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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-01-13-98-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JANUARY 13, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Certificate of Apppintrent - Bruce McKenzie, Parking Place Corntnission, Dist. 1 Certificate of Recognition - Andrew Rafferty, attained Eagle Scout rank, Boy Scout Troop #406 1 Certificate of Appreciation - Ralph Ewers, Acting Building Official, for filling position until new Building Official is hired 1 Res. #6125, approving General Plan Amendment 97-46, changing the land use designation from General Commercial to Commercial Mfg. for properties at 7200-7262 Firestone Bl. Adopted 2 Res. #6126, establishing a Traffic Offender Fund in support of a Traffic Offender Program Adopted 4 Res. 6127, amending Res. #6068 by modifying the Uniform Schedule of Fees related to the vehicle impound release fee Adopted Council Minutes: Adjourned & Regular Meetings, 01/13/98 Approved 4 Cash Contract #S. S. 456 - Paramount Blvd. pavement rehabilitation: Approve extra work & accept improvements & maintenance responsibility for improvements Approved 4 Cash Contract #S.S. 460 - Citywide resurfacing: Approve extra work & accept improvements & the maintenance responsibility for the improvements Approved Warrants Issued: 138532 - 139657, $4,344,354.69 Approved 1998-99 Community Development Block Grant & HOME Set hrg. 7:30 p.m. Investment Partnership Program - Community Participation 2/10/98 4 Proposed change in back-up ambulance providers: Authorize the Mayor to execute a contract with Bowers Ambulance Inc. Approved PAGE 1 OF 5 • • COUNCIL MINUTES, JANUARY 13, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Appeal, Conditional Use Permit #94-66 for property located Set hrg. 7:30 p.m. at 7857 Florence Av. 1/27/98 4 Renewal of Agreement with Washington, D.C. consultant - Siscorp: Authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement Approved 4 Res. #6128, establishing a 4 hour parking restriction on all days on the E. side of Woodruff Av. & the S. side of Washburn Rd. adjacent to 12112 Woodruff Av. Adopted 4 Res. #6129, establishing a new salary range for Director of Public Works Adopted 4 Res. #6130, approving the reappointment of Roger Lawrence to the Golf Course Authority, Dist. 1 Adopted 4 Ord. #1048, amending DMC Sect. 4108 & repealing Sect. 4109 pertaining to a curfew for minors Adopted 6 Calsan green waste contamination problem: Establish an enforcement program for customers who place non-green waste in their green trash container Approved 7 Dorothy Carfrae read "Open Letter" to the Council re Downey Community Hospital concerns & submitted a copy 7 Dr. Arthur Harvey read statement addressing Assembly Bill #146 introduced by Assemblywoman Sally Havice to restore open meeting law as it relates to the Hospital 7 Robert Freeman, described the services of The Salvation Army's Bell Shelter 7 Dr. Verner Waite commented on a draft of a binding Memorandum of Understanding provided to the Hospital Board of Directors 7 Frank Perez discussed the letter he submitted to the local newspaper for Fire Dept. employees 7 PAGE 2 OF 5 _ - - COUNCIL MINUTES, JANUARY 13, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SURTECT ACTION PAGE NO. Special Election set for Feb. 10, 1998 - Trujillo v. City of Downey - Writ of Mandate: Direct staff to bring back the necessary Resos. to rescind the prior Resos. calling for election & submitting Charter Amendment 11 to the voters & schedule a new election for consideration of the same matters with changes consistent with the Court's ruling Approved Administrative Hearing: Cash Contract #596A - Downey Community/Sr. Center & Gymnasium project, substitution of Continued to listed subcontractor Plantica Environmental 1/27/98 Cn. Lawrence expressed displeasure at earlier comments re Downey Community Hospital Cn. Brazelton responded to the comments of Ms. Carfrae Drs. Harvey & Waite re the Hospital Cn. McCarthy referred to Ken Miller's extensive review of the Hospital in his letter to the Downey Eagle 8 Cn. McCarthy mentioned the So. Calif. Assoc. of Governments (SCAG) hearings will be held in February and involve the future of the 1-710 & I-5 Freeways 8 Cn. McCarthy complimented the Fire Dept. for activities dealing with the fire at the former Alpha Beta market at Paramount Bi. & Stewart & Gray Rd. Cn. McCaughan responded to questions raised by Ms. Carfrae re the Hospital 8 Cn. McCaughan requested a report from the Fire Dept. re re-establishing the base station at Downey Community Hospital Referred to staff Cn. McCaughan requested a future study session dealing with Code violations in the City and proactive Code Enforcement Referred to staff 9 Cn. McCaughan suggested that consideration be given to building gymnasiums at middle schools for after-school activities & requested report from Community Services Referred to staff 9 PAGE 3 OF 5 COUNCIL MINUTES, JANUARY 13, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Cn. McCaughan asked that the City Clerk's survey re term limits be brought back for discussion Referred to staff 9 Cn. McCaughan concurred that the City logo should be displayed on every City vehicle 9 Cri. McCaughan mentioned a monthly newsletter received from Ward Elementary School & encouraged all elementary schools to provide this information 9 Cn. McCaughan briefly mentioned recent incident at the Acapulco Restaurant & the Police Dept's. construction project 9 Cn. Lawrence thanked the Fire Dept. for their "swift water rescue presentation" at Downey High School 9 Cn. Brazelton requested that the prior suggestion of constructing gymnasiums in the middle schools be on the Agenda for the next City/School District Coordinating Committee Mtg. Referred to Staff 9 Cn. Brazelton mentioned the elementary school near his home keeps its pedestrian gates closed Mayor Riley acknowledged former Mayor/Council Member Diane Boggs & husband, Cerritos College Board Member, Bob Verderber, in the audience Mayor Riley requested a report from the Fire Dept. re the protocol adopted County wide for paramedics 9 Mayor Riley mentioned a letter from Supervisor Knabe congratulating Downey on its winning Rose Float entry 9 Mayor Riley expressed pride in her grandson Brian Gilbraith, a star football player at Chino High School, the CIF champions 10 Cn. McCaughan acknowledged the 3rd, 4th, 7th & 8th grade divisions of the DMA flag football teams for making it to the playoffs 10 PAGE 4 OF 5 • • --------- — — COUNCIL MINUTES, JANUARY 13, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Cn. Lawrence acknowledged Council Secretary Barbara Fitzsimmons in the audience 10 Mr. Caton mentioned the retirement dinner given for former Public Works Director, Dick Redmayne 10 Mr. Caton advised he is appointing Desi Alvarez, as new Public Works Director for the City 10 Adjourned in Memory of William Bomar, longtime Downey resident and former member of the Emergency Preparedness Committee 10 Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., January 27, 1998 10 H:AcclakisconteVabt0113 PAGE 5 OF 5 • 10795 MINUTES OF TILE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JANUARY 13, 1998 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:38 p.m., January 13, 1998, 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 ProTem Robert S. Brazelton Keith McCarthy Joyce L. Lawrence ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Charles Vose, City Attorney Judith McDonnell, City Clerk-Treasurer Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Greg Caldwell, Police Chief James Jarrett, Director of Community Services Art Rangel, Director of Economic & Community Development Lowell Williams, Director of Finance Bob Brace, City Engineer Linda Haines, Building Official Mark Sauter, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal 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 Council Member McCarthy presented a Certificate of Appointment to Bruce McKenzie on his appointment to the Parking Place Commission, District 1. Mayor Riley presented a Certificate of Recognition to Andrew Rafferty on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, Boy Scout Troop #406. Mayor Riley presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Ralph Ewers, Acting Building Official, for coming out of retirement to serve in this position until a new Building Official could be hired, due to the passing of former Building Official, Bob Gallagher. HEARINGS Mayor Riley opened the public hearing on GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 97-46 TO AMEND TIE CITY'S GENERAL PLAN LAND USE ELEMENT FROM GENERAL COMMERCIAL TO COMMERCIAL/MANUFACTURING ON PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 7200-7264 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD. Council Minutes 01/13/98 -1- 10796 Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and so ordered to receive and file. Mr. Rangel narrated slides depicting the two properties involved, which are the remaining Rancho Del Sur and Rancho Del Norte parcels, noting the intent to redesignate these properties from General Commercial to Commercial/Manufacturing will provide more flexibility for the owners. The change is consistent with the City's General Plan and will encourage new development opportunities. Council Member Lawrence asked if Arnett Street, at the to of these parcels, was a truck route and was informed it was not. Council Member McCarthy referred to the item of correspondence in his packet opposing the GPA amendment and asked staffto comment on the possibility of a business using heavy machinery being located at these sites. He was informed it was unlikely as the other parcels are occupied by commercial businesses, which tend to pay more rent than manufacturing tenants. Council Member McCaughan mentioned restrictions negotiated for prior portions of the Rancho Del Sur and Del Norte properties designated to this zoning regarding noise, fire hazards, enclosure of machinery, the back ends of the businesses remaining closed, etc. and was given assurance by staff that the same factors were mitigated for these parcels. Ms. McDonnell advised that one item of correspondence was received, a letter from Beverly Boand Jones protesting the zone change. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member McCaughan and so ordered to receive and file. Paul DeTilla, 10829 Downey Avenue, representing Wilbur's Trust and Andrews Rancho Del Sur, the owners of the properties, advised the owners have requested the change of zoning to provide flexibility and continuity on both sides of the Firestone Corridor. There being no one present to speak in favor and no one present to speak in opposition, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and so ordered to close the public hearing. RESOLUTION NO. 6125 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 97-46 AMENDING THE crry's GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DIAGRAM CHANGING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM GENERAL, COMMERCIAL TO COMMERCIAL MANUFACTURING FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 7200-7262 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD AND CERTIFYING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THIS GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. Council Minutes 01/13/98 0 7 9 7 Mayor Riley opened the public hearing on STATE OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY (OTS) GRANT, ESTABLISHING A TRAFFIC OFFENDER FUND IN SUPPORT OF A TRAFFIC OFFENDER PROGRAM AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 6068 BY MODIFYING THE UNIFORM SCHEDULE OF FEES AS IT RELATES TO THE VEHICLE IMPOUND RELEASE FEE. Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and so ordered to receive and file. Chief Caldwell advised that the ant will assist the police department in running DUI (driving �' p p g under the influence), registration, and drivers license checkpoints. The City currently charges an impound fee of $40; however, under the grant, the City can charge a fee that equals its total participation cost, which is $167.65. The current tow release fee of $40, was also reviewed and it is recommended it be raised to $100. The money will be channeled back into the fund the grant is pulled from to help pay for officer overtime, administration of the grant, and other costs incurred during p P �' � g vehicle safety programs. He responded to comments from the Council. Council Member McCarthy suggested the Council consider increasing the rate for a vehicle impounded due to a DUI offense to more than $100 and keep the tow release fee at $100. Council Member McCaughan suggested increasing both fees to what it actually costs the Police Department. Chief Caldwell advised the $100 tow release fee was suggested to encourage people to retrieve their cars because people tend to leave their vehicles after a 30 day impound if the fee is too high, and then the City does not receive its money. Council Member Brazelton suggested raising the DUI fee to $167.65 and leaving the tow release fee for license and registration infractions at $100. There was no correspondence received regarding this matter. Mayor Riley asked if there was anyone present to speak in favor of the grant. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, supported the police department's efforts but had concerns about the cost to home owners when their cars are towed in for other reasons but still pay a high fee. There being no one else to speak, it was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and so ordered to close the public hearing. RESOLUTION NO. 6126 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING A TRAFFIC OFFENDER FUND IN SUPPORT OF A TRAFFIC OFFENDER PROGRAM Council Minutes 01/13/98 -3- • _ - -- 10798 The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. RESOLUTION NO. 6127 r f, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 6068 BY MODIFYING THE UNIFORM SCHEDULE OF FEES ESTABLISHED THEREIN AS IT RELATES TO THE VEHICLE IMPOUND RELEASE FEE The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan and seconded by Council Member Lawrence to waive further reading and adopt. Council Member McCarthy asked if the expenses could be averaged and was informed that a City cannot charge above its actual cost for fees. In this case, the maximum would be $167.65. Council Member McCarthy suggested that the fee for the 12500 and 14601 infractions be a two digit figure and suggested $90. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and carried by the following vote to amend the figure on the 12500 and 14601 infractions to $90, leaving the DUI infraction at the City's actual cost of $167.65. AYES 3 Council Members: McCarthy, Lawrence, Riley NOES 2 Council Members: McCaughan, Brazelton The Resolution, as amended, was then carried by unanimous vote. CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL: None CONSENT ALENDAR Council Member Lawrence noted she would abstain from voting on Agenda Item VI-F-3, the Resolution approving the reappointment of Roger Lawrence to the Golf*Course Authority. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions, with the abstention as noted by Council Member Lawrence, and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, DECEMBER 9, 1997: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 456 - PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD PAVEMENT REHABILITATION (ACCOUNT NO. 54-16456 AND 3646449): Approve extra work in one Change Order and accept the improvements and the maintenance responsibility for the improvements: Approve. Council Minutes 01/13/98 -4- • 0799 CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 460 - CITYWIDE RESURFACING (ACCOUNT NOS. 26-16460 ET AL): Approve extra work included in four Change Orders and accept improvements and the maintenance responsibility for the improvements: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 138532 - 139657, $4,344,354.69: Approve. 1998-99 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM - COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION: Set public hearing for 7:30 p.m., February 10, 1998, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. PROPOSED CHANGE IN BACK-UP AMBULANCE PROVIDERS: Authorize the Mayor to execute a contract with Bowers Ambulance Inc.: Approve. APPEAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #94-66 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7857 FLORENCE AVENUE: Set public hearing for 7:30 p.m., January 27, 1998, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON, D.C. CONSULTANT - SISCORP: Authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement for consulting services: Approve. RESOLUTION NO. 6128 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING A FOUR-HOUR PARKING RESTRICTION FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 11:00 P.M. ON ALL DAYS ON THE EAST SIDE OF WOODRUFF AVENUE AND THE SOUTH SIDE OF WASHBURN ROAD ADJACENT TO 12112 WOODRUFF AVENUE RESOLUTION NO. 6129 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING A NEW SALARY RANGE FOR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS RESOLUTION NO. 6130 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE REAPPOINTMENT OF ROGER J. LAWRENCE TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY-DOWNEY REGIONAL PUBLIC RECREATION AREA COMMISSION (GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY), DISTRICT ONE ORDINANCES ORDINANCE NO. 1048 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 4108 AND REPEALING SECTION 4109, PERTAINING TO A CURFEW FOR MINORS Council Minutes 01/13/98 -5- 10800 The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. Prior to the vote, Council Member McCaughan commented on his understanding of this Ordinance and Chief Caldwell gave a brief explanation of how the program would work, noting a ticket would be written for infractions, which will take the juvenile into the juvenile traffic court system. RESOLUTIONS: None ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS CALSAN GREEN WASTE CONTAMINATION PROBLEM • Mr. Powell explained Calsan has requested the Council discuss the residential trash collection program since it has been discovered that some customers have been contaminating the items put into the green barrel intended for grass clippings and other yard waste, which causes problems when the waste arrives at the dump and is refused, increasing Calsan's cost to run the program. A survey has been conducted and it was found the problem stemmed from a few residential units. It is felt an enforcement mechanism needs to be put in place to eliminate this infraction and it is recommended that the green barrels be removed from these residences and possibly an additional gray barrel be provided, with an appropriate fee attached. He noted the existing franchise agreement allows for the establishment of regulations and directives for the trash program. Council Member Lawrence asked if this was brought to the attention of the Citizen's Health & Sanitation Committee for their input and was informed this committee is aware of the problem but it was not known if a solution was suggested. Council Member Brazelton requested information on the types of warnings citizens would receive before removal of their green barrel. Mr. Powell stated this information could be requested from Calsan to allow monitoring of their educational efforts prior to action being taken to remove a green container. Council Member McCarthy mentioned the State law requiring all cities to divert their overall trash by fifty percent by the year 2000 or be penalized. He suggested this item be continued to allow more time for public review. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and failed by the following vote, to continue this item to the next Council Meeting. AYES 2 Council Members: McCarthy, Lawrence NOES 3 Council Members: McCaughan, Brazelton, Riley It was moved by Council Member Brazelton, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and carried by the following vote, to establish an enforcement program whereby customers who continue to place "non-green" waste into their green trash container after notification to cease, may have their green container removed and replaced with a gray container. Council Minutes 01/13/98 -6- _ . . - - 10801 AYES 4 Council Members: McCarthy, McCaughan, Brazelton, Riley NOES 1 Council Members: Lawrence Council Member Lawrence asked what records would keep track when a resident whose green barrel was removed moves and a new tenant occupies the residence. She was informed that the new tenant would receive information about the residential trash program and the rules in place at the time they called to initiate startup of their new water and trash service. The location would then default back to the three barrel system. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ■••k, Dorothy Carfrae, 8526 Florence Avenue, read an "Open Letter" to the Council about Downey Community Hospital concerns and submitted a copy for the records. Dr. Arthur Harvey read prepared statement addressing AB 146 introduced by Assembly- woman Sally Havice to restore open meeting law as it relates to Downey Community Hospital. He urged the Council and citizens to support Sally Havice in her effort to have this bill adopted. Robert Freeman, representing The Salvation Army Bell Shelter located in Bell on Rickenbacker Road, described the services the Shelter provides. He asked that the City of Downey consider including a grant to The Salvation Army when drafting its next annual budget. Dr. Verner Waite, 5243 Vista Del Sol, Cypress, commented on a draft of a Binding Memorandum Of Understanding provided to the Hospital Board of Directors which describes certain proposed activities, and indicated it emphasizes the need for a hospital commission to supervise what is going on at the Hospital. He noted the MOU did not pass but it does give a blueprint of what the Board has been planning to do. It shows a very clear plan to divert much of the assets of DC1-I to two new for-profit managed care entities that do not currently exist as functioning entities and allows for bonuses of unlimited amounts and frequency. He suggested the citizens should rise up against these activities and elect public members to the hospital board and appoint a supervisory commission. Frank Perez, 9104 Gainford Street, discussed his letter in the local paper to Fire Department employees, which offered a letter of recommendation to any Firemen who wanted to quit on their own and leave the Downey Fire Department in the hands of the community where it should be. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (CONTD.) SPECIAL ELECTION SET FOR FEBRUARY 10, 1998—TRUYELLO V. CITY OF DOWNEY—WRIT OF MANDATE Mr. Vose explained that litigation was filed against the City challenging the validity of two proposed Charter Amendments proposed to go before the voters on February 1 Oth. The Superior Court Judge ruled that Charter Amendment No. 11 was determined to be invalid and ordered a recision of the Resolution adopting Charter Amendment No. 11. He suggested the Council direct staff to bring back the necessary Resolutions to rescind the prior Resolutions, with language changes consistent with the court's ruling, and propose new Resolutions which would schedule a new election for consideration of the same matters. Council Minutes 01/13/98 -7- 10802, It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to direct staff to bring back the necessary Resolutions to rescind the prior Resolutions calling for the election and submitting Charter Amendment No. 11 to the voters and to schedule a new election for consideration of the same matters with changes consistent with the court's ruling. ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING: CASH CONTRACT NO. 596A - DOWNEY COMMUNITY/SENIOR CENTER AND GYMNASIUM PROJECT SUBSTITUTION OF LISTED SUBCONTRACTOR PLANTICA ENVIRONMENTAL Per the recommendation of Mr. Caton, this item was pulled and rescheduled for the next Council Meeting of January 27, 1998. • OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval: None OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members Council Member Lawrence expressed displeasure regarding earlier comments about the Downey Community Hospital, pointing out any change in ownership of the Hospital would require a vote of the people. She stated she was disappointed that the speakers did not remain to hear any Council response to their questions. Council Member Brazelton responded to earlier comments made by Ms. Carfrae and Drs. Harvey and Waite and indicated the Council has no alternative but to work within the purview of the Hospital Lease provisions, pointing out the Lease does not authorize the Council to become involved in the day-to-day operations or Hospital decisions. He noted certain documents were requested by the group Ms. Carfrae represented, advising that these documents were supplied to her husband several weeks ago and were available to any citizen requesting copies. He referred to Assembly Bill 146 proposed by State Assemblywoman Sally Havice and stated the Council would await its outcome. The City could not legally give a hospital commission more authority than the Council presently has and felt it was fruitless to establish such an entity. Council Member McCarthy noted former Council Member Ken Miller's extensive review of the Hospital, which was outlined in his letter to the Downey Eagle. Council Member McCarthy mentioned Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) hearings will be held during the month of February on the regional transportation plan involving future of the 1-710 and 1-5 Freeways and encouraged public participation at these meetings. Council Member McCarthy complimented the Fire Department for their activity in dealing with the fire at the former Alpha Beta market at Paramount Boulevard and Stewart & Gray Road. He pointed out the roof bow string trusses were a threat to the Firefighters and asked if they were still used in current construction. Council Member McCaughan responded to the questions raised by Ms. Carfrae during her comments regarding the Hospital. He then said he has increasing concerns about the Hospital and feels citizens have a right to come forward to ask questions. Council Minutes 01/13/98 -8- • o8 Council Member McCaughan requested a report from the Fire Department on re-establishing p p g the base station at Downey Community Hospital and what the advantages would be. Council Member McCaughan asked that he be contacted about a future study session dealing with Code violations in the City and proactive Code Enforcement. Council Member McCaughan suggested after the opening of the new community center that g P g ty consideration be given to building gymnasiums at middle schools in the City for after- school activities, which would also serve as juvenile crime prevention. He requested report from the � a re p Department of Recreation and Community Services regarding their opinion of exploring this idea. Council Member McCaughan asked that the City Clerk's survey relating to term limits be brought back to the Council for discussion, noting Downey's Charter provision has a life -time ban, which he felt was a disadvantage to the City. Council Member McCaughan concurred with the recent memo regarding City logos and felt every City vehicle should have a logo displayed on the vehicle. Council Member McCaughan mentioned receiving the monthly newsletter from Ward Elementary School, which he personally appreciates as a public service. He encouraged all elementary schools to provide this information. Council Member McCaughan briefly mentioned the recent incident at the Acapulco Restaurant and the Police Department construction project, stating he would take these up at a later time. Council Member Lawrence thanked Fire Department employees for their "swift water rescue presentation" at the Downey High School Assembly last Friday, which she feels has convinced students to stay away from the river channels when there is a storm. Council Member Brazelton referenced Council Member McCaughan's suggestion to construct gymnasiums in the middle schools and said this was on the last City- School Committee Meeting agenda and was referred to the respective entities for discussion and to bring back a progress report. He requested that staff insure this is on the Agenda for the next Committee meeting. Council Member Brazelton mentioned the elementary school near his home keeps its pedestrian gates closed, which should be kept open for recreation access to the playgrounds. Betty Ferraro, member of the Downey School Board, noted playgrounds are closed if there is any construction occurring that might create a hazardous condition. Mayor Riley acknowledged former Mayor /Council Member Diane Boggs and her husband, Cerritos College Board Member Bob Verderber, who were present in the audience. Mayor Riley requested a report back from the Fire Department regarding the protocol adopted county wide for paramedics. Mayor Riley mentioned receipt of a letter from Supervisor Knabe congratulating Downey on its winning Rose Float entry, "Roller Bunnies," the success of which she said is due to the volunteerism in the City. Council Minutes 01/13/98 -9- 10804• Mayor Riley expressed pride at being the grandmother of Bryan Galbreath, a star football player at Chino High School, the CIF championship winners. Council Member McCaughan acknowledged the 3rd, 4th, 7th and 8th grade divisions of the DJAA Downe Y Junior Athletic Association) flag football teams, who made it to the playoffs, with the 3rd and 4th grade division going all the way to the final game, losing by only six points. Council Member Lawrence acknowledged Council Secretary Barbara Fitzsimmons, who was present in the audience. ,..., OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members Mr. Caton mentioned the enjoyable retirement dinner given for former Public Works Director, Dick Redmayne, who started working for the City in 1959. Mr. Caton stated he is appointing Desi Alvarez, currently the City Engineer for the City of Glendale, as Downey's new Public Works Director. ADJOURNMENT: 9:28 p.m. The meeting was adjourned in Memory of William Bonnar, longtime Downey resident and former member of the Emergency Preparedness Committee, to 6:30 p.m., January 27, 1998, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. I ' Atof E. McDonnell, Ay i Clerk Barbara J. Rif . , Mayor H:\CCLERKISCON` \MINUTESICCMN4113.WPD Council Minutes 01/13/98 -