youth Fishing
Event 9
Cn. McCaughan noted he attended the Downey Youth Fishing
Event & noted rou s from other cities who participated 9
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PAGE 2 OF 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, NOVEMBER 9, 1999
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Cn. McCaughan indicated he walked the bank of the Rio San
Gabriel River & noted changes that have occurred 9
---� Cn. McCaughan mentioned attending a Southeast Water
Coalition Mtg. re pumping out pollutants before they
reach the water table 9
Cn. McCaughan commented on the L. A. Cnty. Drainage
Alliance & noted the project to install parapets along the
Santa Ana River is near completion 9
Cn. McCaughan req. info. re guidelines for placing issues
on the ballot for the March Primary Elect. & November
General Elect. 9
Mayor McCarthy reminded everyone the Holiday Lane
Parade is Sunday, December 5`1 . 9
Mayor McCarthy congratulated successful candidates in
the Downey Unified School District Board Elect. &
Cerritos College Board of Trustees Elect. 10
Mr. Caton noted the Pumpkin Patch & other events would
not be successful without the help of service clubs 9
•
Mr. Caton mentioned Roger. Lawrence came up with the
idea for the Downey Youth Fishing Event & deserves credit 9
Mr. Caton mentioned disappointing news re the LACDA
flood control project 10
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., November 23, 1999 10
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13314
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
NOVEMBER 9, 1999
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7 :44 p.m., November 9,
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 Tens
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
Darrell George, Director of Community/Economic Development
Ron Irwin, Fire Chief
James Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
John Finch, Police Captain
Linda Haines, Building Official
Kathy Simmons, Integrated Waste Coordinator
Ed Velasco, Manger of Housing
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev./City Planner
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor McCarthy presented to Kathy Simmons a Proclamation declaring November 15,
1999, as America Recycles Day.
Mayor McCarthy presented to Mr. and Mrs. Bob Remy, owners of Downey Ford, a plaque
honoring Downey Ford as the City's 1999 Recycler of the Year.
Mrs. Remy mentioned the Popsy Program, a recycling educational program for use in schools,
and presented a Popsy Doll to each Council Member, which she said is made from five recycled two-
liter plastic pop bottles. She advised that Geraldine McMahan created the doll to teach children
recycling by showing what can be made from trash ordinarily thrown away. She noted Downey Ford
is purchasing Popsy doll kits for Downey schools.
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Mayor McCarthy and Kathy Simmons of the Public Works Division presented medallions,
Certificates of Achievement, and gift certificates to Frantone's Pizza and Toys R Us, to winners of the
Elementary School Used Oil Calendar Contest for fifth grade students: Awards were presented
to: Cesar Benavidez, Emily Bott, Theresa Buchanan, Daniel Carrera, Maria Cosio, Clemrose Galang,
Cassidy Jackson, Eileen Kim, and Patricia Petrusan of Rio Hondo Elementary School; Estefanie
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Cervantes of Maude Price Elementary; Andrew De Paula of Lewis Elementary; Monique Gonzales of
Rio San Elementary; Edgar Gabriel Elements ; and Ed ar Villasenor of Old River Elementary. The Grand Prize winner,
whose drawing will be on the cover of the calendar, was Patricia Petrusan of Rio Hondo Elementary
School. Sponsors of the contest are: All American Home Center, Downey Ford, Frantone's Pizza
and Spaghetti Villa, and Jiffy Lube.
HEARINGS
Mayor McCarthy opened the public hearing on APPEAL OF CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT (CUP) NO. 99-57 AND ZONE VARIANCE (ZV) NO. 99 -56 FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 9851 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication, which was ordered filed.
Mr. Yoshiki advised this is an appeal on two applications: A Conditional Use Permit for a
mini -mart and combined service station and a Zone Variance allowing the establishment of the facility
within 1,000 feet of a school. He reviewed setback conditions involved and narrated a visual program
identifying what is being considered on this property, which is zoned C -2 (General Commercial). He
noted an issue raised at the Planning Commission was the sale of alcoholic beverages, and that the
applicant indicated he would not sell alcohol. Staff applied a condition to the Resolution indicating no
alcoholic beverages were to be sold from this premises.
Ms. McDonnell advised that three letters of opposition were received from Mr. Hyun Kim,
Owner of JJ's Burgers on Imperial Highway; Mr. & Mrs. Francisco Marquez, property owners on
Benedict Avenue; and Mr. J. D. Williams of American Capital Realty Group, who manages an
apartment complex in the area.
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and
so ordered to receive and file.
Mayor McCarthy asked the applicant to come forward and present the case.
Danny Ku, representing the owner, stated the owner will not operate the facility with a beer
and wine license and the nearby school indicated it has no problem with the CUP. He explained
Mr. Tabbaa's lawyer could not be present tonight and asked the Council to either adopt the Resolution
g appeal in the a eal and approving CUP 99-57 and ZV 99-56, or continue the hearing to the next
Council meeting to allow their attorney to be in attendance.
Mayor McCarthy asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of CUP
99 -57 and ZV 99 -56.
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Ahmad Masri, a Chevron dealer representing Mr. Tabbaa, stated they were pleased to receive
approval of the CUP, including the condition for no beer or wine sales. He noted they do not intend
to take business away from anyone else and have their own customers. He stated the sale of gas only
is not profitable and mentioned other items they propose to sell in the mini -mart. He urged the
Council to deny the appeal or continue the hearing until the next City Council meeting. He said the
Principal of the nearby school was in attendance at the Planning Commission Meeting and was not
opposed to the mini -mart.
Mayor McCarthy asked the appellant to come forward and present the appeal.
Richard Salyer, 83 50 Florence Avenue, legal representative of appellant Richard Song, stated
the Downey Municipal Code states this property must have specific facts and attributes that make it
unique from other properties in the area to qualify for an exemption from the rules set forth. He felt
the evidence presented fails to indicate why this property should be exempted. He noted a mini -mart
is a competing use to his clients business and will have a tremendous impact. He referred to opposition
at the Planning Commission and suggested the Council not consider granting CUP's for this type of
situation but instead consider amending the Code to change the standards.
Council Member Perkins mentioned there was a time when the Downey Unified School
District wanted to sell the property where Columbus School is located and at that time it was
approved to have a gas station on that corner, within 1,000 feet of the school. He felt the mini - market
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would not be a magnet for the school kids, as stated, and that they would still go to the hamburger
restaurant to congregate. •
Hyun Kim, owner of JJ's Burger, stated he and his parents are against the mini -mart, noting
this is already a busy intersection and the addition of a mini -mart would add to the congestion. He felt
it would also increase loitering, littering, graffiti, fighting and other problems, noting the mini -mart
would affect his business, in that it will sell many of the same items. He urged the Council to deny the
approval of a mini -mart at this location.
Mayor McCarthy asked if the applicant wished to speak in rebuttal.
Ahmad Masri noted they have no intention to take business away from anyone else and have
their own customers and own products.
There bein g speak, one else to s eak, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence and seconded
by Council Member Winningham to close the hearing. (Motion later withdrawn).
Council Member McCaughan suggested the hearing be continued, as requested by the
applicant.
Council Member Lawrence withdrew her motion and Council Member Winningham withdrew
his second.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and
unanimously carried to continue the hearing until 7:30 p.m., November 23, 1999, in the Couhcil
Chamber of Downey City Hall.
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, mentioned the Coca Cola plant warehouse will be
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completed by the end of the year; noted National O --Ring Company expects to have in excess of 600
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employees by the end of the year; and commented that a number of senior citizens were promised they
would be provided with transportation to the doctor and the Hospital when joining CareMore and
Golden Outlook, and advised that the number of transport vehicles has been reduced and seniors are
now using the Downey Dial -A -Ride.
r-.. Abid Chowdhry, 1351 Bellder Drive, referred to his home improvement project and voiced
concern about the way City p Cit inspections are being handled. He read and submitted a copy of a letter he
had sent to the City's Building Official.
Fred James, 9360 Samoline Avenue, mentioned returning from vacation and learning the
Council had approved the installation of a left -turn signal at the intersection of Paramount
Boulevard and Suva Street. He expressed his appreciation and advised that within three hours of his
return from vacation there was a three-car collision at that location. He stated concern with the way
the Police Department secured the area after the accident.
Connie Patin - Rodriguez, 7833 Kingbee Street, discussed street sweeping in front of
Kirkwood Educational Center at 11115 Pangborn Avenue and requested street signs be relocated
and g swee p in times changed to alleviate problems for parents dropping children off in the morning.
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She advised that other schools have street sweeping between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
and submitted p hotographs indicating the current and . suggested locations of signs and the current
sweeping schedule, which is Thursday from 7:00 -- 11:00 a.m. on Pangborn Avenue.
HEARINGS ( Copt.)
Mayor McCarthy opened the public hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION
9128 OF THE DOWNEY IVIUNICIPAL CODE ALLOWING AMBULANCE SERVICE
BUSINESS IN THE M1 (LIGHT MANUFACTURING) ZONE, (CODE AMENDMENT
99 -64).
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council
Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and so ordered to receive and file.
Mr. Yoshiki explained this is an additional use for the M1 (Light Manufacturing) zone relating
to ambulance service, noting ambulance service is currently in the C2 (General Commercial) zone, the
Central Business District and the HM (Hospital Medical Art) zones. Staff is recommending
ambulance services be included as a new use in the M i zone, as a matter aright.
There was no correspondence received on this matter.
Mayor McCarthy asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor or
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opposition to the proposed Code Amendment.
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Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, noted he was not opposed but asked if the large
capacity gasoline storage tanks the previous owner utilized at this location are still there, would they
be taken out, or be used as gasoline storage for the ambulances.
Mr. Yoshiki replied the property mentioned is one of the proposed locations for this facility,
and if the gas tanks are abandoned, there is a requirement to remove them within a certain amount of
time. He emphasized what is being considered is whether this would be a use by right in the M1 zones
throughout the City.
There being no one else to speak to Code Amendment No. 99 -64, it was moved by Council
Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and so ordered to close the hearing.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 9128 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE
ALLOWING AMBULANCE SERVICE BUSINESSES IN THE M1 (LIGHT
MANUFACTURING) ZONE (CODE AMENDMENT CA 99 -64)
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Winningham and
seconded by Council Member Perkins, to close the hearing. (Refer to final vote where this motion
and second were withdrawn).
Council Member McCaughan inquired as to what requirements would be placed on an
ambulance operation if this Ordinance is passed and what regulations are currently in the Code to
regulate the number of ambulances.
Mr. Yoshiki replied the Code requires sufficient space to house each of the official vehicles
that will be kept on the property for that purpose.
Council Member McCaughan mentioned the possibility of a regional facility as opposed to a
City facility where vehicles will be turning their lights and sirens on more often, which would impact
residents.
Mr. Yoshiki said ambulance services normally have a service radius, considering the
importance of effective response time, and if this is an issue, staff can utilize the public hearing
process.
Council Member McCaughan asked, if allowed by right, would this issue ever come before the
Planning Commission, and was informed that it would not.
Council Member Lawrence felt the M1 and M2 zones were appropriate for this use, as long as
it is not adjacent to residences. She noted her approval depends on adjacent uses and felt they should
all have CUP's. She suggested returning the issue to the Planning Commission for their review of the
Code section, as far as requiring a CUP to gauge the deleterious effect on the neighborhood.
Council Member Winningham suggested the Fire Department review the parcel to see if it still
has permitted fuel tanks.
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Council Member Perkins mentioned concern with putting this type of business in an M1 zone
without a CUP and was in favor of sending it back to the Planning Commission. He did note the CUP
process would require notifying the residents within 500 feet.
Council Members Winningham and Perkins withdrew their prior motion and second.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously carried to refer this issue back to the Planning Commission for a recommendation
"ft% to snake it a permitted use subject to a CUP.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REIVI ..,
Agenda Item VI -E -1, DOWNEY HOLIDAY LANE PARADE PERMIT, was removed at
the request of Council Member McCaughan.
Agenda Item VI -E -2, PHOTO -RED L.{(GI '1' SIGNAL ENFORCEMENT, was removed at
the request of Council Member McCaughan.
Agenda Item VI -F -1, TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF CABLE TELEVISION
FRANCHISE FROM MEDIAONE OF LOS ANGELES INC. TO A T & T CORPORATION,
was removed at the request of Mayor McCarthy.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Mc Caughan, and
unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolution and Ordinance and approve the
remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, OCTOBER 26,
•--• 1999, AND ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 27, 1999: Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 3103 3500, $1,011,304.88: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 6303 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ESTABLISHING A NEW SALARY RANGE FOR PRINCIPAL CIVIL
ENGINEER
•
ORDINANCE NO. 1073 (ADOPT)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS
ORDINANCES: None
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RESOLUTIONS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval
DOWNEY HOLIDAY LANE PARADE PERMIT
Council Member McCaughan mentioned the City's contribution to the Holiday Lane Parade,
noting it is a major sponsor of this event each year. He also referred to the insurance certificate and �
inquired if the City should be named as an additional insured, and was informed that staff will make
sure this is taken care of.
John Lacey, 8419 Dacosta Street, President of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, expressed
appreciation for the City's past contributions to the Chamber, noting the 48 Annual Holiday Lane
Parade will be held on December 5`''
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously carried to approve the parade permit application for the 1999 Chamber of
Commerce Downey Holiday Lane Parade and expenditures in the amount of $9,844 to be
incurred by the City in support services.
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, asked what the total cost was for the City support
services and was informed it is $9,844.
PHOTO - RED LIGHT SIGNAL ENFORCEMENT
Council Member Lawrence expressed appreciation to the Police Department, particularly
Sergeant Carl Charles, for this report, noting she would not pursue it further, as it is new technology
and needs further work. She explained this pertains to mounting a camera at major intersections
where there are accidents and vehicles running red lights.
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and
unanimously carried to receive and file.
TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE FROM
MEDIAONE OF LOS ANGELES INC. TO AT & T CORPORATION
Ms. Yotsuya explained that MediaOne entered into a merger agreement with AT & T on May
6, 1999, under which AT & T will acquire all of MediaOne's assets. The existing MediaOne
subsidiary, which currently holds the franchise, will not change as a result of this transaction. Per
Federal law the City has 120 days to review and act on the application and if the City should decide to
take no action, consent would automatically be deemed granted. The existing franchisee and proposed
franchisee have not requested any changes to the terms of the franchise. Based on information
provided, AT & T has been determined to be legally, professionally, and technically qualified to hold
the franchise. She noted, one issue is open access, requiring cable operators to offer Internet access
services unbundled from content so that subscribers may purchase one without the other, which is
currently being contested in the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal, with many communities adopting
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13321
a wait and see approach. Staff recommends the Council adopt "a reservation of rights' provision to
allow the City to revisit the open access issue in the future. She also noted the current franchise has a
"most favored nation" provision that would allow the City open access in the event AT & T agrees to
it in any other jurisdiction. Staff recommends the City grant consent for the transfer of control from
MediaOne to AT & T, subject to the conditions addressed in the Resolution.
Mayor McCarthy requested further explanation of the "reservation of rights" and was referred
to Page 2, Paragraph d, of the Resolution. He mentioned concern with the current performance of
MediaOne, which is regulated through the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and suggested,
when new information is available from the FCC or the Court's ruling on the status of open access,
this be directed to the Cable TV Citizens Advisory Committee for its review and recommendation.
RESOLUTION NO. 6302
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
CONSENTING TO A TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF THE CABLE
TELEVISION FRANCHISE FROM MEDIAONE OF LOS ANGELES, INC. TO
AT & T CORPORATION
The Resolution was read by title only It was moved by Council Member Winningham,
seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and unanimously carried to waive further reading
and adopt.
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Council Member Winningham requested Public Works' stag check into the street sweeping
sig ns and schedule at Pangborn Avenue and Firestone Boulevard to see if something can be done
to accommodate the parents at Kirkwood Education Center.
Council Member Winningham thanked the Community Services Department for their
contribution to the Pumpkin Patch event the Saturday before Halloween, noting thousands of
children attended. He thanked City y Manager Caton for contacting the Coca Cola Company, who
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donated over 7,000 soft drinks and supplies for the event.
Council Member Lawrence mentioned attending the I - Freeway Consortium Joint Powers
Authority Meeting in Norwalk regarding the proposed freeway widening project. She noted the
cities welcomed the New Caltran's Director and District 7 Representative and were able to show them
their preferred alternative within the existing right-of-way, which is felt will lessen the impact on
residential and commercial areas directly adjacent to the freeway. She mentioned taking a tour along
the freeway to view various issues and noted the new Director expressed Governor Davis'
commitment to move more money faster to the cities for their project and also noted an improved
attitude towards landscaping and maintenance.
Council Member Lawrence noted the clean parking lot on the NASA site, which was done
through the efforts of a clean -up program conducted by Keep Downey Beautiful and the scouts and
thanked them for their efforts.
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Council Member Perkins commented on his attendance at a Physical Services Department
luncheon honorin g the outstanding employee for the quarter and was impressed by the attitude of the
employees.
Council Member Perkins complimented Brownie Troop No. 15 for leading the flag salute.
Council Member Perkins mentioned attending the Downey Youth Fishing Event held last
Saturday, stating it was an outstanding activity.
Council Member McCaughan noted he also attended the Downey Youth Fishing Event,
which was excellent and had good participation. He commented the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe Springs
cooked breakfast and there was also a group from Norwalk participating.
Council Member McCaughan indicated he walked the bank of the Rio San Gabriel River
and noted changes that have occurred in the riverbed with the number of trees, birds and other
animals. He felt the City has a real opportunity to participate as a major member in the Los Angeles
River Conservanc y, noting notin.. this is a watershed area where this park ties in and offers citizens a lot of
unique recreational opportunities.
Council Member McCaughan mentioned attending a Southeast Water Coalition Meeting,
advising the consortium continues to do its due diligence regarding contamination of the water table
and has been somewhat successful in attempts to get the Environmental Protection Agency and other
water agencies to seek Federal and State funding to pump out pollutants and clear them before they
reach the water table.
Council Member McCaughan commented on the Los Angeles County Drainage Alliance
(LACDA) and noted the project to install parapets along the Santa Ana River is near completion.
Council Member McCaughan requested information regarding guidelines for placing issues
on the ballot for the March Primary Election and November General Election.
Mayor McCarthy reminded everyone the Holiday Lane Parade will take place on Sunday,
December 5
Mayor McCarthy congratulated the successful candidates in the Downey Unified School
District Board Election and Cerritos College Board of Trustees Election, stating he looks forward
to working with them for the betterment of the community.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members
Mr. Caton noted the Pumpkin Patch and other events would not be successful without the
hel p of service clubs in the community, advising the Optimist and Soroptimist Clubs sponsored the
Pumpkin Patch event, which drew over 5,000 children.
Mr. Caton mentioned Roger Lawrence came up with the idea for the Downey Youth Fishing
Event and deserves a lot of the credit.
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Mr. Caton mentioned disappointing news received regarding the LACDA project on the Rio
Hondo Channel, which is nearly completed, wherein two railroad bridges that keep the dyke from
being completed in the City of Pico Rivera may cause Downey to be in the floodplain until the year
2001. The status of completion of the project may allow the flood insurance to go from an AR zone
to an A99 zone, which would take all properties out of the flood plain building requirements. He
commented on a quirk in Federal law, where residents receiving a discounted cost on their flood
insurance would have their flood insurance double in the A99 zone. He will be working with
• Congressman Horn to get the language changed, which would allow changing to the A99 designation
but preserving the lower rate residents have obtained in the AR zone.
The meeting recessed at 9:50 p.m. and reconvened at 11:15 p.m. with all Council Members
present.
ADJOURNMENT: 11:15 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., November 23, 1999, in the Council Chamber of
Downey City Hall. / / / l ik y f i /, '
r
4 t E. McDonnell, City Clerk eith McCarthy, Mayor
H: \CCLERK \SCONTE \MINUTES \ccmn l 109
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