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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-09-13-94-Adjourned w CDC r ' MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL /COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an Adjourned Regular Meeting at 4:30 p.m., September 13, 1994, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor /Chairman Barbara J. Riley presiding. PRESENT: Council Members /Commissioners: Barbara J. Riley Mayor /Chairman Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chairman Joyce L. Lawrence Diane P. Boggs Robert S. Brazelton ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager /Executive Director Tim McOsker, City Attorney Judith McDonnell, City Clerk /Secretary Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Jim Jarrett, Director of Community Services Cindi Lee, Executive Secretary The Community Development Commission recessed at 4:31 p.m. STUDY SESSION TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY FACILITY Mr. Jarrett explained this matter has been reviewed by the City Council and Recreation Commission for approximately one year. The Commission conducted various meetings during which public input was received, and visitations were made to community facilities in neighboring cities. After further study, the Commission has recommended that a gymnasium be constructed at Apollo Park with the possibility of including two basketball courts, and that the Apollo Neighborhood Center be remodeled to accommodate a senior/ community center. The Commission also recommends that strong consideration be given to locating the senior /community center at the downtown site of Third Street and La Reina Avenue, and suggests that committees composed of senior citizens and youth be appointed by Council to provide important input to the building design committee. Mr. Caton clarified the funding sources outlined in the staff report, correcting the figure of $840,000 to $765,000 for uncommitted funds attained through the sale of Proposition A transit monies. The total amount available for use is $3,540,560. Mayor Riley indicated that public testimony would be heard at this time. City Council/Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 9/13/94 -1- Mr. Al Orlando, 8536 Raviller Dr., mentioned that throughout all public meetings held on this matter, the senior citizens have consistently recommended the placement of a senior center at the downtown location referenced above. He advised he is placing 1,097 petitions consisting of 1,167 names into the public record, requesting the City Council to construct a senior center at the downtown location on Third Street between La Reina Avenue and New Street. Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of a box of petitions. Mr. Angelo Cardono, 9221 Rives Ave., expressed opposition to locating the senior center at the downtown site. He noted the business environment would not be as conducive to a senior center as an enjoyable park atmosphere. He mentioned that downtown parking should be used for commerce needs, and urged Council to review all input and base its decision on the best interests of the community. Ms. Myrtle Risley, 7938 Phlox St., commented on remarks made by Mr. Cardono, and the senior citizens' desire to build the senior center at the downtown location. Mr. Hugh Williams, 10259 Pico Vista Rd., favored the downtown site for a senior center because of the central location. He expressed concern with the incompatibility of locating both facilities at Apollo Park, and suggested that a different architectural p l a n could reduce proposed development costs. Mr. Houston Ervin, 7409 Cecilia St., stated that Apollo Park would be an appropriate location for a gymnasium; however, the Park would not be a suitable location for a senior center. Mr. Fred James, 9360 Samoline Ave., referenced the petitions signed by over 1,000 people stating they do not want a senior center located at Apollo Park, and asked Council to consider another location. Mr. Pat McDermott, 12273 Caladre Ave., discussed safety concerns at Apollo Park that were mentioned at a previous meeting when overnight camping was considered. He noted that a gymnasium facility at Apollo Park would be used by people from surrounding cities, since the majority of players using the current outside courts are from neighboring communities. Mr. Guy Sterner, 10303 Downey Ave., distributed information from the 1990 census, and discussed the trends illustrated in the material, i.e., increase in senior citizens living in Downey, census tracts where seniors reside, etc. He urged Council consider the broad needs of seniors and the future of Downey, and approve constructing the senior center at the downtown location, which can be conveniently served by the City's new transit system. Ms. Jamie Brahas, 7103 Luxor St., noted she is attending this meeting as an assignment for her high school government class, and agreed that senior centers need a place to socialize, since there are many parks throughout the City where the youth can congregate. Ms. Yvette Galloso, 8312 DaCosta St., also a high school government student, favored building both a senior center and a gymnasium at different locations. City Council/Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 9/13/94 -2- Jr t j Ms. Jeanne Dowd, 7409 Arnett St., distributed copies of a proposal for a community center that would benefit the entire community. Council Member Boggs commended the two government students for voicing their opinions. She noted there are valid arguments for developments at both locations; however, the final decision must be based on economics. When considering the downtown site, the additional amount of $1 million for the land must be added to the facility costs. It is not unusual that the downtown site is vacant at this time, since Southern California is experiencing an economic recession. Whatever decision is made regarding this site will affect the overall downtown area of Downey. She expressed concern that building a public use facility at this location will keep the property off the tax rolls forever. As a result of these economic concerns, she favored the conversion of Apollo Neighborhood Center into an attractive senior /community center to be predominately used by the seniors as needed, and also building a gymnasium facility at the Park. She agreed with the Recreation Commission's suggestion of establishing senior and youth committees to follow the process, but indicated her desire to be included in all phases of development from now on. Council Member Brazelton commented on the extremely tight City budget, noting the projected development costs do not include future ongoing operating expenses. He mentioned salary negotiations are currently taking place for Fire and Police employees, and these financial aspects also need to be considered. He compared costs for constructing and maintaining a senior center at the downtown site with costs associated with remodeling and operating a senior center at Apollo Park, where Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds could be used to offset expenditures. After careful review, he voiced his support for constructing a gymnasium at Apollo Park and renovating the Apollo Neighborhood Center to accommodate senior /community center activities. Council Member Lawrence expressed her desire to locate the senior center at the downtown location, since it appears the people wish to have the center at this site. She discussed future plans envisioned for the downtown area, referencing the study done by the Blue Ribbon Committee and the various Chapters of the General Plan that relate to downtown Downey. She suggested that if adequate funds were not available at this time to construct the center at the downtown location, then other financial sources should be considered, or the project could be completed in phases. She commented on the downtown site being vacant for some time now, and that constructing a public use facility using downtown redevelopment funds would be an appropriate expenditure. The senior center would be used primarily by seniors, and could also accommodate a flexible youth non - sports program for after - school activities when seniors are not using the facility. Creative programming and scheduling will be necessary to manage downtown parking. The building's design should provide for possible outdoor activities, such as a Farmers Market, Keep Downey Beautiful Clean -Ups, etc. She favored constructing the gymnasium /activity center at Apollo Park as proposed. She commented on past projects that were built on a small scale without the foresight of future needs for expansion, and hoped that Council would consider the future when deciding on the two facility locations. City Council/Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 9/13/94 -3- " Council Member McCaughan corrected public impressions made about safety issues at Apollo Park and overnight camping, noting the concern was that Council would be setting a precedent for allowing overnight camping in City parks. He discussed different alternative sites which he had favored in the past for a community center. However, based on financial considerations and the available use of CDBG funds, he expressed support for renovating the Apollo Neighborhood Center for use as the senior /community center. He preferred to sell the downtown site for business uses that would generate tax revenue, and recommended conducting a public meeting after more specific plans have been developed for both projects. He stressed the importance of the Imperial Highway Corridor, and suggested the proposed improvements to Apollo Park would be a catalyst to the surrounding area. Mayor Riley concurred with Council Member McCaughan's comments on the safety of Apollo Park, noting the precedent for overnight camping in City parks was the Council's concern at a previous meeting. She agreed that Apollo Park is a safe environment, after careful study of safety records of the area, and considering that Rancho Hospital security often cruises the parking lots which deters crime. She expressed her support of locating the senior /community center at Apollo Park based on financial considerations, and constructing the gymnasium at the Park for use by all ages. Council Member Boggs mentioned that transit schedules can be changed to accommodate the Apollo Park location, and clarified that $1.86 million must be used for a community /senior center, with access to the entire community, wherever it is located. She voiced her strong conviction that Apollo Park is very safe. It was moved by Council Member Boggs to approve the building of a gymnasium /activity center at Apollo Park and that the Apollo Neighborhood Center be authorized to serve as an attractive senior /community center. Council Member McCaughan requested there be one separate motion on each recommendation for clarity purposes. After further discussion, Council Member Boggs withdrew the second part of her motion regarding the senior /community center. The motion was restated for clarification. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and unanimously carried to approve building of a gymnasium/ activity center at Apollo Park, including investigating the potential for a double court facility with the current budget, and relocating the basketball courts and the picnic shelter. Prior to the foregoing vote, Council Member Brazelton questioned whether the motion included a budget limitation. Council Member Boggs noted her motion only reflects the location for the facility, and any estimated financial costs or architectural plans should be returned to Council for consideration at that time. City Council/Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 9/13/94 -4- f. r It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Y 99 � Y McCaughan, and carried by the following vote to authorize a remodeled Apollo Neighborhood Center to serve as an attractive senior center/community meeting center: AYES: 4 Council Members: McCaughan, Brazelton, Boggs, Riley NOES: 1 Council Members: Lawrence Prior to the foregoing vote, Council Member Boggs noted her understanding that the remodeling of Apollo Neighborhood Center is to be completed in a first -class manner, with special consideration given to the needs of senior citizens for use of the facility. Council Member Lawrence voiced her disappointment that the senior/ community center would not be constructed at the downtown location, stressing the importance of responding to the public input received, and the need to consider creative, viable alternatives with foresight into the future of Downey. Council Member Brazelton expressed hope that all community members would work together in a constructive, cooperative manner during the development of these facilities. All Council Members thanked the Community Services Commission for its many hours of study on this matter. Mr. Fred James, 9360 Samol i ne Ave., questioned the timeline for developing the two separate facilities, including possible relocation of tenants at Apollo Center. Mr. Caton explained the process to be followed, noting the actual facilities w i l l not open for approximately two years, and the tenants will be relocated if necessary. The Community Development Commission reconvened at 5:35 p.m. APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES - AUGUST 23, 1994 It was moved by Council Member /Commissioner Lawrence, seconded by Council Member /Commissioner Boggs and unanimously carried (Council Member/ Commissioner McCaughan abstaining on that portion of the Minutes of the Meeting at which he was absent) to approve the Closed Session Minutes of August 23, 1994. CLOSED SESSION Mayor /Chairman Riley announced the Council/Commission is recessing to Closed Session to discuss the following Sections of the Government Code: SECTION 54956.9, Subdivision - (c) Conference with Legal Counsel regarding initiation of litigation - one matter. SECTION 54957 - Personnel matter, Public Employee Appointment - City Attorney. City Council/Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 9/13/94 -5- i . SECTION 54957.6 - Conference with Labor Negotiator Lee Powell regarding direction for labor negotiations with Downey Firemen's Association and Downey Police Officers' Association. The meeting reconvened in open session at 7:40 p.m. with all Council Members /Commissioners present. There were no Closed Session actions to report. The meeting recessed at 7:40 p.m. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS The meeting reconvened for Oral Communications at 9:05 p.m. with all Council Members /Commissioners present, and recessed at 9:23 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:20 p.m. with all Council Members/ Commissioners present. ADJOURNMENT: 10:20 p.m. C I- 4( ./ / 1 47 / - 1 u i t . 'donne , ity er Barbara J. RfTey, ayor /Chairman S,ecretary City Council/Comm. Dev. Minutes (Adj.) 9/13/94 -6-