HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 08-22-00 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUGUST 22, 2000
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Certificates of Appreciation to staff from the Downey Sister
Cities Association 1
Res. #6392, finding the City in conformance with the Congestion
Management Program & adopting the implementation report Adopted 2
Res. #6393, approving General Plan Amendment #00 -57 for
properties at 8830 -66 Rosecrans Ave. & 14305 -37 Lakewood Bl. Adopted 5
Ord. approving Zone Change #00 -58 for properties at 8856 -60 Introduced; hrg.
Rosecrans Ave. cont. to 9/12/00 5
Eleanor Lindenfeld re parking restrictions in the 8800 and 9000
blocks of Manzanar Avenue Ref. to staff 5
Zenaida Guerra reitereated ongoing problems with the gas
station next door to her residence 5
Tracy Riley, husband of Cn. Riley, noted today is the couple's
46th Wedding Anniversary 6
Council Minutes: Adj. Reg. Mtg. 8/8/00 Approved 6
Warrants Issued: #158499 — 158956, $1,263,539.95 Approved 6
Street Vacation #174 — Agreement with Downey Regional
Medical Center for purposes of vacating Margaret St. Approved 6
Res. #6394, considering vacation of Margaret St. (Alley) Set hrg.
between Brookshire Av. & Patton Rd. 9/26/00 6
Proposed change in back -up ambulance providers: Authorize
the Mayor to execute a contract with Americare Ambulance Approved 6
2000 -01 Agreement with the Rio Hondo Temporary Home:
Providing $10,000 in Community Development Block Grant
funds for the ongoing operations of the homeless shelter Approved 6
PAGE 1 OF 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, AUGUST 22, 2000
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Contract with Complete Landscape Maintenance: Authorize
an increase to the contract for parks and public facilities
landscape maint. & appropriate $55,000 from the General Fund Approved 6
Ord. #1087, amending Section 3186 of the Downey Municipal
Code relating to speed limits for Quill Dr. & Woodruff Ave. Adopted 7
Downey Municipal Code Amendment adopting the standard
Urban Storm Water Mitigation Plan for L. A. County Postponed 7
Cash Contract #620 — Downtown Streetscape Project —
Downey Ave., Union Pacific Railroad to Fifth St.: Approve
plans and specs. & grant authority to advertise for bids Approved 8
Purchase of 1,219 acre -feet of water rights in Central Basin
from Western Water Company: Approve the purchase &
authorize the City Attorney to draft a sales agreement &
the Mayor to execute Approved 9
Cn. Winningham thanked the Public Works Dept. for the
new safety signs being installed at schools 9
Cn. Winningham re the LACDA flood control meeting 9
Cn. Winningham thanked the local papers for running a press
release re new ball field lighting system at Rio San Gabriel Park 9
Cn. Winningham congratulated Cn. Riley & her husband
on their 46th Wedding Anniversary 9
Cn. Winningham noted circulation of the local newspaper has
reached Delores, Colorado 9
Cn. Perkins congratulated Barbara & Tracy Riley on their 46th
Wedding Anniversary 9
Cn. Perkins acknowledged the recent marriage of Christina
Vogel (Garcia) & noted she was honored by the Downey
Chamber of Commerce at their recent awards banquet for her
work in the downtown area 9
PAGE 2 OF 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, AUGUST 22, 2000
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Cn. McCaughan mentioned receiving info. on the status of
the front yard ordinance, but it did not include canopies 9
Cn. McCaughan suggested an annual report on the status
of neighborhoods 9
Cn. McCaughan mentioned seeing neglected parkway trees
on Florence Ave. & inquired if recently hired personnel
would be responsible for maintaining these areas 10
Cn. McCaughan re his request for landscaping improvements
on Lakewood Bl. & Paramount Bl. 10
Cn. McCaughan noted real estate /property management
signs are becoming more permanent in the R -2, multi - family
zones & requested info. on the City's regulations Ref to staff 10
Cn. McCaughan mentioned calls received re traffic backup
on Firestone Bl. from the City of South Gate to Old River
School Rd. 10
Cn. Riley requested a status on the current use of the Police
Substation at Apollo Park 10
Mayor McCarthy mentioned two actions taken by the Los
Angeles County Sanitation District 10
Mayor McCarthy re the approval of the Neighborhood Fence
Replacement Program & thanked Chief Finch for securing
funding 10
Mr. Caton complimented the Director of Public Works for
his work on a number of regional issues, including the reform
efforts for the WRD 10
Mr. Caton gave an update on the LACDA flood control
project meeting with Federal and County officials 10
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., September 12, 2000 12
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUGUST 22, 2000
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:40 p.m., August 22, 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
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works
John Finch, Police Chief
Darrell George, Director of Community/Economic Development
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Mark Morris, Housing Planner
Mark Sellheim, Principal Planner
Jeff Turner, Battalion Chief
Christina Vogel, Special Projects Coordinator
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Phil Ichino of the Downey Sister Cities Association presented a Certificate of Appreciation
to City Employee June Yotsuya in appreciation of her assistance in promoting the endeavors of
the Sister Cities Association.
Alda Sichting of the Downey Sister Cities Association noted a Certificate of Appreciation
for City Employee Kathy Simmons for her assistance in the annual toy drive benefiting Downey
children and Sister City children in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Ms. Simmons was not present to
receive her certificate.)
Ms. Sichting noted a plaque was presented to the City at the Sister Cities' Installation Dinner
in appreciation of its participation in this program. She gave a brief history of the Downey Sister
Cities Association, initiated under President Eisenhower, who thought if people from other countries
were better able to understand each other and their different cultures, great friendships would develop
and those friendships would avoid wars. The City of Downey was the first affiliation with the country
of Mexico and Guadalajara was the first Sister City.
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HEARINGS,
Mayor McCarthy opened the public hearing to CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION
SELF- CERTIFYING THE CITY'S CONFORMANCE WITH THE METROPOLITAN
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY'S 2000 CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.
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.
Mr. Sellheim explained every city in Los Angeles County, as well as the County of Los
Angeles, must adopt a Conformance Resolution and forward a certified copy to the MTA by
September 1. The program has been in effect since 1992, to insure that local agencies are
coordinating their land use and transportation decisions. By conforming with the CMP's provisions,
every city is ensured of receiving their share of Proposition 111 Gas Tax Monies. Downey's
allocation for Fiscal Year 2000 -2001 is expected to be $630,000. The primary requirement is to
ensure that each year the City has more transportation credits than building debits. By the end of this
recording year, Downey has a surplus of 37,000 credits, which provides a substantial cushion to
accommodate development in upcoming years.
There was no correspondence received regarding this matter.
There being no one present wishing to speak, it was moved by Council Member Winningham,
seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and so ordered to close the hearing.
RESOLUTION NO. 6392
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
FINDING THE CITY TO BE IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE
CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CMP) AND ADOPTING THE
CMP LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION REPORT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65089
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Winningham,
seconded by Council Member Perkins, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and
adopt.
Mayor McCarthy opened the public hearing on GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO.
00 -57 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8830 -66 ROSECRANS AVENUE AND 14305 -37
LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AND ZONE CHANGE NO. 00 -58 FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 8856 -60 ROSECRANS AVENUE.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council
Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Riley and so ordered to receive and file.
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Mr. Sellheim pointed out these two applications are interrelated and encompass properties
that make up the triangular shaped block in the southernmost part of Downey consisting of eight
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parcels. He narrated a visual program of the subject block and the area within the block subject
to the Zone Change, noting the General Plan Amendment and Zone Change are City sponsored
applications, initiated by the Planning Commission after addressing land use entitlements for the
soon -to -be -built Food 4 Less Center directly north of this area, to bring the property's general
plan category into conformance with the block's land use and zoning and to reflect development
trends in the area. He commented on the proposed request to change the property's land use
category to General Commercial from Neighborhood Commercial and to rezone the parcel in the
center of the site, 8856 -8860, to General Commercial, from Light Manufacturing. The Planning --
Commission considered both applications and adopted Resolutions recommending the Council
approve the proposed changes. He referred to a letter from the attorney representing Mr. Dimitri
George, owner of the property subject to the zone change, requesting clarification of the impact
to his site's usage and building, advising the proposed zone change will not impact the building
but will affect three of the building's current uses, a machine shop, a furniture stripping business
and a fiberglass fabricator, which will become non - conforming. These uses will have a ten -year
amortization period, at which time they can apply for an extension.
Ms. McDonnell noted correspondence was received from Eduardo Olivo, attorney for
Mr. Dimitri George, as referenced by Mr. Sellheim. It was moved by Council Member Riley,
seconded by Council Member Perkins, and so ordered to receive and file.
Mayor McCarthy asked if there was anyone present to speak in opposition to the General
Plan Amendment and Zone Change.
Mr. Eduardo Olivo, attorney for Mr. Dimitri George, referenced the Zone Change for
8856 -8860 Rosecrans Avenue and thanked staff for its clarification regarding the amortization
periods applicable, noting Mr. George was concerned that the building on the site at this time
would be amortized at a period of ten years. He advised that Mr. George has issues with
refinancing and potentially selling the property, noting the clarification does impact these
possibilities. He referred to the correspondence he submitted to the Council, stating facts that �--
were not adequately presented at the Planning Commission meeting, pointing out the present
Light Manufacturing (M -1) use is not isolated. He noted this was not depicted in staff's report at
the Planning Commission meeting. He questioned why it is now necessary to change the zoning
when the general plan was amended eight years ago. He pointed out Mr. George's building is
structured in a way that surrounding properties are not impacted by the uses there.
Mr. Dimitri George, 16335 Renoble Lane, Huntington Beach, noted he is a longtime
Downey businessman and that his presentation at the Planning Commission would have been
more informative, if he had known the zoning of surrounding properties. He felt his tenants will
be restricted by this change and cannot enlarge their businesses, creating a burden on them. It will
also reduce his property's value and create a burden for possible refinancing. He noted his
building does not create a negative impact to surrounding properties.
Steve Butters, co -owner of Clark's Machine Shop, 10003 Rosecrans Avenue, stated his
shop has been at this location for 23 years and was opposed to the proposed change. He urged
the Council not to go forward with this change.
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Lazaro Rodriguez, owner of a body shop on the subject property for six years, stated the
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zone change will be an inconvenience to him and that it will be hard to find another location.
David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, spoke in opposition to Zone Change No. 0058 and
urged the City Council to consider the impact to current property owners when making this type
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of zone change.
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, referred to points mentioned in Mr. Olivo's
letter, felt it was unfair to Mr. George to degrade or devalue his property and that the Planning
Commission would not have recommended the change, if this information had been pointed out at
their meeting.
George Velencia, 8856 Rosecrans Avenue, owner of a car accessory business on Mr.
George's property for two years, stated he moved his business from the City of Paramount to
Downey and purchased a home in Downey, noting this change will affect him and his employees.
He noted the business owners at this site are willing to invest in the property to make
improvements.
Mr. Caton pointed out it would be ten years before he would have to move.
Darrell George clarified that the new zoning would not affect Mr. Valencia's business.
Andrew Kelly, 8860 Rosecrans Avenue, owner of Italian Motors, a one -man shop for
repairs to European automobiles, questioned the way this zone change was approached by City
staff, since no one requested the change.
In response to questions from the Council, Mr. Olivo and Mr. George, explained their
concern about the issue of amortization and bank financing, noting the amortization issue has been
clarified but the bank will not refinance properties that have been invertedly zoned or require
conditional use permits in the future, as they feel this would curtail the property generating the
proper amount of capital. It was noted that another Council will be in place in ten years and may
not issue extensions to these businesses. Mr, George requested that his property be removed
from the general plan amendment.
Mr. Vose clarified possible confusion by Mr. Olivo's letter in reference to the amortization
period and financing by Banco Popular, noting it was presented to the bank that there is a ten -year
amortization on the non - conforming building. Staff has explained that the amortization does not
affect the building, it only affects the uses of the building.
There being no one else to speak in opposition and no one else to speak in favor, it was
moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Riley, and so ordered to
close the hearing. (See public hearing continued, Page 5)
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RESOLUTION NO. 6393
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 00 -57 CHANGING THE
GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION FROM NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMERCIAL TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 8830 -66 ROSECRANS AVENUE AND 14305 -37 LAKEWOOD
BOULEVARD (CITY INITIATED)
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Winningham,
seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and
adopt.
Prior to the vote, Mr. Vose explained that the General Plan Amendment sets up the
umbrella regulation of the entire site and the Zone Change specifically deals with the one property
discussed at the Planning Commission hearing and at tonight's hearing.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING
MAP CHANGING THE ZONE ON A PROPERTY FROM M -1 (LIGHT
MANUFACTURING) TO C -2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 8856 -60 ROSECRANS AVENUE (ZONE CHANGE NO. 00 -58)
The Ordinance was read by title only. After further discussion of the Council, it was
moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and unanimously
carried to waive further reading, introduce the Ordinance, and continue the public hearing
to the time of the second reading of the Ordinance at 7 :30 p.m., September 12, 2000, in the
Council Chamber of Downey City Hall.
The meeting recessed at 8 :57 p.m. and reconvened at 9:05 p.m. with all Council
Members present.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Eleanor Lindenfeld, 8856 Manzanar Avenue, appealed to the Council to reverse action taken
by the Traffic Committee at its meeting on August 3rd to remove parking restrictions in the 8800
and 9000 blocks of Manzanar Avenue. She explained why the parking restrictions were originally
placed and why they were recently removed and requested the parking restriction remain on her
property and her neighbor's property, 8851 and 8861 Manzanar Avenue. She was referred to staff.
Zenaida Guerra, 7975 East Second Street, reiterated ongoing problems with the gas station
next door to her residence. She noted this business is only nine feet from her property and has
requested a fence be built on the west side of the gas station property to act as a buffer between these
two properties. She submitted a letter from Thrifty Oil Company dated March 26, 1996, as a record
that she never requested they build a fence on her property line.
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Tracy Riley, husband of Council Member Barbara Riley, noted today is the couple's 46th
Wedding Anniversary.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Riley, and
unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolution and approve the remainder of the
Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 8, 2000:
Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 158499 -- 158956, $1,263,539.95: Approve.
STREET VACATION NO. 174 (V -174) — AGREEMENT WITH DOWNEY
REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (DRMC) FOR PURPOSES OF VACATING
MARGARET STREET: Authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with DRMC, for the
purposes of considering the vacation and /or disposition of Margaret Street between
Brookshire Avenue and Patton Road, if Margaret Street is found to be no longer needed for
street purposes: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 6394 (ADOPTED)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SETTING A HEARING PURSUANT TO STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
SECTION 8320 ET SEQ. TO CONSIDER THE VACATION OF MARGARET
STREET (ALLEY) BETWEEN BROOKSHIRE AVENUE AND PATTON
ROAD: Sets hearing for 7:30 p.m., September 26, 2000, in the Council Chamber of
Downey City Hall.
PROPOSED CHANGE IN BACK -UP AMBULANCE PROVIDERS: Authorize the
Mayor to execute a contract with Americare Ambulance to provide back -up ambulance
service for the City of Downey: Approve.
2000 -01 AGREEMENT WITH THE RIO HONDO TEMPORARY HOME:
Approve the Community Services Agreement between the City of Downey and the Rio
Hondo Temporary Home providing $10,000 in Community Development Block Grant
funds for ongoing operations of the homeless shelter, located at 12300 Fourth Street in
the City of Norwalk: Approve.
CONTRACT WITH COMPLETE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE — INCREASE
IN COMPENSATION: Authorize an increase in the amount of $4,992 per month
($59,904 annually) to the City's contract with Complete Landscape Maintenance, Inc. for
parks and public facilities landscape maintenance, and appropriate $55,000 from the
General Fund to the Park Landscaping Maintenance Program: Approve.
Council Minutes 8/22/00 -6-
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ORDINANCES 01566
ORDINANCE NO. 1087
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. Alvarez referred to a question raised by Council at the time the Ordinance was introduced
as to whether or not a change could be requested in the street classification of Quill Drive in the
Federal -Aid System (FAS) Map and explained the listing of City streets is required to obtain Federal
funds for street projects, transportation projects and emergency relief funds. The City can initiate a
request to Caltrans to change the functional classification of a street, pointing out any change would
take a long time and put the City's ability to receive transportation funding at risk. He referred to the
issue of raising and lowering speed limits, which was also questioned, and advised this is done because
the State recognizes a certain natural speed that streets are designed for and that people would have a
tendency to travel at. To impose a speed substantially below the natural speed creates the situation of
a speed trap and a speed significantly greater creates a safety situation, while a speed limit that !
conforms with the natural safe speed of the street promotes safe driving habits. Adoption of the
Ordinance facilitates enforcement of the speed limit, with the primary mode of enforcement being
radar, which requires an engineering study in place and approved by the Council. Drivers who are
aware that engineering studies are not in place on certain streets can easily challenge enforcement
actions taken.
Richard B. Pridham, 10402 Bellman Avenue, pointed out there are several changes in the
speed limits in various segments of some streets and wondered if it would be better for drivers if the
speed limit remained consistent.
Council Member Winningham inquired if accidents are taken into consideration and was
informed the reasons for accidents are normally road conditions, such as average speed, accident
history, sight distance and tight curves, and these factors are weighed in when the engineering studies
are performed.
The Ordinance 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.
DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT ADDING SECTION 5707.5
ADOPTING THE STANDARD URBAN STORM WATER MITIGATION PLAN
(SUSMP) FOR LOS ANGELES COUNTY. Mr. Caton postponed this item to a later date.
RESOLUTIONS: None
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
CASH CONTRACT NO. 620 — DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE PROJECT —
DOWNEY AVENUE, UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD TO FIFTH STREET (ACCOUNT
NO. 26- 16600)
Mr. Alvarez reviewed the proposed improvements and various discussions regarding the
Downey Avenue beautification project from the southerly end beginning at the railroad tracks to Fifth
Street at the northern end. Improvements include reduced travel lanes between Firestone Boulevard
and Fifth Street to one lane in each direction, widening of sidewalks, enhanced landscaping, decorative
pavement, increased parking by the use of diagonal parking on the west side of the street, and
enhanced pedestrian lighting. Council direction in August 1999 approved proceeding with a
conceptional plan, with a consultant hired in September 1999, and a contract awarded in July 2000 for
the preparation of plans and specifications. The Council Downtown Subcommittee, Downtown
Business Owners' Association, Downey Chamber of Commerce and the Traffic Committee have
reviewed the proposed plan. The final number of parking spaces will be increased from the present 69
spaces to 95. Additional street furniture and raised planters will be included in the bid package as an
alternate bid. He narrated a visual program of the proposed improvements, pointing out two
driveways and an alley will be closed off as part of the project. The cost estimate is $1.279 million,
with alternate bid items adding another $100,000. The project is proposed in two phases with
completion by March 30, 2001. It is anticipated, if approved, that a contract will be brought to the
Council at the second meeting in September. He responded to comments from the Council.
Johnny Croshaw, 7524 Quinn Street, expressed his hope that trash receptacles could be
included, stating the receptacles in this area now are undesirable and some are falling apart. He was
informed the City will have a better idea of whether the cost of the optional items can be included in
the project, when bids are received. It was also suggested the business community might consider
acquiring trash receptacles as a project, to which Mr. Croshaw was in favor.
It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member McCaughan,
and unanimously carried to approve plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise for
bids for the Downtown Streetscape Project on Downey Avenue from the Union Pacific Railroad
to Fifth Street under Cash Contract No. 620.
PURCHASE OF 1,219 ACRE -FEET OF WATER RIGHTS IN CENTRAL BASIN
FROM WESTERN WATER COMPANY
Mr. Alvarez noted the City currently relies on ground water for 100 percent of its water
supply, with the average annual demand at 17,000 acre -feet. The City owns the water rights to 15,335
acre -feet of water and makes up the difference by leasing water rights. Recently Western Water
Company, who owns 1,219 acre -feet of water, put their water rights up for sale. The City's best and
final bid to purchase these water rights was accepted and the City purchased the rights for $4,290,880,
with funds available in the Water Reserve Fund. The addition of 1,219 acre -feet will result in the City
having 93 percent of its current potable water demand for 2000 -2001.
David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, inquired if purchasing the water rights means the City
owns them forever and the response was yes. He also inquired if this was clean water and the
response was yes.
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Richard B. Pridham, 10402 Bellman Avenue, noted the City is in an adjudicated basin and
inquired if the newly purchased water rights can be pumped anywhere or only in a certain location. He
was informed the new rights are part of the adjudicated rights and would be pumped from the same
wells as the rest of the City's water.
It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and
unanimously carried to approve the purchase of 1,219 acre -feet of water rights in Central Basin
from Western Water Company for an amount of $4,290,880, and that the City Attorney be
authorized to draft a sales agreement and the Mayor to execute said agreement.
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval: None
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Council Member Winningham thanked the Public Works Department for the new public
safety signs being installed at schools throughout the community. He suggested staff review the
areas of installation, particularly on Old River School Road, where trees are obstructing the signs and
perform any maintenance required to insure they are visible.
Council Member Winningham mentioned attending the LACDA flood control meeting today,
which will be addressed by Mr. Caton.
Council Member Winningham thanked the local papers for carrying the press release
regarding the new ball field lighting system at Rio San Gabriel Park and thanked staff for getting
the information out to the public.
Council Member Winningham congratulated Council Member Riley and her husband
Tracy on their 46th Wedding Anniversary.
Council Member Winningham mentioned that circulation of the local newspaper has
reached Delores, Colorado.
Council Member Perkins congratulated Barbara and Tracy Riley on their Wedding
Anniversary.
Council Member Perkins acknowledged the recent marriage of Christina Vogel (Garcia),
noting she was honored by the Downey Chamber of Commerce during their recent awards banquet for
her work in the downtown area.
Council Member McCaughan mentioned receiving information on the status of the front yard
ordinance, noting it did not include information on the canopies.
Council Member McCaughan suggested an annual report be submitted on the status of
neighborhoods, similar to what other cities are doing.
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Council Member McCaughan mentioned seeing neglected parkway trees on Florence
Avenue and inquired if the newly hired full -time person in the Public Works Department would be
responsible for maintaining these areas and the response was yes.
Council Member McCaughan referred to his request for landscaping on Lakewood
Boulevard between Gallatin Road and Florence Avenue and on Paramount Boulevard from
Imperial Highway to Gardendale Street and inquired if this was somewhere in the plans.
Mr. Alvarez replied the City does some landscaping on Lakewood Boulevard but it is not a
City -owned street. If the City can reach an agreement with Caltrans to transition this highway to City
ownership, it can then be improved.
Council Member McCaughan noted the area directly adjoining the block walls of these
properties and hoped the City would direct some improvements in these areas to prevent graffiti.
Council Member McCaughan noted real estate /property management signs are becoming
more permanent in the R -2, multiple- family zones, such as La Reina and Western Avenues and
requested information on the City's regulations for this type of signage.
Council Member McCaughan mentioned receiving a half -dozen calls regarding the weekend
backup of westbound traffic on Firestone Boulevard from the City of South Gate to Old River
School Road and questioned which City coordinates the first signal on the other side of the riverbed,
which he felt was the cause.
Council Member Riley asked for a status on the current use of the Police Substation at
Apollo Park and was informed the use is sporadic, with motor officers utilizing the space to create
traffic reports and occasionally holding staff meetings there.
Mayor McCarthy noted the City participates in the Los Angeles County Sanitation District,
which is an independent agency and referred to two recent actions taken by the Sanitation District:
The acquisition of two landfills in the desert, which would give a 100 year future on the ability to take
care of solid waste; and the Sanitation District filed suit against the Environmental Protection Agency
regarding its mandate that river water be drinking water quality.
Mayor McCarthy referred to the approval of the Neighborhood Fence Replacement
Program and thanked Chief Finch for persevering to secure funding for the project.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members
Mr. Caton complimented the Director of Public Works for his work on a number of
regional issues, including the reform effort for the Water Replenish District.
Mr. Caton gave an update on the LACDA flood control project meeting today with Federal
and County officials. He noted the estimated timeline for areas of the cities to be taken out of the
flood plain and thanked the City's congressional delegation for their efforts on this issue.
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ADJOURNMENT: 10:28 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., September 12, 2000, in the Council Chamber of
Downey City Hall.
Judith E. McDonnell, City Clerk eith McCarthy, Mayor
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