HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-26-98-Regular Meeting w CDC MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MAY 26, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
,,...,, Certificate of Recognition to Sara Young Contd. 1
Application by All Yellow Taxi, Inc. for permit y p to
conduct taxicab service in Downey Denied
y 3
Council Minutes: Regular Meeting 4/28/98 & Adjourned g g d� ourned &
Regular Meetings 5/12/98 Approved 3
Cash Contract S.S. 467, Citywide slurry seal, FY 1997 -98:
Appropriate Prop. C funds & award a unit price contract to
Roy Allan Slurry Seal, Inc. Approved 3
Warrants Issued: 143511 - 143958, $1,800,120.65 Approved 3
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination g System (NPDES)
Municipal Stormwater Permit - Educational Site Visit Program
Memorandum of Understanding: Approve the MOU & authorize
the City Manager to execute Approved 3
Extension of Contractual Agreement to provide construction
management for police facility upgrade project: Authorize
expenditure of asset forfeiture funds extending the services of
JC & Assoc. Development Consultants Approved 3
Approval of Amendment to Agreement between the Ferguson
Group & the City, lead agency for the LACDA Alliance Approved 3
Set hearing for Specific Plan 88 -1A, Rancho Business Center Set p.m.
hr g. 7:30
g p
6/9/98 3
Res. #6168, approving the appointment of L
pp g pp outs Apodaca,
Recreation & Community Services Commission, Dist. 1 Adopted 4
Res. #6169, approving the final '
pp g subdivision map of Parcel Map
23449 (12216 Old River School Rd.), approving an Agreement
with the subdivider & accepting a Certificate of Deposit ( #7711) Adopted 4
PAGE 1 OF 4
COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 26, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Res. #6170, approving the final subdivision map of Tract Map
No. 52409 (7813 -23 Stewart & Gray Rd.), approving an
Agreement with the subdivider & accepting an irrevocable
standby letter of credit as surety Adopted 4
Res. #6171, approving the application for Pedestrian Funds for
FY 1997 -98 authorized under Transportation Development Act
Article 3 (S.B. 821) Adopted 4
Res. #6172, appointing Desi Alvarez, Dir. of Public Works, as
the City's rep. to the Central Basin Water Assoc. & Greg
Mayfield, Water /Sanitation Superintendent, as alternative &
rescinding Resolution #5911 Adopted 4
City of Downey Budget for Fiscal Year 1998 -99 Set Study Session
5:00 p.m., 6/9/98 5
Community Policing & Mentoring for School Safety Pilot Prog. Approved 5
Cn. McCarthy suggested motivating workers from surrounding
buildings to use the upper floors of the new parking structure
and leave the first floor free for short term parking 5
Mayor Riley mentioned correspondence received re $18 million
approved by the Assembly Budget Subcommittee to the Public
Library Funds, which would bring Downey $190,000 if passed 6 ,...�
Jeanne Dowd requested a letter from the Council indicating their
interest in using a portion of the Rockwell site for historical use 6
Dorothy Carfrae submitted a letter published in the local
newspaper re the Hospital & thanked Council for the action .
taken tonight 6
Heidi Brooks mentioned code issues re her family's two pet Emus 6
Dr. J. Elder Bryan suggested the Council ask the District Attorney
of L. A. County to investigate the Hospital 6
Alien Korneff discussed Hospital issues & expressed disappointment
with legal action announced by the Council 7
PAGE 2 OF 4
COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 26, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION
PAGE NO.
Samuel Smock discussed •
ed Hospital issues & the Council to
work with Hospital leadership
7
Dr. John Kurnick complimented the Council on it legal action &
hoped the Council would continue its vigilance on behalf of the
community
7
Nick Shubin discussed leadership responsibilities at the Hospital
& reviewed misconceptions printed in
p p local newspapers 7
Donn Irving disputed comments of speakers from the Hospital
& stated the Hospital is in violation of the lease 7
Heather Conwell spoke of her concerns about the future of the
Hospital & addressed the issue of patient care 7
Ann Goad addressed changes in health care over past 20 years;
issues of patient care; and misconceptions by the communit y 7
n. La wrence request staff research the Emu issue Ref. to staff 8
Par -- Downey Mun Code 3 b Misc. Parkin
t) g
Regulations Ref. to staff 8
Cn. Brazelton re Hospital issue
8
Cn. Lawrence re Hospital issue 9
r ,
Cn. McCarthy re Hospital issue 9
Mayor Riley re the Hospital issue
9
Mr. Caton invited everyone to State of the City Address 5/27 9
Mr. Caton re Hospital issue 9
Mr. Caton re retirement of Police Officer John Meno
9
Mr. Caton referred to Ms. Dowd's comments re the
Aerospace Legacy Foundation's suggestions for the
Rockwell site
10
PAGE3OF4
COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 26, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Adjourned in Memory of Joel Lubin, long time Downey
y
resident, Member of the Cable TV Citizens Advisory
Committee & Water Facilities Corp., 10
Meeting adjourned to 5:00 p.m., June 9, 1998 10 _
h: \cclerk\sconte \tab10526
PAGE4OF4
F
108?9
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MAY 26, 1998
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular •
y y r gu ar meeting at 7:40 p.m., May 26, 1998, in
the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Barbara J. Riley
y y
PRESENT: Council Members:
Barbara J. Riley Mayor
Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. Mayor ProTem p ( arrived at 8:49 p.m.)
Robert S. Brazelton
Keith McCarthy
Joyce L. Lawrence
ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
g
Charles Vose, City Attorney
Joyce Doyle, Deputy City Clerk- Assistant Treasurer
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works
Greg Caldwell, Police Chief
Mark Sauter, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal
James Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Robert Brace, City Engineer
John Finch, Police Captain
Linda Haines, Building Official
Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev./City Planner
y y
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS: None
Mayor Riley announced that Sara Young was not present to receive her Certificate of
Recognition for School Crossing Guard of the Year.
HEARINGS
Mayor Riley opened the ublic hearing on APPLICATION p g ON BY ALL YELLOW TAXI,
INC. FOR A PERMIT TO CONDUCT TAXICAB SERVICE IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY,
which was continued from the Council Meeting of Ma y 12, 1998.
Ms. Yotsuya advised that the public hearing was continued t0 allow staff to conduct further
inquiries, as the applicant had countered that the staff report was inaccurate and resented documen
p is
and
testimony to support his claim. Staff's prior investigation concluded that Mr. Koo had current
Council Minutes 5/26/98 -1-
•
1 GOO
business permits for the cities of Lawndale, Santa Monica and Redondo Beach and was operating in
two other cities, Palos Verdes and Hermosa Beach, without proper business licenses. Mr. Koo
contested that he had, until recently, a permit to operate in the city of Torrance. The letter presented
was from the city of Torrance Finance Department informing him that he had been issued a permit in
error and was not allowed to operate a taxicab business in that city pending further review by the City
Council. On May 5, 1998, the Torrance City Council placed a moratorium on taxicab permits pending
further investigation and review; Mr. Koo cannot legally operate a taxicab business in the city of
Torrance at this time. The second letter submitted was from the Police Department of the city of
Hermosa Beach indicating that city does not require police permits to operate taxicabs; however, Mr.
Koo does need a business license and as of May 11, 1998, the Hermosa Beach Finance Department
showed no record of a business license on file. At the time of Downey's public hearing, Council
Member McCarthy requested financial statements and Downey Police Investigators also contacted Mr.
Koo for this information. As of this date, staff has not received the financial statements. After review
of original and subsequent investigations, Chief Caldwell recommends denial of the application to
operate a taxicab service 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.
Philip Girard, 1803 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, submitted financial statements.
He advised that All Yellow Taxi, Inc. specializes in Asian languages and is requesting a permit to
operate approximately five taxis for customers who speak Korean.
Council Member McCarthy referred to the financial statements submitted, which were for
1997, asking how many taxicabs were operating at that time, and was informed approximately 50.
Council Member Brazelton asked if Mr. Girard read stag's report and if he had concerns about
the factual information presented and Mr. Girard stated he had read the report, noting he brought the
financial statements requested, but he did not know the application had been denied.
Mayor Riley said no determination has been finalized on the application, pointing out that the
financial statements had been requested previously, which was one of the reasons the hearing was
continued. The statements were presented too late for the Council to study them during a meeting.
Mr. Girard indicated the management of All Yellow Taxi, Inc. did not understand and thought they
were to bring the documents tonight.
Ted Kang, 17782 Palo Verde Avenue, Cerritos, pastor of a Korean/American church in
Gardena, noted that participation in programs offered by his church is affected by the transportation
needs of the Asian members. All Yellow Taxi, Inc. is a tri- lingual service and would be a welcome and
needed service for church members who do not speak or understand English.
There being no one else to speak, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by
Council Member Brazelton, and so order to close the public hearing.
Council Minutes 5/26/98 -2-
i oo1
It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Brazeiton, and
unanimously carried (4 -0) to support staffs recommendation to deny the permit.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL:
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Riley announced that she would abstain from voting on Item VI -F -3, APPROVING
THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT MAP NO. 52409 (7813 -23 STEWART &
GRAY ROAD), due to a possible conflict of interest.
It was moved by Council Member Brazelton, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and
unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder
of the Consent Calendar as recommended, with the abstention by Mayor Riley on Item VI -F -3, as
noted:
COUNCIL MINUTES: REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 28, 1998, AND ADJOURNED
AND REGULAR MEETINGS, MAY 12, 1998: Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 467, CITYWIDE SLURRY SEAL FOR FISCAL YEAR
1997 -98 (ACCOUNT NO. 26- 16467): Appropriate Proposition C funds in the amount of
$15,300, and award a unit price contract, totaling $209,563.10 to Roy Allan Slurry Seal, Inc.
y ry ,
for the slurry sealing of various city streets: Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 143511 - 143958, $1,800,120.65: Approve.
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES)
MUNICIPAL STORMWATER PERMIT - EDUCATIONAL SITE VISIT PROGRAM
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU): Approve the MOU between the City
of Downey and the County of Los Angeles in connection with the NPDES Municipal
,--• Stormwater Permit, pertaining to the IndustriaUCommercial Educational Site Visit
Reimbursement Program, and authorize the City Manager to execute said document: Approve.
EXTENSION OF CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT FOR POLICE FACILITY UPGRADE PROJECT: Authorize the
expenditure of asset forfeiture funds in an amount not to exceed $20,000 extending the
services of JC and Associates Development Consultants for construction management services
for the Police Facility Upgrade Project: Approve.
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FERGUSON
GROUP AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY, LEAD AGENCY FOR THE LACDA
ALLIANCE: Approve.
SET HEARING FOR SPECIFIC PLAN 88 -1A, RANCHO BUSINESS CENTER: Set
public hearing for 7:30 p.m., June 9, 1998, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Ha11.
Council Minutes 5/26/98 -3 -
,,•
.S.
O3O2
RESOLUTION NO. 6168 (ADOPT)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNE
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF LOUIS APODACA TO THE
RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION,
COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT 1
RESOLUTION NO. 6169 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY •--�
APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF PARCEL MAP NO. 23449
(12216 OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT
WITH THE SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT
(NO. 7711) AS SURETY
RESOLUTION NO. 6170 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT MAP NO. 52409
(7813 -23 STEWART & GRAY ROAD), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT
WITH THE SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING AN IRREVOCABLE STANDBY
LETTER OF CREDIT AS SURETY
RESOLUTION NO. 6171 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR PEDESTRIAN FUNDS FOR FISCAL
YEAR 1997 -98 AUTHORIZED UNDER TRANSPORTATION
DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE 3 (S.B. 821)
RESOLUTION NO. 6172 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THI1 CITY OF DOWNEY
APPOINTING DESI ALVAREZ, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, AS THE
CITY'S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CENTRAL BASIN WATER
ASSOCIATION AND GREG MAYFIELD, WATER/SANITATION
SUPERINTENDENT, AS ALTERNATE AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION
NO. 5911
ORDINANCES: None
RESOLUTIONS: None
Council Minutes 5/26/98 -4-
10003 0 0 3
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
CITY OF DOWNEY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998 -99
The Council set the Budget Study Session for 5:00 p.m., June 9, 1998.
COMMUNITY POLICING AND MENTORING FOR SCHOOL SAFETY PILOT
PROGRAM
Chief Caldwell explained this is a joint project with the Downey Unified School District
(DUSD) brought about by Assembly Bill 367, authored by Assemblywoman Sally Havice, for grant
funds for school districts. DUSD applied for a $200,000 grant and asked the Downey Police
Department to participate. He reviewed the criteria for the program, noting an officer would be on
campus and would be available for mentoring students in conjunction with the 10 -20 Club for at -risk-
students and to resolve conflicts on campus, should they occur. He noted this program is for high
school campuses only and he felt it was worthy of police participation. The Police Department will be
required to put a 50% in -kind match, which is staff administration time, and the School District will
also be required to put in a 50% in -kind match. The Police Department's in -kind match is basically
program management, which would be patrol and detective managers for $30,000, patrol and
detective supervisors for $50,000, secretarial support for $5,000, uniform and equipment for $15,000.
These funds are already in line in the budget and will result in no fiscal impact. The School District in
essence will be hiring back police officers to be on campus during identified times and remitting those
funds with grant money received from the State of California.
Council Member McCarthy referred to the second paragraph of the report where it states the
officers who volunteer will be assigned, but they will actually be compensated, and was informed this
should say that a core group of officers will be allowed to volunteer for the overtime and will then be
assigned to the high school campuses. The School District will then reimburse the Police Department
through the grant.
It was moved by Council Member Brazelton, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and
unanimously carried (4 -0) to authorize the Downey Police Department to participate with the
Downey Unified School District in the Community Policing and Mentoring for School Safety
Pilot Program.
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Council Member McCarthy mentioned meeting with the Chamber of Commerce where there
was discussion of the parking structure and how the first floor is occupied by people working in the
surrounding buildings, which leaves it unavailable for use by retail customers for the businesses along
Downey Avenue. He suggested motivating the workers from surrounding buildings to use the upper
floors and leave the first floor free for short term parking.
Council Minutes 5/26/98 -5-
10 4
Mayor Riley mentioned correspondence she received advising the Assembly Budget
Subcommittee approved approximately $18 million to the Public Library Funds, which would bring
$190,000 to Downey, if passed.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Jeanne Dowd, 7409 Arnett Street, thanked the Council and City Manager for the attention
being given to the historical Rockwell property and to the Aerospace Legacy Foundation. She
requested public discussion so the community can understand what some of the options are and
requested a letter indicating the Council is willing to consider the proposition of using a p ortion of the
Rockwell property for the historical use described in her presentation, noting the Aerospace Legacy
Foundation can then approach different people who would perhaps develop the property. She
submitted a letter outlining these requests.
Dorothy Carfrae, 8526 Florence Avenue, submitted for the record a letter that was published
P
in the Downey Eagle last Friday. She noted the letter was a demand for action and expressed
appreciation for the Council's action this evening, hoping the Complaint for Declaratory Relief does
not fall short of remedying public concerns. She requested Council's support for the Sally Havice bill,
AB 146, which will be back before the Local Government Committee on June 3rd in Sacramento, and
encouraged Council's attendance on that date. She mentioned the importance of communication,
suggested calling an old - fashioned town hall meeting, and thanked Mayor Riley or the leadership roll
Y Y p
she plays on the issue of the Hospital.
Heidi Brooks, 7437 Benares Street, presented materials and pictures for the Council's
consideration regarding her family's two four -month old pet Emus. She referred to Downey
Municipal Code Section 9136.18 regarding domestic animals and advised that tomorrow the Southeast
Area Animal Control Authority ( SEAACA) and Code Enforcement intend to impound the Emus. She
felt that SEAACA and Code Enforcement knew too little about Emus to make a competent ruling as
to the safety and practicality of these animals as pets and have dubbed them as wild and vicious
creatures under Subsection (g) of the Code. She gave a brief history of the Emu and and felt the Code
did not prohibit Emus. She noted the Emus are family pets, and that her family plans to move to the
desert this summer. She asked the City to allow her to keep the birds until then, noting she has
prepared a Restraining Order to prevent Animal Control from impounding the birds, but hoped this
issue could be settled now.
Dr. J. Elder Bryan, 7926 E. Third Street, advised the District Attorney of Los Angeles County
met with several people from Downey several weeks ago and felt, from materials presented, there was
good reason to investigate the Hospital but he would rather work with the area's legislative body. He
suggested the Council endorse having the Mayor write a letter to the District. Attorney requesting an
investigation of the Hospital.
Allen Kornefl; President and Chief Executive Officer of Downey Community Hospital,
11500 Brookshire Avenue, noted the City Council and the Hospital should not work in any type e of
adversarial position but should move ahead and focus on the health care of the community. He
expressed disappointment in the Council's action tonight and explained he carne to correct some of the
errors and incorrect statements quoted by newspapers and presented verbally and in writin g to the
Council Minutes 5/26/98 -6-
10
Council by well - meaning citizens. He stated the officers and directors of DCH have always conducted
themselves in an honest, lawful manner and have done nothing to enhance their own financial well-
being, noting that most hospitals have merged with large corporations to survive but DCH has
remained a community based hospital and is proud of that fact. He hoped the City's leaders would
assist in that effort.
Samuel Smock, 317 La Jolla Avenue, Long Beach, Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Downey Community Hospital Foundation, noted the goal of the Hospital is survivability, which has
been threatened by the misguided efforts of a few local individuals. He stated the Council and City
Manager may attend all meetings of the Hospital Board, including special and executive session
meetings and are also invited to participate in educational sessions presented by experts. He discussed
the powers and responsibilities of the Hospital board, noting Hospital bylaws restrict the executive
session to voting members of the Hospital Board of Directors who do not otherwise have a conflict of
interest. Under the laws of the State of California, Downey Community Hospital is a private non -
profit corporation and is tax exempt under Federal and State income tax laws. It is not now and never
has been a public or governmental hospital. He urged the Council to work diligently with Hospital
leadership and felt it was unfortunate they felt it necessary to take legal action against the Hospital.
Dr. John Kurnick, 11411 Brookshire Avenue, complimented the Council on its legal action,
noting the Hospital did not respond appropriately to the City's Special Leg al Counsel after a letter
was sent advising them they were out of compliance with the lease. He hoped the Council would
continue its vigilance on behalf of the citizens of Downey.
Y
Nick Shubin, 10506 Birchdale Avenue, Chairman of DCH Health Services Board of Directors
discussed leadership's responsibilities at the Hospital and reviewed misperceptions printed about the
Hospital in local newspapers. He commented on the various health care programs associated with the
Hospital and said this is a time when the Hospital and the community need to look forward, not
backward.
Donn Irving, 9320 Via Amorita, disputed comments of three prior speakers regarding
P g g
Hospital issues and asked why they have not been more open and inclusive of people in the
community and have not met the terms of their lease. They are in violation of the lease and are not
operating in the best interest of this community.
Heather Conwell, 9411 La Serna Drive, Whittier, Administrative Director for Nursing Services
at DCH, spoke of her concern about the future of the Hospital and addressed the issue of patient
care and nurse -to- patient ratio, noting the average length of service for a registered nurse at DCH is
ten years. Nursing standards are evaluated annually and compared against other community standards,
P g Y
with patient satisfaction monitored continually. She gave examples of compliments received from
patients and their families and felt the community should be proud of the Hospital and its staff.
Y P P
Ann Goad, 405 E. Avenita Cordova, San Clemente, Administrative Director of Surgical
Services at DCH and Registered Nurse, spoke of the changes in health care during the 20 years she
has worked for DCH, where care has gone from fee for service to primarily managed care. She noted
some difficult decisions were made; however, the fruits of these decisions are evident with a hospital
every member of this community and all its employees should be proud of She discussed the high
Council Minutes 5/26/98 -7-
O 9 0 6
quality of patient care, which meets the strictest standards in health care; commented on the Hospital's
Cardiac center and Emergency Services Care Sections; and quoted a paragraph from a letter
complimenting the staff at the Hospital.
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members (Contd.)
Council Member Lawrence requested that staff research the situation involving the Emus.
Mr. Caton stated the Council is precluded by State Law from taking an action this evening on
anything not on the agenda; however, he asked that any action to be taken against the Emus tomorrow
be held off to allow staff time to review the information presented.
Council Member McCaughan arrived at the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
ORDINANCE 1001 - MISCELLANEOUS PARKING REGULATIONS
Council Member McCaughan mentioned Ordinance No. 1001 was adopted increasing the
weight for commercial vehicles parking on residential streets to 10,000 pounds. He rioted the number
of complaints he has received from residents regarding these vehicles parking in residential
neighborhoods and suggested Council consideration of referring this matter to staff for further study
and possible code amendment to reduce the permissible weight of commercial vehicles parking in
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residential areas and other permitted zones to around 5,000 pounds or less. He submitted an example
of the commercial vehicles he has received numerous complaints about.
Council Member Brazelton noted a number of recreational vehicles that are considerably larger
and heavier than the commercial vehicles also park continuously on residential streets, causing hazards
for lack of visibility. He suggested the study include recreational vehicles.
Council Member McCaughan felt these issues should be dealt with separately.
Council Member Lawrence noted that some larger pickup trucks are required to have
commercial licenses and asked for pictorial reminders of what was allowed when Ordinance 1001 was
adopted.
Council Mernber McCarthy suggested approaching this issue with caution, noting some people
use their work vehicles as their personal vehicle as well. He would prefer looking at what was
reviewed previously.
Mayor Riley noted she has had a complaint about the particular truck given as an example and
noted it blocks the view of people backing out and is a safety hazard for children.
Referred to staff.
Council Member Brazelton expressed appreciation to Hospital members for attending this
meeting and mentioned the goal for the hospital has been and will continue to be excellent quality of
care and financial stability. He discussed the review by the City's special legal counsel which
Council Minutes 5/26/98 -8-
0 9 0 "I
confirmed the relationship between the City and Hospital is that of landlord /ten ant and the City has to
. . p
look to the lease to determine the rights and obligations of each art noting one of the '
party, g e provisions of
the lease is that the City Council and City Manager are entitled to attend Hospital Board meetings. gs. He
commented on recent changes to the Hospital Board, including reorganization of the Hospital in 1994
and subsequent amendment of the bylaws. He said if issues are not resolves, the n legal action
o
announced tonight will go forward.
Council Member Lawrence mentioned attending the Hospital Board '
g p oard meeting this morning and
did not agree with the tone that was taken with the Council. She expressed pride in the nursing
. p p star
at DCH, advising she formerly worked at the Hospital. When people questioned the quality of car
p p q q y eat
the Hospital she went there to check this out and was satisfied that some of the deficiencies were
mostly of a bookkeeping/managerial nature and were resolved. She mentioned h
t e public process of
i
emnent domain used to create the Hospital and allow it '
p t to expand and thinks there is a moral
obligation on the part of the Board to at least acknowledge this and be more open g p with the
community. In response to Ms. Carfrae's comments, she noted she felt tonight's meeting is a T
g g Town
Hall
Meeting.
Council Member McCarthy noted the Council, as servants of the u l' '
p b ic, has. an obligation to
the public on issues of the Hospital in its role as lessor, and to fulfill its role '
ore on the Hospital Board.
The Council does not have a vote but cares deeply about the success of the Hospital and wants
s
parties.
cooperation between the two
p
Mayor Riley responded to comments by Dr. Elder Bryan stating she will attend a
ry g meeting
tomorrow afternoon with the gentleman he referred to and will speak to him on this matter. She
referred to Council Member Brazelton's comment regarding board members being removed from the
e
Board for asking questions and stated that any board member should be able to speak in opposition
without fear p pp
tear of another bylaw being created or being kicked of the board. She mentioned the many
contributions by volunteers over the last 41 years, stating the financial well-being of t he H
g g Hospital
comes from the community and the service given as volunteers and from fundraisers, donations,
and other means. She expressed further views regarding issues involving the Hospital and the
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Council's right to attend Board meetings. She said it will take change from both sides to bring h
g gt the
Hospital back to what is used to be.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members
Mr. Caton invited everyone to his State of the City address tomorrow mornin g at 7:00 a.m.
at the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Caton noted the Hospital is the most vexing problem in the City and the eo le who can
p p
solve that problem are sitting here this evening. His office is available if either side would like to come
and talk.
f
Mr. Caton noted the retirement of heroic Police Officer John Mena who was hit b y a drunk
driver at Fifth Street and Brookshire three years ago and nearly lost his life. Officer Meno came e back
and worked very hard to rehabilitate himself but could not quite come back to the standard needed f
q ed or
police officers.
Council Minutes 5/26/98 -9-
10908
Mr. Caton referred to Ms. Dowd's comments regarding the Aerospace Legacy Foundation,
stating it is very important to remember what happened at the old Rockwell site. He stated Boeing is
still alive and well in Downey and occupying every building the Federal Government owns on that site.
He noted the number one priority and greatest legacy for the site is to preserve the Boeing jobs and
have them build or at least design new space craft for the coming century.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:25 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned in memory of Joel Lubin, long time Downey resident,
Member of the Cable TV Citizens Advisory Committee and Water Facilities Corporation, as
well as being involved in many community activities over the years; his wife Shirley is the
Principal at Pace Elementary School, to 5:00 p.m., June 9, 1998, in the Council Chamber of
Downey City Hall.
Joyce Doyle, Deputy City Clerk Barbara J 'ley, Ma o
Y
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Council Minutes 5/26/98 -10-