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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11-26-96 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY NOVEMBER 26, 1996 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Presentation of new Fire Paramedics & Certificate of Merit to Fire Dept. photographer Alex Smith 1 Ord. approving DMC Amendment #96 -78, pertaining to off-street parking standards Introduced 2 Ord. approving Extension of terms of Cable Television Franchise Introduced 3 Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 4 Council Minutes: Adjourned & Regular Meetings, 11/12/96 Approved 4 Cash Contract #S.S. 440/458/472, Florence Av. /Studebaker Rd. - Resurfacing: Approve extra work including two change orders Approved 4 Cash Contract #S.S.449A, Firestone Bl. - Resurfacing: Approve pp rove extra work including three change orders Approved 4 Cash Contract #S.S. 465 - Phase II, Part II, Annual misc. repair contract: Approve plans & specs. for parking lot repairs at Rio San Gabriel Park & authorize staff to issue a change order Approved 4 Cash Contract #S.S. 596A, Downey Community /Senior Center & Gymnasium Project: Approve selection of Universal Labs., Inc. & authorize issuance of P.O. for materials testing & inspection Approved 4 Warrants Issued: #126736 - 127128 Approved 4 Approval of the SB 1082 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/ Agreement - City of Downey/L.A. County: Authorize MOU & agreement between County & City coordinating the administration of the State mandated Unified Program Approved 4 Council assignment to Gateway Cities Council of Governments: Confirm Mayor Lawrence as the representative designated resentative g p to the Board of Directors Approved 4 PAGE 1 OF 3 COUNCIL MINUTES, NOVEMBER 26 1996 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Loan to Redevelopment Agency: Approved Operative Agreement #24 for City advance to Redevelopment Agency Approved 5 Distribution of surplus firefighter uniforms to Sister Cities Assoc. and Cal/Baja Bombero Assoc. Approved 5 Res. #5998, approving appeal of Zone Variance #96 -61, property at 10065 Sideview Drive Adopted 5 Res. #5999, approving appeal of Conditional Use Permit #96 -62, property at 10065 Sideview Drive Adopted 6 1996 -97 Cultural Arts Grant Funding Recommendations by Recreation & Community Services Commission Approved 6 Presentation of plaque to Council Member Boggs by Cerritos College Board of Trustees in recognition of her tenure on the Council 7 Downey Community Hospital - Creation of Hospital Commission Cont. to 1/14/97 10 Neighborhood Preservation Coordinator Agreement with Christina Garcia Approved 10 Res. #5997, providing for the implementation of the Citizen's Option for Public Safety (COPS) program, establishing the City's Supplemental Law Enforcement Service Fund (SLESF) Adopted 10 p Cn. McCaughan re study session regarding t police g Y g g p computer upgrade program 11 Cn. McCaughan suggested looking at crime data on an annual basis & creating an analysis 11 Cn. Boggs re Item No. 1 on Top Ten List: Flood Insurance - Support City staff & LACDA Alliance to insure City receives flood protection it needs 11 Cn. Boggs comments on 12-1/2 years on the Council & commended the City, City staff and present Council 1 1 PAGE 2 OF 3 COUNCIL MINUTES, NOVEMBER 26, 1996 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Mr. Caton announced birth of Police Chief Caldwell's son 11 Adjourned in honor of Gregory Christian Caldwell, son of Police Chief Greg Caldwell 11 Meeting adjourned to 7:00 p.m., December 3, 1996, for Council Reorganization 11 h:\ccleric\sconte\tabl 1 126 PAGE 3 OF 3 ti MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY NOVEMBER 26, 1996 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:32 p.m., November 26, 1996, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Joyce L. Lawrence . residin p g PRESENT: Council Members: Joyce L. Lawrence Mayor Diane P. Boggs Mayor ProTem Robert S. Brazelton Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. Barbara J. Riley ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Tim McOsker, City Attorney Judith McDonnell, City Clerk - Treasurer Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager 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 John Finch, Captain, Police Department Robert Gallagher, Building Official Robert Rowe, Deputy Fire Marshal Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS Chief Irwin introduced four new Fire Paramedics and then presented a Certificate of Merit to Fire Department Photographer Alex Smith for volunteering his time and expertise to various Fire p Department functions during the year. HEARINGS Mayor Lawrence opened the public hearing on CODE AMENDMENT #96 -78: A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO OFF- STREET PARKING STANDARDS. Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and so ordered to receive and file. Council Minutes 11/26/96 -1- a s g . + i 0 Mr. Rangel advised staff reviewed the City's Municipal Code after receiving a request from a property owner who wished to assign parking spaces in her office building to tenants within the building and felt this provision should be incorporated. He read the proposed change in wording and noted the amendment would also re- establish the requirement for Off- Street Parking Requirements and Design Standards for Commercial and Industrial Uses which had been omitted. There was no correspondence received regarding this matter. There being no one present to speak in favor of or in opposition to Code Amendment #96 -78, it was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and so ordered to close the hearing. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING CODE AMENDMENT #96 -78, AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF 9150, OFF- STREET PARKING AND LOADING, OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE IX) AS SAID SECTIONS PERTAIN TO OFF- STREET PARKING STANDARDS The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and introduce. Prior to voting, Council Member McCaughan referred to Section 9150.24 - Temporary Parking questioning the language "on a required driveway." He felt the wording required driveway should possibly be changed to "on a permitted driveway." Mr. Yoshiki explained the reasoning behind the p g present language and suggested staff work with the City Attorney's office on whether or not to change it. Council Member McCaughan requested this be discussed further at a later date. Mr. McOsker noted for clarification that the "required driveway" was the bare minimum necessary to access the garage and the "permitted drive area" would exceed this bare minimum. Mayor Lawrence opened the public hearing on EXTENSION OF CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE. Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and so ordered to receive and file. Ms. Yotsuya advised the City and Continental Cablevision (now U. S. West, Inc.) agreed to extend the term of the Franchise by ten years, subject to the cable company's timely satisfaction of certain conditions. She summarized conditions established and advised the City Attorney and staff reviewed the Franchise, the application for extension, and the upgrade /rebuild plan, and determined the cable company was in compliance with the material terms. She then commented on the areas of customer service and technical service that had been of concern to the Council. She advised staff reviewed a summary of subscriber complaints during recent months and a summary of compliance with maintenance and testing ry p g Council Minutes 11/26/96 -2- standards during the last year, and based on these reviews, it did not appear there were any material Y violations of these standards. She summarized conditions staff recommended and noted the City can invoke various remedies if the conditions are not met. Craig Gunther responded to questions from the Council regarding the City's power to invoke remedies and what constitutes a substantial number of complaints by stating customer service standards are provided for under Federal Law, under California Law, and also is an obligation under the Franchise and would be based on circumstances and what is considered reasonable and standard. He noted the City is allowed under the Franchise to require additional monitoring to insure technical criteria is being satisfied.. Construction is required to be completed by a date certain and the cable company is required to inform the City of any anticipated delay and the reason for it in the status reports required. Council Member McCaughan asked if the annual reports summarizing subscriber complaints could be provided on a quarterly basis and it was suggested by Mr. Gunther that the request be made to cable company representative Jeff Davis. There was no correspondence received regarding this matter. There being no one wishing to speak in favor or in opposition to Extension of Cable Television Franchise, it was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and so Y ' ordered to close the hearing. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY EXTENDING BY TEN YEARS THE TERM OF AN EXISTING CABLE FRANCHISE The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and introduce the ordinance. Council Member Riley asked that Council Member McCaughan's request for quarterly reports be included as a condition of the approval. Jeff Davis, Director of Corporate Affairs for Continental Cablevision, 575 Anton Boulevard, Costa Mesa, advised the list of information requested by Council Member McCaughan, if measured on a quarterly basis, could be provided. Mr. McOsker stated, for the record, on Page 4 of the staff report where it lists proposed Conditions of Extension 1 - 5, it would be most effective if Council Member McCaughan's request could be an additional Condition No. 6, which would include all five bullet points from Mr. Gunther's letter dated November 25th that was submitted into the record, provided to the cable company, and then referred to by Council Member McCaughan. Council Minutes 11/26/96 -3- r , +es y J CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL Agenda Item VI -F -1, RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUND, was removed at the request of Council Member McCaughan. Agenda Item VI -E -1, NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION COORDINATOR AGREEMENT, was removed at the request of Council Member Brazelton. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, NOVEMBER 12, 1996: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 440/458/472, FLORENCE AVENUE /STUDEBAKER ROAD - RESURFACING (ACCOUNT NO. 54- 16440; 26- 16458; 54- 16472): Approve extra work in the amount of $5,055.55 including two change orders totaling $537.50, accept the improvements and the maintenance responsibility for the improvements constructed on Florence Avenue, from west of Lesterford Avenue to the east City Limits at the I -5 Freeway Bridge, and Studebaker Road from Cecilia Street to Florence Avenue: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 449A - FIRESTONE BOULEVARD - RESURFACING WEST CITY LIMITS TO OLD RIVER SCIIOOL ROAD (ACCOUNT NO. 54-16449): Approve extra work in the amount of $14,211.24, including three change orders totaling $2,177.00, accept the improvements and the maintenance responsibility for the improvements: p Y p Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 465 - PHASE II, PART II, ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS REPAIR CONTRACT (ACCOUNT NO. 26-16465 AND 40- 17201): Approve p lans and specifications for parking lot repairs at Rio San Gabriel Park and authorize staff to issue a change order to accomplish this work on the existing Miscellaneous Repair Contract: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. 596A - DOWNEY COMMUNITY /SENIOR CENTER AND GYMNASIUM PROJECT: Approve the selection of Universal Laboratories, Inc. and authorize the issuance of a purchase order for materials testing and inspection services: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 126736 - 127128, $2,230,361.15: Approve. APPROVAL OF THE SB 1082 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)/ AGREEMENT - CITY OF DOWNEY/L.A. COUNTY: Approve and authorize the MOU and Agreement between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Downey coordinating the administration of the State mandated Unified Program (SB 1082): Approve. COUNCIL ASSIGNMENT TO GATEWAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS: Confirm Mayor Joyce Lawrence as the designated representative to the Gateway Cities Council of Governments Board of Directors: Approve. Council Minutes 11/26/96 -4- { 4 LOAN TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: Approve Operative Agreement #24 whereby the City advances $2,550,000.00 to the Redevelopment Agency: Approve. DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS FIREFIGHTER UNIFORMS TO SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION AND CALBAJA BOMBER() ASSOCIATION: Authorize the Downey Fire Department to distribute approximately 400 surplus uniforms of various sizes: Approve. ORDINANCES: None RESOLUTIONS APPEAL OF ZONE VARIANCE #96 -61 /CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #96 -62, 10065 SIDEVIEW DRIVE, A REQUEST TO PERMIT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TENNIS COURT IN A FRONT YARD SETBACK AREA, OVER HEIGHT WALLS AND TENNIS COURT FENCING AND TO ALLOW TENNIS COURT LIGHTING ON PROPERTY ZONED R1- 10,000 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) Mr. Yoshiki advised this matter was continued from the November 12, 1996 Meeting where staff was directed to examine two proposals submitted by the applicant for the location of a tennis court in the front yard and to meet with the applicant and the property owner to the north. He narrated a slide representing an alternative submitted by the applicant, which is a five foot setback of Downey Sanford Bridge Road or fifteen feet from the curb -face, and noted staff amended the alternative slightly by moving the tennis court in a southerly direction four feet and also amended the Conditional Use Permit to coincide with the amended location of the tennis court under Zone Variance 96 -61. He advised staff established conditions for the Zone Variance to insure that if the properties on which the tennis court is situated are sold, the requirement for a front yard setback will be established at that time, as set forth in the Downey Municipal Code. Mayor Lawrence requested confirmation for the record that the City Clerk had received a letter from Timothy R. Casey the applicant's attorney, dated November 22, 1996, to which the response was yes. RESOLUTION NO. 5998 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPEAL OF ZONE VARIANCE #96 -61, TO CONSTRUCT A TENNIS COURT WITH LIGHTS IN THE FRONT YARD SETBACK, OVERHEIGHT WALLS AND FENCING ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 10065 SIDEVIEW DRIVE, ZONED R1- 10,000 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. Council Minutes 11/26/96 -5- - r RESOLUTION NO. 5999 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPEAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #96 -62, FOR TENNIS COURT LIGHTING ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 10065 SIDEVIEW DRIVE, ZONED R140,000 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. — _. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 1996 -97 CULTURAL ARTS GRANT FUNDING RECOMMENDATION Mr. Jarrett explained funds were appropriated by the Council during the 1996 -97 budget meeting to provide financial assistance to Downey's cultural arts organizations. The Recreation and Community Services Commission was asked to develop criteria, solicit proposals, and select applicants. Packets were distributed to local arts organizations, and ads were placed in the newspaper. Four applicants submitted proposals within the published deadline and the Recreation and Community Services Commission recommends distribution of funds as follows: Downey Symphonic Society - $7,500.00, Downey Museum of Art - $6,000.00, Downey Band Boosters - $6,000.00, and Downey Art League - $500.00. Council Members Boggs, Brazelton, McCaughan and Lawrence each felt there had been a misunderstanding as they had broad based community cultural organizations in mind when they approved the appropriation of funds. They discussed the recommendations of the Recreation and Community Services Commission and ultimately decided to vote in favor. Council Member Riley was in favor of the recommendations by the Commission as she felt the application had been offered to these organizations and they had responded appropriately. Council Member McCaughan expressed concern about granting funds for one school over — another, even though Warren High did not submit an application. He suggested a motion approving funds for both high schools, or granting funds to the school district for contribution toward the school bands. Betty Ferraro, 7605 Second Street, School Board Member, felt the Downey Band Booster Club had shown incentive by applying and should be considered. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and unanimously carried to approve the Cultural Arts Grant Funding as recommended by the Recreation and Community Services Commission. Council Member Brazelton felt more attention should be paid to details in the future to prevent this type of misunderstanding from reoccurring. Council Minutes 11/26/96 -6- Chris Harris, Band Director at Downey High School, stated that funds for the Downey Band Boosters would not be used for uniforms but would go towards the purchase of music, instruments, equipment and the development of the band and music group workin g with the middle schools and elementary schools. He commended the Council for proceeding with the g rant for the band. Bob Winningham, 8346 Lexington Road, Chair of the Recreation and Community Services Commission, explained the Commission's recommendation for funds for the Downey Band Boosters was s based on their need for uniforms. He noted the needs of Warren High School were also reviewed but felt g et they would be overstepping their boundaries to consider organizations that did not apply. g Mayor Lawrence declared a recess at 8:30 p. m. The meeting reconvened at 8:38 p . m. with all Council Members present. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS John Moore, Member of the Cerritos College Board of Trustees, along with Board President g Cheryl Epple, Vice - President Bob Verterber, outgoing President Dr. Ted Edmiston, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fred Gaskin, presented a plaque to Council Member Diane Boggs in recognition of her twelve and a half years of service to the community and for her continued support of Cerritos College. pp ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS DOWNEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Council Member McCaughan left the dais as he was advised by legal counsel of a possible conflict p of interest regarding this matter. Mr. McOsker recommended that the Agenda Items regarding Report on Downey Community Hospital and Appointed Hospital Commission, and Creation of a Hospital Commission be considered together. He noted he had been requested to provide an analysis of the establishment of a Hospital Commission and explained various methods that could be used in setting up such a commission. • .. g p, He advised the Council had the ability to create this advisory body and had the authority to delegate what Y g authority the Council would possess to such an entity. He noted it was important for the Council to consider what such a board or commission would have as its activities or charge and mentioned several ... g possibilities. He also referred to the various terms and conditions of the lease between the City and the Hospital Foundation. He then mentioned changes brought about during the 1994 reorganization at the g g hospital and advised the public and Council had requested the Attorney General to conduct an audit of the actions of the Foundation in relation to its associated non - profit and for-profit entities. He noted no impropriety in actions was found. He advised the Council also conducted its own audit of certain documents and came to the same conclusion. Russ Persion, 11469 Samoline Avenue, indicated he was in favor of establishing hospital g p commission. He referred to a letter from the City Attorney to the Mayor and Council stating he felt it was meant to deter the Council from appointing a commission. He expressed his feeling that the creation of a commission would allow citizens to obtain information about hospital procedures, and he asked the Council to appoint a commission with the power to investigate all aspects of the hospital. Council Minutes 11/26/96 -7- :- ., a. Sam Smock, 9701 Dolan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Downey Community Hospital, referred to a letter delivered to the City earlier today outlining why the Hospital believes a Hospital Commission is unnecessary and poses legal risks to the City. He noted the Council, as ex -officio members of the Hospital Board of Directors, could gain any information desired by attending Hospital Board meetings. Nick Shubin, 10506 Birchdale Avenue, Chairman of the Downey Community Health Services Corporation and Hospital Board Member, stated the request for a hospital commission comes from a group of opponents and encouraged the Council to not comply. He requested, if the Council does approve a commission, that they take great care when selecting members and review charges made against the Hospital by investigating the sources of the charges. Ed Susank, 9617 Stamps Avenue, current member of the Board of Directors of both DCH Health Services and Downey Community Hospital, felt that in the formation of a hospital commission there would be no way to guarantee hospital opponents would not end up on the commission; also, if these groups did not get a member on the commission, they would criticize it. He encouraged the Council to reject the call for a hospital commission. Dr. Sheldon Zinberg, 1520 North Warner Drive, La Habra, Chairman of CareMore Medical Group, mentioned downsizing at several local hospitals due to scientific innovations that have resulted in fewer patients. He felt Downey Community Hospital has changed during the past two decades from a closed physician staff to its now multi - ethnic staff, and that the City of Downey is a flourishing multi- ethnic community. He mentioned the Attorney General's investigation of the hospital and was not in y g p favor of establishing a hospital commission. Ed Di Loreto, 7333 Rio Flora Place, commented that each side of the Hospital issue has rights p g and each should respect the others rights. He mentioned the Council has the power to put these issues to rest by appointing a Commission that would be healthy for both sides. Mike Burns, 11976 Heritage Circle, mentioned as a patient of Downey Community Hospital he has only heard the word "patient" mentioned once between the two sides of the issue who have spoken, and he asked both sides to come together. Dr. David Hubbell, 12113 Julius Avenue, urged the Council to form an independent non-partisan commission. He noted his CareMore contract was canceled and felt it was because he had questioned the level of care at Downey Community Hospital. He also questioned why the Hospital Board was reluctant Y p q Y p to sign an attestation if there was no profit to be made from the sale of the hospital. Andy Conovaloff, 10751 Lakewood Boulevard, favored forming a hospital commission and felt g p d it should consist of people who built the hospital, such as the ex- Foundation members, ex -Board members, and retired doctors. Bob Winningham, 8346 Lexington Road, noted he recommended the Council form a hospital commission and mentioned, for the record, that he is neither a spokesperson nor a member of any of the groups mentioned. He felt the commission would be a tool to start communications between the Hospital and concerned members of the community, and he requested that the Council vote for the establishment of a hospital commission for the City of Downey. Council Minutes 11/26/96 -8- 4 i Y w .jj _ $ 9 4 ti tom Charles Hutchinson, 8502 DaCosta Street, advised he was fired from the Hospital Board after devoting 22 years to the Hospital. He stated he was disturbed by the deterioration in the quality of care at the hospital, the ratio of nurses to patients, and poor housekeeping, and felt a commission would be in the best interest of the community in general. Dr. J. Elder Bryan, 7926 E. Third Street, questioned why doctors who have been practicing in Downey for years are now taking their patients to other hospitals. He felt doctors should be allowed to practice the way they see fit without having their patients harassed into joining an insurance company. He was in favor of a hospital commission. Council Member Boggs explained how the property, once private property, came to be in possession of the City for the specific purpose of building a community hospital. She noted there are strong community leaders on both sides of the hospital issue and it was evident the dispute was not going to remedy itself and that the formation of a commission could be the remedy. She felt both groups should y g p be involved in the selection of the commissioners if it was going to work and hoped a solution could be reached to get the community healed. Council Member Riley concurred and noted community members have given a great deal of their time and money to build the community hospital. She noted there have been many rumors on this issue and mentioned she attended a Hospital board meeting in February where one board member answered the question as to why he would not sign the attestation paper stating the hospital might be sold in the next 4 to 5 years and there would be a finders fee. She indicated the lease states the hospital cannot be sold without a vote of the people and expressed concern about the way the reorganization took place, feeling the answers could be found by establishing a hospital commission. Council Member Brazelton noted he has viewed the hospital issues from a legal standpoint in the past and mentioned any implication that either the City Attorney or Attorney General had some bias was not true. He felt the Hospital Board was overly secretive in their disclosures and that the firing of six board members showed poor judgement. He noted he is not totally convinced a commission is the method to take but felt there were a number of very qualified citizens who could serve. He thought there were a number of things to be considered before taking this step and felt an outline for a commission was crucial. He noted a new council member will be seated next week and he should be provided the opportunity to consider this and give his input. He was not in favor of saying go ahead at this time but was in favor of further study. He urged the Hospital administration to view this as a vehicle to attempt to get to the facts and disclose them publicly and hopefully reach a conclusion on some of these concerns. Mayor Lawrence concurred with her colleagues but stated her reluctance to forming a commission at this time. She expressed concern with the accusers who remain anonymous and noted Council has the credibility and concern for the community and does not need to appoint a commission to look into things that is their role to do. She did encourage the hospital to have a one on one meeting and let people ask their questions directly. Council Member Boggs agreed with Council Member Brazelton that Council did not have enough specific information on how the commission would be comprised and what its duties would be. Council Minutes 11/26/96 -9- 4 r u It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Riley, and carried by a 4 - vote to request staff to bring back an additional report the first meeting in January with details regarding the potential duties of a hospital commission. Council Member McCaughan returned to the dais. Mayor Lawrence declared a recess at 10:08 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:20 with all Council Members present. OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION COORDINATOR AGREEMENT Council Member Brazelton noted he is not opposed to the general concept but due to budgetary reasons, he would be voting against it. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and carried by a 4 -1 vote (with Council Member Brazelton votin No to d irect the Cit Mana er to enter into an Y voting No) City g agreement with Christina E. Garcia to perform neighborhood preservation duties within the City of Downey. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUND Council Member McCaughan referred to Page 2 where it lists computer program enhancement and asked if this means the GIS system would be initiated sooner. Captain Finch advised the $40,000 would enable them to initiate much of the work planned and will put them closer to the GIS system, which is a priority. Mr. Caton noted a typographical error on Exhibit A, Police Overtime, stating the figure of - $187,913 should actually read $178,913. Council Member McCaughan advised the $40,000 grant funding was not applied for in the past, and hoped to see more of this done in every City department in the future. RESOLUTION NO. 5997 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY PROVIDING FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CITIZEN'S OPTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS) PROGRAM, ESTABLISHING THE CITY'S SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE FUND (SLESF), AND MAKING THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS WITHIN THE CITY'S SLESF The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. Council Minutes 11/26/96 -10- 4s y 4 pa ` Prior to the vote, Mayor Lawrence asked how soon E -mail service will be in effect Police in the Police Chief's office and was informed it would be available tomorrow. OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members Council Member McCaughan suggested a study session after the first of the ear regarding the g gt e police computer upgrade program and how it might coincide with the olice building upgrade and g pg d possibility of policy decision of the Council regarding the joint communication dispatch center. p Council Member McCaughan noted the data the City now has in computers is impressive and p p suggested looking at crime data on an annual basis and creating an analysis of the City's objectives, Y y J es, which he referred to as a crime preservation plan. Council Member Boggs noted she started out ten meetings ago with her Top Ten List and is p down to Number 1, which has to do with the River and the flood insurance that will be imposed. p d. She noted this will have a far greater economic impact on this City a on the area t han any other issue in y y quite a few years. She asked everyone to follow this and support staff and the LACDA Alliance to insure the City receives the flood protection it needs. Council Member Boggs mentioned she has been on the Council for 12 -1/2 years and commended the City of Downey, City staff and the present Council, stating they have been a very compatible p group. She noted how she came to meet City Attorney Tim McOsker, who graduated from Notre Dame, and played a USC song for him noting the big game between Notre Dame and USC on Saturday. Y OTHER BUSINESS - Staff' Members Mr. Caton announced the birth of Police Chief Caldwell's son, Gregory Christian Caldwell. ADJOURNMENT: 10:35 p.m. The meeting was adjourned in honor of Gregory Christian Caldwell, son of Police Chief Greg Caldwell, to 7:00 p.m., December 3, 1996, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall for the Council Reorganization. ("Th ( 't-c-it / At / with E. McDonnell, City Clerk Jo Y ce . Lawrence, Mayor h :\cclerk\sconte \ccmn1126 Council Minutes 11/26/96 -11-