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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-10-98-Regualr Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 10, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS, SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Certificate of Recognition to former Council Member Priscilla McKinney Dunnum 1 Certificate of Appointment - James Gillespie, L. A. County Downey Regional Public Recreation Area Commission (Golf Course Authority), Dist. 4 Proclamation declaring the month of March as Mental Retardation Awareness Month 2 Presentation of a photo album depicting the First Annual Emergency Awareness Expo to the Council by Maria Larkin of the Emergency Preparedness Committee Council Minutes: Adjourned Special Called Meeting, 2/24/98 & Adjourned & Regular Meetings, 2/24/98 Approved Cash Contract #609, Roof replacement & repair: Approve extra work included in one change order & accept the work completed Approved Warrants Issued: 141036 - 141474, $1,436,309.54 Approved Reclassification of Project Assistant to Housing Specialist I position: Reappropriate funds in the Housing Div. Budget to reclassify the position Approved 2 Unscheduled equipment replacement of the central garage air compressor Approved Investment Policy 1998 Approved 2 Crawford & Wilderness Parks license agreement renewal with So. Calif. Edison Co.: Approve the license agreement renewals for continuing the use of Edison Co. right-of-way for park purposes & authorize the City Manager to execute Approved 3 PAGE 1 OF 4 COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 10 S, 10, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Res. #6147, ratifying the County's reappointment of Frank Gasdia to the L.A. County- Downey Regional Public Rec. Area Commission (Golf Course Authority), Dist. 3 Adopted 3 Citywide street sweeping - modify sweeping days Continued 3 Res. #6148, authorizing the City to obtain state summary criminal history info. for employment licensing or certification purposes Adopted 4 Res. #6149, directing the City Manager to establish policies & procedures to conduct background checks Adopted 4 Res. ##6150, declaring the intention to establish an under- ground utility district along the entire length of Imperial Hwy. within City limits & cause all specified utilities Adopted therein to be relocated underground (Dist. #17) and set Set hrg. 7:30 p.m. a public hearing 4/28/98 6 Lennie Whittington mentioned finding the Council packet material he earlier reported as missing & apologized to staff 6 Joel Lubin asked the Council to support a State Senate bill requiring an audit of the State Bar; mentioned other audit issues on the State Senate agenda; indicated he encouraged Priscilla Dunnum to run for election in Council Dist. 2; and objected to people outside the City criticizing the Council or staff 6 Mike Prokop gave an update on the status of the Downey Rose Float Association 6 Robert Bryant, President of the Downey City Employees Assoc. - Maintenance Unit, welcomed Desi Alvarez, Downey's new Public Works Director 6 Mobile data computers grant application & agreement: (1) enter into an agreement with the City of Brea to obtain a COPS MORE grant to purchase Mobile Data Terminals/Computers for police vehicles, (2) pay a prorated share of the expense for grant writer and, (3) enter into a 5 year agreement for data radio service provided by the City of Brea Approved 7 PAGE 2 OF 4 • COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 10, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Ideas for downtown Downey area: Approve the programs & plans recommended in the report from Council Member Lawrence & direct staff to bring a draft plan back to the Council with cost figures & funding sources Approved Cn. Lawrence thanked the Police Chief for fliers to be distributed to the community encouraging pedestrians not to jaywalk 8 Cn. Lawrence requested a report on the next agenda re returning the stop sign on Downey Av. at 2nd St. Cn. Lawrence mentioned visiting the Oasis Sr. Program at Columbus Iligh School 8 Cn. Lawrence commented on her attendance at a CALTAC (Calif. Assoc. of Library Trustees & Commissioners Conference Cn. Lawrence noted the City of Mountain View's downtown revitalization, landscape & streetscape program & asked staff to obtain info. & slides 8 Cn. Lawrence mentioned riding the Caltrain rail system & encouraged everyone to use the rail systems whenever available Cn. McCarthy mentioned speaking to Boy Scout Troop 441 8 Cn. McCarthy noted the Bechtel building on the Coca Cola property at Bellflower & Lakewood Blvds. is being demolished Cn. McCarthy mentioned letters rec'd from the U.S. Golf Association complimenting golf course renovation project Cn. McCaughan mentioned receiving positive comments from the public regarding the new gymnasium at Apollo Park Cn. McCaughan requested "State of the Neighborhood" reports and asked how many code enforcement officers would be needed Mayor Riley commended the police bicycle patrols in the downtown area around the Krikorian Theatre 9 PAGE 3 OF 4 COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 10, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Mayor Riley commended staff for improving the grounds at Apollo Park & for their efforts on the Community/Sr. Center & Gym project 9 Mr. Caton gave an update on the LACDA flood control project 9 Mr. Caton expressed support for downtown merchants, noting improvements will be based on the City's financial ability 9 Mr. Caton complimented Chief Caldwell's review & recommendation re the mobile digital terminals 9 Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., March 24, 1998 9 hAccleridsconteVab10310 PAGE 4 OF 4 1 0 8 4 3 MINITI'ES OF Tiit: CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 10, 1998 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:34 p.m., March 10, 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 (arrived at 7:48 p.m.) 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 Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works Greg Caldwell, Police Chief Ron Irwin, Fire Chief James Jarrett, Director of Community Services Lowell Williams, Director of Finance Robert Brace, City Engineer 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 Mayor Riley presented a Certificate of Recognition to former Council Member Priscilla McKinney Dunnum in recognition of her First 50 Years of Practicing Law and noted her many accomplishments and contributions to the community. Ms. Dunnum thanked everyone and introduced her son Lonnie. She referenced the quote, "no man is an island entire in itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main," noting everyone needs support and assistance in everything they do and should in turn help others. Council Member Brazelton presented a Certificate of Appointment to James Gillespie on his reappointment to the Los Angeles County-Downey Regional Public Recreation Area Commission (Golf Course Authority), District 4. Council Minutes 3/10/98 • 0 8 4 4 Mayor Riley presented to Kevin MacDonald, Executive Director of the ARC of Southeast Los Angeles County, formerly Association of Retarded Citizens, a Proclamation declaring the month of March as Mental Retardation Awareness Month. Mr. McDonald introduced clients of the ARC program and their families and volunteer Betty Morris. Maria Larkin presented to the City Council, on behalf of the Emergency Preparedness Committee, a Photograph Album depicting the First Annual Emergency Awareness Expo held October 18, 1997. She noted the second Expo will be held October 3, 1998 and the first NEST Awareness Program is scheduled for May 27th in the Council Chambers. She introduced Committee members Myrtle Risley and Warren Herr. Mayor Pro Tem McCaughan arrived at the meeting at 7:48 p.m. HEARINGS: None CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL : None CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED SPECIAL CALLED MEETING, FEBRUARY 24, 1998, AND ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, FEBRUARY 24, 1998: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. 609 ROOF REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR (ACCOUNT NO. 40- 13031.0310): Approve extra work included in one Change Order totaling $1,400 and accept the work completed: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 141036 - 141474, $1,436,309.54: Approve. RECLASSIFICATION OF PROJECT ASSISTANT TO HOUSING SPECIALIST I POSITION: Reappropriate funds in the Housing Division budget to reclassify the Project Assistant to a Housing Specialist I classification: Approve. UNSCHEDULED EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT OF THE CENTRAL GARAGE AIR COMPRESSOR: Approve. INVESTMENT POLICY 1998: Adopt the Investment Policy for public funds for the City: Approve. Council Minutes 3/10/98 -2- • 1 0 8 4 5 CRAWFORD AND WILDERNESS PARKS LICENSE AGREEMENT RENEWAL WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY: Approve the License Agreement renewals for continuing the use of Edison Company right-of-way for park purposes . as follows: (1) Crawford Park for the ten year period beginning January 1, 1998, and ending December 31, 2007; (2) Wilderness Park for the five-year period beginning January 1, 1998, and ending December 31, 2002; and authorize the City Manager to execute the License Agreements: Approve. RESOLUTION NO. 6147 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY RATIFYING THE COUNTY'S REAPPOINTMENT OF FRANK GASDIA TO 'DIE LOS ANGELES COUNTY-DOWNEY REGIONAL PUBLIC RECREATION AREA COMMISSION (GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY) FOR COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT THREE ORDINANcES: None RESOLUTIONS CITYWIDE STREET SWEEPING - MODIFY SWEEPING DAYS Mr. Alvarez explained that consideration of a modification to street sweeping days is due to a situation that arises during holidays, particularly Monday holidays, where trash pick up is deferred by one day and therefore falls on the same day as street sweeping. With the new three-barrel trash containers, the sweeper cannot sweep and sweeping cannot be moved forward a day due to the signs posted. He outlined the available options and advised that a survey resulted with the majority of residents responding in favor of a shift in the street sweeping schedule rather than in the trash schedule. He recommended shifting the street sweeping schedule to allow two days between trash pickup and street sweeping, which would require reposting of signs and the appropriation of approximately $26,000. He responded to questions and suggestions from the Council. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, mentioned he did not receive a survey and was informed it was a small survey and did not involve a citywide mailing. Wendy Tiffin, Rio Hondo Elementary School Student Council, suggested informing residents of the possible change by putting an ad in the local newspaper. Fred James, President of the Downey Senior Citizens, 9360 Samoline Avenue, stated the seniors have discussed this subject and suggested, as a solution, using the old wash trucks to wash the streets instead of sweeping on the affected days. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCarthy and unanimously carried to continue this matter to the next Council Meeting to allow more public awareness and input. Council Minutes 3/10/98 10846 Prior to the vote, Council Member McCaughan asked what the savings would be to the City's sweeping contract if street sweeping was eliminated throughout the City during the weeks in which this conflict arose (4 or 5 per year), noting this would cancel the need for an appropriation to repost signs. RECEIPT OF CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION Mr. Williams mentioned this topic was discussed at the Independent Cities Association (ICA) seminar last year and it was found that none of the member cities had a formal written policy. The task of developing a policy was turned over to the Independent Cities Risk Management Authority (ICRMA), which was then developed and approved by the governing body of the ICRMA and '+^` recommended to be sent to each member city for consideration. The California Penal Code authorizes cities to obtain criminal history information for employment, licensing or the certification process and requires each city to adopt a Resolution and approve policies for obtaining this information. This will allow the City to obtain this information and use it in employment decisions to insure the interest of the City, its employees and the public and to minimize potential liability. He explained the process that must be followed in order to obtain the information and recommended the Council approve a City policy and adopt the two resolutions submitted. RESOLUTION NO. 6148 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING IT TO OBTAIN STATE SUMMARY CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYMENT LICENSING OR CERTIFICATION PURPOSES RESOLUTION NO. 6149 A RESOLUTION OF THE C1TY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DIRECTING THE CITY MANGER TO ESTABLISH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO CONDUCT BACKGROUND CHECKS The Resolutions were read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt the Resolutions. Council Member McCaughan commended Mr. Williams for his work in the ICRMA and for decreasing the City's liability and legal costs. Council Member McCarthy suggested replacing the word "shall" with "may" in the Policy For Conducting Criminal Background Checks, Item III, Applicability. Mr. nose advised he felt it was better to have a universal application for consistency. Joe Lubin, 7820 Allengrove Street, stated his opposition to the suggested wording change and concurred with the City Attorney's advice. Council Minutes 3/10/98 -4- • 10847 UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 17 - IMPERIAL HIGHWAY BETWEEN THE WESTERLY AND EASTERLY CITY LIMITS Mr. Alvarez stated Imperial Highway is a major thoroughfare through the City and gives people their impression of the City as they pass through. It is felt that the appearance of Imperial Highway would benefit tremendously if overhead utility lines were removed. The California Utilities Commission has established the Rule 20 Program, with Rule 20 A specifically applying to the removal of overhead lines, and Imperial Highway qualifies under all of the regulations applied to this program. The City currently has $3.94 million in reserves held by Southern California Edison and receives $541,000 each a year for undergrounding. He commented on the ways in which these funds can be supplemented, advising that the total cost of the project would be approximately $7 million and would take several years to complete. To form the district, the Council must pass a Resolution establishing intent, an engineer's report must be prepared, and meetings will be held with property owners. He recommended the Council adopt the Resolution of Intent to establish an underground district, setting the date for a public hearing at the Council Meeting of April 28, 1998. An appropriation of $25,000 is also requested to assist in retaining professional services to assist staff. RESOLUTION NO. 6150 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ESTABLISH AN UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT ALONG THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF IMPERIAL HIGHWAY FROM 'ELIE WESTERLY CITY LIMITS TO THE EASTERLY crrY LIMITS AND CAUSING ALL SPECIFIED UTILITIES THEREIN TO BE RELOCATED UNDERGROUND (DISTRICT NO. 17) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy and seconded by Council Member McCaughan to (1) waive further reading and adopt the Resolution setting the public hearing, per Sections 7501 and 7502 of the Downey Municipal Code, for 7:30 p.m., April 28, 1998, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall; and (2) appropriate $25,000 from the General Fund for this project. (See later motion) Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, mentioned there was nothing in the public packet concerning this item or the requested appropriation of $25,000, noting the public was not aware of this, and asked that the item be continued until the public has received proper notice. Mr. Vose explained there was a staff report indicating all the items mentioned, including the appropriation of $25,000. The purpose of the report is to bring this before the public and in order to do this it requires the Council to set the hearing and appropriate funds sufficient to generate the reports so the public can be informed. Council Member Brazelton referred to the last page of the staff report wherein it mentions there will be Proposition 218 impacts which have to be addressed and was informed this information would be brought back. Council Minutes 3/10/98 -5- 10848 Council Member Lawrence expressed agreement to continue the request for the $25,000 appropriation to the March 24th meeting, and asked if staff could provide residents with definitive numbers at the public hearing on how much property values will increase from this project. She also requested that the cost to residents for these connections be spread out over a longer time frame. Council Member McCarthy expressed his enthusiasm for this project and asked if the activity for connecting the utilities was the property owner's responsibility and would require the ro ert p p Y owners to hire their own contractors. The response was yes. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt; and set the public hearing for 7 :30 p.m., April 28, 1998, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. The request for appropriation will be brought back at the next meeting. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, mentioned finding the Council packet material he earlier reported as missing, and offered his apology to staff. Joel Lubin, 8620 Allengrove Street, asked the Council to support a State Senate bill sponsored by Senator Kopp, requiring an audit of the State Bar that will hopefully solve the problem of people becoming California attorneys and not paying their bar association dues; he also mentioned other audit issues that will be on the agenda of the State Senate; indicated he is encouraging Priscilla Dunnum to run for election in Council District 2; and objected to people outside the City criticizing the Council or staff. Mike Prokop, 10444 Julius Avenue, gave an update on status of the Downey Rose Float Association, noting that the Association's fundraising trailer and equipment were stolen. He mentioned the theme for next year's parade is "Echoes of the Century" and Downey's idea is to highlight the fast food revolution with a float resembling Johnny's Broiler. t-• Robert Bryant, 7214 Benares Street, President of the Downey City Employees Association Maintenance Unit, welcomed Desi Alvarez, Downey's new Public Works Director, on behalf of the Maintenance Units 39 members. OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval: None ADMINI T'RATIVE REPORTS MOBILE DATA COMPUTERS GRANT APPLICATION AND AGREEMENT Chief Caldwell advised that the City of Brea formed a consortium several years ago but the consortium presented tonight is a new consortium for the purpose of participating together to apply for a COPS MORE grant, which provides money for purchasing new law enforcement technology. The intent is to purchase mobile display computers (MDC's) with funds received from the grant, which would allow officers to make computer queries from their police cars to the station as well as the Department of Justice. He commented on the estimated cost for the equipment and the anticipated matching funds required, noting the target sum for the grant is $6 million. He indicated there are Council Minutes 3/10/98 -6- 1 0 8 4 9 sufficient funds in the asset forfeiture funds to cover any costs for participating in the consortium and noted this is a technology that will benefit the City. He responded to questions from the Council. Council Member McCarthy asked about the estimated efficiency savings as fax as time and money and Chief Caldwell explained what would be expected of the officers when utilizing this system. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, stated his support of this system and noted he was impressed with the performance standards mentioned in the agreement. It was moved by Mayor Riley, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and unanimously carried to (1) enter into an agreement with the City of Brea for the purpose of obtaining a COPS MORE grant for the purchase of Mobile Data Terminals/Computers for police vehicles, (2) pay a prorated share of the expense for a grant writer and, (3) enter into a live-year agreement for data radio service provided by the City of Brea (provided the grant is funded). Council Member McCaughan expressed his opinion that the City should continue to be aggressive toward obtaining grants, stating it is a way to get tax dollars back, and complimented the police department in this effort. OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members IDEAS FOR DOWNTOWN DOWNEY AREA Council Member Lawrence advised that the cover letter from the Chamber of Commerce regarding the recommendations of the Chamber's Downtown Merchant's Committee was inadvertently omitted from the packet and she read the letter. She recommended that the Council approve street trees to start, followed by a streetscape plan, etc. She asked staff to look at the permitted C-3 uses which may not work with the downtown family oriented businesses. Council Member McCaughan noted his support of all the recommendations, asking that all plans and projects come back to the Council for final implementation. Council Member McCarthy suggested gas lamps, which he felt build an atmosphere, renaming Third Street to Civic Center Drive, and repainting the awnings on the south side of Firestone Boulevard. Council Member Brazelton noted that the layout of the downtown buildings creates a problem for many of the businesses. He suggested developing an overall plan to provide incentives for businesses to follow and suggested that the Planning Division or a consultant compile this information with costs involved. Council Member McCaughan asked that the plans have short-term, medium-term and long term suggestions. He felt that parking structures would make the downtown area work and hoped this would be addressed. Council Minutes 3/10/98 -7- • iO 85O It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Lawrence and unanimously carried to approve the programs and plans recommended in the report from Council Member Lawrence (street shade tree program; overall streetscape plan; traffic circulation/traffic calming plan; and a report back to the Council of an overlay zone) and that staff brings back to the Council a draft plan with cost figures and funding sources. Council Member McCarthy referred to a memo from Art Rangel regarding a downtown survey and noted he would forward a copy of this to the Chamber of Commerce Downtown Merchants Committee. Council Member Lawrence thanked the Police Chief for the preparation of fliers to be distributed in the community containing a safety message encouraging pedestrians not to jaywalk. Council Member Lawrence requested the next agenda include a report regarding returning the stop sign on Downey Avenue at Second Street. Council Member Lawrence mentioned visiting the Oasis Senior Program at Columbus High School, where she gave a slide presentation on pioneer women. She complimented the program and volunteers involved. Council Member Lawrence commented on her attendance at a CALTAC (California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners) Conference in Mountain View, which dealt with how library personnel and elected officials all work together. Council Member Lawrence also noted Mountain View's downtown revitalization, landscape and streetscape program, and asked staff to contact that city for information and slides on some of their successful programs. Council Member Lawrence cited a pleasant experience riding the Caltrain rail system and encouraged people to use the rail systems whenever available. Council Member McCarthy mentioned speaking to Boy Scout Troop 441, which was a pleasant experience and reminded him of what a great community resource the Boy Scouts is. Council Member McCarthy noted the old Bechtel building on the Coca Cola property at Bellflower and Lakewood Boulevards is finally being demolished. Council Member McCarthy commended Tim Jarrett and the Rio Hondo Golf Course, noting letters received from the United States Golf Association complimenting the golf course renovation project. Council Member McCaughan mentioned receiving positive comments from the public regarding the new gymnasium, which he feels is something the City should continue to provide for the community. Council Minutes 3/10/98 -8- 10851 Council Member McCaughan requested "State of the Neighborhood" reports, noting the need to be proactive to make sure residential neighborhoods do not decline. He also suggested p eriodic p atrols through the neighborhoods to monitor their status and asked how many code � enforcement officers it would take to establish this. Mayor Riley ommended the police bicycle patrols visible in the downtown area around Y Y the Krikorian Theatre. Mayor Riley commended the work of City personnel to improve the grounds at Apollo Park y y un and complimented Ci. staff for their efforts on the Community /Senior Center and Gymnasium p City project, stating it will be enjoyed by everyone for a long time. OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members Mr. Caton ave an update on funding for the LACDA Flood Control Project, noting the City g p hosted a meeting this evening with the head of the Army Corp of Engineers to lobby for additional � money. The Administration has cut its budget for flood protection projects by nearly 50 percent. The y City has the support of Congressman Horn but needs the support of the Administration to start properly erly funding these public works' projects. p Mr. Caton expressed support for the downtown merchants but noted it is not always � Pp possible to everything p do eve hin g at once as it will depend on the City's financial ability at the time. Mr. Caton complimented the Police Chiefs review and recommendation regarding the mobile digital terminals, which will be an asset to the Police Department. ADJOURNMENNT: 9:50 p. m. The meetin g was a djourned to 6:30 p .m., March 24, 1998, in the Council Chamber of J Downey City Hall. eel* • Clerk Barbara J. /ale Ma J ith E. McDonnell, City Cler Y, Y HACCLERK\SCONTEWINUTES\CC V031o.WPD Council Minutes 3/10/98 -9- •