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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 03-26-96 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 26, 1996 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Presentation of 1996 Downey Rose Float Founders Trophy portrait 1 Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 1 Council Minutes: Adj. & Regular Meetings, 3/12/96 Approved 2 CC #S. S. 459/460A Brookshire Av. & Rives Av. resurfacing: Approve extra work & accept improvements & maintenance responsibility Approved 2 CC #S. S. 465 - Phase II, Misc. curb, gutter & sidewalk repairs: Accept improvements & maintenance responsibility Approved 2 Warrants Issued: 119377 - 119848 Approved 2 Moratorium on adult businesses: Receive & file report on the Approved /Set progress made on City's Adult Business Ordinance Hearing 4/9/96 2 Res. #5931, establishing 20 min. parking restriction along East side of Brookshire Av. adjacent to 10822 Brookshire Av. Adopted 2 Res. #5932, establishing 2 hour parking restriction along North side of Fourth St. from Paramount B1. easterly to public alley Adopted 2 Res. #5933, approving final subdivision map of parcel map #24173 (10065 Sideview Dr.), approving an agreement with the subdivider and accepting certificate of deposit as surety Adopted 3 Ord. amending DMC by adding Sections 4109.5, 4109.6, & 4109.7 relating to juvenile truancy Introduced 3 Street closure for Chamber of Commerce Street Faire: Request to close Downey Av. from Firestone Bl. to La Villa St. on May 4, 1996 & waive City costs associated with event Approved 3 Neighborhood Preservation Officer contract position & work plan: Direct staff to prepare a work plan & budget to be presented for Council's consideration during 1996 -97 FY Budget Session Approved 4 Page 1 of 3 • COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 26, 1996 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. CC #596 Downey Community /Senior Center & Gymnasium Proj.: Approve plans and grant authority to advertise for bids Approved 4 Norman Homey re need to review and have Caltrans complete various aspects of I -105 Freeway 5 Philip Riveron re correspondence to CM Brazelton and questions re Code Enforcement files 5 Proposed November 1996 L.A. County ballot measure involving Received & Filed funding for parks, recreation & open space Report 5 Res. #5935, calling & giving notice of General Municipal Election to be held on November 5, 1996, for election of certain officers and for submission of Proposed Charter Amendment Adopted 6 Res. #5936, requesting consolidation of General Municipal Election with Statewide General Election Adopted 7 Res. #5937, setting priorities for filing arguments & directing City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis Adopted 7 Res. #5938, providing for filing of rebuttal arguments for City measures Adopted 7 Res. #5939, adopting regulations for candidates' statements Adopted 7 Authorization to retain services of Martin & Chapman Co. as election consultant for November 5, 1996 Gen. Mun. Elect. Approved 8 Submittal of annual analysis of employee commute reduction program Approved 8 Consolidated plan for 1996 -97 federal community planning & Set Hearing development programs 4/9/96 8 Res. #5934, adopting requirements to comply with U.S. Dept. of Transportation drug & alcohol testing regulations Adopted 8 Cn. Boggs re Senate Bill 1977 re Sales Tax Rebate Supported 9 Cn. Boggs re Senate Bill 1602, Lewis, a move to eliminate City reps. on the AQMD board 9 Page 2 of 3 COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 26, 1996 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Cn. Boggs re Senate Bill 1602, Lewis, a move to eliminate City reps. on the AQMD board 9 Cn. Boggs re aesthetics of Firestone Bl. & need for improvements 9 Cn. Boggs re green waste being mixed with regular waste in one refuse truck 9 Cn. Boggs re pamphlet on How City Government Works 9 Cn. Boggs re refund from Water Replenishment District for unaccounted for water 9 Cn. Boggs re bus bench situation & alternate plan for sub- standard lots in the southern part of the City 9 Cn. Lawrence re constituent's complaint about relationship of her home adjacent to a gas station - will work with staff 9 Cn. Lawrence re cluster workshop 3/14/96 at the Energy Resource Center 9 Cn. Lawrence re trip to Washington, D.C., re NASA/Rockwell property 9 Cn. Riley re Seventh Day Adventist Church after school tutoring 9 Cn. Riley re trip to Washington, D.C., re Rockwell property 10 Mayor McCaughan re exciting events that are occurring in the City 10 Mayor McCaughan re parking on 7th St. between Downey Av. & Paramount B1. where no parking any time is posted 10 Mr. Caton re NASA/Rockwell property 10 Recess to joint Closed Session with Community Devel. Comm. to complete discussion of items on Closed Session Agenda 10 Adjournment in memory of retired Downey Police Lieutenant Timothy L. Duffy; Betty J. Ainsworth; Police Sergeant Pat O'Brien's mother, Dorothy; and retired Police Chief Ivan Robinson 10 Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., April 9, 1996 10 h:lcclericisconte\table326 Page 3 of 3 : i MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 26, 1996 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 8:16 p.m., March 26, 1996, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Gary P. McCaughan presiding. PRESENT: Commissioners: Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. Mayor Joyce L. Lawrence Mayor Pro -Tem Diane P. Boggs Barbara J. Riley Robert S. Brazelton ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Cheryl Kane, City Attorney Judith McDonnell, City Clerk - Treasurer Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Greg Caldwell, Police Chief Ron Irwin, Fire Chief James Jarrett, Director of Community Services Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works Lowell Williams, Director of Finance Bob Brace, City Engineer Robert Gallagher, Building Official Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS Mr. Geza Molnar, member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, Float Entries Committee, presented a portrait of the 1996 Downey Rose Float which won the Founders Trophy for the most beautiful float submitted by a community. Also joining in the presentation were Doris Patterson and Mark Vasquez of the Downey Rose Float Association. CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL Agenda Items VI-E-1, SUBMITTAL OF ANNUAL ANALYSIS OF EMPLOYEE COMMUTE REDUCTION PROGRAM, and VI -F -4, RESOLUTION ADOPTING REQUIREMENTS TO COMPLY WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING REGULATIONS, were removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of Council Member Boggs. Council Minutes 3/26/96 -1- 1031 Agenda Item VI -E -3, CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR 1996 -97 FEDERAL COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of Council Member Lawrence. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder of the --- Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS OF MARCH 12, 1996: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 459/460A BROOKSI3IRE AVENUE AND RIVES AVENUE RESURFACING: Approve extra work in the amount of $283.50, and accept the improvements and the maintenance responsibility for the improvements constructed on Brookshire Avenue from Davis Street to Firestone Boulevard and Rives Avenue, from Firestone Boulevard to Florence Avenue: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 465 - PHASE II, MISCELLANEOUS CURB, GUTTER AND SIDEWALK REPAIRS: Accept the improvements constructed under Part 1 of Cash Contract No. 465 - Phase 11: Approve WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 119377 - 119848, $1,342,140.99: Approve. MORATORIUM ON ADULT BUSINESSES: Receive and file the report on the progress made on the City's Adult Business Ordinance, required by Government Code Section 65858 (d) and set public hearing on the extension of the Moratorium on Adult Businesses for 7:30 p.m., April 9, 1996, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall: Approve RESOLUTION NO. 5931 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING A TWENTY - MINUTE PARKING RESTRICTION FROM 6:00 A.M. TO 6 :00 P.M. EXCEPT WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS ALONG THE EAST SIDE OF BROOKSHIRE AVENUE ADJACENT TO 10822 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE RESOLUTION NO. 5932 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING A TWO -HOUR PARKING RESTRICTION FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 6 :00 P.M. EXCEPT WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS ALONG '1'H1: NORTH SIDE OF FOURTH STREET FROM PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD EASTERLY TO THE PUBLIC ALLEY Council Minutes 3/26/96 -2- 1 /3 3 RESOLUTION NO. 5933 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF PARCEL MAP NO. 24173 (10065 SIDEVIEW DRIVE), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT AS SURETY ORDINANCES ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE DOWNEY MIJNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTIONS 4109.5, 4109.6 AND 4109.7 RELATING TO JUVENILE TRUANCY Chief Caldwell announced this Ordinance comes from a model Ordinance being implemented throughout the County of Los Angeles. It identifies times of day, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., that anyone appearing to be under eighteen years of age can be stopped and is presumed to be truant from school. Chief Caldwell noted safeguards are built in such as notes from home and authorization from school to be off campus, also, officers taking the truant into custody can issue a notice to appear citing them into Juvenile Traffic Court and the court can impose sanctions requiring the juvenile to bring a parent or legal guardian when they appear in court. This Ordinance will assist the City in dealing with the truancy issue. Chief Caldwell advised the fine for a first offense would be $250 and for a second offense the juvenile's drivers license would be revoked until the age of eighteen. City Attorney Kane added that she discussed this subject with the Supervising District Attorney of the Local Juvenile Court who indicated he felt there would be support by the Juvenile Court for these provisions. The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and introduce the ordinance. RESOLUTIONS: None ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS STREET CLOSURE FOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STREET FAIRE Ms. Yotsuya advised the Downey Chamber of Commerce submitted a permit request to hold a Street Faire on Downey Avenue from Firestone Boulevard to La Villa Street on May 4, 1996. The Downey Chamber of Commerce has submitted the City's required insurance certificate and will be responsible for the complete setup and take -down of the event. They are required to submit proof of approval by the County of Los Angeles Health Department to the City Manager's Department for all food booths. A first -aid station is required at the site with fire extinguishers and Third Street is to remain open as an access and egress right of way for Fire Department use. Estimated costs for city services are $3,310. Council Minutes 3/26/96 -3- • 1 3 4 Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously It was moved by Council Member gg , y carried to approve a request to close Downey Avenue from Firestone Boulevard to La Villa Street for a one -day Downey Chamber of Commerce event and waive the City costs associated with this event in the amount of approximately $3,310.00. NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION OFFICER CONTRACT POSITION AND WORK PLAN Chief Caldwell noted it is the Police Department's recommendation that staff prepare a work plan and - budget Neighborhood Manager for a Nei hborhood Preservation Mana er contract position to be presented for Council's consideration during the 1996 -1997 City Council Budget Session. It is felt this position would be best situated under the Assistant City Manager's department to coordinate with all City Departments. The position would be on a contract basis and can be renewed or terminated. Council Member Brazelton questioned whether it would be better to create another Code Enforcement position and Mr. Caton explained that Code Enforcement was just one element of the neighborhood system. Chief Caldwell proposed the position would operate independently and be responsible for following through on neighborhood projects. Mayor McCaughan noted there is staff to monitor economic development, planning, etc., and these Y g positions energize the business community. However, there is no position responsible for looking at the City's neighborhoods. hborhoods. This position could empower citizens to take advantage of the City's programs and services to reserve their neighborhoods, keep them safe and clean. With computerization of data the City to p reserve should be able to keep track of problem neighborhoods and then project where the City should be in 6 to 12 months. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and unanimously carried to direct staff to prepare a work plan and budget for a Neighborhood Preservation Manager contract position to be presented for consideration during the upcoming Fiscal Year 1996 -97 City Council Budget Session. CASH CONTRACT NUMBER 596 - DOWNEY COMMUNITY /SENIOR CENTER AND GYMNASIUM PROJECT Mr. Jarrett announced the architects have completed the drawings and the project is now ready to go out to bid. The construction estimate for the Senior Center is $2,046,222 and for the Gym it is $1,742,017. The project should be completed within budget. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to approve Plans and Specifications for Cash Contract 596 - Downey Community /Senior Center and Gymnasium Project and grant authority to advertise for competitive bids. Prior to the vote, Mr. Norman Homey, 9102 Angel Street, Chairman of the Design Review Board, questioned whether the plans should be reviewed by the Design Review Board. He said his interpretation of the Design Review Board bylaws do not exempt this project from the Board's review and action and he requested Council to consider this. Council Minutes 3/26/96 -4- Mr. Jarrett responded it has been City practice on park projects not to present plans to the Design Review Board. The City Council has served as the review authority and the City has proceeded along these lines for this project. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Norman Homey, 9102 Angel Street, noted the Freeway Commission was disbanded two years ago but there is still a need to review and have Caltrans complete various aspects of the I -105 Freeway. There is still extensive landscaping to be completed, sound walls to be constructed, and there are problems generated by traffic tie -ups on Lakewood Boulevard. Caltrans is having problems with the drainage system and Mr. Homey advised it was his understanding the joints in the pipes in the drainage system have broken down and the problem has been given to the maintenance department of Caltrans instead of being given back to design and engineering. The same mistakes are being made over again as in the initial installation of the drainage which can result in the same problems in another two to three years. He felt the City should see that Caltrans keeps its promises to the neighborhoods and the City of Downey. Council Member Lawrence requested a response on this matter. Mr. Philip Riveron, 9115 Stoakes Avenue, asked if Council Member Brazelton had received his recent correspondence. He raised various questions and, in particular, whether Code Enforcement files are open for public review. He was informed by Council Member Brazelton that he had only just picked up his mail and had not reviewed his correspondence. In response to his other question, Mr. Caton explained this is an ongoing case and Mr. Riveron should pursue this through the proper legal procedure to review the files. Mr. Riveron stated the City Prosecutor does not want him to make any comments to the judge as far as the court case and feels his actions have been taken out on his mother. Council Member Lawrence expressed her understanding that Mr. Riveron's mother is the actual property owner. She noted this is not a simple case but from what she can see it has been handled properly. Mayor McCaughan acknowledged he received a packet and advised Mr. Riveron anything that is public record can be reviewed. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (CONT'D) PROPOSED NOVEMBER 1996 L.A. COUNTY BALLOT MEASURE INVOLVING FUNDING FOR PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE Mr. Jarrett commented on the ballot measure proposed by the Trust for Public Land, which is patterned after the 1992 Proposition A ballot measure and is a property tax assessment that would generate approximately $270 million in additional funds. Of the funds generated, $35 million would be distributed to cities on a per parcel basis, with Downey's share at $357,000. Cities have been encouraged to submit projects, and to preserve Downey's option of pursuing support for a project, the Recreation & Community Services Commission recommended a project request be submitted. The selected project is for $1,080,000 renovation of the building at Rio San Gabriel Park. Mr. Jarrett discussed the concern expressed by neighboring cities about the ballot measure and indicated there are many questions to be answered before staff can offer a recommended action to the Council. Council Minutes 3/26/96 -5- 103.x6 Council Member Boggs stated Downey needs to keep track of this measure as the goal is the November ballot. Mr. Caton commented on the unfairness of this issue and suggested the Council discuss this with Council Members of neighboring cities. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to receive and file the report. CONSIDER PLACING PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT WITH DOWNEY CITY COUNCIL GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 5, 1996 City Clerk McDonnell noted the proposed Charter amendment is being returned for consideration of placing on the November 5, 1996, ballot in conjunction with the General Municipal Election to be consolidated with the Statewide General Election on the same date. The necessary Resolutions have been prepared and include the three City Council offices for Districts 1, 3 and 5 and the proposed Charter Measure, which involves the full text of the Charter. Due to the length of the Charter document, the County will not be able to print it in the ballot; therefore, it will be necessary for the City to mail the information to the voters, under separate cover. Estimates have been obtained in the approximate amount of $7,500 for printing mailing rintin and mailin the Charter. The cost will depend on the number of registered voters in the City at the time of the election. City Clerk McDonnell noted the information provided also includes a cost estimate from the County for conducting the City's election. The estimate is $30,000 for the City Council election for three offices; $33,000 for the Council election and one Measure; and if the Council should decide to include another Measure on the ballot, the cost would be approximately $35,000 for three Council seats and two Measures. Referencing the cost submitted, Mayor McCaughan discussed placing a term limit Charter measure on the ballot with this election since it would be economical to do so at this time. He proposed submitting a fairer term limit to the voters. i Council Member Boggs suggested going ahead with the items on this Agenda since a second measure can be added at a later date in time for this election. RESOLUTION NO. 5935 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SAID CITY ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1996, FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS OF SAID CITY AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND FOR THE SUBMISSION OF A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE DOWNEY CITY CIJARTER The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. Council Minutes 3/26/96 -6- 1 0 3 : RESOLUTION NO. 5936 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE PfHE CITY OF DOWNEY GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 1996, PURSUANT TO SECTION 10400 ET SEQ. OF THE CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE 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. 5937 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, SETTING PRIORITIES FOR FILING A WRITTEN ARGUMENT REGARDING A PROPOSED CITY CHARTER MEASURE AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt and authorize Council Member Diane P. Boggs to write the written argument in favor of Charter Amendment No. 10. Council Member Lawrence asked if at a future date a decision is made to add another measure to the ballot, would the Council then designate someone to submit the argument in favor, and the response was yes. RESOLUTION NO. 5938 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS FOR CITY MEASURES SUBMITTED AT MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. RESOLUTION NO. 5939 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES' STATEMENTS FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE, PERTAINING TO MATERIALS SUBMITTED TO THE ELECTORATE AND THE COSTS THEREOF FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SAID CITY ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1996 The Resolution 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 adopt. Council Minutes 3/26/96 -7- • I :) I AUTHORIZATION TO RETAIN SERVICES OF MARTIN & CHAPMAN CO. AS ELECTION CONSULTANT FOR THE NOVEMBER 5, 1996 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and unanimously carried to approve a request of the City Clerk to retain the services of Martin & Chapman Co. as election consultant for the November 5, 1996, General Municipal Election involving Council Districts One, Three and Five. OTHER BUSINESS - CONSENT CALENDAR - Items removed by Council Approval SUBMITTAL OF ANNUAL ANALYSIS OF EMPLOYEE COMMUTE REDUCTION PROGRAM Mr. Williams commented on the annual ride share survey recently conducted on how employees commute to work each day. He noted the survey is conducted each year during a week of the City's choosing. The target established by the AQMD per vehicle is 1.5 riders and this year the City's results indicate 1.61 riders per vehicle which is a substantial increase from last year. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to approve Submittal of the Annual Analysis of Employee Commute Reduction Program. CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR 1996 -97 FEDERAL COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS: Set a public hearing to obtain the community's opinion on the City's housing and non - housing community development needs for low and moderate income households. Council Member Lawrence noted she had requested a report on other creative low and moderate income household solutions and hoped something would have been submitted in time for this meeting. Mr. Caton replied the report is not ready and staff was focusing on the 20% set aside from the redevelopment agency rather than on the block grant money. He acknowledged the report is forthcoming. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to approve public hearing for 7 :30 p.m., April 9, 1996, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. RESOLUTION NO. 5934 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING REQUIREMENTS TO COMPLY WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING REGULATIONS Mr. Caton announced this is a new requirement, effective January 1, 1996, where the City will be testing approximately fifty City employees who drive large -type vehicles. The costs to implement the drug/alcohol testing policy is $1,490. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. Council Minutes 3/26/96 -8- . * , OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members Council Boggs discussed Senate Bill 1977, noting this bill would rebate to the cities 2% Sales Tax instead of 1%, which would make up for some of the funds the State has taken away. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to support Senate Bill 1977. Council Member Boggs discussed Senate Bill 1602, Lewis, a move to eliminate City representatives on the AQMD board. She noted there is a continual trend to erode Cities' power and she suggested the Council take a position or request letters be sent opposing elimination of City representatives - on the AQMD Board. Council Member Boggs referenced the aesthetics of Firestone Boulevard and the need to make improvements before it gets beyond repair. Council Member Boggs mentioned receiving more complaints regarding green waste being mixed with regular waste in one refuse truck. Council Member Boggs advised she would like to proof the pamphlet on How City Government Works before it is printed. Council Member Boggs mentioned a possible refund of $196,000 from the Water Replenishment District for unaccounted for water. She asked how the City monitors the WRD and was informed that in this case it was a problem at the meter. Council Member Boggs mentioned she hoped to receive a report soon on the bus bench situation. She also would like to see a report on the ultimate plan for the substandard lots in the southern part of the City near the Golden Park area. She hopes the plan is submitted while three members from South Downey are still on the Council. Council Member Lawrence mentioned one of her constituents has complained about the relationship of her home adjacent to a gas station. The resident feels there are excessive gas vapors being emitted and the company has come out and checked this. She inquired if there was an independent source that could monitor to see if there is a problem. She also indicated her willingness to work with staff on this matter. Council Member Lawrence complimented City Staff for their involvement on the cluster workshop held March 14th at the Energy Resource Center. Council Member Lawrence referenced the recent trip to Washington, D.C. regarding the NASA/Rockwell property to speak to staff of the Democratic and Republican members of the Senate and House Committees who deal with science and space. Most of the feedback was positive and helpful regarding the processes necessary to take care of the land conveyance. Council Member Riley mentioned the Seventh Day Adventist Church is offering after school tutoring to keep kids off the streets. This makes two City churches that offer this type of service to young people. She commended the Churches for their programs. Council Minutes 3/26/96 -9- 10320 Council Member Riley also mentioned the recent trip to Washington, D.C. regarding the Rockwell property and expressed hope that in a few weeks it will be worth it. Mayor McCaughan noted the Agenda shows that exciting events are occurring in the City, some of which he referred to. All of the projects are what helps to make Downey a community different from surrounding cities. Mayor McCaughan noted people are parking on 7th Street between Downey Avenue and Paramount Boulevard where it is posted no parking any time. He advised this street is heavily traveled by elementary kids and the City should monitor the area. OTHER BUSINESS - Stag Members Mr. Caton mentioned government officials from San Francisco met with staff to discuss how the excess government property, namely, the NASA/Rockwell property, would be disposed of. He also mentioned star will be meeting tomorrow with a representative from NASA to find out where NASA stands on this. The purpose is to make the Rockwell/NASA property so efficient they will keep the shuttle program in the City. Mr. Caton noted in July an $800 million contract will be awarded on the X-33 spacecraft project. Attempts are being made to preserve the existing 2,500 shuttle jobs and use some of the excess land to create more employment for the City. At this time, Mayor McCaughan reconvened the Community Development Commission in joint session with the City Council. Mayor McCaughan then announced the meeting is recessing at 9:25 p.m. to Closed Session to Y g complete discussion of items listed on the Closed Session Agenda (see Minutes of Adjourned Regular Meeting, March 26, 1996.) The meeting reconvened at 9:58 p.m. with all Council Members present. There were no Closed Session actions to report. ADJOURNMENT: 9:58 p.m. The meeting was adjourned in memory of retired Downey Police Lieutenant Timothy L. Duffy; Betty J. Ainsworth, Hawthorne City Councilwoman and Member of the Board of Independent Cities' Association; Police Sergeant Pat O'Brien's mother, Dorothy; and retired Police Chief Ivan Robinson; to 6:30 p.m., April 9, 1996, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. (Th, 9 f J 1 dith E. McDonnell, City Clerk Gary P. Mctaughan, Mayor h:\cclerk\sconte min326 Council Minutes 3/26/96 4 0- •