HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-04-28-98-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APRIL 28, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Announcement of First Place Certificate Winners of the
Second Century Foundation's essay contest 1
Proclamation re Kidsday, May 9, 1998
Proclamation re Drinking Water Week, May 3-9, 1998 1
Proclamation re Water Awareness Month, May 1998 2
Proclamation re Fire Service Recognition Day, May 9, 1998
Proclamation re Elks Youth Week, May 3-9, 1998 2
Proclamation re National Day of Prayer, May 7, 1998 2
Proclamation re Hire a Veteran Week, May 3-9, 1998
Proclamation re Motorcycle Awareness Month, May 1998 2
1998-99 Consolidated Action Plan for Community
Development Block Grant and HOME Investment
Partnership Program Grants: Approve the Action Plan, &
authorize the City Manager to submit the Action Plan,
required HUD Certifications, & HUD SF-24 Application Approved 3
Application by All Yellow Taxi, Inc. for a permit to conduct Continued hrg.
taxicab service in the City to 7:30 p.m., 5/12/98 5
Dan Latham invited Council & City Manager to meeting of
. the Aerospace Legacy Foundation at 1:00 p.m., 5/17/98 5
Res. #6158, establishing an underground utility district for the
northerly & southerly sides of Imperial Hwy. from the westerly
City limit to the easterly City limit Adopted 6
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar
Council Minutes: Adjourned & Regular Meetings, 4/14/98 Approved 6
PAGE 1 OF 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 28, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Warrants Issued: 142664 - 143074, $1,683,191.17 Approved 6
Appropriations for Law Enforcement Program: Appropriate
$167,932.79 for the 1996 -97 Supplemental Law Enforcement
Service Fund (SLESF) & $226,779 for the 1997 -98 SLESF Approved 7
Res. #6159, amending that certain Agreement entitled "Joint
Exercise of Powers Agreement of the Gateway Cities Council
of Governments" Adopted 7
Res. #6160, approving a new pay table for part -time employees Adopted 7
Res. #6161, approving the appointment of Dale Arriaga to the
Emergency Preparedness Committee for Council Dist. 2 Adopted 7
Ord. #1049, amending Part 5 of Chapter 5 of Article VI of the
Downey Municipal Code pertaining to Massage Establishments Adopted 7
Ord. #1050, amending Section 6181, 6182, 6184, 6185, 6187
of the Downey Municipal Code & adding Subsection 6184.1 &
6185.1 to the Downey Municipal Code re Utility Users Tax Adopted 7
Correspondence from West Downey Little League re lighting Referred to Rec. &
ball fields at Furman Park Comm. Svcs. Comm.
& Traffic Comm. 9
One -Year review of Neighborhood Preservation Program:
Approve proposed modifications Approved 10
Request to contract for Private Jailer Services: Authorize the
police dept. to enter into a contract with Correctional Systems,
Inc. (CSI), to provide jailer services to the police dept. jail Approved 11
Cn. McCarthy requested uested that floodplain maps be displayed
in the City Hall lobby & at the Library 11
Mayor Riley noted the $1 million worth of volunteer hours
donated to Downey Community Hospital, Downey City Library,
& Rancho Los Amigos Hospital 11
g p
PAGE 2 OF 3
•
COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 28, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Mr. Caton thanked the Public Works Dept. staff for completing
renovation of the Downey Theatre fountain & suggested a
rededication ceremony of the fountain For Downey veterans 11
Adjourned in Memory of City Employee R
� ry y Robert Newman,
residential rehabilitation worker, Housing Division 11
Meeting adjourned to b : 3 0 . m. May 12, 199
8
g J p � y � 11
h:lcclerk\sconteltab10428
PAGE 3 OF 3
10 876
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APRIL 28, 1998
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:39 p.m., April 28, 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, Cit y 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
John Finch, Police Captain
Christina Garcia, Neighborhood Preservation Coordinator
Linda Haines, Building Official
Bonnie Kehoe, Manager Recreation Division
Terry Pruitt, Police Lieutenant
Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing ,•�,
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
y y g er
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Riley ntroduced Lois Buchanan, who announced the First Place Certificate winners
y Y
of the Second Century Foundation's essay contest, the topic of which was "Downey's Pride In
History." First Place winners were Ricky Macias, St. Raymond's School, Tyler Day, Calvary Chapel
Christian School, Ashlei Lien, St. Raymond's School, and Eva Morlok, Warren High School.
Mayor Riley presented to Grace Wallace & Kaili Rowland a Proclamation declaring
Saturday, May 9, 1998, Kidsday, to be held at Furman Park.
Mayor Riley presented to Ken Beckner, Water Advisory Board Chairman, a Proclamation
declaring the week of May 3 -9, 1998, Drinking Water Week.
Council Minutes 4/28/98 -1-
i I
10877
Mayor Riley also presented to Ken Beckner a Proclamation declaring the month of May
1998, Water Awareness Month.
Mayor Riley presented to Fire Chief Ron Irwin a Proclamation declaring Saturday, May 9,
1998, Fire Service Recognition Day.
Mayor Riley presented to Marc Curd and Rick Skolfield, Elks Lodge 2020 Youth Activity
y
Directors, a Proclamation declaring May 3, 1998, the beginning of Elks Youth Week.
,...� Mayor Riley read a Proclamation declaring Thursday, May 7, 1998, National Day of
Prayer.
Mayor Riley presented to Jesse Ramirez, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist, a
Proclamation declaring the week of May 3 - 9, 1998, Hire A Veteran Week.
Mayor Riley presented to Bob Coats on behalf of ABATE of California, a Proclamation
declaring the month of May 1998, Motorcycle Awareness Month.
HEARINGS
Mayor Riley opened the public hearing on 1998 -99 CONSOLIDATED ACTION PLAN
FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM GRANTS.
Mr. Yoshiki explained that staff requested the Council review the Action Plan proposal for
1998 -99, which represents approximately $1.8 million, and authorize the City Manager to submit. He
noted the required community meetings were held in January and correspondence requesting funding
assistance was received from ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens), Southern California
Rehabilitation Services, and Aggressive Community Training Services Foundation. These requests fall
under the portion of the allocation titled Public Service Programs. He described the various activities
recommended under the following programs: Property Improvement Preservation; Code
Enforcement; Public Service Programs; Section 108 Loan Program; Home Ownership Assistance
Program; General Program Administration; and Capital Improvements /Contingency and responded to
comments from the Council.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was so ordered to receive and
file.
Mayor Riley asked if there was any correspondence received regarding the 1998 -99
Consolidated Action Plan and was informed that a letter was received from Norbert Weinberg,
Chairman of the Project Area Committee, in support ofNei Neighborhood Preservation projects resulting
g p J g
from neighborhood community meetings and recommending these be funded from CDBG funds. It
was so ordered to receive and file the correspondence.
Mayor Riley asked if there was anyone who wished to speak regarding the 1998 -99
Consolidated Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant & HOME Investment Partnership
Program Grants.
Council Minutes 4/28/98 -2-
iO8?8
i
Kevin MacDonald, Executive Director of Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC), advised
that ARC submitted a request for $20,000, mentioning possible areas where funding could be
designated, and urged the Council to reconsider the allocation of funds for ARC.
There being no one else to speak, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by
Council Member Brazelton, and so ordered to close the public hearing.
Council Member Lawrence requested information on actual services provided to the Downey
community by the Rio Hondo Temporary Home; how many people were assisted with the $14,000
allocated for Fair Housing Services; and inquired as to what happened to the funds allocated last year
for Housing Production, the CHDO. She was informed information would be forwarded regarding the
Rio Hondo Temporary Home; the Fair Housing Service is a standby program with 424 individuals
directly benefiting last year; and that last year's CHDO funds have not been spent yet; however, it is
Y g ear
Y� Y p Y� a
mandated that 15 percent of the allocation be set aside each year for this fund. She expressed support
of continuing funding for the At -Risk -Youth program and would like to see statistics and reports. She
requested that staff designate at least $5,000 each to ARC and the Southern California Rehabilitation
Services.
Council Member McCarthy asked staff to explain the basis for funding for this program and
how the figure the City receives is calculated. Mr. Velasco explained that the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) distributes money to eligible communities according to population
and the number of low and moderate income residents. Council Member McCarthy asked if there was
a history of defaults in the home loan programs and was informed there have been none to -date.
Council Member McCarthy suggested taking a percentage from the combined Housing/ -
Neighborhood Improvement Program, Senior Paint & Fix-up, and Home Buyer Assistance Program
g p g p Y g
and designating these funds to ARC and Southern California Rehabilitation Services. Staff advised
they are restricted on how much can be spent on public services, which is currently $214,000.
Council Member McCaughan felt that a concentrated effort of the funds in one program offers
the best potential for its use and would obtain the maximum impact, mentioning the Neighborhood
Preservation Program as an example.
Mayor Riley requested placing the funding for the Rio Hondo Temporary Home at $5,000 for
this year and studying this program. This would leave $10,000 for ARC and $5,000 for Southern
California Rehabilitation Services.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously carried to approve the Action Plan for Program Year 1998 -99, with the Mayor's
recommendation to change the allocation for the Rio Hondo Temporary Home to $5,000 and
request financial reports, allocate $10,000 to ARC, $5,000 to the Southern California
Rehabilitation Center, and authorize the City Manager to submit the Action Plan, required
HUD Certifications, and HUD SF -424 Application.
Prior to the vote, Council Member Lawrence requested a report on the Rio Hondo Temporary
Home before the next CDBG hearing and was informed this would be forwarded.
Council Minutes 4/28/98 -3-
10879
Mayor Riley opened the public hearing on A PPLICATION BY ALL YELLOW TAXI,
P p g AXI,
INC. FOR A PERMIT TO CONDUCT TAXICAB SERVICE IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was so ordered to receive and
file.
Ms. Yotsuya reported that the owner of All Yellow Taxi, Inc., Mr. Alan Koo, supplied the
documents required by the Downey Municipal Code, noting the Code also requires an investigation of
the owner and each driver. An investigation was conducted by the Police Department, which
,... disclosed that Mr. Koo was operating in the cities of Palos Verdes and Hermosa Beach without proper
p
permits. The company has only been in business for one month and does not have an established
business track record. The investigation also concluded that Mr. Koo is currently involved in the
application process to operate a taxicab service with the Cit y of Torrance and a permit has not been
•
issued due to the discovery of an ongoing fraud investigation being conducted by the Los Angeles
Police Department, as well as a financial audit by the California Department of Transportation. She
advised that, based on this information, the Police Chief has recommended denial of the application for
a taxicab permit by All Yellow Taxi, Inc.
There was no correspondence received regarding this matter.
Mayor Riley asked if the representative of All Yellow Taxi, Inc. wished to address the Council
at this time.
James Belt, Supervisor for All Yellow Taxi, Inc., introduced Mr. Koo, Owner of All Yellow
Taxi, Inc., and advised the company has been in operation for three months. He explained that he and
p p
Mr. Koo went to Los Angeles and spoke with Officer Wilson, who is investigating the alleged
allegations, and were informed he did not have any information and could not issue letters to support
pp
any allegations at this time.
Council Member McCarthy stated that financial statements were requested, however, personal
�...,, checking account records were supplied. He advised he supported staffs recommendations at this
time.
Paul Kang, Senior Pastor of the Korean Living Water Church, 2440 West 233rd Street,
Torrance, CA, 90501, advised that the cities of Palos Verdes and Hermosa Beach do not require
permits to operate a taxicab service in their cities and that Mr. Koo has letters from both of these cities
giving him approval to operate his business and hoped this misunderstandin g could be corrected. He
explained that many Korean people have a hard time communicating due to the language barrier and
recommended that Mr. Koo be allowed to operate his taxicab business in the City of Downe y to serve
these people. He stated he has known Mr. Koo for fifteen years and strongly recommends him, stating
he is not violating any rules and laws in any city.
. y
Mayor Riley asked if there was anyone who wished to speak in opposition.
p pp
Victor Caballero, representing Fiesta Taxi, supported staffs recommendation that the license
for All Yellow Taxi, Inc. not be approved tonight due to the effect it would have on his business
stating his company could provide the services mentioned.
Council Minutes 4/28/98 -4-
10
Mayor Riley asked if the applicant wished to speak in rebuttal?
Paul Kang submitted a letter from the City of Torrance dated March 24, 1998, giving
Mr. Koo permission to operate his business. He noted the permit was suspended due to
misinformation received from another company. He also submitted a letter from the City of Hermosa
Beach from the Chief of Police that mentions they do not require a permit to operate a taxi business.
He stated they did not intend to violate any rules and will correct this, if proven to be in violation.
Chief Caldwell advised the information in the letters submitted by Mr. Koo is different than the
information given to the City's investigators. He felt there was enough information to warrant further
contact with these cities to straighten out any discrepancies and asked for a continuance of the public
hearing to the meeting of May 12th.
It was moved by Council Member Brazelton, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
carried by the following vote to continue the public hearing to 7:30 p.m., May 12, 1998.
AYES 4 Council Members: McCaughan, Lawrence, Brazelton, Riley
NOES 1 Council Members: McCarthy
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Dan Latham, 9615 Birchdale Avenue, member of the Aerospace Legacy Foundation,
submitted invitations inviting the Council and City Manager to the Foundation's meeting at Joe
K's Deli on May 17th at 1:00 p.m..
HEARINGS (CONTD.)
Mayor Riley opened the public hearing on ESTABLISHMENT OF UNDERGROUND
UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 17 - IMPERIAL HIGHWAY BETWEEN THE WESTERLY AND
EASTERLY CITY LIMITS.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication and Affidavit of Mailing of
Notices. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and
so ordered to receive and file.
Mr. Alvarez explained that the process to establish Underground Utility District No. 17 was
initiated on March 10th, with workshops held April 16th and 18th at the Community /Senior Center to
provide information to impacted property owners. He advised that undergrounding will improve the
overall appearance of the area and will increase the liability of utility services. The work will be done
in three phases to accommodate funding limitations: Phases I and II will remove distribution lines and
completion is estimated by December 31, 2001; Phase III includes undergrounding of the transmission
facilities, the taller power poles along the southerly side of Imperial Highway, and will be completed in
May of the year 2005. The cost is primarily born by the utility companies in the estimated amount of
$12 million. The City proposes to replace the lighting system along Imperial Highway concurrently
with this project at a cost of approximately $800,000. These funds are to be taken from gas tax finds.
The increased operating and maintenance costs will be paid through the street lighting and
maintenance district, which is an assessment that is placed each year on property taxes. Any increase
Council Minutes 4/28/98 -5-
1088
in the assessments must be approved by the impacted property owners, therefore, ballots will be
prepared for an election by the impacted property owners to see if they are willing to support an
increase in the assessment for the street light system. He advised that the utility companies will pay
everything up to each property's point of connection and the connection of each property to the
undergrounding system will be paid for by the property owner. The estimated cost for single family
residences is $500• for multi-family and commercial properties, up to $2,500.
Y P p � p
There was no correspondence received regarding this matter.
r •••, 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. 6158
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ESTABLISHING AN UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT FOR THE
NORTHERLY AND SOUTHERLY SIDES OF IMPERIAL HIGHWAY FROM
THE WESTERLY CITY LIMIT TO THE EASTERLY CITY LIMIT
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan,
seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and
adopt and authorize the City Engineer to enforce the provisions of Chapter 5, Article VII, of
the Downey Municipal Code.
Council Member McCaughan asked for information on how these projects are selected and for
information on the prior project on Florence Avenue that was not completed.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
,.�
Agenda Item VI - CORRESPONDENCE FROM WEST DOWNEY LITTLE LEAGUE
REGARDING LIGHTING BALL FIELDS AT FURMAN PARK, was removed at the request of
Council Member McCaughan.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, n
y g y 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, APRIL 14, 1998:
Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 142664 - 143074, $1,683,191.17: Approve.
Council Minutes 4/28/98 -
l
1 0982
APPROPRIATIONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM: Appropriate
$167,932.79 for the 1996 -97 Supplemental Law Enforcement Service Fund (SLESF)
and $226,779 for the 1997 -98 SLESF: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 6159 (ADOPT)
III
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY F DOWNEY
OWNEY
AMENDING THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT ENTITLED "JOINT
EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT OF THE GATEWAY CITIES
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS" ,...,
RESOLUTION NO. 6160 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING A NEW PAY TABLE FOR PART -TIME EMPLOYEES
RESOLUTION NO. 6161 (ADOPT)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF DALE ARRIAGA TO THE
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE FOR COUNCILMANIC
DISTRICT TWO
ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE NO. 1 049
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING PART 5 OF CHAPTER 5 OF ARTICLE VI OF THE DOWNEY
MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan,
y
seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and
adopt.
ORDINANCE NO. 1050
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 6181, 6182, 6184, 6185, 6187 OF THE DOWNEY
MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADDING SUBSECTION 6184.1 AND 6185.1 TO
THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO UTILITY USERS TAX
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan,
seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and
adopt.
Council Minutes 4/28/98 -7-
08 3
Sylvia Granados, Regional Manager of Southern California Edison Company, mentioned h
that
Edison has been discussing this issue with staff and has reached common round with the language
g � e g
used in the Ordinance, with the understanding that if at any time Southern California E
g y Edison Company
is not able to recover overpayments to the City for the Utility Users Tax, they would brin g this back to
the table to discuss another recovery mechanism. She noted they appreciate that the door has been left
open between the City Attorney and Edison's Legislative Analyst and commended Lowell Williams for
making her job easier.
Margaret Pashko, District Manager for the Southern California Gas Company, commended
staff for their work revising the language of this Ordinance to meet the evolving energy marketplace.
ii $ gY p
She advised that revisions were initiated because of electric industry deregulation, however, the
rY l� � gas
g
industry has been deregulated for the past 10 years, with more changes occurring in the near future,
,
and she appreciated the open door policy the City has taken.
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval
y pp oval
CORRESPONDENCE FROM WEST DOWNEY LITTLE LEAGUE REGARDING
LIGHTING BALL FIELDS AT FURMAN PARK
Mayor Riley explained that correspondence was received advising that the West Downey Little
. . g Y
League has the potential to be a recipient of a grant for $100,000, suggesting the funds be used for
lighting the ball fields at Furman Park. She asked that a representative of Little League speak on this
matter.
Bob Winningham, 8346 Lexington Road, representing Northwest Downey Little Lea
p g Y League,
advised that the California Angels and Walt Disney Corporation notified the League of a ro osed
p p
gift of $100,000 earmarked for baseball field improvements. The League's suggestion for use of the
funds is lighting of the ball fields at Furman Park and asks that the Council consider this. He noted
residents are in attendance and he wants to open a line of communication to hear any con
p y terns.
The following residents spoke in opposition to lighting the ball fields, expressing reasons such
g �
as street safety hazards due to a lack of daylight, property destruction, litter thrown about, no arkin
p g
for residents and their guests, and cars parked illegally across driveways. It was noted they live with
.i y
these conditions four months out of the year during baseball season but do not want to live with them
every day of the year or any additional hours in the evening made possible by lighting the fields.
Wanda Cowan, 10436 Wiley Burke
Allen Ulenburg (Sp.?), 10442 Wiley Burke
Angelo D Eramo, 10431 Wiley Burke
Jose Cruzado, 10407 Wiley Burke
Jo Sulme, 10410 Wiley Burke
Richard Cawley, 10414 Wiley Burke
Bob Winningham noted that parking is the main issue, statin g p no one expressed a concern with
invasion of their privacy by the lights. He guaranteed that the Little League would not use the p ark
anymore than it currently does. The lights would allow the League to start games at 5:00 p.m. due to
daylight savings time. He explained that parking will always be a problem at Furman Park, as there
Council Minutes 4/28/98 -
i0884
are only 50 parking available parking spaces, and suggested the possibility of alternative parking and
that the lights only be used for Little League and DJAA baseball. He noted that if funds cannot be
accepted, the money will be given to someone else. He stated the fields and lighting can be controlled.
g g
Mayor Riley asked if the parking lot at Rio Hondo School was open and the response was yes,
and this brings an additional 55 spaces.
Pete Nadel, 7802 Farm Street, spoke in favor of the lights as long as usage is controlled. He
noted that parking is no more difficult during Little League season than it is during the summer
concerts in the park or during summer weekends when more people use the parks. He noted the City ,...,,
could limit the hours the lights are used and encouraged the Council to consider alternatives to the
issues mentioned earlier.
Council Member McCaughan said traffic has always been a concern along with parking and the
fact that the lights are left on at the tennis courts occasionally. He felt lights would assist Little
League and DJAA in accomplishing their season play more efficiently with no extensions and
suggested looking at the placement of lights. He noted he is against any extension of the baseball
season or additional hours of play daily and felt there had to be absolute control of the lights by the
City. He requested the opinion of the Parks and Recreation Commission along with the neighbors
involved as to whether or not there might be a possibility of a solution that could benefit the kids and
at the same time taking the neighbors into consideration. He felt the Traffic Commission needs to
look at the parking issue at Furman Park, noting other cities do have parking restrictions and issue
permits to residents for the premium parking spaces at parks and beaches. He suggested moving this
item to the Recreation and Community Services Commission to see how it fits into their master plan
and also to the Traffic Committee to keep the dialogue going with the neighbors and the Northwest
Downey Little League.
Council Member McCarthy felt it was a great opportunity and he hoped it would not be passed
up, and that the two sides could get together and come to a resolution.
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and ,�...,
unanimously carried to consider lighting the ball fields at Furman Park and refer the issue to the
Recreation and Community Services Commission to discuss at their next meeting and to the
Traffic Committee for review and notice neighbors of these meetings.
Council Member Brazelton advised he was in favor of more dialogue and felt the direction of
the lighting was not a concern. He felt this issue warrants more discussion and asked if there was a
time limitation. He was informed that the Angels and Disney Corporation are looking to hear from the
City in a positive manner. Council Member Brazelton suggested that neighbors within a reasonable
area should receive notice of the meeting to allow them the opportunity to participate.
Mayor Riley called for a recess at 9:55 p.m. and reconvened at 10:02 p.m. with all Council
Members present.
RESOLUTIONS: None
Council Minutes 4/28/98 -9-
0-44
10885
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
ONE -YEAR REVIEW OF NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION PROGRAM
Christina Garcia, Neighborhood Preservation Coordinator, provided a review of the program
ram p p g
and proposed modifications. Achievements mentioned were: strong neighborhood participation,
effective departmental coordination, heightened interaction between City staff and neighborhood
• y �
preservation areas, and increased education of residents about neighborhood preservation g p ese anon resources.
She reviewed the objectives of the program: law enforcement, blight elimination, housing
rehabilitation and community outreach and education and noted that a simple way to educate residents
is through dissemination of materials. She referred to the directory developed by intern Kim
Steinlechner, "City of Downey Neighborhood Resources Directory", which she hoped could be made
available citywide. She reviewed areas of the program she felt could be improved, such as,
designating one neighborhood at a time for a stronger and more lasting impact, identifying in funds now
for potential projects next year, and enhancement of community outreach and education programs.
p g
She proposed modifications to increase the level of success of the program: (1) narrowly define the
mission of the ro ram to reflect the main objectives, (2) establish Ph I p g ) , Phase and Phase II
neighborhoods, with the recommendation that the current preservation areas of Dinwiddie/Pellet
p ,
Golden Park, and Adco/Neo be classified as Phase II, and designate one Phase I neighborhood,
specifically Elm Vista Drive, (3) begin estimating the costs of future projects in the Phase I
neighborhood and work to secure CDBG, HOME, and Housing Set -aside Funds, (4) g , identify staff'
members to serve on an ad -hoc committee responsible for devising a neighborhood preservation plan
g g p p
for the Phase I neighborhood, and (5) encourage the development of resources and public service
programs that address neighborhood problems citywide. She responded to Council comments.
Council Member McCaughan asked if it was felt that adequate funds are available to
accomplish the objectives mentioned and was informed by Chief Caldwell that hiring a Police Aid for
this program is already in the budget for next year and it is felt, after moving into one more Phase I
and observing how Phase II evolves, they will have a better idea by next year of what is needed to
make this an ongoing fruitful program. Ms. Garcia felt, with current available funds and the
recognition by City departments that this program is a priority of the Council, that the program will be
successful this year.
It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and
y Y ,
unanimously carried to approve the proposed modifications to the Neighborhood Preservation
Program.
REQUEST TO CONTRACT FOR PRIVATE JAILER SERVICES
Lieutenant Terry Pruitt explained the current booking p rocess uses field officers and takes
approximately two hours, averaging about $13,000 a month. Arrestees spend some time in the City's
jail before being transferred and the law mandates they are checked once every 30 minutes. This
responsibility falls on the desk officer making him unavailable for other duties. It is felt that
Correctional in Systems, Inc. (CSI) will provide a unique service for the police department that will
jailer result n better overall police service. The contract will provide for one to be on duty around the
clock to complete prisoner bookings, conduct jail checks, and in most cases transport prisoners to
other facilities. It is felt it will result in increased arrest statistics, as this has been the case in other
Council Minutes 4/28/98 -10-
0836
cities contacted who have this type of program. The first year cost with CSI is $153,400, with funds
already on deposit from the State of California Option for Public Safety Program Grant (COPS). A $3
million dollar liability insurance policy is included in the price of the contract that should help insulate
the City from legal claims. It is felt the proposed program will allow officers to spend less time doing
clerical work and more time doing police work. He noted that each city that has implemented a
similar program has received high praise from their street officers. He responded to comments from
the Council.
It was moved by Council Member Brazelton, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and
unanimously carried to authorize the police department to enter into a contract with Correctional r--,
Systems, Inc. (CSI), to provide private jailer services to the police department jail.
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Council Member McCarthy requested that floodplain maps, with a definition of the codes, be
displayed in the City Hall lobby and at the Library to remind people to consider their circumstances.
Mayor Riley commended the volunteer recognition dinners and lunches held during the last
couple of weeks, noting over $ l million worth of volunteer hours was donated between Downey
Communit y Hospital, ital, the Library, Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, and the Downey PTA Council Helps
Program.
OTHER BUSINESS - Stag Members
Mr. Caton thanked the Public Works Department, in particular Shirley Bennett, stating the
Downe y p Theater fountain is now back in operation. He suggested the City consider a rededication
ceremony of the fountain for Downey's veterans.
ADJOURNMENT: 10:38 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned in memory of City Employee Robert Newman, Residential
Rehabilitation Worker, Housing Division, to 6:30 p.m., May 12, 1998, in the Council Chamber of
Downey City Hall.
i r
lat.. r : + .t
�' 4C d
J 1 ith E. McDonnell, City Clerk Barbara J. ' ' e , Ma
H:\ CCLERK \SCONTEVMINLTTES \CCMN0428. WPD
Council Minutes 4/28/98 -.11-