HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 08-08-95 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUGUST 8, 1995
T A B L E O F M I N U T E ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Certificate of Appointment to Robert Shand,
Water Advisory Board - District 4 1
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Presentation of Pol ice Department "Mi ssion Statement" Received /Fil ed 1
Res. #5895, ordering annexation of certain areas into
Ltg. & Landscaping Dist. A.D. 121 & to furnish and
maintain electrical current to street light fixtures
on streets & public places within those areas
(Annexations 95/01 through 95/09) Adopted 2
Council Minutes: Adjourned Regular Meeting, 7/25/95;
Regular Meetings, 7/11/95 & 7/25/95 Approved 2
Cash Contract #S.S. 465 - Handicapped ramps, pedestrian
improvements and parking lot construction: Approve
extra work and accept improvements Approved 2
Warrants Issued: #112658 - 113068 Approved 3
General Plan Amend. #95 -41 - Amend City's General Plan
Land Use Element from General Commercial to Commercial
Manufacturing; Zone Change #95-37 - Request to change
zone from M -1 /PB (Light Manufacturing /Parking Buffer) to
C -M (Commercial Manufacturing) for properties at 7100-
7170 Firestone Blvd. & 11530 Ryerson Ave. Set hrgs. 8/22/95 3
Authorize staff to advertise to community & professional
organizations of upcoming opportunities to serve on
Design Review Board Approved 3
Start process to amend Downey Municipal Code re Business
Tax /Solid Waste Disposal Sites Approved 3
Res. #5896, certifying Negative Declaration of Environ-
mental Impact for Apollo Park Renovation at Imperial Hwy.
& Rives Ave. Adopted 3
Res. #5897, denying Administrative Appeal re bringing
into compliance with City's Signing Ordinance the signs
on property located at 11146 Downey Ave., zoned C -3
(Central Business District) Adopted 4
Agreement with United States of America Department of
Interior Geological Survey to construct & maintain a Removed; to be pl aced
monitoring well on City property on future agenda 5
Page 1 of 2
COUNCIL MINUTES, AUGUST 8, 1995
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Police Corporals Jeff To ussi eng and Richard Tuttle
extended appreciation for Council and staff's
continued support of DARE Program 5
Richard Pridham re inappropriate advertising material
on bus benches at specific locations 5
Cn. Boggs referenced article re refunds given by cable
television companies in nearby cities; asked staff to
look into the situation 5
Cn. Boggs noted Buena Park City Council is reviewing
"Life On -Line" computer program that would allow Council
Members access to City Hall information 5
Cn. Boggs re relocating Library plaque currently in
garden area to more visible location 5
Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence requested Council review of
Planning Commission action on August 2, 1995 re Lot
Split #505 Referred to staff 5
Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence discussed possible development
of Technocenter & formation of Ad Hoc Committee Ad Hoc Comm. formed 5
Mayor Pro Teen Lawrence requested staff return with
alternative ideas for constructing Dollison Soundwall 5
Mr. Caton praised Downey Police Department's "Mission
Statement" 5
Recess to Closed Session 6
Adjourned to 6:30 p .m . , August 22, 1995 6
Page 2 of 2
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL .
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUGUST 8, 1995
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:38 p.m.,
August 8, 1995, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall , Mayor Pro Tem
Joyce L. Lawrence presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Joyce L. Lawrence Mayor Pro Tem
Robert S. Bra zel ton
Diane P. Boggs
Barbara J. Riley
ABSENT: Gary P. McCaughan , M.D. Mayor (excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Cheryl J. Kane, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell , City Cl erk
Lee Powell , Assistant City Manager
Greg Caldwell , Pol ice Chief
Ron Irwin, Fire Chief
Jim Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Art Rang el , Dir . of Economic & Community Development
Richard Redm ayn e , Director of Public Works
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
John Finch, Pol ice Captain
Robert Brace, City Engineer
Victoria Jenkins, City Librarian
Ron Yoshi ki , Asst. Community Development Dir. /City Pl anner
June Yotsuya , Assistant to the City Manager
Joyce Doyle, Deputy City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
Council Member Braze] ton presented a Certificate of Appointment to
Mr. Robert Shand - Water Advisory Board, District 4.
Pol ice Captain John Finch discussed the development of the Downey
Pol ice Department Mission Statement, wherein a vol unteer committee
composed of ten Pol ice Department employees was formed with the goal of
identifying core val ues of the organization. Copies of the mission
statement will be displayed in the pol ice 1 obby and briefing room to
emphasize this important organizational message. He presented a framed
copy of the Downey Police Department Mission Statement to Mayor Pro Tem
Lawrence.
It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member
Lawrence, and so ordered to receive and file.
Council Minutes 8/8/95 -1-
HEARINGS
Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence opened the public hearing on LIGHTING AND
LANDSCAPING DISTRICT A.D. 121, ANNEXATIONS 95/01 THROUGH 95/09.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the proof of publication and
affidavit of mailing and posting of notice.
It was moved by Council Member Riley , seconded by Council Member
Brazel ton , and so ordered to receive and fi 1 e.
Mr. Redmayne summarized the staff report , noting that street lights
were installed wi thin the subject areas in conj unction with various
planning cases , and approval of the annexations will allow the properties
to be assessed for the annual operating costs of the street 1 ights through
property taxes .
There were no written protests or objections received against the
subj ect annexations .
As there was no one present wi shing to speak in protest to the
Lighting Di strict Annexations, it was moved by Council Member Riley,
seconded by Council Member Brazel ton, and so ordered to close the public
hearing.
RESOLUTION NO. 5895
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOW ('E Y
ORDERING ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN AREAS INTO LIGHTING AND
LANDSCAPING DISTRICT A.D. 121 AND TO FURNISH AND MAINTAIN
ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THOSE STREET LIGHTING FIXTURES
LOCATED ON STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES WITHIN THOSE AREAS
(ANNEXATIONS 95/01 THROUGH 95/09)
The Resol ution was read by title only. It was moved by Council
Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Boggs , and unanimously carried
(4 -0) to waive further reading and adopt.
For the record, Mr. Caton noted the residential assessment rate will
be zero this year .
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Ri 1 ey, seconded by Council Member Boggs,
and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve
the Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING, JULY 25, 1995; REGULAR
M91EETINGS, JULY 11, 1995 AND JULY 25, 1995: Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 465 - HANDICAPPED RAMPS, PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
AND PARKING LOT CONSTRUCTION: Approve extra work in the amount of $2,029.99
and accept improvements: Approve.
Council Minutes 8/8/95 -2 -
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WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 112658 - 113068, $1,147,417.32: Approve.
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 95 -41: AMEND CITY'S GENERAL PLAN LAND USE
ELEMENT FROM GENERAL COMMERCIAL TO COMMERCIAL MANUFACTURING; AND ZONE CHANGE
NO. 95 -37: REQUEST TO CHANGE ZONE FROM M -1 /PB (LIGHT MANUFACTURING /PARKING
BUFFER) TO C -M (COMMERCIAL MANUFACTURING) FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 7100 -7170
FIRESTONE BOULEVARD AND 11530 RYERSON AVENUE (APPLICANT, ANDREWS RANCHO DEL
SUR): Set hearings for 7:30 p.m., August 22, 1995 in the Council Chamber of
Downey City Hal 1 .
AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ADVERTISE TO COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
OF UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE ON THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD: Approve.
START PROCESS TO AMEND DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING BUSINESS TAX/SOLID
WASTE DISPOSAL SITES: Approve.
ORDINANCES NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None.
RESOLUTIONS NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence opened the public meeting on INITIAL STUDY AND
!NEEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR APOLLO PARK RENOVATION.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed the proof of publication. It was moved by Council
Member Ri 1 ey, seconded by Council Member Brazel ton, and so ordered to receive
and file.
Mr. Rangel summarized the staff report, noting the certified Negative
Decl aration of Env i ronmental Impact i s required before the appl ication for the
grant can be approved. He outlined the pl anned redesign of Apollo Neighborhood
Center and construction of new facilities at Apollo Park, incl uding the
Community /Senior Center, Gymnasium, and police substation.
As there was no one present wishing to speak regarding the Negative
Declaration of Environmental Impact, Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence ordered the public
meeting closed.
RESOLUTION NO. 5896
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
CERTIFYING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT FOR THE APOLLO PARK RENOVATION LOCATED AT IMPERIAL
HIGHWAY AND RIVES AVENUE, ZONED R1 -5000 (SINGLE - FAMILY RESIDENTIAL)
The Resol ution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Boggs, seconded by Council Member Ri 1 ey, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive
further reading and adopt.
Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence stated Council wi 11 now consider the ADMINISTRATIVE
APPEAL FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11146 DOWNEY AVENUE, ZONED C -3 (CENTRAL BUSINESS
DISTRICT), RELATIVE TO BRINGING THE SIGNING INTO COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY'S
SIGN ORDINANCE.
Council Minutes 8/8/95 -3-
Mr. Yoshiki discussed the background of the Administrative Appeal , which
involves a business currently exceeding the allowable signing set forth in the
Downey Municipal Code. A one year time extension for non - conforming signs was
granted on the subject property by the Planning Commission in March, 1993, and
since March, 1994, the City has been working with the applicants to bring the
signing on the property into compliance with the City's Sign Ordinance. After
the applicant's request to retain the signs was denied by the City Planner and
the Planning Commission during the appeal process, the applicants have now
appealed to Council for consideration, based on alleged unclear language in the
Sign Ordinance that appl ies to their property. Staff maintains the terms in
question are clearly defined in the Code for the applicant to understand.
Mayor Pro Terri Lawrence asked the applicant or his representative to come
forward and present the case.
Mr. Gene Koon, attorney representing the applicant, 330 Las Tunas Dr., San
Gabriel, discussed the ambiguous language found in the Downey Municipal Code
pertaining to "building frontage," "rear entrance," and "rear wall" as applied
to signing on the establishment.
Mr. William Molinari, owner of the subject business, 301 Jackmar Dr.,
Montebello, noted the only question is whether the building has a rear entrance
and if a sign could be adjacent to that rear entrance. He stated that without
the sign at the rear entrance, his business would not be visibile to traffic
traveling westbound on Firestone Boulevard, and requested a clear definition of
"rear entrance."
Council Member Boggs commented on the need to have a sign that would
direct people from the parking lot into the store.
Discussion ensued regarding the frontage of the business, the quantity and
proportions of signs allowed on a commercial building, and the clarity of the
terms involved in the Sign Ordinance.
Mr. Yoshiki indicated staff could work with the applicant through the Zone
Variance process, which was a recommendation made by the Planning Commission.
RESOLUTION NO. 5897
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNE Y
DENYING AN ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL REGARDING THE BRINGING
UNTO COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY'S SIGNING ORDINANCE THE
SIGNS ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11146 DOW 1L Y AVENUE,
ZONED C -3 (CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT)
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Riley, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and carried by the following vote
to waive further reading and adopt:
AYES: 3 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Riley, Brazelton, Lawrence
NOES: 1 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Boggs
ABSENT: 1 COUNCIL MEMBERS: McCaughan
Council Minutes 8/8/95 -4-
AGREEMENT WITH UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR GEOLOGICAL
SURVEY TO CONSTRUCT AND MAINTAIN A MONITORING WELL ON CITY PROPERTY
Mr. Caton removed this item from consideration, indicating the matter
would be placed on a future agenda.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Pol ice Corporals Jeff Toussieng and Richard Tuttle, DARE Program,
presented cookies and Certificates of Appreciation to Members of the City
Council , Mr. Caton, Mr. Powell , Chief Caldwell , and Captain Finch for their
outstanding continued support of the DARE Program.
Mr. Richard Pridham, 10402 Bellman Ave., commented on inappropriate
advertising material regarding the services of a Bell Gardens Hotel that has
been placed on bus benches at Woodruff Avenue and Firestone Boulevard , and at
the northeast corner of Florence Avenue and Lakewood Boul ev and .
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Council Member Boggs referenced a newspaper article regarding refunds
given by cable television companies in nearby cities, and requested staff to
look into the matter.
Council Member Boggs mentioned the Buena Park City Council is reviewing
the service "Life On- Line," whereby Council Members with personal computers can
link to a city computer to obtain basic information and answers to questions
without taking staff time.
Council Member Boggs noted she has been asked about the location of the
original Library plaque situated in the garden, and requested staff consider
the suggestion of moving the plaque to a more visible area for the public using
the Library.
Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence requested Council review the Planning Commission
action taken August 2, 1995 regarding Lot Split No. 505.
Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence discussed the possible devel opment of a
Tec hnoc en to r and formation of an Ad Hoc Committee to study the many facets
involved in such a project .
Ms . Jeanne Dowd, 7409 Arnett St ., distributed material regarding a multi -
media center with innovative technology and support services.
After further discussion, the Council authorized the formation of an Ad
Hoc Committee, to include Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence, City Librarian Victoria
Jenkins , Ms . Jeanne Dowd, and other interested citizens wi 11 ing to contribute
their ex perti se in this area.
Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence requested staff to return with alternative ideas
for constructing the Dol 1 i son Soundwal 1 .
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members
Mr. Caton praised the Downey Police Department's "Mission Statement."
Council Minutes 8/8/95 -5-
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Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence announced the meeting is recessing to Closed
Session (8:52 p.m.) to complete discussion of Item E ( see Minutes of Adjourned
Regular Meeting, August 8, 1995 for full announcement of Closed Session items) .
The meeting reconvened at 9:13 p.m. with Council Members Boggs, Ri 1 ey,
Brazel ton, and Lawrence present; Mayor McCaughan absent. There were no Closed
Session actions to report.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:13 p.m.
The City Council Meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., August 22, 1995 , in
the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall .
cA,Viteigt,5
r � 1 •1 t . 'clonne a i t er Jo / e O. Lawrence, I g o r Pro Tem
� , y � � y
Council Minutes 8/8/95 -6-