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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 05-09-00 - Regular Meeting 1:3464 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MAY 9, 2000 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:38 p.m., May 9, 2000, 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. (excused) ALSO PRESENT: Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Charles Vose, City Attorney Judith McDonnell, City Clerk - Treasurer Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works John Finch, Police Chief Darrell George, Director of Community/Economic Development Ron Irwin, Interim Fire Chief James Jarrett, Director of Community Services Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner Linda Haines, Building Official Christine Roberto, Purchasing Manager Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS Chief Irwin read Proclamations from the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles commending the Downey Fire Department for its participation in strike teams sent to recent fires known as the "Rafael Incident" in La Canada - Flintridge in Glendale and "Santa Anita" above the City of Arcadia. William Sanchez was not present to receive his Certificate of Appointment to the Traffic Committee, District 3. Mayor McCarthy presented to Adriel Cueva and Heidi Haines, Kidsday spokespersons, a Proclamation declaring May 13, 2000, KIDSDAY. He advised the program will be held at Furman Park, with presentations tomorrow night at the Downey Civic Theatre for outstanding kids. He also noted Fire Service Day will also be held on Saturday, May 13th, and encouraged everyone to attend these events. Council Minutes 5/09/00 -1- L 5 4 5 Adriel Cueva and Heidi Haines presented Mayor McCarthy with an official KIDSDAY 2000 tee shirt. Mayor McCarthy presented to Library Advisory Board Members, Chairperson Betty Skelton, Debbie Black and Janice Allen, a Proclamation declaring the week of May 14 -20, 2000, Downey TV- Turnoff Week. Mayor McCarthy presented to Ed Beaumont a Proclamation declaring May 2000 as Older Americans Month and May 10th as Older Americans Recognition Day. He noted Mr. Beaumont will be honored tomorrow at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as the outstanding Older American representative from Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe's Supervisorial District and the City of Downey. Mr. Beaumont commented he was proud to represent older Americans who give freely and graciously of their time to improve the quality of life in the community and noted he will display his Proclamation at the Downey Community /Senior Center in Apollo Park. Mayor McCarthy presented to Director of Public Works, Desi Alvarez, Proclamations declaring the week of May 21 -27, 2000, as National Public Works Week, and May 2000 as Water Awareness Month. HEARINGS Mayor McCarthy opened the public hearing to CONSIDER THE APPLICATION OF AFFORDABLE TAXI 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 explained that the owner of Affordable Taxi, Mehdi Sarreshtedari, applied for a Police permit to conduct taxicab service in the City. He provided staff with a description and identification for his taxicab, a certificate of insurance, taxicab meter rates and a financial statement. A preliminary background investigation conducted by the Downey Police Department revealed nothing that would prevent Affordable Taxi, a one - person one -cab operation, from safely operating taxicab service in the community. Mr. Sarreshtedari is licensed in six other cities, has a permit with the Orange County Taxi Administration Program, and has been an independent owner - operator for three years. There was no correspondence received regarding this matter. Mayor McCarthy asked if the representative of Affordable Taxi wished to address the Council or if there was anyone present to speak in favor or in opposition to the proposed application. There being no one to speak, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and so ordered to close the hearing. Council Minutes 5/09/00 -2- 1 3 466 It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Lawrence and unanimously carried (4 - to approve an application for permit by Affordable Taxi to conduct taxicab service in the City of Downey. CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL Agenda Item VI - - CASH CONTRACT NO. 613 — RIO SAN GABRIEL PARK, BALL FIELD LIGHTING, was removed at the request of Council Member Winningham. Agenda Item VI - - CONTRACT FOR MEDICAL DIRECTOR SERVICES WITH RICHARD P. GUESS, M.D., was removed at the request of Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, APRIL 25, 2000: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 8392 — 8725, $872,339.82: Approve. RESOLUTION NO. 6356 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SUPPORTING THE DELAYING OF CONGRESSIONAL ACTION ON INTERNET TAX MORATORIUM RESOLUTION NO. 6357 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY IN SUPPORT OF ASSEMBLY BILL 372 (HAVICE) FOR STATE REIMBURSEMENT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY DRAINAGE AREA (LACDA) PROJECT RESOLUTION NO. 6358 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT MAP NO. 53032 (7870 -7900 STEWART & GRAY ROAD), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A REFUNDABLE CASH DEPOSIT AS SURETY Council Minutes 5/09/00 - 3- 13 J 6 7 RESOLUTION NO. 6359 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF PARCEL MAP NO. 25641 (10829 AND 10835 NEW STREET AND 8215 FOURTH STREET), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A REFUNDABLE CASH DEPOSIT AS SURETY RESOLUTION NO. 6360 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF PARCEL MAP NO. 25868 (8550 AND 8556 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING AS SURETY ORDINANCES RESOLUTION NO. 6361 RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION, CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DOWNEY The Resolution was 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 and adopt. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM The Ordinance was 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 and introduce. Mr. Powell explained the City has recently concluded labor negotiations with the Police and Fire Associations and within those negotiations the City agreed to amend the existing retirement plan via the State of California Public Employees' Retirement System. To implement this change a State prescribed process must be followed. The Resolution and Ordinance are the first step in the State process, with the entire program expected to be implemented by June 2000. RESOLUTIONS: None Council Minutes 5/09/00 - 1 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS BUDGET STUDY SESSION FOR THE 2000 -2001 BUDGET Mr. Powell advised staff has been working on the budget preparation process for the last few months, concluding with a proposed budget document for the year 2000 -2001. The City Charter requires the City Council consider and adopt a City budget after conducting a public hearing, which has been scheduled for June 27, 2000. The Council is requested to schedule a special budget study session prior to that date to review the proposed budget and present any questions. After discussion by the Council, the Budget Study Session was set for Tuesday, May 23rd, at 4:00 p.m. OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval CASH CONTRACT NO. 613 — RIO SAN GABRIEL PARK, BALL FIELD LIGHTING (ACCOUNT NO. 27-17533) Mr. Jarrett explained this is a lighting project at Rio San Gabriel Park that includes replacement of all lighting poles and fixtures and the replacement of all utility services that service the switch gear and power on and off system. The present system, installed in the mid- 1960's, does not meet current Code requirements and is not adequate to service the lighting needs of the facility. He also mentioned problems with poles and utility lines sinking. The project is funded by County grants, the Rio San Gabriel Park grant specific in the amount of $300,000 and a portion, approximately $140,000, of a general per- capita grant. It is anticipated the total project cost will be in the neighborhood of $450,000. He reviewed upgrades, which will include new poles embedded in the ground up to 35 feet and the most advanced lighting control system available on the market today. The system will substantially improve impacts to surrounding neighbors. He responded to comments from the Council. It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried (4 - to approve Plans and Specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids on Cash Contract No. 613 — Rio San Gabriel Park, Ball Field Lighting. Prior to the vote, Mayor McCarthy inquired if there would be a significant difference in the electricity used by the new lighting system and was informed it will not result in significant savings, but will be much more efficient. He mentioned the new San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy where there is an opportunity for funding and suggested staff look into the conservancy for additional funds. CONTRACT FOR MEDICAL DIRECTOR SERVICES WITH RICHARD P. GUESS, M.D. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, who requested this item be removed from the Consent Calendar, commented he already has the answer to his question and would have no further comments. Council Minutes 5/09/00 -5- 1.34 It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried (4 - to approve a contract with Richard P. Guess, M.D., for supervision as Medical Director for the Fire Department's Emergency Medical Services Program for the base amount of $750 per month, but not to exceed $20,000 a year. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Carol Kearns, 9942 Smallwood Avenue, mentioned the business Through a Child's Eyes is closing and felt it was important to make the Council aware. She noted this is a high quality children's bookstore that provides services and special events to the community and hoped the City could provide assistance in helping this business relocate. Joel Martinez, 8447 Cleta Street, complained about dogs barking in his neighborhood until 3:00 a.m. and requested help from the Police Department or SEAACA. Mayor McCarthy suggested he speak with staff after the meeting. Diane Boggs Verderber, 10568 Chaney Avenue, thanked the Council for taking their time to serve the community and mentioned her longtime relationship with Council Member Lawrence, who babysat her children, has become known to many as the history expert of the City, and has served on several City committees and commissions. She noted Council Member Lawrence will soon be relocating to Colorado and extended her personal thanks for what she has done for her family and for the City of Downey. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, expressed his compliments to Parking Enforcement Officer Johnnie Kelly, who is retiring from the City in July after 21 years of service, and requested she be given a public presentation prior to her retirement. Kathy White, teacher at Downey United Methodist Nursery School, commented on behalf of Ane Miller, owner of the store Through a Child's Eyes, noting what a tremendous resource this store is to her as a teacher and as a parent. She appealed to the City to offer assistance so this business does not have to close. She was referred to the Director of Community Development, Darrell George. OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members Council Member Perkins acknowledged attending the Street Faire last Saturday, which was an excellent event and commended the Chamber of Commerce. Council Member Lawrence mentioned she was unable to attend the Street Faire due to her parents' 60 wedding anniversary celebration. Council Member Lawrence thanked the Library Board Members who attended the meeting to encourage people to turn off their television sets and thanked them for their commitment and dedication. Council Minutes 5/09/00 -6- '; Council Member Winningham referred to delineators in the crosswalks for school crossing safety and noted seeing chartreuse crossing and pedestrian signs in other communities that are eye catching and draw attention to areas of risk for students. He requested staff review what it would cost to change the City's signs and what funding is available. Council Member Winningham advised the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Merchants Committee will meet at City Hall tomorrow to look at tentative plans for the renovation of Downey Avenue. He looked forward to sharing ideas. Council Member Winningham mentioned the retirement party for Fire Chief Irwin to celebrate his three decades of service to this community. He noted the Chief has been a member of the community, is a person who is not afraid to get involved, and has sat on the boards of many different service clubs. He will be missed as not only the Fire Chief but as a member of the community. Council Member Winningham asked the representatives for Mrs. Miller, owner of the store Through a Child's Eyes, to meet with Community/Economic Development Director, Darrell George, to hopefully find another location in the City, as this store is an asset to the community. Mayor McCarthy echoed the prior compliments to the Chamber of Commerce for organizing the Street Faire. Mayor McCarthy referred to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Los Angeles County Board of Education's newest building at Imperial Highway and Clark Avenue. He noted this property was acquired from Boeing and felt the location was a wise choice, noting the Queen of England had at one time visited that building. Mayor McCarthy commented on the recent release of the Little Hoover Commission's review of special districts around California. He mentioned travelling to Sacramento several months ago to provide commentary on the Water Replenishment District (WRD) of Southern California, noting the hard work by City staff and other cities who have taken part in the effort to have legislation enacted to aim the WRD and its leadership in the proper direction has resulted in progress in that direction. He read a portion from the Executive Summary of the Little Hoover Commission report and acknowledged former Mayor Diane Boggs who took a lead role in bringing this situation to light. Mayor McCarthy noted City Manager Caton and Council Member McCaughan are in Washington D.C. meeting with the City's legislators regarding the NASA site. OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members: None ADJOURNMENT: 8:42 p.m. The meeting was adjourned to 4:00 p.m., May 23, 2000, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. -'(/)/ Judith E. McDonnell, City Clerk keith McCarthy, Mayor H: \CCLERK\SCONTE\ IINUTES\ccmn0509 Council Minutes 5/09/00 -7- MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MAY 9, 2000 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Proclamations from the Board of Supervisors of the County of L. A. commending the Downey Fire Dept. for its participation in recent fires in La Canada - Flintridge & Santa Anita 1 Certificate of Appointment to William Sanchez, Traffic Comm., District 3 (Mr. Sanchez was not present to receive) 1 Proclamation declaring May 13 as KIDSDAY 2000 1 Proclamation declaring the week of May 14 -20, 2000, Downey TV- Turnoff Week 2 Proclamation declaring the month of May as Older American Month & May 10 as Older Americans Recognition Day 2 Proclamation declaring the week of May 21 -27, 2000, as National Public Works Week & month of May 2000 as Water Awareness Month 2 Application of Affordable Taxi for permit to conduct taxicab service in the City of Downey Approved 3 Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 3 Council Minutes: Adj. & Reg. Mtgs. 4/25/00 Approved 3 Warrants Issued: 8392 — 8725, $872,339.82 Approved 3 Res. #6356, supporting the delaying of Congressional action on Internet Tax Moratorium Adopted 3 Res. #6357, support of Assembly Bill 3 72 (Havice) for State reimbursement of L. A. County Drainage Area (LACDA) Proj. Adopted 3 Res. #6358, approving Tract Map No. 53032 (7870 -7900 Stewart & Gray Rd.) Adopted 3 Res. #6359, approving Parcel Map No. 25641 (10829 & 10835 New St. & 8215 Fourth St.) Adopted 4 PAGE 1 OF 3 COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 9, 2000 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Res. #6360, approving Parcel Map No. 25868 (8550 & 8556 Firestone Bi.) Adopted 4 Res. of Intention, No. 6361, approving an amendment to the contract between the Board of Administration, California Public Employees' Retirement System & City of Downey Adopted 4 Ord. authorizing an amendment to the contract between the Council and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System Introduced 4 Budget Study Session for the 2000 -2001 Budget Set 4:00 p.m. 5/23/00 5 Cash Contract #613 — Rio San Gabriel Park, Ball Field Lighting: Approve plans & specs. & grant authority to advertise for bids Approved 5 Contract with Richard P. Guess, M.D., for supervision as Medical Director for the Fire Dept's Emergency Medical Services Program Approved 6 Carol Kearns mentioned the business Through a Child's Eyes is closing 6 Joel Martinez complained about dogs barking in his neighbor- hood Ref. to staff 6 Diane Boggs Verderber thanked the Council for their service to the community, mentioned her longtime relationship with Council Member Lawrence and extended her personal thanks for her service to her family and to the City 6 Lennie Whittington expressed his compliments to Parking Enforcement Officer Johnnie Kelly & requested she be given a public presentation prior to her retirement in July 6 Kathy White commented on behalf of Ane Miller, owner of the store Through a Child's Eyes & appealed to the City to assist this business so it does not have to close Ref. to staff 6 Cn. Member Perkins acknowledged attending the Street Faire last Saturday & commended the Chamber of Commerce 6 PAGE 2 OF 3 COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 9, 2000 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Cn. Lawrence mentioned being unable to attend the Street Faire due to her parents' 60 wedding anniversary celebration 6 Cn. Lawrence thanked the Library Board Members who attended the meeting 6 Cn. Winningham referred to chartreuse crossing & pedestrian signs in other communities in areas of risk for students & requested star review costs and available funding to change the City's signs Ref. to staff 7 Cn. Winningham re the Chamber of Commerce & Downtown Merchants Committee Meeting tomorrow 7 Cn. Winningham mentioned the upcoming retirement party for Chief Irwin 7 Cn. Winningham asked representatives for Mrs. Miller, owner of the store Through a Child's Eyes, to meet with the Community/Economic Development Director 7 Mayor McCarthy echoed the prior compliments to the Chamber of Commerce for the Street Faire 7 Mayor McCarthy referred to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the L. A. County Board of Education's newest Building at Imperial Hwy. and Clark Av. 7 Mayor McCarthy mentioned the recent release of the Little Hoover Commission's review of special districts in California & how this related to the Water Replenishment District issues 7 Mayor McCarthy noted City Manager Caton & Cn. McCaughan are in Washington D. C. meeting with the City's legislators re the NASA site 7 Meeting adjourned to 4:00 p.m., May 23, 2000, (Budget Study Session) 7 H: \cclerk \sconte \tab10509 PAGE 3 OF 3