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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 05-23-95 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MAY 23, 1995 T A B L E O F MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Presentation of Rebate Check & Plaques of Appreciation from So. California Edison Co. to City & staff members 1 Proclamation re "Management Week in California" 1 Public Works Presentation 1 Proposed Consolidated Plan, Action Plan & use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & proposed HOME Investment Partnership Program Funds for 1995 -96, includ- ing submittal of application with additional appropria- tion to School District for funding of position working with at -risk young people Approved 2 Urgency Ord. #1002, extending for a period of ten months and 15 days a Moratorium on Adult Uses and amending & extending an exception process allowing applications for exceptions as to Adult Uses within the City of Downey & declaring Urgency thereof Adopted 3 Lennie Whittington commended Finance Dept. & City Clerk's Office for service given to public; suggested City's Miscellaneous employees be given adequate pay raises; requested removal of outdated & unenforced parking signs on Manatee St. re DMC Section 3176 prohibiting all -night parking on City streets 3 Steve Petzold re participating as lending agency for HOME & Mortgage Credit Certificate Programs 3 Marvin Clarkson & George Nakoud re problems with liquor store sign being vandalized; requested permission for higher sign to avoid continued damage Referred to staff 3 Items removed from Consent Calendar 4 Council Minutes: Adjourned & Regular Meetings, May 9, 1995 Approved 4 Cash Contract #597 - Urgent Tree Trimming Citywide: Accept work completed Approved 4 Warrants Issued: #110504 - 110918 Approved 4 Page 1 of 3 COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 23, 1995 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE W. Res. #5875, apvg. Engineer's report for assessments within Ltg. Maint. Dist. A.D. 121 for FY 1995-96 Adopted 4 Res. #5876, declaring intention to 1 evy & col 1 ect 1 ighting & landscaping assessments within Ltg. Maint. Dist. A.D. 121 for FY 1995 -96 (Sets Public Meeting 6 /13/95 & Publ is Hearing 7/13/95) Adopted 5 Establish date for 1995 -96 Budget Study Session 5/30/95 at 4:00 p.m. 5 Unscheduled equipment purchase - Te l e -Wo r ks Automated Citizens Information System: Appropriate $23,015 from General Fund & approve purchase of System Approved 6 Amendment to Agreement between The Ferguson Co. & City of Downey on behalf of the LACDA Alliance for consulting services (Fourth Amendment) Approved 6 Cn . Brazel ton re pay increases for Miscellaneous employees; commented on tight budget & need to find more revenue sources to maintain public services 6 Cn. Boggs invited publ is to attend Memorial Day Ceremony at Downey Cemetery on Monday, May 29, 1995 7 Cn. Boggs re deleting obsolete Ordinances in Downey Municipal Code as new Ordinances are adopted 7 Cn. Lawrence commended involvement of City employees & volunteers in many community events 7 Cn. McCaughan thanked staff for resolving traffic problem in Furman Park parking lot 7 Cn. McCaughan suggested staff review & develop truancy Ordinance similar to City of Monrovia's Ordinance 7 Cn. McCaughan asked staff to review & establish Ordinance regulating camping in streets & publ is parks, similar to Ordinance in Santa Ana 7 Cn. McCaughan noted State Legislature's attempt to pre- empt local government regulations concerning shopping carts 7 Cn. McCaughan commended Police Dept. on recent Child Safety Seat Checkpoint, suggesting this be done on a routine basis 7 Pa 9 e 2 of 3 COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 23, 1995 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Cn. McCaughan requested updated information from City Atty. re City's enforcement rights concerning number of people allowed to live in single family residence 7 Cn. McCaughan noted abandoned shopping cart at Furman Park & urged calling retrieval service when carts are sighted 7 Mayor Riley commended Fire Dept. on successful "Fire Service Recognition Day" with open houses at fire stations 7 Chief Irwin commented on career of retired Downey Deputy Fire Chief Don Warren 7 Mr. Caton thanked Public Works, Police & Fire Depts. for providing necessary services for funeral of L.A. County Deputy Sheriff Stephen Blair, who was a Downey resident 7 Mr. Caton acknowledged high priority which Council & Downey citizens place on City employee safety, e s p e c i a l l y for Police & Fire Departments 7 Adjourned in memory of retired Downey Deputy Fire Chief Don Warren & L.A. County Deputy Sheriff Stephen Blair 8 Adjourned to 4:00 p.m., May 30, 1995 (Budget Study Session) 8 Page 3 of 3 ..a MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL ti OF TI-E CITY OF DOW t�E Y NAY 23, 1995 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular r meeting at 7:40 p.m., May 23, 1995, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall , Mayor Barbara J. Riley presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Barbara J. Riley, Mayor Gary P. Mc Ca ug h an , M. D., Mayor Pro Tem Joyce L. Lawrence Robert S. Bra z el ton Diane P. Boggs ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton , City Manager Cheryl J. Kane, City Attorney Judith McDonnell , City Cl erk Lee Powel 1 , Assistant City Manager Greg Caldwell , Pol ice Chief Ron Irwin, Fire Chief Jim Jarrett, Director of Community Services Art Rangel , Dir. of Economic & Community Development Richard Redmayne, Director of Publ is Works Lowell Williams, Director of Finance Ron Yoshi ki , Asst . Community Dev . Director /City Planner June Yotsuya, Assi stant to the City Manager Joseph Arranaga, Physical Services Superintendent Robert Brace, City Engineer Bob Gallagher, Building Official Greg Mayfield, Water /Sanitation Superintendent Ed Vel asco, Housing Manager Carol Rowl and, Administrative Assi stant (Part -time) Kathy Simmons, Administrative Assistant Cindi Lee, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS Ms. Sylvia Granados, representing the Southern California Edison Company, presented a rebate check in the amount of $53,172 and Plaques of Appreciation to Public Works Director Redmayne and Water /Sanitation Superintendent Mayfield in recognition of the City of Downey Water Division's conservation efforts in energy management. Mayor Ri 1 ey presented a Proclamation declaring June 4 -10, 1995 as "Management Week in California" to Mr. Dino Troi , incoming President of Roc kwel l National Management Association. Mr . Redmayne presented an overview of the Public Works Department, and introduced his staff present in the audience. He narrated a slide presentation depicting the City's infrastructure maintained by the Publ is Works staff , and other areas such as park maintenance, recycling and graffiti eradication programs. He discussed the various responsibil ities of the Physical Services, Engineering , and Water Divisions , and the ongoing commitment to provide outstanding service to the public . Council Minutes 5/23/95 -1- # t' I HEARINGS Mayor Riley opened the public hearing on PROPOSED CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND PROPOSED USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM FUNDS FOR 1995-96. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the proof of publication. It was moved Mr s. p p p by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Bra zel ton , and so ordered to receive and file. Mr. Rangel explained the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) instituted new regulations this year for the purpose of streamlining the planning and application process for housing and community development programs. A Consolidated Plan must be prepared as a prerequisite to receiving Federal funds, such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and HOME Investment Partnership Program funds. He outlined the four main sections of the Plan, noting this document w i l l replace the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS), and will cover the period from July 1, 1995 through June 30, 2000. The total amount available during fiscal year 1995 -96 is $2,145,989, and after having reviewed public comments and requests for grant funding, staff is suggesting using available funds on 14 activities. There was no correspondence received on this matter. As there was no one present wishing to speak regarding this issue, it was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to close the public hearing. Council Member Lawrence recommended funds be appropriated for the School District position previously held by Mr. Daryll Jackson, working with young people at risk. She explained the valuable work he has done with the Police Department and School District, and requested $21,300 in additional funding to retain this position. Mr. Caton suggested this money be moved from the Community /Senior Center Remodel project . Discussion ensued about the carryover budgeted funds from the previous year, based on estimated figures compared to actual expenditure of funds. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to approve the Consolidated Plan and the Action Plan for 1995 -96 CDBG and HOME funds and submittal of the application, with an additional appropriation of $21,300 to the School District from the Community /Senior Center Remodel project, for funding of the District's position that works with at -risk young people. Mayor Riley opened the public hearing on EXTENDING A MORATORIUM ON ADULT USES AND EXCEPTIONS AS TO ADULT USES WITHIN THE CITY OF DOWNEY. 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 5/23/95 -2- f �� Mr. Rangel summarized the staff report, noting the requested extension will allow staff additional time to review the adequacy of the current Ordinance, gather information from various studies regarding secondary effects of adult activities in communities, and collect ordinances from other cities which regulate such uses. Furthermore, staff is analyzing the current Ordinance in view of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions regarding adult uses. There was no correspondence received on this matter. As there was no one present wishing to speak regarding this issue, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and so ordered to close the public hearing. ORDINANCE NO. 1002 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOW NE Y, CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING FOR A PERIOD OF TEN MONTHS AND FIFTEEN DAYS IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858 A MORATORIUM ON ADULT USES AND AMENDING AND EXTENDING AN EXCEPTION PROCESS ALLOWING APPLICATIONS FOR EXCEPTIONS AS TO ADULT USES WITHIN THE CITY OF DOWNY, DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES The Ordinance was read in its entirety. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to adopt. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St ., commended the Finance Department under the direction of Lowell Williams, and the City Clerk's Office for excellent service given to the public. He recommended the City's Miscellaneous Employees, including maintenance staff, be given adequate pay raises in the future. He distributed a picture of a posted sign on Manatee Street that is causing parking problems on the south side of the street, and requested consideration be given to removing these outdated and unenforced parking signs referencing Downey Municipal Code Section 3176 prohibiting all -night parking on City streets. Mr. Steve Petzold, 12546 Downey Ave., Account Executive for Nations Bank Mortgage, requested that his company be added to the list of lenders participating in the HOME Program and the Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, and Mr. Rangel assured him he would be contacted regarding the next training session. Mr. Marvin Clarkson and Mr. George Na ko ud discussed problems experienced with vandalism of a liquor store business sign located at 8509 Imperial Highway, and the need for a higher elevated sign to avoid continued damage. Mr. Caton suggested these gentlemen meet with City Planner Ron Yoshiki to resolve this issue. CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL Council Member McCaughan requested removal from the Consent Calendar of Agenda Item VI-E-1, I NSCHEDILED EQUIPMENT PURCHASE - TELE-WCRKS AUTOMATED CITIZENS INFORMATION SYSTEM, and Agenda Item VI-E-2, AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT 1,ETWEEN TEE FERGUSON COMPANY AND CITY OF DOWNE Y ON BEHALF OF THE LACDA ALLIANCE. Council Minutes 5/23/95 -3- Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St., also requested these two items be removed for discussion. CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Boggs noted she has listened to the tape recording of the last Council Meeting and will be voting on the Minutes. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazel ton , and unanimously carried to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, MAY 9, 1995: Approve. CASH CONTRACT N0. 597, URGENT TREE TRIMMING CITYWIDE: Accept work completed at a total cost of $23,847.00: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 110504 - 110918, $1,187,740.10: Approve. ORDINANCES NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None. RESOLUTIONS NOT SET FORTH ABOVE RESOLUTION NO. 5875 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR ASSESSMENTS WITHIN LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT A.D. 121 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1995-96 The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. RESOLUTION NO. 5876 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENTS WITHIN LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT A.D. 121 FOR FISAL YEAR 1995 -96 (SETS PUBLIC MEETING 6/13/95 AND PUBLIC HEARING 7/13/95) Mr. Redmayne explained the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 allows the City to collect assessments for lighting and landscaping improvements and maintenance. To alleviate the growing backlog of City trees that need trimming, staff is recommending establishment of a new Citywide Zone L for street and public facility landscaping maintenance, which would fund an annual City tree - trimming contract. Since estimates for Zone III Lighting District indicate that expenditures will be lower than expected and rates will be reduced, Zone L rates will be set up in the amount of the Zone III reduction, resulting in no increase to the overall citywide rate. Council concurred with the need to maintain the landscape infrastructure of the community. Council Minutes 5/23/95 -4- Mr . Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St ., expressed opposition to the proposed assessment, as it will be a new tax on the public that could be raised at any time. He commented on the City's prior capability to trim trees with its own equipment, instead of awarding contracts to private companies for thi s service. The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Co unc i 1 Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Brazel ton, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS ESTABLISH DATE FOR 1995 -96 CITY B(JJGET STUDY SESSION It was the consensus of Council to schedule the Budget Study Session for 4:00 p.m., May 30, 1995 in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall . OTHER BUSINESS - CONSENT CALENDAR: Items Removed by Council Approval IIt4SCHEDLLED EQUIPMENT PURCHASE - TELE -WORKS AUTOMATED CITIZENS INFORMATION SYSTEM Mr. W i l l iams summarized the staff report, explaining the proposed automated phone system is an information resource designed to improve communications between 1 ocal governments and the citi zens they serve. The system is accessibl e from any touchtone telephone to play informational messages describing the City of Downey's services and programs. He outlined the capabilities of the new system, i ncl uding an automated FAX information service that would provide pubs is access to documents via a FAX machine, a message 1 ine for Citi zen Requests for Service, an Emergency Service Message for use in emergency situations , and recorded answers to address commonly asked questions . Council Member McCaughan asked i f a modem was necessary to obtain faxed documents, and Mr. Will iams replied the call er would only need a touchtone phone and a fax machine to receive any City document that is pl aced into the system. Council Member McCaughan commented on the promising nature of the system - that could be tailored to Downey' s needs , and asked i f there was any feedback from other Cities currently using the system. Mr. Will iams discussed the positive comments received from the cities of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara. Council Member Lawrence noted she 1 e ca 1 ed the Sunnyvale number and was impressed with the information she could obtain, incl uding the fax back capabilities for docents. Council Member Boggs commented on the economic savings that would be achieved by establishing the proposed system. Mayor Ri 1 ey asked if there was anyone present wi shing to speak on thi s matter. 'II Council Minutes 5/23/95 -5- If e = • Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St ., mentioned that after discussing his concerns about the system with Mr. Williams , he i s not against its establishment. He believed, however, that computers are not prey al ent in average households, and, therefore, many people could not take advantage of the fax capabilities . Council Member McCaughan cl arified that access to a computer was not necessary to receive fax transmissions from this system. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan , seconded by Co unc i l Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to approve the appropriation of $23,015 from the General Fund and approve the purchase of a Tel a -Works Automated Ci ti zen s Information System. AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FERGUSON COMPANY AND CITY OF DOWIE Y ON BEHALF OF THE LACDA ALLIANCE Responding to Council Member McCaughan' s request for a brief staff report, Mr. Caton explained the combined efforts of the LACDA Alliance and Ferguson Company have been successful in del aying the imposition of flood zone regulations by FEMA, and noted the importance of retaining the Ferguson Company while discussions are still ongoing regarding the extent of Downey's inclusion in the AR Zone which will be subj ect to strict regulations. He mentioned a change in the agreement regarding a 30 day notice of termination. Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St ., requested cl ari fication on the different amounts of the total contract referenced in the staff report and the agreement . Ms . Yotsuya explained the agreement indicates the monthly installments pl us hourly fees shall not exceed $84,000, and all other obligations of the original agreement and any reimbursements shall not exceed $4,000, thus totall ing the $88,000 figure referenced in the staff report . I t was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and unanimously carried to approve the fourth amendment to the agreement for consulting services between the Ferguson Company and the City of Downey, at a cost not to exceed $88,000. OTHER BUSINESS - COUNCIL MEMBERS Co unc i 1 Member Br a zel ton ag reed that miscellaneous Ci ty employees deserve pay increases, but commented on this year's limited budget and projected tight budgets for ensuing years, noting that more revenue sources must be found to continue providing high levels of public service. Council Member Boggs invited the publ is to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Downey Cemetery on Monday, May 29, 1995. Council Member Boggs mentioned the need to delete obsolete Ordinances as new Ordinances are adopted. Council Member Lawrence commended the involvement of City employees and vol unteers in many recent community events, incl uding the Gas Expo at the Energy Resource Center and KIDSDAY activi ties . Council Minutes 5/23/95 -6- Council Member McCaughan thanked staff for resolving the traffic problem in the Furman Park parking lot caused by vehicles bypassing construction on Rives Avenue. Council Member McCaughan referenced a newspaper article regarding a Monrovia Ordinance related to truancy and a similar Ordinance proposed in Los Angel es, whereby traunts are cited out in Traffic Court with potential 1 oss of driver's 1 icense p rivil eges, and requested staff review this matter for possible development of an Ordinance in Downey. Council Member McCaughan mentioned an Ordinance in the City of Santa Ana regulating camping in streets and public parks, and asked staff to study the _.._... possibility of establishing a similar Ordinance in Downey. Council Member McCaughan expressed dismay with recent State Assembly actions that would give the State Legislature the right to preempt local government regulations concerning shopping carts, and suggested communicating the City's opposition to the proposed legislation. Council Member McCaughan commended the Pol ice Department on the recent Child Safety Seat Checkpoint, where 110 vehicles were impounded and 232 citations were issued for non - compliance, and suggested this be done on a routine basis . Co unc i 1 Member McCaughan requested updated information from the City Attorney regarding the City's enforcement rights concerning the number of people allowed to live in a single family residence. Council Member McCaughan noted an abandoned shopping cart at Furman Park, and urged calling the retrieval service when carts are sighted. Mayor Ri 1 ey commended the Fire Department on a successful "Fire Service Recognition Day" with Open Houses at all the fire stations . OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members Chief Irwin commented on the career of retired Downey Deputy Fire Chief Don -- Warren, who joined the Fire Department in 1957 and was instrumental in structuring the Downey Fire Department. Mr . Caton expressed appreciation to the Public Works, Police and Fire Departments for providing necessary services for the funeral of Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Stephen Blair, who was a Downey resident. Mr. Caton acknowledged the high priority which the Council and citizens of Downey place on City employee safety, especial 1 y in the Pol ice and Fire Departments . ADJOURNMENT: 10:00 p .m. The meeting was adjourned in memory of retired Downey Deputy Fire Chief Don Warren, and Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Stephen Blair, to 4:00 p .m., May 30, 1995, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall for a Budget Study Session. Judith E.111CDonnell , City Clerk Barbara J. Riley, Mayor Council Minutes 5/23/95 -7-