HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 06-25-96 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
JUNE 25, 1996
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Certificate of Appreciation to Downey Council PTA 1
10851 Awards from Automobile Club of Southern Calif.
to 5 Downey Police Officers 1
Reso. #5964, adopting the City of Downey Fiscal Year
1996 -97 Budget Adopted 4
Reso. #5965, establishing a Uniform Schedule of Fees Adopted 5
Mr. Lennie Whittington re safety of patrons at the theater
and parking garage 5
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 5
Council Minutes: Regular Meeting, 6/11/96 Approved 6
CC #589, Phase II, Transmission Main Valve Replacement,
Additional Sites: Auth. Water Div. to issue a change order Approved 6
Warrants Issued: #122105 - 122532 Approved 6
Reso. #5966, approving & adopting the Annual Appropriations
Limit for Fiscal Year 1996 -97 Adopted 6
Code Amendment 96 -47: Amending Section 9152 of the
DMC relating to lighting on private property. Approved 6
Chamber of Commerce agreement for FiscalYear 1996 -97 Approved 6
Ord. #1022, approving Zone Change No. 96 -31,
properties at 8200 -50 Firestone Bl. & 11217 Downey Av. Adopted 6
Lighting & Landscaping District A.D. 121, Fiscal Year Concluded; public
1996 -97 - Public Informational Meeting hearing will be 7/23 7
Extension of agreement with consultant E. Del Smith
& Co., Inc. thru 7/1/97 Approved 7
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COUNCIL MINUTES, JUNE 25, 1996
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Reso. rescinding "No Stopping Anytime" restriction
along west side of Downey Av. from Phlox St. 250 Ft. Continued 8
Reso. #5967, opposing proposed plans to increase judicially
committed patient population at Metropolitan State Hospital Adopted 9 ----
Assembly Bill 2495 - Reorganization of The Metro
Transportation Authority: Support postion of Supervisor
Antonovich Approved 9
Cn Boggs re aesthetics on Imperial Hwy.; update on 25 foot
lots in southern part of City; update on City information
booklet; and permanent residency in motels 9
Cn Lawrence re staff memo on Downey's revenue loss to State 9
Mayor McCaughan commended Council 9
Cn Lawrence complimented Mayor 9
Mr. Powell congratulated Mayor for excellent year 9
Meeting adjourned to 7:00 p.m., June 26, 1996, for Mayoral
Transition Ceremony 9
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
JUNE 25, 1996
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 8:01 p.m., June 25,
1996, in 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 ProTem
Diane P. Boggs
Barbara J. Riley
Robert S. Brazelton
ALSO PRESENT: Lee Powell, Acting City Manager
Tim McOsker, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk - Treasurer
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
Bob Brace, City Engineer
Robert Gallagher, Building Official
Victoria Jenkins, City Librarian
Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
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Robert Messinger, Assistant City Attorney
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor McCaughan presented to Traci Garrido, President of the Downey Council PTA, a
Certificate of Appreciation for Downey Council PTA's support of Schools.
Mr. Bob Schwab, District Manager for the Automobile Club of Southern California, and
Captain Whiteside of the California Highway Patrol, presented 10851 Awards to Downey Police
Officers Ed Kelly, John Meno and Jerry Price for their achievements in the retrieval of stolen
vehicles. Awards were also given to Chief Caldwell for two additional officers not in
attendance, Officers Dan Ponder and Jason Huntsinger.
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HEARINGS
Mayor McCaughan opened the public hearing on CITY OF DOWNEY PROPOSED
BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996 -97.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed the Proof of Publication.
It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and
so ordered to receive and file.
Lee Powell stated the Council held a budget study session last week. Staff has prepared
the budget resolution which includes all items in the report from the City Manager along with
two additional items, one is additional money to reinstate the Library's hours of operation and
the other is a $55,000 increase to the Police Department's budget for a contract position for a
Neighborhood Preservation Officer. With the addition of these two items, staff requests Council
approve this budget. Mr. Powell advised the two additional items will be funded through
Proposition A funds sold to the City of Santa Fe Springs.
Council Member Lawrence noted an additional request that funds be added for cultural
organization grants in the amount of $20,000 and inquired if funds had been included for this.
Council Member Boggs also indicated she had discussed this with Mr. Jarrett along with
the possibility of reestablishing the arts council.
Council Member Brazelton favored the increase for the Library but cannot see allocating
$55,000 at this time for the contract position for a Neighborhood Preservation Officer. He would
like to see the present Code Enforcement team become pro- active in figuring out suggestions for
this program.
Council Member Riley concurred with Council Member Brazelton regarding the Library
funding and mentioned the Code Enforcement program was recently enhanced. She noted she
has listened to the budget meeting tape and read the job description for this position and feels
present staff should handle these functions.
Mayor McCaughan cited the need for this position and said the City has sufficient money
in reserve to fund it. The officers in Code Enforcement are already working a full load.
Council Member Boggs mentioned there have been two neighborhood task forces formed
since she has been on the Council and the reason this approach was not continued was due to a
cutback in staff. She would like further clarification regarding the duties of this position and
how expensive it would be to have the departments pick up the slack.
Council Member Lawrence agrees with the task force approach and felt another area
where funding could be provided is the $40,000 for a feasibility study for club house
improvements at the golf course. She felt this could be put on hold as the City is not planning to
do' the remodeling this year.
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Mayor McCaughan inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence, and the
response was no.
Mayor McCaughan inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak regarding
the City of Downey Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 1996 -97.
Matthew Biwersi, 9321 Brookpark Road, inquired if the City still had a hiring freeze and
was advised it depends upon the position. He expressed displeasure at hearing someone refer to
a $50,000 salary as a small amount since 71 percent of the work force in the country earns under
$30,000 a year.
Faith Temple, 12249 Rives Avenue, past President of the Downey Art Museum,
expressed her support of funding for cultural arts programs in the City and noted the Downey
Museum is the only museum in the area and it does a lot for children and the community as a
whole.
William Hare, 9850 Manzanar Avenue, President of the Downey Symphonic
Organization, requested approval of $20,000 for the City's cultural organizations.
Jose Trujillo, 13212 Stanbridge Avenue, stated he was against hiring a Neighborhood
Preservation Officer at this time and felt the City cannot afford the $50,000. He noted the City
already has many professionals within its ranks and felt the community should get involved in
neighborhood preservation.
Robert Fisher, 10226 Copeland, Vice - President of the Downey Symphony, urged the
Council to adopt a granting program.
Harry Hem, 7923 Sixth Street, commented that management of the City represents a cost
to the taxpayers and the City Manager can be directed by Council to establish a coordination
within the departments for neighborhood preservation and keep track of what is being done. He
was against hiring another position.
Mayor McCaughan said he has studied this situation for four years and employees are
busy doing what they can with the 20 percent employee reduction.
Council Member Boggs noted at the study session for the budget, Council Member
Lawrence requested funds be put in the budget to support the Street Faire and Holiday Lane
Parade and inquired if funds had been added. She was advised funds were in the budget for these
items.
There being no one else wishing to speak, it was moved by Council Member Boggs,
seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and so ordered to close the hearing.
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RESOLUTION NO. 5964
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 1996 -97 BUDGET
WITH IMPLEMENTING DOCUMENTS
The Resolution (Version 2) was read by title only.
Council Member Brazelton indicated he will vote against the Resolution because it
includes the Neighborhood Preservation Officer, which he feels should not be considered due to �--
budgetary constraints. He would like the City Manager to bring back a recommendation for a
current City position to take on this function. Council Member Brazelton also favored
eliminating funding for a feasibility study to improve the restaurant facility at the Golf Course.
It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
carried by the following vote to amend the Resolution by adding $20,000 for the cultural art
organizations in the City and delete $40,000 for the feasibility study at the Golf Course.
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The vote on the amendment was 3 AYES, with Council Members Riley and Brazelton
voting NO. The motion was reconsidered and then passed 5 -0 to amend the Resolution.
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and
carried by the following vote to waive further reading and adopt the Resolution as amended.
AYES: 3 Council Members: Lawrence, Boggs, McCaughan
NOES: 2 Council Members: Riley, Brazelton
Mayor McCaughan opened the public hearing on ESTABLISHING A UNIFORM
SCHEDULE OF FEES.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member
Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Boggs and so ordered to receive and file.
Mr. Powell explained this resolution sets out all City fees with the exception of the water
rates and building fees. Staff reviews these fees every year and puts them all into one Resolution
and per State law, they must be considered via a public hearing. The Resolution lists 358 fees,
266 of which have remained the same; 80 have increased, 8 have decreased. There are four new
fees proposed, three of which are related to potential changes in the City's sign ordinance, which
will come before the Council later in the year. The fourth is shown on Page 12 and is related to
the Plannin g processing Division and is a fee for rocessin second unit developments. Revenue raised by
the fee resolution will increase City revenues by approximately $50,000.
Council Member Riley inquired about the firework permit fees and mentioned she has
received complaints about golf course cart rental fees and being advised by staff that single rider
cart fees were reduced.
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Mr. Jarrett stated cart fees have not been raised over the past four -year period and are
only being raised by $1 per rider.
e mentioned Page 9, fees for temporary sign Council Member Lawrence g p �'y g ermits and asked p
if these fees could be incorporated with the same public hearing on changes to the sign
ordinance. She was informed it could be included at that time. She then suggested omitting the
fes for temporary sign permits until this comes back to Council.
Council Member Boggs concurred on holding up on this portion of the fee schedule until
that hearing is conducted.
Mayor McCaughan inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence, and the
response was no.
There being no one present to speak in favor or opposition to the proposed uniform
schedule of fees, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member
Brazelton, and so ordered to close the hearing.
RESOLUTION NO. 5965
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ESTABLISHING A UNIFORM SCHEDULE OF FEES
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Boggs,
seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading
and adopt with the exception of the special sign fees on Page 9, (temporary sign deposit, laser -
searchlight and changeable copy).
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee, recommended that Staff and Council consider the
safety of the patrons at the theater and parking garage and cover the elevators, stairways, and
each of the four levels of parking with cameras and panic buttons placed in strategic areas.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
Agenda Item VI-F-1, 11435 DOWNEY AVENUE, RESOLUTION RESCINDING
PARKING PROHIBITION, was removed at the request of Mayor McCaughan, and Item
VI -E -4, EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON CONSULTANT - E.
DEL SMITH AND COMPANY, INCORPORATED, was removed at the request of Council
Member Boggs.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Boggs stated for the record that she has listened to the tape of the June
11, 1996 Meeting and will vote on the minutes.
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It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton,
and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the
remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 11, 1996: Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. 589, PHASE II, TRANSMISSION MAIN VALVE
REPLACEMENT, ADDITIONAL SITES: Authorize the Water Division to issue a
change order to replace four (4) additional water transmission main valves: Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 122105 - 122532: $1,627,764.13: Approve
RESOLUTION NO. 5966 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS
LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996 -97
CODE AMENDMENT 96 -47: A CODE AMENDMENT TO SECTION 9152 OF
THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AS IT RELATES TO LIGHTING ON
PRIVATE PROPERTY: Set public hearing for 7:30 p.m., July 9, 1996, in the Council
Chamber of Downey City Hall: Approve.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AGREEMENT FOR 1996 -97 FISCAL YEAR:
Approve.
ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE NO. 1022
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 Boggs,
seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading
and adopt.
RESOLUTIONS: None
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT A.D. 121, FISCAL YEAR 1996 -97
PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Mr. Redmayne advised tonight is the public informational meeting for the Lighting and
Landscaping District, Assessment District 121 (A.D. 121) and, according to law, anytime rates
are raised the City must hold a public meeting. He advised in all areas, except Zones VI and L,
rates will be less than or equal to that of the prior year.
Mayor McCaughan asked if there were any public comments and there was no response.
He then concluded the public informational meeting and advised a public hearing is set for 7:30
p.m., July 23, 1996, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall.
Mayor McCaughan reconvened the Community Development Commission at 9:27 p.m.
to complete Agenda Item IV -D -1 removed from the Consent Calendar (refer to Community
Development Commission minutes for the meeting dated June 25, 1996).
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval
EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON CONSULTANT - E.
DEL SMITH AND COMPANY, INCORPORATED
Council Member Boggs noted her support of this item but stated she has missed the
services of the Gonzalez firm in Sacramento and stated for the record that she hopes to get
something in place where this service will be available again. Council Member Boggs said as
soon as the City no longer needs the services of E. Del Smith and Company, Inc. consideration
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should be given for servicesdf the Gonzalez firm to help out with State leg islation.
such as those formerly provided by
It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously carried to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with E. Del
Smith and Company, Inc. to provide continued consultant services to the City of Downey
through July 1, 1997.
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
RESCINDING THE "NO STOPPING ANYTIME" RESTRICTION ALONG THE
WEST SIDE OF DOWNEY AVENUE FROM PHLOX STREET 250 FEET SOUTHERLY
Mayor McCaughan noted this lot is unkept at times and inquired if the "No Stopping
Anytime" sign was being removed to allow patrons of the oil change business to park on the
street and was informed this was correct.
Council Member Lawrence advised she had no problem with the request for parking but
mentioned her concern about permitted uses in storage areas and suggested that if equipment is
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using the driveway perhaps there is a need to install a red curb to allow people to see out, unless
the uses turn out to be non - permitted. Mr. Redmayne advised this could be taken care of
administratively by clearing the driveway area.
Council Member Boggs questioned if there was adequate parking since it appears that use
of the property has been expanded. She noted the types of vehicles using the driveway do need
more room for visibility as parked cars block vision.
Mayor McCaughan asked if the no parking is contingent on bringing the property into
compliance and the response was no. ---
City Attorney McOsker advised the Council should not be attaching conditions that are
not directly related to parking issues to the removal of a parking restriction. However, the
Council can give direction to Staff to investigate these problems and take care of them with the
property owner at the time of granting or removing the parking restriction, or it may decide that it
would behoove the City to have these issues looked into before the parking restriction is
removed.
Council Member Boggs suggested holding up on this and requested Staff bring this back
when they have resolved some of these issues involved. The other members of the Council
concurred with this suggestion.
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee, commented there is still gasoline storage on this
property and tankers still go in and out. He asked the Council and staff to keep this in mind as
these vehicles would require more clearance than a car or small truck.
Action on the Resolution was continued.
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
RESOLUTION NO. 5967
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
OPPOSING PROPOSED PLANS TO INCREASE THE JUDICIALLY COMMITTED
PATIENT POPULATION AT METROPOLITAN STATE HOSPITAL
Mayor McCaughan noted a number of letters were received from the City Council of
Norwalk as well as official letters from the State of California regarding the supposed shutdown
of Camarillo State Hospital and plans to transfer judicially committed mental patients to the
Norwalk State Hospital. The City of Norwalk is concerned about this and a Resolution has
been prepared supporting their concerns.
Council Member Boggs mentioned the Rio Hondo temporary home is located at this
facility and she is concerned for the safety of these individuals. The balance of the Council
concurred their support.
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It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt.
ASSEMBLY BILL 2495 - LEGISLATION REGARDING REORGANIZATION
OF THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
Council Member Boggs noted this bill is to assist in getting better representation on the
Metropolitan Transportation Authority board and that she had this placed on the agenda to
support the position of Supervisor Michael Antonovich, if Council was so inclined.
It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously carried to support the position of Supervisor Michael Antonovich on Assembly
Bill 2495.
Council Member Boggs requested a review of the aesthetics on Imperial Highway, an
update on what is happening in the study of the 25 foot lots in the southern part of the City,
an update on the City information booklets, and she will meet with the police department
regarding permanent residency in motels.
mentioned a memo received yesterday from Mr. Powell
Council Member Lawrence
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regarding Downey's revenue loss to the State of California, which over a six year period has
totaled $9,360,826, which could have been used to provide services to the City.
Mayor McCaughan noted this was his last meeting and commended Council for being a
pleasure to work with.
Council Member Lawrence complimented Mayor McCaughan on his manner of
chairing and running the meetings during the last year.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members
Mr. Powell congratulated Mayor McCaughan for an excellent year as Mayor.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:50 p.m.
The Council meeting was adjourned to 7:00 p.m., June 26, 1996, in the Council
Chamber of Downey City Ci Hall , for the Mayoral Transition Ceremony.
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Judith ;E McDonnell, City Clerk Gary P. cCaughan, Mayo
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