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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 03-28-95 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 28, 1995 T A B L E O F MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Proclamation re Public Health Week 1 Proclamation re "Take our Daughters to Work Day" 1 Central Basin Municipal Water District Presentation 1 Items Removed from Consent Calendar 2 Council Minutes: Adj. & Regular Meetings, 3/14/95 Approved 2 Warrants Issued: #108843 - 109292 Approved 2 High Accident Location Study: Approve Consultant Agreement with Albert Grover & Associates to study high accident rate locations within City Approved 2 Zone Change #94 -64, 8600 -8650 Firestone Blvd. (Applicants, Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady and Richard M. Lehn) - Request to change zone from M -1 (Light Manufacturing) and C -3 (Central Business District) to C -2 (General Commercial) Set hrg. 4/11/95 2 Zone Change #95 -08, 9610 Washburn Rd. (Applicant, Adnoff Family Trust) - Request to change zone from M -1 (Light Manufacturing) and PB (Parking Buffer) to C -1 (Neighborhood Commercial) Set hrg. 4/11/95 2 Authority to carry over funds from Fiscal Year 1992 -93 for the Library Automation Project Approved 2 Res. #5868, authorizing submittal of an Application under the State of California 1994/95 Local Government Used Oil Opportunity Grant Program Adopted 2 Ord. #997 allowing the keeping of Racing /Homing Sport Pigeons on Single - Family Residentially Zoned Property Adopted 3 Proposed Downey Municipal Code Amendment re Parking of Commercial Vehicles and Equipment Cont. to 4/11/95 3 Street Closure for Chamber of Commerce Faire (June 3, 1995) : Approve closure of Downey Ave. from Firestone Blvd. to La V i l l a St. from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; deny use of City -owned property on Third St. due to concerns; & staff to return with options to fund City service fees for event Approved 4 Page 1 of 2 COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 28, 1995 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Res. #5869, establishing "Drug and Weapon Free Zones" adjacent to Public and Private Elementary, Middle & High School Campuses and Public Parks Adopted 4 Cn. Lawrence commented on City's purchase of property at 12830 Woodruff Avenue for relocation of City Transit Yard 4 Cn. Lawrence re consideration of City subsidizing MTA bus passes for certain members of community, i.e., To be placed on senior citizens, handicapped and school age individuals future agenda 5 Mr. Caton re Council & Staff Member currently in Washington, D.C. to persuade Federal Govt. to keep $11 billion in budget for LACDA project which would take Downey out of flood zone area 5 Mr. Caton noted important vote at meeting of L.A. County Board of Supervisors on April 6th re fl oodpl ain & encouraged public to contact Supervisor Deane Dana, expressing support of LACDA project 5 Mr. Caton re Presidential plan to reduce NASA budget by $8 million over the next five years; discussed devastating economic impact of potential closure of Rockwell plant in Downey, in view of upcoming closures of Long Beach Naval Shipyard and Northrop plant in Pico Rivera 5 Mr. Caton urged participation in "Take our Daughters to Work Day" 5 Adjourned to 6:30 p.m., April 11, 1995 5 Page 2 of 2 11 4 . MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWN Y MARCH 28, 1995 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:40 p.m., March 28, 1995, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall , Mayor Barbara J. Riley presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Barbara J. Riley, Mayor ..-.. Gary P. McCaughan, M.D., Mayor Pro Tem Joyce L. Lawrence Robert S. Brazelton ABSENT: Diane P. Boggs (Excused) ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Cheryl J. Kane, City Attorney Judith McDonnell, City Clerk Lee Powell , Assistant City Manager Greg C a l d w e l l , Police Chief Ron Irwin, Fire Chief Jim Jarrett, Director of Community Services Art Rangel, Di r. of Economic & Community Development Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works Lowell Williams, Director of Finance Ron Yoshi ki , Asst. Community Dev. Director /City Planner Robert Brace, City Engineer Bob Gallagher, Building Official Greg Mayfield, Water /Sanitation Superintendent Ed Velasco, Housing Manager Cindi Lee, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS Mayor Riley proclaimed the week of April 3 -7, 1995 as "Public Health Week ". Mayor Riley proclaimed April 27, 1995 as "Take Our Daughters to Work Day". CENTRAL BASIN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT PRESENTATION Mr. B i l l Ralph, representing the Central Basin Municipal Water District, distributed material containing information regarding the history, representation, and budget of the District. He discussed costs related to water purchased from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and future trends involving increasing rates. Council Member Brazelton requested the District's formal audit reports be sent to the City in the future. Council Member McCaughan mentioned that any cost savings that could be realized at the District level and passed on to the City would be appreciated. Council Minutes 3/28/95 -1- A Council Member Lawrence questioned the Central Basin's source for the water sold to Downey, and the price paid by the District for this water. Mr. Ralph explained the water is purchased from the Metropolitan Water District which provides water from the Colorado River and the California State Water Project originating in Northern California. He indicated he would obtain information regarding the exact cost of the water for Council's review. Mayor Riley asked if there was anyone present in the audience wishing to speak on this matter, and no one approached the podium. HEARINGS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL Council Member McCaughan requested removal from the Consent Calendar of Agenda Item VI-F-2, RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING DRUG AND WEAPON FREE ZONES IN THE CITY. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazel ton , and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, MARCH 14, 1995: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 108843 - 109292, $1,261,617.17: Approve. HIGH ACCIDENT LOCATION STUDY: Approve Consultant Agreement with Albert Grover and Associates to complete a study of high accident rate locations within the City, funded entirely by the State Office of Traffic Safety. ZONE CHANGE NO. 94 -64, 8600 -8650 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD (Applicants, Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady and Richard M. Lehn) - Request to Change Zone from M -1 (Light Manufacturing) and C -3 (Central Business District) to C -2 (General Commercial): Set hearing for 7:30 p.m., April 11, 1995 in the Downey City Council - Chamber . ZONE CHANGE NO. 95-08, 9610 WASHBURN ROAD (Applicant, Adno f f Family Trust) - Request to change zone from M -1 (Light Manufacturing) and PB (Parking Buffer) to C -1 (Neighborhood Commercial) : Set hearing for 7:30 p.m., April 11, 1995 in the Downey City Council Chamber. AUTHORITY TO CARRY OVER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,481 FROM FISCAL YEAR 1992 - 93 FOR THE LIBRARY AUTOMATION PROJECT: Approve. RESOLUTION NO. 5868 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION UNDER THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA 1994/95 LOCAL GOVERNMENT USED OIL OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM Council Minutes 3/28/95 -2- /• t S •, 4 • ORDINANCES NOT SET FORTH ABOVE ORDINANCE NO. 997 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE CITY'S ZONING CODE, SECTION 9136.18(b) ALLOWING THE KEEPING OF RACING /HOMING SPORT PIGEONS ON SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIALLY ZONED PROPERTY The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Brazelton, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading and adopt. PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING PARKING OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT Mr. Caton advised this item is being continued to the next meeting to allow staff additional time to study the matter. RESOLUTIONS NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None, ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS STREET CLOSURE FOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STREET FAIRE (JUNE 3, 1995) Mr. Caton summarized the staff report, outlining the requests of the Chamber for the annual Street Faire, which include closing Downey Avenue from Firestone Boulevard to La Villa Street, use of City -owned property at 8206 Third Street for a carnival , and waiver of City fees involving manpower expenses and use of City stage for this event. Staff is recommending approval of the street closure, denial of the request to use City -owned property due to liability concerns expressed by the Police Chief, and waiver of fees on the contingency that if any profits are made from the Street Faire, the City will be reimbursed for service costs before any profit to the Chamber is realized. Mayor Riley asked if there was anyone present in the audience wishing to speak regarding this matter. Mr. Randy Basurto, 8533 Shadyside, Whittier, and Mr. Keith McCarthy, President, Downey Chamber of Commerce, expressed appreciation for consideration of the street closure and waiver of fees, and mentioned the great amount of volunteer effort required to have a successful Street Faire. The Faire provides mutual benefits for the City and Chamber, and any profit realized is reinvested into the Chamber, promoting business activity in the City. Council Member Lawrence concurred with staff's recommendations regarding the street closure and use of City property. However, she preferred that all fees be waived without reimbursement due to the promotional nature of the Street Faire serving the City's interests and the small businessmen, and suggested funding City services with redevelopment funds. Council Member McCaughan mentioned that other organizations have been required to pay for related City expenses, i .e . , park concerts, and expressed uncertainty that all fees should be waived. Council Minutes 3/28/95 -3- Council Member Brazelton concurred with Council Member McCaughan's comments. Mr. Caton explained the City provides an annual subsidy of $15,000 to the Chamber, and absorbed the costs for the Christmas Parade this past year. However, if the Council wishes to waive the fees entirely, staff will review optional funding sources and return with a recommendation. It was moved by Council Member Brazelton, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to approve a request to close Downey Avenue from Firestone Boulevard to La Villa Street during the hours from 6 :00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a one -day Downey Chamber of Commerce Street Faire on Saturday, June 3, 1995, deny the use of City -owned property at 8206 Third Street due to potential liability, and defer voting on the waiver of City fees until staff returns with additional information. Prior to the foregoing vote, Council Member Lawrence remarked that the City pays for services rendered by the Chamber as opposed to subsidizing their organization. OTHER BUSINESS - CONSENT CALENDAR: Items Removed by Council Approval RESOLUTION NO. 5869 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOW NE Y ESTABLISHING "DRUG AND WEAPON FREE ZONES" ADJACENT TO PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUSES AND PUBLIC PARKS Council Member McCaughan inquired if it is necessary to post signs for enforcement as outlined in the proposed Resolution, and was informed the signs are not a requirement. After further discussion, it was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to change the wording of the first sentence in Section 2 of the Resolution from "shall" to "may." Prior to the foregoing vote, Council Member Brazelton suggested that if signs ---- are used, it may be helpful to highlight that portion of the sign indicating "increases penalties." The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading and adopt. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None. OTHER BUSINESS - COUNCIL MEMBERS Council Member Lawrence explained the City's purchase of property at 12830 Wloodruff Avenue is for the purpose of relocating the City Transit Yard from Apollo Park which will allow the property on Smallwood Avenue to be used for additional recreational use when the gymnasium and community center are completed. Council Minutes 3/28/95 -4- 4 i Council Member Lawrence requested information be returned on a future agenda regarding the possibility of the City subsidizing MTA bus fares for certain g 9 members of the community, such as senior citizens, handicapped and school age individuals, including the financial implications of such funding. OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members Mr. Caton noted that a Downey Council Member and staff member are currently in Washington, D.C. to persuade the Federal Government to keep $11 million in its budget for this coming year to fund the LACDA project, which would take the City out of the flood zone area. He noted the strong opposition led by the Los Angeles Environmental Lobby and Senator Tom Hayden against the project. Mr. Caton discussed an important vote at an upcoming meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on April 6, 1995 regarding the fl oodpl ain and encouraged the public to contact Supervisor Deane Dana expressing support of the LACDA project. Mr. Caton referenced a plan by President Clinton to reduce the NASA budget by $8 billion over the next five years, which would greatly affect the Rockwell plant in Downey, since 85% of the business for Rockwell is generated from NASA. Members of Council and staff will be going to Washington, D.C. tomorrow to discourage this plan. He outlined the adverse economic impact of closing the Rockwell plant based on a study by California State Fullerton, especially in view of the closures of the Long Beach Naval Shipyard and the Northrop plant in Pico Rivera. Mr. Caton encouraged participation in "Take our Daughters to Work Day". ADJOURNMENT: 8:15 p.m. The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., April 11, 1995, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. . j Judi t E. McDonne , ity C1 erk Barbara J. r6y, May rt Council Minutes 3/28/95 -5-