HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 05-23-00 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MAY 23, 2000
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Presentation to the Mayor from the American Red Cross for
his participation in the Millennium Mayorthon 1
Presentation to the Council by Harold Frentz of The Salvation
Army 2
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 2
Council Minutes: Adj. & Reg. Mtgs., 5/9/2000 Approved 2
Cash Contract S.S. 509, Citywide Slurry Seal: Award a unit
price contract to Pavement Coatings Company & appropriate
Prop. C Local Return Funds Approved 2
Cash Contract S. S. 457/469, Rosecrans Ave. & Paramount
Bl. street rehabilitation: Approve plans & specs. & grant
authority to advertise for bids Approved 2
Warrants Issued: 8726 — 9215, $2,296,805.31 Approved 2
Intent to adopt a mitigated declaration for the Downey Set hrg. 7:30 p.m.
Intermodal Transit Center proj. 6/13/00 2
Request for appropriation of funds to Downey/NASA
Museum & Education proj. account Approved 2
Res. #6362, adopting the Memorandum of Understanding
between the City & Downey Firemen's Association Adopted 3
Res. #6363, authorizing the submittal of applications to
the California Dept. of Conservation's Div. of Recycling
for all available grants under the California Beverage
Container Recycling & Litter Reduction Act for 6 years Adopted 3
Res. #6364, adopting the Memorandum of Understanding
between the City & Downey City Employees' Assoc./
Miscellaneous Unit Adopted 3
PAGE 1 OF 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 23, 2000
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Res. #6366, calling for a Regional Airport Plan for
Southern California Adopted 4
Res. #6365, approving an Assignment & Assumption
Agreement of a Development Agreement between the County
Sanitation District No. 2 of L. A. County, Downey Area
Recycling & Transfer, Inc., Calmet Services, Inc., & the City Adopted 4
General Plan Amendment #00 -16 for properties located at
9501 -45, 9557 -61, 9607, 9623, 9637 & 9641 Imperial Hwy. & Set hrg. 7:30 p.m.
12432 -12530 Bellflower Bl. 6/13/00 5
David Bowers re extending the lease for the Chamber of
Commerce & recent newspaper article re parking issues in
parking lots near the Embassy Suites 5
Lennie Whittington requested the public be asked if they wish
to comment at Budget Study Sessions & inquired if a
joint Police & Fire communications center had been considered 5
Connie Patton inquired about the proposed Starbucks Coffee
Shop at Firestone Bi. & Patton Rd. 6
District Five Report (resignation letter from Mayor Pro Tem
Joyce Lawrence) Cont. to 6/13/00 6
Cn. McCaughan mentioned his concern re Driveway Canopies
& req. staff come back with legislative solutions Ref. to staff 7
Cn. McCaughan requested a meeting of the Front Yard
Subcommittee, staff & City Attorney re a simpler solution
to what a front yard can and cannot be utilized for Ref. to staff 7
Cn. McCaughan re the proliferation of abandoned shopping carts
around the city Ref. to staff 7
Cn. McCaughan requested a report re upgrading the section of
the Municipal Code permitting garage conversions Ref. to staff 7
Cn. McCaughan requested Council consideration for a letter of
inquiry to be sent to the Downey Unified School re conduct
at the City- School Meeting yesterday 7
PAGE 2 OF 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 23, 2000
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Cn. Perkins re attending the Hall of Fame where students are
recognized for their accomplishments 7
Cn. Perkins re Kidsday event 7
i
Cn. Perkins re attending the open house at Fire Station #1 8
Cn. Winningham congratulated new Fire Chief Mark Sauter 8
Mayor McCarthy stated the Budget Hearing will be 6/27/00 8
Mayor McCarthy requested review & reconsideration of
the design for the transit center building Ref. to staff 8
Mayor McCarthy re approval of the Memorandums of
Understanding with the City Employees' Association —
Miscellaneous Unit & the Firemen's Association 8
Mayor McCarthy mentioned funding in the budget for
expansion of Fire Stations 1 and 3 8
Mayor McCarthy congratulated new Fire Chief Mark Sauter 8
Mr. Caton re trip to Washington D.C. with Cn. McCaughan
re LACDA flood control project & purchase of remainder
of the NASA site 8
Adjourned in memory of Charlotte -Lukes Chandler, leader
& pioneer in many community enriched activities 8
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., June 13, 2000 8
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U4 6
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MAY 23, 2000
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:47 p.m., May 23, 2000, in
the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Keith McCarthy presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Keith McCarthy Mayor
Robert C. Winningham
Meredith H. Perkins
Gary P. McCaughan, M.D.
ABSENT: Joyce L. Lawrence Mayor Pro Tem (excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Charles Vose, City Attorney
Joyce Doyle, Deputy City Clerk
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
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
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner
Linda Haines, Building Official
Christina Garcia, Special Projects Coordinator
Vicki Jenkins, City Librarian
Bonnie Kehoe, Recreation Division Manager
John Michicoff, Assistant Director of Finance
Kevin O'Connor, Theatre Manager
Mark Sauter, Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal
Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing
Steven Yee, Economic Development Coordinator
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Joe Ayers, Director of Public Support for the Rio Hondo Chapter of the American Red Cross,
presented to Mayor McCarthy a plaque in recognition of his participating in the Millennium
Mayorthon event to increase awareness of the need for tissue donations. A plaque was also
presented to Ms. Yotsuya in appreciation of her assistance.
Council Minutes 5/23/00 -1-
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Harold Frentz, Salvation Army Board Member, invited the City Council to be honorary
members of The Salvation Army's Advisory Board for the southeast area to keep them advised of
what is being accomplished in Downey and the southeast area. He passed out pins and brochures and
invited the Council to The Salvation Army's 75th Anniversary celebration for the southeast area
on June 3rd in Huntington Park.
HEARINGS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
Agenda Item VI - - ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT OF A
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION
DISTRICT NO. 2, DOWNEY AREA RECYCLING AND TRANSFER, INC., CALMET
SERVICES, INC. AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY, was removed at the request of Council
Member Winningham.
Agenda Item VI - - GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 00 -16 FOR PROPERTIES
LOCATED AT 9501 -45, 9557 -61, 9607, 9623, 9637 AND 9641 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY AND
12432 - 12530 BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD, was removed at the request of Council Member
McCaughan.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and
unanimously carried (4 - to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder
of the Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, MAY 9, 2000:
Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 509, CITYWIDE SLURRY SEAL (ACCOUNT NO. 26
16509): Award a unit price contract, totaling $284,353.80 to Pavement Coatings Company
and appropriate Proposition C Local Return funds in the amount of $49,400: Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 457/469, ROSECRANS AVENUE AND PARAMOUNT
BOULEVARD STREET REHABILITATION (ACCOUNT NO. 54-16457 AND 54-
16469): Approve plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids: Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 8726 — 9215, $2,296,805.31: Approve.
INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE
DOWNEY INTERMODAL TRANSIT CENTER PROJECT: Set hearing for 7:30 p.m.,
June 13, 2000, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall: Approve.
REQUEST FOR APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS TO DOWNEY/NASA MUSEUM AND
EDUCATION PROJECT ACCOUNT: Transfer $50,000 from the General Fund to the
Grant Fund (27) for activities related to the Downey/NASA Museum and Education Project:
Approve.
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RESOLUTION NO. 6362 (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 FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION
RESOLUTION NO. 6363 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATIONS TO THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION'S DIVISION OF
RECYCLING FOR ALL AVAILABLE GRANTS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA.
BEVERAGE CONTAINER RECYCLING AND LITTER REDUCTION ACT
FOR A PERIOD OF SIX YEARS
RESOLUTION NO. 6364 (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 CITY EMPLOYEES'
ASSOCIATION/MISCELLANEOUS UNIT
ORDINANCES: None
RESOLUTIONS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
REGIONAL AIRPORT PLAN FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Mike Gordon, Mayor of the City of El Segundo, gave a brief visual presentation requesting the
City of Downey to join 80 other cities in southern California in calling for a regional airport plan on
how Southern California will handle aviation demands in the 21st Century. He explained that the plan
began after Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) announced its master plan process for the next
20 years. He reviewed the LAX plan and resulting traffic and environmental impacts, stating the
expansion of LAX defies any ability to mitigate the negative impacts that will occur. He reviewed
regional demands and the viable alternative of utilizing all 12 airports in the region, with each county
shouldering its fair share of the opportunity and the burden. He noted the goal of the coalition is to
convince the City Council of the City of Los Angeles and the Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG) of the need to support a regional airport plan. He responded to comments
from the Council.
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i V
RESOLUTION NO. 6366
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY,
CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR A REGIONAL AIRPORT PLAN FOR
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Winningham,
seconded by Council Member Perkins, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading and
adopt.
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval
AGREEMENT WITH COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT NO. 2
Mr. Powell explained the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) located in Downey was previously
approved by the Council and the Planning Department in terms of issuing conditional use permits to
operate the facility. It is proposed that the County Sanitation District purchase the MRF from the
current private owner and eventually operate the facility as a County operation. The County
approached the City earlier this year and has been working with adjoining cities currently involved
with the present owner of the facility. The result of these discussions was the development of an
agreement between the City and County Sanitation District that governs their purchase of the facility.
g y y
The agreement provides that the County abide by the Development Agreement originally approved by
the Council when the MRF was built. The Sanitation District would also assume the responsibilities of
the conditional use permits issued in connection with the facility. The Resolution before the Council
approves that agreement, which, under State Law, allows for the Council's approval of the County to
purchase and operate the facility. The City Attorney and staff have reviewed the agreement and feel it
is beneficial to the City. It maintains all the rights the City already has with the original private party
and the County will be a good operator of the facility. He responded to questions from the Council.
RESOLUTION 6365 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING AN ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT OF A
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE COUNTY
SANITATION DISTRICT NO. 2 OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, DOWNEY
AREA RECYCLING AND TRANSFER, INC., CALMET SERVICES, INC.,
AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Winningham,
seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further
reading and adopt.
Council Minutes 5/23/00 -
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GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 00 -16 FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED AT
9501 -45, 9557 -61, 9607, 9623, 9637 AND 9641 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY AND 12432-
12530 BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD (APPLICANT: PETERSON FAMILY
TRUST; PROPERTY OWNERS: PETERSON FAMILY TRUST; PALERMO
FAMILY TRUST; LANZALACQUA FAMILY TRUST; DOWNEY LAND CO.;
JOE ADRAGNA; AND GTE CALIFORNIA)
Mr. Yoshiki advised the Planning Commission recently adopted a general plan amendment
involving six properties on the northeast corner of Bellflower Boulevard and Imperial Highway
involving a land use policy change on those properties from Neighborhood Commercial to ---
Commercial Manufacturing. The Council is requested to set a public hearing to consider this
policy on a general plan amendment, with the suggested date of June 13, 2000.
Council Member McCaughan inquired if Property F is where the tow yard proposed to be
located and whether GTE is Property E and the response was yes. He referred to the fact that
Independence Park is the northern boundary of these two properties and wondered about the
possibility of looking at them for open space to relieve the impact of the low number of parking
spaces at the park. He requested a report from staff and was informed the information would be
supplied before the public hearing on June 13th.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member
Winningham, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to set the public hearing for General Plan
Amendment No. 00 -16 to reclassify six lots to the "Commercial Manufacturing" land use
designation for 7 :30 p.m., June 13, 2000, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, referred to discussion at a prior meeting regarding
extending the lease for the Chamber of Commerce, inquiring if entering into a long lease with the
Chamber would interfere with any physical expansion of the Library that may occur down the line. He
also referred to a recent newspaper article regarding parking issues in the parking lots by the ---
church and bank near the Embassy Suites Hotel.
Mr. Caton responded that there are seven or eight years remaining on the Chamber of
Commerce lease and there are various parking lots in the downtown area, referencing a map that
depicts which ones are owned by the City.
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, mentioned attending the Budget Study Session
earlier and requested that in the future the public be asked if they wished to comment. He also
inquired if a joint Police and Fire communications center has ever been considered for Downey.
Chief Irwin replied that a joint communications center has been discussed in the past and that it
was found that the stand -alone centers run by private agencies work the best.
Mayor McCarthy apologized for not calling on the public for comments during the Budget
Study Session, stating it was an oversight on his part.
Council Minutes 5/23/00 -5-
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Connie Patton, 7833 Kingbee Street, inquired about the proposed Starbucks Coffee Shop on
Firestone Boulevard at Patton Road and was informed Starbucks decided to locate at the corner of
Lakewood and Firestone Boulevards but is also looking at two other locations in the City.
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members (Cont.)
DISTRICT FIVE REPORT
Mayor McCarthy read a resignation letter from Mayor Pro Tem Joyce Lawrence, who is
retiring to the "Four Corners" region of Colorado.
It was moved by Council Member Winningham and seconded by Council Member McCaughan
to receive and file. (Motion was withdrawn. See final motion below.)
Council Member McCaughan brought up the question of how this issue should be handled and
felt the item should be on the next Agenda, at which time the City Attorney could advise what the
options are.
Mr. Vose requested the motion be changed and include direction for him to come back with a
list of options in the proper manner to receive and accept this resignation at the next meeting.
The motion was withdrawn and restated as follows:
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Winningham,
and unanimously carried (4 - to continue the District Five Report and direct the City Attorney
to come back with options available for the manner of accepting Council Member Lawrence's
resignation letter.
Council Member Winningham commented on how he and Council Member Lawrence
became friends. He mentioned his respect for her, wishing her and her husband, Roger, well in their
future in Colorado.
Council Member McCaughan mentioned that Council Member Lawrence is a hard worker
and is dedicated to the community. She will be missed for a number of reasons including the
Historical Society and Downtown Merchants Committee.
Council Member Perkins noted Council Member Lawrence had an eye for good
Commissioners, noting two of her appointees are sitting on the Council tonight, Council Member
Winningham and himself. He mentioned the many committees and commissions she and her husband,
Roger, were involved in and noted her dedication to the community, pointing out her effort to save
and restore the old McDonald's hamburger stand.
Mayor McCarthy noted he learned a lot from Council Member Lawrence while serving on
the Council with her, stating her integrity is impeccable. She was emotional on some issues but always
researched, analyzed and thought things through. She loved this community and left her mark on
many activities. She and her husband, Roger, have been great partners for the community of Downey,
which now stretches to include "Four Corners Colorado."
Council Minutes 5/23/00 -6-
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DRIVEWAY CANOPIES
Council Member McCaughan mentioned his concern regarding approximately 20 properties
with driveway canopies erected on a permanent basis from the curb to the side of the house. He felt
this is an aesthetic problem as well as a fire hazard and is not permitted in areas of the Municipal
Code. He requested referring the issue back to Planning, Code Enforcement and the Fire Department
to discuss what legislative solution could be brought back.
Mayor McCarthy was in agreement and directed staff to bring back a report.
FRONT YARDS
Council Member McCaughan mentioned he and Council Member Winningham are on the
Front Yard Subcommittee and have discussed with the City Attorney the issue of storage and
parking of vehicles in the area in front of the house. He requested a meeting with staff, Council
Member Winningham and the City Attorney regarding a simpler solution to solve this problem.
Mayor McCarthy suggested the subcommittee continue with its efforts.
SHOPPING CARTS
Council Member McCaughan noted the shopping cart situation has proliferated in the last
few months and referred to a letter received today from the Grocers' Association requesting a meeting
with him on how to remedy the situation. He suggested the City remind the stores they need to
prevent this litter and also have an understanding with residents that if they take a shopping cart they
should keep it at their residence until the day of their trash pick up. He stated shopping carts are not
being picked up twice a week in the areas he is observing.
Council Member McCaughan referred to the provision in the Municipal Code permitting a
garage conversion into an inhabitable dwelling, leaving only a carport. He felt this was wrong and
referred to the area of Irwingrove Drive behind Furman Park, stating it detracts from the community.
He felt it was time to upgrade this section of the Code and requested a report be brought back.
Mayor McCarthy suggested this be combined with the driveway canopy report.
Council Member McCaughan requested Council consideration for a letter of inquiry to be sent
to the Downey Unified School District expressing outrage regarding the unprofessional conduct of
the Superintendent of the District at the City - School Meeting yesterday and the justification for that
type of behavior. He noted he was the receptor of this unprofessional conduct. .
Council Member Perkins mentioned attending the "Hall of Fame" at the Downey Theatre
with Council Member Winningham where Downey students were recognized for their scholastic
accomplishments and involvement in the community.
Council Member Perkins mentioned attending the Kidsday event on Saturday, which was a
great day for families.
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Council Member Perkins mentioned attending the open house at Fire Station No. 1 where an
outstanding display of fire equipment and services was held. He also noted Chief Irwin was presented
with an American flag by Assemblywoman Sally Havice.
Council Member Winningham congratulated new Fire Chief Mark Sauter and noted the
Fire Department has an outstanding leader to lead them into the next decade and beyond.
Mayor McCarthy stated the Budget Hearing will be June 27th.
-�- Mayor McCarthy requested bringing back for review and reconsideration the design of the
building for the transit center.
Mayor McCarthy noted the approval of two important items on the Consent Calendar, the
Memorandums of Understanding with the City Employees' Association — Miscellaneous Unit
and the Firemen's Association, commending each for the work they do for the City.
Mayor McCarthy mentioned funding in the budget for the expansion of Fire Stations 1 and 3
and stated this is a great opportunity to see the community grow.
Mayor McCarthy congratulated new Fire Chief Mark Sauter.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members
Mr. Caton mentioned he and Council Member McCaughan missed the last Council Meeting as
they were on a trip to Washington D.C. to secure the final $9.8 million to complete the LACDA flood
control project and will know by the end of summer when the Federal Budget is approved. He noted,
while in Washington D.C., he and Council Member McCaughan also met with the City's NASA
consultant regarding the purchase of the remainder of the NASA site.
The meeting recessed at 9:03 p.m. and reconvened at 10:35 p.m. with Council Members
Winningham, McCaughan, Perkins and McCarthy present; Council Member Lawrence absent.
ADJOURNMENT: 10:35 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned in memory of Charlotte -Lukes Chandler, leader and pioneer
in many community enriched activities, to 6:30 p.m., June 13, 2000, in the Council Chamber of
Downey City Hall.
s ter...
i9zce . Doyle, Deputy City Clerk eith McCarthy, Mayor
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