HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 06-11-96 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
JUNE 11, 1996
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Proclamation re Flag Day of Downey, 6/14/96 1
Certificate of Appreciation to Ensign Juan C. Rodarte,
United States Navy, Downey resident 1
Certificate of Appreciation to Ane Miller re contributions
to Downey City Library & to the Downey Author's Faire 1
Ord. approving Zone Change No. 96 -31 for properties at
8200 -50 Firestone Bl. & 11217 Downey Av. from M -2 to
C -3 zone Introduced 2
Council Minutes: Adj. & Regular Meetings, 5/28/96 Approved 3
Warrants Issued: 121741 - 122104 Approved 3
Lease Agreement with City of Downey Employees Credit Union Approved 3
Agreement for Crossing Guard Services with All City
Management Services, Inc. Approved 3
Vehicle Towin g & Service Agreements with Doug's Tug &
United Towing Service, Inc. Approved 3
Res. #5961, approving the application for Pedestrian Funds for
Fiscal Year 1995 -96 authorized under Transportation
Development Act Article 3 (S.B. 821) Adopted 3
Ord. #1021, amending the DMC re bus benches on public
property Adopted 3
Res. #5962, approving the Negative Declaration for Cash
Contract No. 603 (4 -Level Downtown Parking Structure) Adopted 4
Landscape Maintenance Contracts with Satsuma Landscape
& Plant -Terra Landscape Approved 5
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COUNCIL MINUTES, DATE , 1996
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Mailing of Charter Amendment No. 10 to Registered Voter
households Approved 6
Cn Lawrence re reappointments to Private Industry Council
of Southeast L.A. of Art Aguilar & Clarence Bailey Approved 6
Cn Lawrence re Friends of the Library installation luncheon 6
Cn Lawrence re Washington trip re space station 6
Cn Lawrence re public hearing for City Budget on 6/25/96 6
Mayor McCaughan re report on system to convert
misdemeanors to infractions re DMC violations 6
Mayor McCaughan re dumping of green waste with regular trash 6
Mayor McCaughan re graffiti on phone booths at Furman Park 6
Mayor McCaughan re passing of School Bond & development
of system for donations used as tax write -offs 6
Mr. Caton commending residents & newspaper personnel for
attending the Council Meeting 7
Mr. Caton re widening of Santa Ana Freeway by the State 7
Mr. Caton re trip to Washington by Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence
and Art Rangel re NASA site 7
Mr. Joel Lubin re Council Members present at vote count for
School Bond, article in the Eagle re problems with Registrar
of Voter's office & letter received from City Clerk re political
signs in the community 7
Adjournment in memory of Richard Rulon, former Downey
Firefighter 7
Meeting adjourned to 3:30 p. m., June 17, 1996, for Budget
Study Session 7
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY 1 0 3 9
JUNE 11, 1996
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:40 p. m., June 11, 1996, in
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the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Gary P. McCaughan presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. Mayor
Joyce L. Lawrence Mayor Pro - em
Barbara J. Riley
Robert S. Brazelton
ABSENT: Diane P. Boggs (Excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Cheryl Kane, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk - Treasurer
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Greg Caldwell, Police Chief
Ron Irwin, Fire Chief
James Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Art Rangel, Director of Economic & Community Development
Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Shirley Bennett, Superintendent of Physical Services
Bob Brace, City Engineer
Robert Gallagher, Building Official
Victoria Jenkins, Librarian
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor McCaughan read a Proclamation declaring June 14, 1996, as Flag Day of Downey,
California.
Mayor McCaughan presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Ensign Juan C. Rodarte,
United States Navy, Downey resident, in recognition of his recent graduation from the United States
Naval Academy.
Mayor McCaughan presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Ane Miller in recognition of
her contributions to the Downey City Library and noted the book The 100 Most Popular Young
Adults, b y Bernard A. Drew, was donated in Ms. Miller's honor for her inspiration and leadership to the
Downey Author's Faire held in April 1996.
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Council Member Riley commented she was visiting one of the schools on the day of the
Author's Faire and noted the children were very excited to have a real author present. She also
commended Ms. Jenkins for her participation in this event.
HEARINGS
Mayor McCaughan opened the public hearing on ZONE CHANGE NO. 96 -31: REQUEST
TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF PORTIONS OF THE PROPERTIES AT 8200 -8250
FIRESTONE BOULEVARD AND 11217 DOWNEY AVENUE TO C -3 FROM M -2.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed the proof of publication.
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and so
ordered to receive and file.
Mr. Rangel noted this is a request to cleanup the zoning to be consistent with the City's
Comprehensive General Plan. He narrated a slide presentation of the area in question, which was
established as an M -2 zone to accommodate manufacturing uses at that time.
Mayor McCaughan inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence, and the
response was no.
Mayor McCaughan asked the applicant or his representative to come forward and make a
presentation at this time.
Mr. Allen Stein, 4135 Riverside Drive, Chino, representing the applicant Dan Levy and Sam
Tyras, stated they are applying for this zone change in order to assist in renting the properties involved.
He noted it is their wish to have the parking lot zoned the same as the buildings in order to share the
parking lot between all of the buildings stating they have had trouble renting the properties as there is
not enough parking for each individual store.
There being no one else wishing to speak in favor or opposition to the zone change, it was
moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Riley, and so ordered to close the
hearing.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 96 -31, A CHANGE OF ZONE FOR THOSE PORTIONS
OF THE PROPERTIES AT 8200 -50 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD (EVEN - NUMBERED
ADDRESSES ONLY) AND 11217 DOWNEY AVENUE FROM THE GENERAL
MANUFACTURING ZONE (M -2) TO THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT ZONE (C -3),
AND TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by
Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading and introduce
the ordinance.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved b y Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Riley, and
unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading of the Resolution and approve the Consent
Calendar as recommended (Council Member Brazelton abstaining on the minutes):
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS OF
MAY 28, 1996: Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 121741 - 122104: $648,033.00: Approve.
LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF DOWNEY EMPLOYEES FEDERAL
CREDIT UNION: Approve lease agreement between the City of Downey and the Downey
City Employees Federal Credit Union to June 30, 1997: Approve.
AGREEMENT FOR CROSSING GUARD SERVICES: Authorize the City Manager to sign
the Amended Agreement extending for one (1) year, to June 30, 1997, the City's Crossing
Guard Agreement with All City Management Services, Inc.: Approve.
VEHICLE TOWING AND SERVICE AGREEMENTS: Authorize the Mayor to sign the
Agreements with United Towing Service, Inc. and Doug's Tug to provide towing services for
the Downey Police Department for a three -year period ending June 30, 1999: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 5961 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR PEDESTRIAN FUNDS
FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995 -96 AUTHORIZED UNDER
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE 3 (S.B. 821)
ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE NO. 1021
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY REVISING
SECTION 4134 RELATIVE TO BUS BENCHES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded
by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading and adopt.
RESOLUTIONS: None
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
At this time, the Community Development Commission convened in joint session with the
Council.
PROPOSED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE 4 -LEVEL DOWNTOWN
PARKING STRUCTURE (CASH CONTRACT NO. 603)
Mr. Rangel explained when the project for the Theater was approved in September 1995,
Council also approved a negative declaration for a 2 -level parking structure. At that time staff was
directed to consider 4- levels as well and to go out for bids for both a 4 -level and 2 -level structure. Bids
have been submitted and staff is requesting Council consider and approve the Negative Declaration for
the 4 -level structure at this time. Mr. Rangel noted the City does not anticipate any adverse impacts
from this project.
RESOLUTION NO. 5962
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR CASH CONTRACT NO. 603
(4-.LEVEL DOWNTOWN PARKING STRUCTURE)
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member /Commissioner
Brazelton, seconded by Council Member /Commissioner Lawrence, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to
waive further reading and adopt the Resolution approving the Negative Declaration for Cash
Contract No. 603 (4 -level downtown parking structure).
Mayor /Chairman McCaughan recessed the Community Development Commission portion of the
meeting.
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS --~
Mr. Redmayne explained City staff has been maintaining parks and public facilities and noted the
City no longer plans to use its employees for this purpose. Employees formerly working in this capacity
will be moved to other locations. Mr. Redmayne explained the bid process that takes place, noting ten
contractors submitted bids to provide landscape maintenance for parks, public facilities, medians,
parkways, freeway sound walls, and water and well sites. The bids were separated out to get the most
advantageous deal for the City and as a result we will be awarding two bids: One to Plant -Terra for
medians, parkways, freeway sound walls and water and well sites; and the other to Satsuma
Landscaping for parks and public facilities. There will be one supervisor acting as liaison between the
contractor and the City to make sure the work is done properly. The annual cost will be $228,000 a
year which represents a savings for the City of about $86,000 by contracting out.
Council Member Brazelton referenced the contract for the parks with Satsuma Landscaping,
noting two of the parks have tennis courts and inquired if these would be maintained under the contract
with these companies. Mr. Redmayne responded the tennis courts will be maintained under this
contract along with any defective drinking fountains.
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Council Member Lawrence feels the contract was very thorough in spelling out the obligations
and protections for the City. She asked who would be responsible for reporting or documenting graffiti.
Mr. Redmayne stated staff will be doing this in -house utilizing the supervisor in charge who will go
around to the parks to make sure all the work is being done. Council Member Lawrence then
mentioned a concern about the cleaning of stamped concrete in the medians which collects gravel and
grit. She was informed this would be blown off weekly and steam cleaned as needed. She then inquired
how the adjacent walkways, after mowing and edging, are going to be cleaned and if this is currently by
a blower and Mr. Redmayne responded yes.
Mayor McCaughan inquired if the contractors will maintain the current irrigation and the
an yes was
response although major problem occurring with the system would be looked at and if it
p Y g any maJ or p
falls out of the contractor's scope staff will take care of it. Mayor McCaughan inquired if maintenance
of the baseball fields and football fields would be taken care of by Parks and Recreation and
Mr. Redmayne responded yes.
Mayor McCaughan complimented staff on this effort, which accomplished downsizing the Public
Works Department without layoffs and noted this has been in the works for about two years and
explained Council has been sensitive to the downsizing knowing it had to take place for the benefit of
all. He noted no one was fired. People retired and people were moved to other sections. He feels this
is an accomplishment for the City and reflects on staff's nature in that it was done in the right way.
It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously approved (4 - to approve the issuance of contracts with Satsuma Landscape and
Plant -Terra Landscape to provide landscape maintenance services.
MAILING OF CHARTER AMENDMENT NO. 10 TO REGISTERED VOTERS
Ms. McDonnell noted when Council approved placing the full text of the Charter on the ballot,
known as Charter Amendment No. 10, it was explained that due to the length of the document, the
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County would be unable to print it in the sample ballot. It would have to be sent out by other means or
a statement printed in the ballot that voters could contact the City Clerk's Office and request a copy be
mailed at no cost to the voter. Council discussed costs involved however no definite direction was
given to staff on how to proceed. Staff is asking for Council to consider the costs presented and direct
staff accordingly. She noted that to mail the charter information would add an additional $7,200 -
$7,800 to the $35,000 cost for the election, depending on whether Council selects a one color or two
color document.
Council Member Lawrence was in favor of mailing one black and white pamphlet to every
registered household as she feels the people of the community deserve to have the information so they
can make a decision.
Council Member Brazelton commented the Charter is basically the constitution of the City and
revisions are numerous. All citizens should have the opportunity to review it and become more
knowledgeable on how the City functions.
Council Member Riley noted she was in favor of one color and mailing this out. She felt it is the
public's right to have this information so they are able to read it.
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Mr. Joel Lubin agreed that every person in Downey should have a copy of the charter if it is
cleaned up.
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton,
and unanimously carried (4 -0) to approve mailing a voter pamphlet on the proposed Charter
changes to registered voter households in the City in one color for approximately $7,200.
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Council Member Lawrence, speaking for Council Member Boggs, advised Council Member
Boggs has requested the following reappointments to the Private Industry Council of Southeast Los
Angeles: Mr. Art Aguilar for a two year term and Mr. Clarence Bailey for a one year term.
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Riley, and
unanimously carried (4 -0) to approve the reappointments of Art Aguilar and Clarence Bailey to
the Private Industry Council of Southeast L.A.
Council Member Lawrence commended the Friends of the Library on their installation
luncheon noting it was a very good program with three mystery authors present.
Council Member Lawrence advised she and Mr. Rangel were in Washington last week and
noted one reason was to make sure the funding was kept in the budget for the space station.
Council Member Lawrence advised the audience that the public hearing for the City Budget
will be held on June 25, 1996.
Mayor McCaughan requested a report from staff on the progress of the infraction system to
convert misdemeanors to infractions in regard to Downey Municipal Code violations.
Mayor McCaughan requested a report regarding the dumping of green waste in regular trash —~
trucks by the City's trash contractor. He noted he observed this himself and suggested someone from
Calsan could respond to him on this issue.
Mayor McCaughan mentioned graffiti on phone booths at Furman Park and suggested staff
request General Telephone to look into this.
Mayor McCaughan congratulated the Downey Unified School District and the community
in general on the passing of the bond issue and suggested the School District and the City, as lead
agencies, pursue the development of a system whereby citizens could donate to either the community
services of children or the educational purposes of children in the City. Mayor McCaughan advised this
has been done by other districts and cities where they have formed either a foundation or organization
that allows citizens to take these donations as a tax write -off. He requested the City Manager direct the
City Attorney or staff to gather information for him to present to the School Board.
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OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members
Mr. Caton thanked 'everyone present, in particular the newspaper representatives, for
attending the meeting.
Mr. Caton advised a letter will be going out under his signature to residents immediately
adjacent to the Santa Ana Freeway as the State of California is conducting a study to see how they
could enhance this freeway's capacity. He noted the freeway is currently being widened in Orange
County and the State will soon be conducting public meetings in neighboring cities. Mr. Caton
suggested Downey residents voice their opposition to this project at the meetings.
Mr. Caton commented on the recent trip to Washington by Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence and
Mr. Rangel regarding the future of the NASA site and noted the City is working with NASA in the
hope they will declare part of this property as surplus to enable the City to get it back on the tax rolls
and back to private industry to start producing some jobs. He advised there will be language in the
NASA Appropriation Bill where NASA will agree to work with the City of Downey to make this
happen.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Joel Lubin, 7820 Allengrove Street, commended three City Council Members who were
present at the vote count for the School Bond issue. He mentioned an article in the Eagle last week
regarding problems with the Registrar of Voter's operations and was concerned, with five issues on the
ballot in November, that the City stay on top of this situation. Mr. Lubin also mentioned he was pleased
to receive a letter from the City Clerk's office regarding political signs in the community.
At this time, Mayor McCaughan reconvened the Community Development Commission in joint
session with the City Council.
Mayor /Chairman McCaughan then announced the meeting is recessing at 8:35 p.m. to Closed
Session to complete discussion of items listed on the Closed Session Agenda (see Minutes of Adjourned
Regular Meeting, May 28, 1996.)
The meeting reconvened at 9:15 p.m. with Council Members /Commissioners Lawrence,
McCaughan, Riley, Brazelton present; Council Member /Commissioner Boggs absent. There were no
Closed Session actions to report.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:15 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned in memory of former Downey Firefighter Richard Rulon to
3:30 p.m., June 17, 1996, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall for a Budget Study Session.
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Gary au
J ith E. McDonnell, City Clerk G ry P. M C g han Mayor
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