HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-24-98-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MARCH 24, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Certificate of Appointment for Frank Gasdia, L. A. County-
Downey Regional Public Recreation Area Commission
( Golf Course Authority), Dist. 3 was noted by Council Member
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McCaughan (Mr. Gasdia was not present) 1
Proclamation declaring the month of April as Keep America,
Kee p California and Keep Downey Beautiful Month 1
Mayor Riley introduced and thanked Greg Fuller of All American
Home Center for their many donations to the City's schools 1
Council Minutes: Regular Meeting 3/10/98 Approved 2
Cash Contract #600 Water Transmission Mains, approval
of agreement for construction inspection: Authorize the Mayor
to execute an agreement with Construction Management
Inspection to provide construction administration and
inspection services during the construction of water transmission
mains on Telegraph Rd. & Paramount & Lakewood Blvds. Approved 2
Warrants Issued: 141475 - 141971, $1,488,318.56 Approved 2
Underground Utility District - No. 17 Imperial Hwy. between
the westerl & easterly city limits: Appropriate $25,000 from
westerly Y Y
the General Fund for rofessional services in support Approved 2
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Selection of law firm for personnel/labor relations matters:
Authorize the City Mgr. to execute an agreement for special
services between the City and the law firm of Liebert, Cassidy
& Frierson Approved 2
Extension of agreement for building official consultant
services between the City & Ralph Ewers: Authorize extension
of the agreement dated 5/13/97 to cover the period of 9/1/97 -
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2/1/98 Approved 2
Res. #6151, designating Cedartree Rd. a through street at
its intersection with Lindsey Av. Adopted 2
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COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 24, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Res. #6152, adopting a revised class specification &
establishing a new salary range for police records supervisor Adopted 2
Res. #6153, ordering the canvass of the Special Municipal
Election to be held on 5/5/98 be made by the City Clerk Adopted 3
Citywide trash pick -up & street sweeping: Make no change Approved 3
Downey Av. Improvements between Firestone Bl. & 5th St.
Approve recommendatons #1 & #3; disapprove
recommendations #2 & #4; and return stop signs to Downey Av.
& 2nd St. Approved 5
Lennie Whittington hoped better planning would be taken
into consideration in future plans for the downtown area 5
Diane Boggs thanked the Council & Jim Jarrett for the
honor of having the auditorium at the Community /Sr. Center
named the "Diane Boggs Auditorium" 5
Res. #6154, approving a master agreement between the City
& Tooley Development Co. in connection with the development
of Parcels 5 & 6 of the NASA property Adopted 6
Landscape Maintenance Agreement - Civic Center Facilities &
Parks: Consent to mutual termination of contract with Four -Star •
Landscape & approve a contract with Pro -Turf Professional
Landscape Services Inc. Approved 7
Cn. McCaughan mentioned positive feedback re street
improvements at Paramount Bl. & Florence Av. 7
Cn. McCarthy noted the "tweeter" (sound device for the blind)
has been installed at the intersection of Florence Av. & Paramount
Bl. 7
Cn. McCarthy acknowledged the Adjournment in Memory of
Mr. Clarence Bailey, pointing out that Mr. Bailey was a
tremendous supporter of the Downey community 7
Cn. McCarthy mentioned retired Judge Don Wilson is in poor
health & encouraged prayers 7
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COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 24, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Cn. Brazelton complimented the street improvements on
Florence Av. & thanked staff 7
Mr. Caton recalled his memories of Mr. Clarence Bailey 7
Adjourned in Memory of Clarence Bailey, longtime Downey
businessman, involved in many community activities over the
years 8
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., April 14, 1998 8
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MARCH 24, 1998
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:40 p.m., Mar ch 24, 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
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
Linda Haines, Building Official
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Council Member McCaughan advised he was Reappointing Frank Gasdia to the Los
Angeles County - Downey Regional Public Recreation Area Commission (Golf Course
Authority), District 3. (Mr. Gasdia was not present to receive his Certificate of Appointment).
Mayor Riley presented to Carol Rowland a Proclamation declaring the month of April as
Keep America, Keep California and Keep Downey Beautiful Month.
Ms. Rowland was accompanied by members of Girl Scout Troop 497 who volunteered in
various Keep Downey Beautiful projects over the past year, with the goal of earning scouting's Silver
Award.
Mayor Riley introduced and thanked Greg Fuller of All American Home Center for the many
donations of plants, flowers, and vegetables that All American Home Center has made to the City's
schools.
Council Minutes 3/24/98 -1-
10855
HEARINGS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and
unanimously reading carried to w aive further readin of the Resolutions and approve the Consent
Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 10, 1998: Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. 600 WATER TRANSMISSION MAINS, APPROVAL OF
AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION: Authorize the Mayor to execute
an agreement with Construction Management Inspection to provide construction
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administration and inspection services during the construction of water transmission mains on
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Telegraph Road and Paramount and Lakewood Boulevards in the amount of $88,500:
Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 141475 - 141971, $1,488,318.56: Approve.
UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT - NO. 17 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY BETWEEN
THE WESTERLY AND EASTERLY CITY LIMITS: Appropriate $25,000 from the
General Fund for professional services in support of Underground Utility District No. 17:
Approve.
SELECTION OF LAW FIRM FOR PERSONNEL /LABOR RELATIONS MATTERS:
Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement for special services between the Cit and
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the law firm of Liebert, Cassidy and Frierson: Approve.
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EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT FOR BUILDING OFFICIAL CONSULTANT
SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND RALPH A. EWERS: Authorize
extension of the agreement dated May 13, 1997 to cover compensation to Mr. Ewers for the
period of September 1, 1997 through February 1, 1998: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 6151 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DESIGNATING CEDARTREE ROAD A THROUGH STREET AT ITS
INTERSECTION WITH LINDSEY AVENUE
RESOLUTION NO. 6152 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING A REVISED CLASS SPECIFICATION AND ESTABLISHING A
N EW SALARY RANGE FOR POLICE RECORDS SUPERVISOR
S
Council Minutes 3/24/98 -2-
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RESOLUTION NO. 6153 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY,
CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE CANVASS OF THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1998, BE MADE BY THE
CITY CLERK
ORDINANCES: None
RESOLUTIONS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
CITYWIDE TRASH PICK -UP AND STREET SWEEPING
Mr. Alvarez presented overhead transparencies reviewing the City's present trash and street
sweeping system, whereby trash is collected the day before street sweeping. He advised the City is
broken u p into five routes and explained that a problem occurs during approximately six holidays each
year that fall on Monday through Friday where trash pickup is delayed by one day due to the holiday and causes a conflict with the street sweeping schedule. He reviewed the alternatives considered to
remedy the conflict and advised that staff recommends leaving the schedule as is. He responded to
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comments from the Council.
Fred James, 9360 Samoline Avenue, President of the Downey Seniors Recreational Club,
commented that 115 of his members suggested leaving the schedule as is.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and
unanimously carried to make no changes to the street sweeping or refuse collection schedules.
DOWNEY AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS BETWEEN FIRESTONE BOULEVARD
AND FIFTH STREET
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Mr. Alvarez explained the Traffic Committee reviewed traffic controls on Downey Avenue
between Firestone Boulevard and Fifth Street and voted on four recommendations: (1) A protected
left -turn p hasing be installed for Downey Avenue at Firestone Boulevard; (2) A traffic signal be
installed at the intersection of Downey Avenue at Third Street; (3) The uncontrolled marked
crosswalk on Downey Avenue at Fourth Street be removed after the installation of a traffic signal at
Third Street; and (4) The stop signs on Downey Avenue at Second Street, removed by Council action
on January 28, 1997, should not be reinstalled. He explained the findings behind the recommendations
advisin g that staff recommends the Council concur with the Traffic Committee's recommendations.
He responded to comments from the Council.
Greg Fuller, 7201 Firestone Boulevard, spoke on behalf of the Board of Directors of the
Chamber of Commerce, advising the board appointed a Downtown Downey Subcommittee with most
Downtown Downey re Avenue merchants represented. This committee forwarded a report, approved by
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the Board of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, to the Council indicating their strong desire to have
Council Minutes 3/24/98 -3-
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the stop signs at Downey Avenue and Second Street reinstalled. He hoped the goals for the
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Downtown area that will affect traffic are made in conjunction with the long -term goals.
John Croshaw, 10921 Downey Avenue, owner of the business Johnny & Co., member of the
BRAID Committee (Business Retention and Attraction In Downey) and member of the Downtown
Downey Merchants Association, noted the focus is to recreate and revitalize Downey Avenue and to
do this the area must be pedestrian friendly. He felt this could not be accomplished without stop signs
at Downey Avenue and Second Street and he read a list of downtown businesses who concur.
Guy Sterner, 10303 Downey Avenue, stated the stop signs are important, noting each City
must have a focal point that identifies the City. Many communities are creating a downtown image
that is pedestrian friendly and safe.
Sam Guynn ( ?), co -owner of New Century Home & Investments on the corner of Downey
Avenue and Second Street, advised his business has been affected by the removal of the stop signs and
that two of his clients have been involved in accidents at this location. He requested the Council
strongly consider reinstallation of the stop signs.
Rosa De Porben, owner of Popcorn Video on Downey Avenue, noted she was not aware that
the sto p sig ns were going oing to be removed but waited to see what effect it would have. She advised her
clients have experienced unsafe conditions at this intersection and would appreciate the Council taking
action to do somethin g about it.
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Keith Carter, 11541 McGovern Avenue, stated it took a while for people to get used to the
removal of the stop signs at Downey Avenue at Second Street and noted speeds have increased in this
area. He said it is unsafe to pull out from this intersection and suggested the sight distance be looked
at.
Council Member Lawrence felt the removal of the stop signs was not working out for
pedestrian traffic and she advocated returning the signs until the bigger plan is established.
Council Member Brazelton asked if the signal at Third Street would be needed if the stop signs
were reinstalled at Second Street and was informed that the traffic signal is more necessary than the
stop signs and that together they would work in opposition.
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Council Member Brazelton suggested returning the stop sign at Second Street, holding ff
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the signal at Third Street and going forward with Items (1) and (3).
Council Member McCarthy was supportive of the stop signs at Second Street and suggested
revisiting the stop signs after the traffic signal at Third Street is installed.
Mayor Riley asked how many accidents occurred at Second Street before and after the signs
were removed and was informed this information was not readily available and would be forwarded.
Council Minutes 3/24/98 -4-
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It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and
unanimously carried to approve recommendation No. 1, not approve No. 2, but continue to study,
approve No. 3, not approve No. 4, but reinstall the stop signs at Downey Avenue and Second
Street.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, recalled the approval for installation of canopies at
the businesses on the south side of Firestone Boulevard between Downey Avenue and La Reina
Avenue, which the merchants did not like and now need painting, stating he hoped better planning
would be taken into consideration in any future plans for the downtown area.
Diane Boggs, 8625 Meadow Road, thanked the Council and Jim Jarrett for the honor
bestowed upon her of having the auditorium at the Community /Senior Center named the
"Diane Boggs Auditorium."
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (CONTD.)
MASTER AGREEMENT WITH TOOLEY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
Council Member Lawrence advised she would not participate in discussion of this item due to
a possible conflict of interest and left the dais.
Mr. Powell advised the Boeing/NASA facility, formerly known as the NASA/Rockwell facility,
has been downsizing over the last several years, resulting in loss of jobs and an economic impact on
the community. He referred to a map demonstrating how the property was divided into six parcels,
with parcels 3, 4, 5, and 6 designated as surplus property. The City is interested in purchasing this
property to create new jobs by attracting new businesses. The first part of the job creation effort is the
proposed Master Agreement with the Tooley Development Company, which applies to parcels 5 and 6
and would be an option agreement providing for the following: Grants three ground lease options to
Tooley to be exercised over a period of three years; stipulates various conditions that Tooley must ,•.,,
comply with in order to exercise an option; establishes a time schedule that Tooley must meet in order
to retain the rights to exercise an option; and establishes various agreements between the City and
Tooley related to Tooley's access to the property prior to the exercise of an option, indemnification
and insurance requirements, liability limitations, default provisions and the status of the NASA
property acquisition documents. The Agreement will be subject to four events prior to becoming
effective: The final approval of an actual ground lease form at a future City Council Meeting; approval
of the construction completion guarantee form; the final approval of the NASA acquisition documents;
and the official transfer of title from the government to the City for the property. Once the Master
Agreement becomes effective, the time schedule and conditions contained in the agreement
commence. The agreement was drafted by special counsel, Pat Ramsey of the law firm of Paul,
Hastings, Janofsky & Walker. He noted Mr. Ramsey and representatives Jim Williams and David
Cray from the Tooley Development Company were present to answer any questions. He responded to
comments from the Council.
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, mentioned reading a newspaper article today Le e y that he
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thought stated Boeing was retaining parcels 1, 2, 3 and 4.
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Mr. Caton advised that it was Boeing who suggested parcels 3, 4, 5 and 6 as they were no
longer needed for their work. The City attempted to purchase Parcel 3 for the site of a new Boeing
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building but this changed when Boeing moved their workforces, resulting in Downey jobs moving to
Seal Beach. The City's concern now is for the remaining 1900 Boeing jobs.
Mr. Whittington expressed concern with environmental pollution in the ground and buildings
and asked who would pay for cleanup if contaminants are found. He was informed NASA is required
by law to make sure properties it sells are environmentally clean; they have gone through the property
and analyzed the soil; also the City has conducted its own inspection and it was found that the
property was suitable for business development.
RESOLUTION NO. 6154
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING A MASTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
DOWNEY AND TOOLEY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY IN CONNECTION
WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF PARCELS 5 AND 6 OF THE NASA
PROPERTY
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Brazelton, seconded
by Council Member McCaughan, and unanimously carried (4 -0), with Council Member Lawrence
abstaining, to waive further reading and adopt.
Council Member Lawrence returned to the dais.
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT CIVIC CENTER FACILITIES AND
PARKS
Mr. Alvarez explained that on January 13th, Satsuma/Four -Star Landscape, who provides
contract landscaping for the City, notified the City they were terminating their contract effective May
13, 1998. New bids were sent out in two parts; one for parks and facilities maintenance, and the other
for parkways and miscellaneous areas. Seven companies submitted bids and Pro -Turf Landscape was
the lowest bidder. A background check was conducted and Pro -Turf was found to have performed
satisfactory work in other jurisdictions and was a
rY qualified bidder. Staff recommends the Council q
approve entering into a contract with Pro -Turf Professional Landscape Services Incorporated for
landscape maintenance services for a contract in the amount of $177,660 per year, and consent to the
mutual termination of the contract with Satsuma/Four -Star Landscape.
Council Member McCarthy asked how long Pro -Turf has been in business, what other
municipalities they have worked with and was informed that information would be provided.
Council Member Lawrence asked what maintenance was included for the parking structure,
referring to Page 44 of the report, and was informed that landscaping in this area is included.
Mr. Caton noted the current contractor is giving good service and while this bid is 30% lower
than the high bid received, it is a 10% increase above the current contract and will cost the City
$18,636 additional funds per year.
Council Minutes 3/24/98 -6- •
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Council Member McCarthy requested , re uested an up -to -date inventory of public areas that the City is
responsible for maintaining, mentioning he has received citizen complaints regarding green belts in the
City.
Mr. Caton advised that information will be supplied and requested notification of the particular
areas in question.
It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and
unanimously carried to (1) consent to mutual termination of contract with Four -Star Landscape
and (2) approve a contract with Pro -Turf Professional Landscape Services Inc. for landscape
maintenance services for parks, public facilities and miscellaneous landscape areas.
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval: None
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Council Member McCaughan mentioned receiving positive feedback regarding the street
improvements at Paramount Boulevard and Florence Avenue, especially the left turn bays with no
island in the middle, which improves the visual impact, and hopes this will be the trend in the future.
He complimented limented the Public Works Department and the contractor for the work performed.
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Council Member McCarthy noted the "tweeter" (sound device for the blind) has been
installed at the intersection of Florence Avenue and Paramount Boulevard.
Council Member McCarthy acknowledged the Adjournment in Memory of Mr. Clarence
Bailey, pointing out that Mr. Bailey was a tremendous supporter of the Downey community. He was
the owner of Bill Bailey Meats, was a big contributor to the East Downey Little League, a board
member of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, served as a representative of the Private Industry
Council for many years and will be sorely missed.
Council Member McCarthy mentioned retired Judge Don Wilson is in poor health and
encouraged prayers.
Council Member McCarthy expressed he was pleased to see the progress on projects in the
District 1: Steps toward the undergrounding of wires along Imperial Highway; progress on the NASA
site; expansion at the Coca Cola Bottling facility, with demolition of the old Bechtel building
underway, noting he toured the facility and was informed the expansion will continue its rating as the
largest soft drink production facility in the world; and the progress on the MRF facility (Materials
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Recycling Facility) on Washburn Road.
Council Member Brazelton complimented the street improvements on Florence Avenue and
thanked staff.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members
Mr. Caton recalled his memories of Mr. Clarence Bailey, who presented any problems or.
complaints roblem solver and offered suggestions estions on how to handle the situation. He was a real
as a problem
gentleman and will be missed.
Council Minutes 3/24/98 -7-
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ADJOURNMENT: 9 :50 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned in Memory of Clarence Bailey, longtime Downey
businessman, involved in many community activities over the years, to 6:30 p.m., April 14, 1998,
in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall.
Ar - 4e/i,
ith E. McDonnell, Cit y , Clerk Barbara J. ' ' e Mayor y
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