HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 08-08-00 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUGUST 8, 2000
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Presentation of a plaque to Art Aguillar in appreciation of his
past service as the City's rep. to the Workforce Investment
Bd., formerly S.E. L. A. County Private Industry Council 1
Proposed City Charter Amendment re City Council Term Limits No action 3
Zenaida Guerra re problems with the gas station next door to
her property 3
Cecelia Alvarez re concern with traffic on Cherokee Dr. Ref to staff 4
Ken Miller suggested review of recommendations
previously submitted by the Charter Review Committee 4
Lennie Whittington apologized for previous comments &
voiced respect for Cn. McCaughan & his family 4
Richard Pridham suggested more response to requests
from the citizenry 4
Jeff Bell suggested installation of a drop -off box for
utility bills where people can drive by & deposit them 4
Fernando Wang thanked the Council for their choice of
new Police & Fire Chiefs 4
Diane Boggs supported extended hours for the Library &
thanked the City for its leadership role re the WRD Issue 4
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 4
Council Minutes: Adj . Reg. Mtg. 7/18/00 & Adj . & Reg.
Mtgs. 7/25/00 Approved 5
Warrants Issued: 158181 — 158498, $2,299,202.45 Approved 5
Consider Resolution self - certifying the City's conformance
with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's
Congestion Management Program Set hrg. 8/22/00 5
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COUNCIL MINUTES, AUGUST 8, 2000
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) subrecipient
agreement with the ARC of S. E. L. A. County: Approve
agreement providing $10,000 in CDBG funds for independent
living services for persons with developmental & learning
disabilities Approved 5
CDBG subrecipient agreement with So. Calif. Rehabilitation
Services, Inc.: Approve agreement which allocates $5,000 in
CDBG funds for independent living services for disabled &
elderly persons Approved 5
General Plan Amendment #00 -57 for properties located at
8830 -66 Rosecrans Av. & 14305 -37 Lakewood Bl. & Zone
Change #00 -58 for property at 8856 -60 Rosecrans Av. Set hrg. 8/22/00 5
Renewal of contract to provide Fire Dept. Continuing
Education & Quality Assurance /Improvement Prog.: Renew
agreement with Monica Bradley, R.N. Approved 5
On -call traffic engineering & signal system design services:
Auth. agreement with Katz Okitsu & Assoc. Approved 5
Res. #6389, adopt. the Memorandum of Understanding
between the City & Downey Public Safety Auxiliary Assoc. Adopted 5
Res. #6390, approv. final subdivision map of Tract Map
#53073 (7602 Stewart & Gray Rd.) Adopted 6
Res. #6391, opposing Senate Bill 1497 & Assembly Bill 2448 Adopted 6
Ord. #1085, amend. Section 9127 of the Downey Municipal
Code re the Commercial Manufacturing Zone, adding self -
storage /mini- warehouse facilities & caretaker's dwelling Adopted 6
Ord. #1086, Zone Change #00 -41, for properties located at
12432 -12530 Bellflower Bl. & 9501 -45, 9557 -61, 9607, 9623,
9637 & 9641 Imperial Hwy. Adopted 6
Ord. amend. Sect. 3186 of the Downey Municipal Code re
speed limits for Quill Dr. & Woodruff Av. Introduced 7
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COUNCIL MINUTES, AUGUST 8, 2000
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
After School Learning & Safe Neighborhoods Partnership
Prog.: Approp. funds in the amount of $388,954 for State
funded program & $16,550 for Federally funded start -up costs Approved 7
Appeal, Planning Commission's decision not to amend the Ref. to Planning Comm.
Downey Municipal Code re Wireless Communication to initiate process for
Facilities by incl. the CP (Professional Office) zone Code Amendment 9
Community Dev. Block Grant subrecipient agreement with
the Downey Unified School District: Providing $26,300
for a counseling program targeting "at- risk" youth Approved 10
School Safety Police Program: Auth. the Police Dept. to
participate with the Downey Unified School District in
this program for the 2000 -2001 school year Approved 10
Cn. Winningham wished his wife a happy anniversary 11
Cn. Riley re City Council candidate listed the Downey Museum
of Art as a supporter & felt it was inappropriate 11
Cn. McCaughan ref. to Mr. Miller's suggestion re City Charter 11
Cn. McCaughan noted traffic issues mentioned by Ms. Alvarez
re Cherokee Dr. were ref. to staff 11
Cn. McCaughan noted the Council cannot take action on items
not on the Agenda, but can ref. them to staff 11
Cn. McCaughan mentioned issues brought before the Council
on more than one occasion before they reach a conclusion 11
Mayor McCarthy ref. to the WRD issue & commented on the
status of work toward an agreement 11
Mayor McCarthy read a letter from Kaiser Permanente with Check to
a check enclosed to support the City's Senior Fitness Center Finance Dept. 11
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., August 22, 2000 12
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013546
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUGUST 8, 2000
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:49 p.m., August 8, 2000,
in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Keith McCarthy presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Keith McCarthy Mayor
Robert C. Winningham Mayor Pro Tem
Meredith H. Perkins
Gary P. McCaughan, M.D.
Barbara J. Riley
ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Charles Vose, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk - Treasurer
John Finch, Police Chief
Darrell George, Director of Community/Economic Development
James Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Mark Sauter, Fire Chief
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Linda Haines, Building Official
Bonnie Kehoe, Recreation Division Manager
Brian Ragland, Principal Engineer
Mark Sellheim, Principal Planner
Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor McCarthy presented a plaque to Art Aguillar in appreciation of his past service as
the City's representative to the Workforce Investment Board (WIB), formerly the Southeast Los
Angeles County Private Industry Council (PIC). He explained the WIB works with Federal funding to
create job opportunities and noted Mr. Aguillar volunteered for the past ten years to represent
Downey, chairing the committee for eight of those years. He mentioned the City's current
representatives are Dan Fox, a local chiropractor, and Steve Robertson, a local realtor.
HEARINGS: None
PROPOSED CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT RELATING TO CITY COUNCIL TERM
LIMITATIONS
Council Member McCaughan expressed his views on bringing this matter to the Council for a
decision of whether to place a Charter Amendment on the ballot and let the voters decide whether they
want to alter term limits. He noted term limits was placed on the ballot in 1993 and at that time, the
Council voted not to include an alternate measure. He indicated he has always been against a lifetime
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01.3547
term ban. Also, a survey was conducted regarding term limits and only two cities have a lifetime ban.
Council Member McCaughan took exception to a letter printed in a local newspaper, which discussed
this issue and also mentioned his family. He said the only debate is whether the Council wants to put
to the vote of the people the issue of term limits and whether it be two terms or three terms.
Diane Boggs, 1 0568 Chaney Avenue, former Mayor and Council Member, concurred with the
comments of Council Member McCaughan and voiced her objection to letters that were printed in the
local newspaper. She noted her comments do not reflect a desire to be an appointee or elected member
of the Council. She gave a chronology of the terms of the Council since incorporation and questioned
the need for term limits, pointing out that in the history of the City, only four Council Members have
served more than two terms.
Ken Miller, 7336 Cleargrove Drive, former Mayor and Council Member, mentioned running
for City Council and defeating the incumbent. He felt that if a measure is placed on the ballot it should
relate to campaign contributions that can be made during an election. He expressed opposition to
someone serving for two terms and not being able to serve again and he suggested an alternate Charter
measure that would not preclude a highly qualified person from running again or submitting a measure
eliminating term limits, and then let the voters decide.
Richard B. Pridham, 10402 Bellman, concurred with Council Member McCaughan relative to
his family being brought into this issue. He did, however, indicate that he felt term limits had been
visited more than once and the vote of the people should be respected.
Edward DiLoreto, 7333 Rio Flora Place, offered his respect to the City officials and
commented on his involvement in the incorporation of the City. He said he respected Council Member
McCaughan and his deceased father but felt it was his duty to inform the public what has transpired,
including Council Member McCaughan's brother -in -law running for City Council. Commenting
further, he said term limits opens the door to anyone who might be hesitant to run for election against
someone already in office.
Joseph Polselli, 9330 Gallatin Road, responded to comments of previous speakers.
Jeff Bell, 12838 Barlin, said term limits was brought forth through the petition process, which
met the criteria and was placed on the ballot. He felt that if this issue were to be proposed again, it
should be through the petition process.
Robert Collins, 9037 Gaymont, objected to this issue being brought up again.
John Lacey, 8419 Dacosta Street, supported the current two four -year term limit.
Zenaida Guerra, 7975 Second Street, expressed disappointment that the Council Member of
her district did not help her with the gas station problems next door to her home and hoped the new
Council Member would be able to help her.
Fred James, 9360 Samoline, said he voted for term limits but feels they should be amended by
allowing a Council Member to sit out a term and then run again.
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Phil Prescicci, 10002 Newville, spoke in favor of term limits and cited as an example that
Council Members Perkins and Winningham might not have run for Council if term limits had not been
in effect.
Joe DiLoreto, 8607 Imperial Highway, questioned why this issue has been brought up again
since there has been no groundswell from the public to repeal term limits. He commented on securing
volunteers to circulate an initiative petition which placed this issue on the ballot and suggested Council
Member McCaughan do the same if he wishes to enact a change.
Council Member Perkins complimented Council Member McCaughan and his family for the
contributions they have made to the community. He feels this situation has become exaggerated and
should be focused on the idea of whether or not to change term limits. He commented on the number
of hours Council Members devote to serving on the Council and noted a number of Council Members
in other cities have served for many years, which is a benefit when representing their city on a regional
level. He felt there should be term limits but if there is a decision to change it, then steps should be
taken to do so. He indicated he could not support Council Member McCaughan on the term limit
issue but highly commended Council Member McCaughan as an upstanding individual who stood by
his beliefs.
Council Member Winningham commented on the accomplishments of Council Member
McCaughan during his term in office and the ideas he brought forth, many of which he also favored.
He spoke from personal experience about his involvement with the McCaughan family and their
participation in a City sports program, to which they offered their assistance. Commenting on the
November 7th City Council election, Council Member Winningham pointed out the number of hours
that Council Members spend each week not only at Council Meetings but attending other meetings
representing the City. As to term limits, he mentioned signing the initiative petition but not voting for
the measure. He does not feel term limits are needed, and he offered to work with Council Member
McCaughan to gather signatures and put the issue back to the voters.
Council Member Riley mentioned the number of calls she received from people opposed to
term limits. She also noted the number of terms some School Board Members have been elected to, ---
such as five terms or more, plus they receive a stipend, health insurance, and retirement benefit, which
is paid out of public funds. She concurred with placing a measure on the ballot but felt it should be
through the petition process. If people feel strongly for a change, they should participate in circulating
the petition.
Mayor McCarthy expressed his respect to Council Member McCaughan and his family and
echoed remarks of previous speakers. He said it has been seven years since term limits was enacted,
and he could not support a change at this time.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Zenaida Guerra, 7975 East Second Street, reiterated her previous request for assistance from
the City regarding problems with the gas station next door to her property, noting her house is in a
residential area and not on a business street. She stated she has not received an answer to her
complaint and asked the City to require a fence on the gas station property to remedy the problem.
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Cecilia Alvarez, 8551 Cherokee Drive, mentioned her concern with traffic on Cherokee
Drive, stating she registered a complaint with the Police Department. She commented that cars are
travelling 40 and 50 miles per hour in this 25 mile per hour zone and felt her complaints and concerns
are not being taken seriously. She was referred to staff.
Ken Miller, 7336 Cleargrove Drive, suggested the Council review recommendations
previously submitted by the Charter Review Committee.
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, apologized for the manner in which he
addressed the Council at the last meeting and voiced his respect for Council Member
McCaughan and his family.
Richard B. Pridham, 10402 Bellman Avenue, empathized with Ms. Guerra's situation and felt a
solution could be reached. He commented on several issues he previously brought to the Council and
City staff which have not been resolved and suggested the Council be more responsive to requests
from the citizenry.
Jeff Bell, 12838 Barlin Avenue, suggested the City install a drop -off box in a location where
people can drive by and leave their utility bills.
Fernando Wang, 9565 East Firestone Boulevard, thanked the Council for their choice of new
Police and Fire Chiefs and commented on being able to work with them on certain issues.
Diane Boggs, 10568 Chaney Avenue, supported the extended hours of the Library to include
Sundays and thanked the City for taking a leadership role concerning the Water Replenishment
District issue.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
Agenda Items VII -E -5, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, and
VII -E -7, SCHOOL SAFETY POLICE PROGRAM, were removed at the request of Council
Member Riley.
Agenda Item VII -E -8, APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION'S DECISION NOT TO
AMEND THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO WIRELESS
COMMUNICATION FACILITIES BY INCLUDING THE CP (PROFESSIONAL OFFICE)
ZONE, was removed at the request of Joan Warner, Executive Director of the Downey Chamber of
Commerce, 11131 Brookshire Avenue.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Riley noted she would abstain from voting on Agenda Item VII -F -2, TRACT
MAP NO. 53073, due to a possible conflict of interest relating to its close proximity to her residence.
Council Member Winningham noted he would abstain from voting on the Minutes of July 25,
2000, as he was absent from the Meeting.
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013550
It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and
unanimously carried, with the abstentions as noted, to waive further readin g of the Resolutions and
approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING, JULY 18, 2000, AND
ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, JULY 25, 2000: Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 158181 — 158498, $2,299,202.45: Approve.
CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION SELF - CERTIFYING THAT THE CITY IS --
IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY'S CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CMP): Set hearing for
7:30 p.m., August 22, 2000, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall: Approve.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT
WITH THE ARC OF SOUTHEAST LOS ANGELES COUNTY: Approve an agreement
providing $10,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for independent living
services available to persons with developmental and learning disabilities: Approve.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT
WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REHABILITATION SERVICES, INC.: Approve
an agreement, which allocates $5,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds
for independent living support services for disabled and elderly persons: Approve.
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 00 -57, A REQUEST TO CHANGE THE
GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION FROM NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL TO
GENERAL COMMERCIAL, ON PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 8830 -66
ROSECRANS AVENUE AND 14305 -37 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD; AND ZONE
CHANGE NO. 00 -58, A REQUEST TO CHANGE THE ZONE FROM M -1 (LIGHT
MANUFACTURING) TO C -2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 8856 -60 ROSECRANS AVENUE: Set hearing for 7:30 p.m., August 22, ---
2000, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall: Approve.
RENEWAL OF CONTRACT TO PROVIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTINUING
EDUCATION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE/IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: Renew
the Agreement with Ms. Monica Bradley, R.N. to provide an In -house Continuing Education
and Quality Assurance Program for all Downey fire personnel. The cost of the one -year
agreement is $15,300 and is included in the 00 /01 Fire Department Budget: Approve.
ON -CALL TRAFFIC ENGINEERING AND SIGNAL SYSTEM DESIGN SERVICES:
Authorize the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Katz, Okitsu and
Associates: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 6389 (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 PUBLIC SAFETY AUXILIARY
ASSOCIATION
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RESOLUTION NO. 6390 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT MAP NO. 53073
(7602 STEWART AND GRAY ROAD), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT
WITH THE SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A REFUNDABLE CASH
DEPOSIT AS SURETY
�-- RESOLUTION NO. 6391 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
OPPOSING SENATE BILL (SB) 1497 AND ASSEMBLY BILL (AB) 2448
ORDINANCE NO. 1085 (ADOPT)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY TO
AMEND SECTION 9127 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING
TO THE COMMERCIAL MANUFACTURING ZONE, ADDING SELF -
STORAGE/MINI- WAREHOUSE FACILITIES AND CARETAKER'S
DWELLING, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND ADOPT A
NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ORDINANCE NO. 1086 (ADOPT)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY TO
RE -ZONE SIX (6) PARCELS TO THE C -M, COMMERCIAL
MANUFACTURING, ZONE ON PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 12432 -12530
BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD, AND 9501 -45, 9557 -61, 9607, 9623, 9637, AND
9641 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY AND ZONED LIGHT MANUFACTURING
(M -1), GENERAL MANUFACTURING (M -2), AND PARKING- BUFFER
(P -B), AND ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT (ZONE CHANGE NO. 00 -41)
ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS FOR QUILL DRIVE AND WOODRUFF
AVENUE
Mr. Ragland explained the City must follow certain California Vehicle Codes (CVC) to set
speed limits in various areas of the City. He referred to engineering surveys conducted on Quill Drive
and Woodruff Avenue every five to seven years, with recent surveys brought before the Traffic
Committee at its April 6 and July 6, 2000, meetings, at which time the Committee voted unanimously
to approve the proposed speed limit changes.
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The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan,
seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and
introduce.
Steve Allen, 7539 Quill Drive, inquired about the recommended speed limit for Quill Drive
and was informed the speed limit will increase from 25 to 30 miles per hour between Old River
School Road and Rives Avenue and from Rives Avenue to Paramount Boulevard. He requested
clarification as to why the speed limit is being increased on this residential street.
Mr. Ragland explained the California Vehicle Code has specific requirements as to how
roads fit into certain categories and Quill Drive requires analysis every five to seven years. He
reviewed factors examined, noting the analysis found the 85th percentile speed, used as a
guideline throughout the State, was 35 miles per hour in the subject areas; however, staff
recommends the speed limit be increased to only 30 miles per hour.
Mr. Vose mentioned the purpose of the survey is to utilize radar enforcement on segments
of Quill Drive and this would not be possible if the speed limits were not increased.
Esteban Perez, 12350 Samoline Avenue, on the corner of Samoline Avenue and Quill
Drive, urged the Council to retain the 25 miles per hour speed limit, stating an increase to 30
miles per hour will encourage people to drive even faster.
Council Member Winningham asked what constitutes a "local residential street" and was
informed the City utilizes a Federal Highway Administration map that establishes residential
streets, with streets that do not show on the map requiring evaluation every five to seven years.
He inquired if the County or State could be petitioned regarding the definition of a local
residential street.
Mr. Caton indicated staff would research the answer to Council Member Winningham's
inquiry and respond at the time of the second reading of the Ordinance.
Council Member Riley suggested radar enforcement be utilized when employees are going
home for the day.
The meeting recessed at 9:40 p.m. and reconvened at 9:47 p.m.
RESOLUTIONS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
AFTER SCHOOL LEARNING AND SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAM — REQUEST APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS /APPROVAL OF BUDGET
Mr. Jarrett explained this is a joint program between the City and Downey Unified School
District; is a State funded program, awarded for three years; and is expected to begin in December.
The City's responsibility is to conduct the program at the school sites selected: Carpenter and Ward
Elementary Schools and South and West Middle Schools, and to initially appropriate monies, which
will be reimbursed by the School District. The Council is requested to appropriate $388,954 for the
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State funded program and $16,550 for start -up costs for the Federally funded portion of the program.
The program does not affect the General Fund, as the City will bill the School District monthly for
reimbursement of actual expenditures.
Council Member McCaughan felt it was an excellent program and inquired how the City would
fund the program at the culmination of the three -year grant.
Mr. Jarrett replied it is anticipated the legislature will continue to support the program after the
initial three -year grant, mentioning options, such as fees for services and scholarships, if it does not.
Council Member Perkins inquired why the particular schools were chosen and was informed
they fit criteria set forth by the State.
Council Member Winningham commended Mr. Jarrett and Bonnie Kehoe for obtaining the
State grant and cooperation of the School District.
It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and
unanimously carried to appropriate funds in the amount of $388,954 for the State funded After
School Learning and Safe Neighborhoods Partnerships Program, and 516,550 for Federally
funded start -up costs related to the same program, in accordance with the budget presented.
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval
APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION'S DECISION NOT TO AMEND DOWNEY
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
BY INCLUDING THE CP (PROFESSIONAL OFFICE) ZONE (MCS CASE NO.
00 -62) APPELLANT: MR. DINO PUTRINO, PROPERTY REPRESENTATIVE, 8060
FLORENCE AVENUE
Mr. George explained this issue was continued from the July 11, 2000, Council Meeting and
noted the recommendation is to deny the appeal. He stated the appellant was present to make a
statement.
Dino Putrino, O'Neal Communications Group, Inc., consultants for Pacific Bell Wireless, a
telecommunications company, noted the CP zone does not presently allow for consideration of wire-
less communication and is one of the most important areas in need of telecommunication by the nature
of its office use environment. He reviewed Pacific Bell's analysis and criteria for the subject location
in the CP zone and referred to plans and photo simulations previously delivered to the Council, noting
the zoning districts in the City that do allow for wireless communication consideration are near the
identified CP zone, but do not meet the criteria for Pacific Bell Wireless to consider a wireless
communication installation. He reviewed reasons cited by the Planning Division for denying initiation
of the subject Code amendment, noting wireless communication is not an intense commercial activity.
He suggested language to amend the current Ordinance and responded to comments from the Council.
Council Member Winningham felt there was a need in the City for this service and noted there
are only two areas where it is not allowed. He stated multi -story buildings are required for this
technology, with most of these buildings located in the CP zone, and felt there was nothing wrong
with incorporating this amendment in the CP zone, subject to design review on a case -by -case basis.
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Council Member Perkins stated there was only a small portion of the City where these facilities
are not allowed and did not feel this should present a problem.
Council Member Riley inquired if towers can be shared and the response was this can be done
but these are limited and will not work under certain criteria.
Council Member McCaughan inquired as to how many of the 14 facilities in Downey are
Pacific Bell Wireless and the response was four. He stated he did not have a problem with this as long
as it is stealth. ---
Mr. Vose explained the issue before the Council is whether or not to allow the Code
amendment process to go forward and pertain to a specific site.
Mayor McCarthy inquired if there is a way to mandate in the Code that anyone who establishes
a cell location to provide a universal opportunity for co- location.
Mr. Vose responded that this cannot be done in all situations but can be encouraged.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Riley, and
unanimously carried to initiate the process for a Code Amendment.
Creasie Adams of Pacific Bell thanked the Council for allowing them to address this issue,
noting Pacific Bell wants to make an investment in Downey to expand their services in the City and
hoped the Council would continue to provide avenues for requests.
Richard B. Pridham, felt the City should attempt to be as business friendly as possible to make
it easy to provide communications for the community.
Dianne Lumsdaine, 9926 Pangborn Avenue, Planning Commissioner for District 5, advised this
issue was not a full hearing when reviewed by the Planning Commission. She felt there was a need for ---
this service but that the City must also preserve the quality of the CP zone and insure that the designs
are perfectly stealth and not an eyesore.
Steve Allen, 7539 Quill Drive, Planning Commissioner, noted this item was a Consent
Calendar item at the Planning Commission and the Commission approved the recommendation to not
allow cell sites in the CP zone. He concurred with Ms. Lumsdaine's comments and stated he would
not object to seeing the Planning Commission's decision overturned.
Joanne Warner, Executive Director of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, noted the Chamber
works every day to solidify and expand the business environment in the City and felt a lack of wireless
service in the area mentioned would be a detriment to obtaining new businesses. She hoped the
Council would review the Ordinance for the benefit of all concerned in Downey.
Esteban Perez, trustee for his family's trust, owners of the building where a cell site is
proposed to be installed, stated prospective tenants have refused to move into the building because
wireless communication was not available. He felt Downey tends to be anti - business and questioned
why antenna sites are not allowed in the CP zone.
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Fionnuala Anderson, 9931 Tweedy Lane, mentioned recent problems with her local phone
service forced her to utilize her cellular phone, which only operates when she is standing in the middle
of the street. She suggested something be done to alleviate this situation.
Roger North, 7369 Adwen, a cellular retailer with Cellular Access on Stewart and Gray Road
at Downey Avenue, explained the differences between cellular and PCS fregenc and ur ed the
multiple p
Council to demand all antennae be on one site to prevent mu le sites. referred to a clause in the
lease contract between his family's trust and Pac Bell that allows for multiple companies to utilize their
--- roof.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT
WITH THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Council Member Riley inquired if Darrell Jackson is an employee of the City and comes under
the City's umbrella and the Public Employees' Retirement System or is employed by the Downey
Unified School District and was informed he is not employed by the City. (See motion to approve,
Page 11.)
SCHOOL SAFETY POLICE PROGRAM
Council Member Riley requested an explanation as to how the Downey Unified School District
is paying for this program.
Chief Finch explained the program was instituted by the School District as a joint program
with the City utilizing State grant funds to provide the services of Police Officers on campus. It was a
two -year grant and utilized overtime hours of police staff. The Police Department met with the school
district to research additional grant funds, and since the funds were not secured, the program was not
placed in the budget this year. The School District solicited funds from other areas and assured the
City they have the funds, approximately $102,000, on hand to sponsor the entire program.
Council Member Riley referred to the Recreation and Community Services Commission
meeting, noting Bonnie Kehoe reported that the Gangs Out of Downey (GOOD) Committee voted to
utilize $50,000 of $75,000 in State grant money, which leaves $52,000 the School District will
provide.
Chief Finch reiterated that the School District assured the City they will sponsor the entire
program through the same fund that pays for attendance of Police Officers at high school games.
Council Member Riley stated she was in favor but wanted more information on the funding and
whether the overtime utilized would affect the officers' retirement funds (PERS).
Council Member McCaughan was in favor of the subrecipient agreement with the School
District and felt a significant number of students had participated. He suggested feedback regarding
how the program is working.
Council Member McCaughan referred to the School Safety Police Program and commended
administration and Chief Finch for negotiating this. He referred to Council Member Riley's comments
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regarding any PERS contributions by the City, noting information can be supplied later as to whether
this is occurring and if the cost is being recouped.
It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and
unanimously carried to approve the Agreement with the Downey Unified School District
providing $26,300 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for a counseling
program targeting "at- risk" youth.
It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and
unanimously carried to authorize the Downey Police Department to participate with the Downey
Unified School District in the School Safety Police Program for the 2000 -2001 school year.
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Council Member Winningham wished his wife a happy anniversary.
Council Member Riley mentioned a candidate for City Council listed the Downey Museum
of Art as a supporter and felt this was inappropriate, since the City contributes funds to that
organization.
Council Member McCaughan referred to Mr. Miller's suggestion regarding the City Charter,
noting many changes were made to the Charter.
Council Member McCaughan mentioned the concern regarding traffic issues on Cherokee
Drive, which was referred to staff.
Council Member McCaughan noted Ms. Guerra's complaint and Mr. Pridham's concern for a
solution, noting the Council cannot take action on items presented under during Oral
Communications, but did refer them to staff.
Council Member McCaughan mentioned issues brought forth on more than one occasion —"
before they reached a conclusion, such as the City's Incorporation, the golf course revision, the
Krikorian Theatre, the parking structure, Kamp Furman, the gymnasium project at Apollo Park,
Downtown, Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, Downey City Hospital Commission, stating Council
Members should not be criticized for bringing up an issue more than once to request consideration.
Mayor McCarthy referred to the Water Replenishment District issue and commented on the
status of work toward an agreement, which has not yet been finalized.
Mayor McCarthy read a letter received from Kaiser Permanente, with a check in the amount
of $5,000 to support the City's Senior Fitness Center. He submitted the check to the Finance
Director.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members: None
The meeting recessed at 11:08 p.m. and reconvened 12:05 a.m. with all Council Members
present.
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Oi3;5?
ADJOURNMENT: 12:05 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., August 22, 2000, in the Council Chamber of
Downey City Hall.
v_44
A yl d ( �
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Tudith E. McDonnell, City Clerk elth McCarthy, Mayor
H: \CCLERK \SCONTE\MINUTES \CCMNO808
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