HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06-09-98-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
JUNE 9, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Fire Department Meritorious Service Award to Julie Sewell 1
Central Basin District's 1998 Water Awareness Month
Poster Contest winner Kevin Carranza 1
Certificate of Appointment to Louis Apodaca, Recreation &
Community Services Commission, Dist. 1 1
Presentation of 1998 Rose Float Portrait 2
Ord., adopting Specific Plan SP 88-1A for Phase IIA of Rancho
Business Center on property located South of Flores Street,
East of the Railroad Introduced 3
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 3
Council Minutes: Adjourned & Regular Meetings 5/26/98 Approved 3
Cash Contract #608 - Library Lobby & Circulation Area
Remodel Project: Award contract to Westside Group. Approved 3
Cash Contract No. S.S. 437, Florence Ave. - Pavement
Rehabilitation. - Tweedy Lane to Brookshire Ave.: Accept
improvements & maintenance responsibility for the
improvements constructed & approve Change Orders Approved 4
Cash Contract No. 605 - Phase I Underground Storage
Tank Replacement - Fire Station No. 1: Approve plans &
specs. & grant authority to advertise for bids Approved
Warrants Issued: 143959 - 144466, $4,182,539.64 Approved 4
Appeal, Conditional Use Permit #98-16 relating to operation
of a private elementary school on property located at
10890 Paramount Bi., Zoned C -1 (Applicant: Kathleen
LeCompte/Ken Steinberg; Appellant: Juanita Wendt) Set hrg. 6/23/98 4
PAGE 1 OF 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, JUNE 9, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Citywide Records Management Program: Approve records
retention schedule Approved 4
Appropriation Adjustments for the 1997 -98 Budget: Approve
changes in the General Fund Budget for City Attorney
Litigation, Data Processing, Building & Safet y Contracts, &
Public Works Landscaping; & a rove a change in the Cable
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TV budget for legal costs Approved 4
Amendment to Agreement for legal services with Musick,
Peeler & Garrett, LLP: Approve & authorize Mayor to sig n Approved 4
Res. #6173, approving the appointment of John Hakel to
Personnel Advisory Board, Dist. 4 Adopted 4
Res. #6174, approving the appointment of Mervyn McDonald
to Parking Place Commission, Dist. 4 Adopted 4
Correspondence from Aslam Khan re property damage due to Referred to staff
golf balls from the golf course for 6/23/98 Agenda 6
Chris Conover submitted a petition from neighbors on Orizaba
Ave. requesting street closure for a block party on 7/4/98 Referred to staff 6
Heidi Brooks re pet emus; comments in newspapers & by Code
Enforcement Officer; and request to meet with Police Chief 6
Cn. McCarthy requested codes be included on each page of
Records Management Program 7
Cn. McCarthy thanked Bob Rowe of the Fire Department &
Linda Haines of Building Division for assisting a business that
suffered fire loss 7
Cn. McCarthy commented on proposal by the State to eliminate
vehicle license fees & how this will affect City services • 7
Mayor Pro Tem McCaughan urged people to contact FEMA &
their mortgage companies re flood insurance requirements 7
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COUNCIL MINUTES, JUNE 9, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Mayor Pro Tem McCaughan referenced the Budget presentation
& complimented staff & the Council for maintaining City's
financial stability during economic recession 7
Cn. Lawrence mentioned contract for Library Lobby &
Circulation area remodeling, advising Friends of the Downey
City Library raised $105,000 towards the $135,000 project 7
Cn. Lawrence introduced Dist. 5 Planning Commissioner,
Meredith Perkins 7
Mayor Riley complimented staff & Council for working through
difficult ears on the budget 7
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Mayor Riley noted the date for the Mayoral Transition Ceremony
isJune24 7
City Manager asked Chief Caldwell to meet with Mrs. Brooks
re emu situation 8
City Manager mentioned press conference this morning re LACDA
flood control project & flood insurance with FEMA reps. from
San Francisco in attendance 8
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., June 23, 1998 8
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PAGE3OF3
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
JUNE 9, 1998
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:32 p.m., June 9, 1998, in
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the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Barbara J. Riley presiding.
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PRESENT: Council Members:
Barbara J. Riley Mayor
Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. Mayor ProTem
Keith McCarthy
Joyce L. Lawrence
ABSENT: Robert S. Brazelton (excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
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Charles Vose, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk- Treasurer
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works
Greg Caldwell, Police Chief
Darrell George, Director of Community/Economic Development
Ron Irwin, Fire Chief
James Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Robert Brace, City Engineer
Linda Haines, Building Official
Vicki Jenkins, City Librarian
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Chief Irwin presented the Fire Department's Meritorious Service Award to Julie Sewell
for rescuing a drowning child from a swimming pool on May 27th.
Judy Hathaway Frances, Head of Public Affairs for Central Basin and West Basin Municipal
Water Districts, announced that Kevin Carranza, 4th Grade Student at Ward Elementary School,
was the winner of Central Basin District's 1998 Water Awareness Month Poster Contest and
presented a Certificate of Appreciation and a $100 U. S. Savings Bond to Kevin's teacher, Sue
Carter. (Kevin was not in attendance)
Council Member McCarthy presented a Certificate of Appointment to Louis Apodaca,
Recreation & Community Services Commission, District 1.
Council Minutes 6/9/98 -1-
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Mike Prokop introduced Michael Riffey, member of the Board of Directors of the Pasadena
Tournament of Roses Association, Mrs. Ann Riffey, and Bill Kelso, Downey's Rose Float liaison for
the coming year. Mr. Riffey advised that Downey's Rose Float, "Roller Bunnies ", won the 1998
Volunteers Trophy, which is the fourth award for the City of Downey in the 1990's. He presented
Mayor Riley with the City's 1998 Rose Float Portrait.
HEARINGS
Mayor Riley opened the public hearing on SPECIFIC PLAN 88 -1A FOR PHASE HA OF
THE RANCHO BUSINESS CENTER, ON PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTH OF FLORES
STREET, EAST OF THE RAILROAD ZONED SPECIFIC PLAN 88 -1.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was so ordered to receive and
file.
Mr. Yoshiki explained that Specific Plan 88-1A is a continuation of the Rancho Business
Center on the south side of Imperial Highway in the Old River School Road/Rives Avenue area, which
is part of the Rancho Los Amigos Hospital facility. In 1985 the County of Los Angeles asked the City
to consider using the property for private industrial type developments to be done in several phases.
The City prepared an environmental impact report and tonight's presentation is the continuation of
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Phase II. The environmental impacts for Phase II have been mitigated and Phase IIA will not generate
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impacts beyond those identified for Phase II. Phase IIA will encompass 6.938 acres of p and
property
will house a 122,000 square foot industrial building for a paper mailer type of operation employing
200 -300 individuals.
There was no correspondence received regarding this matter.
Responding to questions, Mr. Yoshiki pointed out that unless specified in the plan, outdoor
storage would not be permitted. Also, overall traffic generated by this development would not create
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additional impacts to intersections in the area.
There being no one present to speak in favor or opposition of Specific Plan 88 -1A, Phase IIA,
it was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and so
ordered to close the public hearing.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING SPECIFIC PLAN SP 88 -1A FOR PHASE IIA OF RANCHO
BUSINESS CENTER ON PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTH OF FLORES
STREET, EAST OF THE RAILROAD, ZONED SPECIFIC PLAN 88 -1
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded
by Council Member McCaughan, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading and
introduce.
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CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
Agenda Item VI -B, CORRESPONDENCE FROM ASLAM KHAN REGARDING
DAMAGE TO HIS PROPERTY ON VIA RIO NIDO DUE TO GOLF BALLS FROM THE
GOLF COURSE, was removed at the request of Mr. Khan.
Council Member be Lawrence referred to correspondence received requesting that the date of the
hearing be continued on Agenda Item IV -E -1, APPEAL, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 98 -16 --
RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF A PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 10890 PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD, to July 14, 1998. She was
informed by the City Attorney that pursuant to the Downey Municipal Code, the hearing will be set for
June 23, 1998; at that time the Council can then consider continuing the hearing.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and
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unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder
of the Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, MAY 26, 1998:
Approve.
CASH CONTRACT 608 - LIBRARY LOBBY AND CIRCULATION AREA
REMODELING PROJECT: Award contract to Westside Group in the amount of $99,000
for the remodeling of the library and circulation area: Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 437, FLORENCE AVENUE - PAVEMENT
REHABILITATION - TWEEDY LANE TO BROOKSHIRE AVENUE (ACCOUNT
NO. 26-16437): Accept the improvements and the maintenance responsibility for the
improvements constructed on Florence Avenue from Tweedy Lane to Brookshire Avenue, and
approve Change Orders totaling $7,748.37: Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. 695 - PHASE 1 UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK
REPLACEMENT - FIRE STATION NO. 1 (ACCOUNT NO. 40-13023): Approve Plans
and Specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids: Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 143959 - 144(66, $4,182,539.64: Approve.
APPEAL, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #98 -16 RELATING TO THE OPERATION
OF A PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 10890
PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD, ZONED C -1 (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL)
(Applicant: Kathleen LeCompte/Ken Steinberg; Appellant: Juanita Wendt): Set public
hearing for 7:30 p.m., June 23, 1998, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall.
CITYWIDE RECORDS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM: Approve Records Retention`
Schedule: Approve.
Council Minutes 6/9/98 -3-
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APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE 1997-98 BUDGET: Approve changes in
the General Fund Budget for City Attorney Litigation, Data Processing, Building and Safety
Contracts, and Public Works Landscaping; and approve a change in the Cable TV budget for
Legal Costs: Approve.
AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES WITH MUSICK,
PEELER, & GARRETT, LLP: Approve the Agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign
said Agreement: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 6173 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF JOHN HAKEL TO THE
PERSONNEL ADVISORY BOARD FOR COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT FOUR
RESOLUTION NO. 6174 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF MERVYN MC DONALD TO THE
PARKING PLACE COMMISSION, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT #4
ORDINANCES: None
RESOLUTIONS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items remove Cunci1 A royal
CORRESPONDENCE FROM ARAM KHAN REGARDING DAMAGE TO HIS
PROPERTY ON VIA RIO NIDO DUE TO GOLF BALLS FROM TI1Z GOLF
COURSE
Aslant Khan, 7315 Via Rio Nido, mentioned constant problems from golf balls exiting the golf
course and damaging cars, houses, and causing a safety hazard for people in the area. He advised he
has contacted the City's Community Services Department but the problem persists. He also
mentioned he was contacted by the City's insurance carrier, who offered him a reduced amount on his
recent claim, which he felt was not fair. He asked the City to consider moving the tee in another
direction and felt the present nets were not preventing balls from exiting the golf course.
Mary Slefco, 7241 Via Rio Nido, mentioned this is a serious safety hazard; and when she
contacted the City's insurance company several weeks ago, she was informed they wanted to come
out and view the car, which they have not done.
George Davis, 7209 Via Rio Nido, felt that more golf balls have been exiting the golf course
since the remodel project. He mentioned damage to the stucco on his house, his cars, and broken
Council Minutes 6/9/98 -4-
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windows. He noted the City has reimbursed residents in the past but that he has heard this was going
to cease. He also mentioned that sprinkler heads on the golf course need to be adjusted so they are
not watering the street or are timed to come on during the night.
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, stated he has referenced this problem several times
and that when he visits his friend who lives at 7271 Via Rio Nido, he has almost been hit by golf balls.
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He said this is a health hazard.
Gloria Ridley, 7277 Via Rio Nido, said she has had approximately 12 broken windows in the
18 years she has lived at this address, stating her appreciation that the City takes care of these repairs
in a timely manner. She did cite an incident where a golf ball broke through the window of her kitchen
and hit directly where she had been sitting just a few minutes earlier.
Mr. Caton asked staff what they thought was the quickest time that a solution could be
reached and Mr. Jarrett advised he has talked to a contractor regarding raising the two fences at Tee
No. 11 to 90 feet. The contractor was asked for calculations indicating whether existing p olls can
support the additional height and this information was romised in the next couple of weeks. He felt
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the work could be done within the next 30 days, if it is felt this method can resolve the problem.
There are sufficient funds in the golf course budget to raise the fence; however, if a new fence must be
constructed, it would have to be brought back to the Council for approval. p p -He also noted that Tee
No. 11 was redesigned during the last month to angle to the left.
Council Member Lawrence suggested placing this on the next Council . Agenda for follow-up.
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Mary Slefco asked about the issue of residents' claims that are pending.
Mr. Caton said this would be referred to the City's Risk Manager for discussion with the
insurance claims adjustor. He also stated this item would referred to staff for further information and
brought back on the Agenda for the next Council meeting.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Chris Conover, 12633 Orizaba Avenue, presented a petition signed by residents on the 12600-
12700 block of Orizaba Street as well as the adjacent streets, requesting permission to close the
street to all automobile traffic for a block party on Saturday, July 4, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight.
He referred to activities planned for the event and was informed the City would review the request and
get back to him.
Heidi Brooks, 7437 Benares Street, mentioned she had previously requested permission to
keep her two pet emus until her family moves in August and has received a certified letter from the
Police Chief allowing her 90 days to keep the emus at her present address. She expressed her
understanding that it could take months before a decision is made with regard to revising the City's
Municipal Code to accommodate emus as pets and she was concerned about a story printed in the
local press which contained untrue and inflammatory statements. She felt these accusations could
affect her credibility as a future tenant elsewhere or slant the opinions of future neighbors and that they
Council Minutes 6/9/98 -5-
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must be cleared up before her family can move. She asked to see Chief Caldwell as soon as possible
as she feels all complaint calls to the City have been made by one person. She was informed she could
not obtain her records to verify this point without a subpoena. She also wanted to discuss issues with
the Chief regarding one of his staff members. She thanked the Council for their patience and for the
public support received from the community.
Alien Robin, 7433 Benares Street, said he and his wife have experienced problems since Mrs.
Brooks and her family moved in. He stated while the emus are currently silent, they will become noisy
when reaching adulthood and he urged their removal. He described damage to his landscaping caused
by other pets owned by this neighbor, and offered to show pictures of the damage incurred. He urged
the Council to get rid of these pets and noted his neighbor does not have a permit for them.
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members,
Council Member McCarthy referred to the proposal for Records Management Program and
suggested it would be helpful to include the codes on each page to advise the nature of what is being
filed and where, when and how it is filed.
Council Member McCarthy thanked Bob Rowe of the Fire Department for assisting a
business suffering fire loss, which has had difficulty in its attempt to re -open. He also commended
Building Official Linda Haines for her assistance.
Council Member McCarthy commented on the proposal to eliminate Vehicle License Fee
revenues and mentioned how this will impact cities. He encouraged people to contact the Governor
regarding this matter.
Mayor Pro Tem McCaughan echoed the comments regarding Vehicle License Fees, stating
this was a disservice by the State as it will reduce City services.
Mayor Pro Tem McCaughan urged people to contact FEMA and their mortgage companies
regarding flood insurance requirements for their residence. He suggested writing to Congress and
the President about this issue.
Mayor Pro Tem McCaughan referenced the Budget presentation earlier this evening and
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complimented staff and the Council for maintaining the City's financial stability during the economic
recession.
Council Member Lawrence noted an item on tonight's agenda approving the contract for
Library Lobby and Circulation area remodeling, which she advised was made possible in part
through $ 105,000 raised by Friends of the Downey City Library towards the total project cost of
$135,000.
Council Member Lawrence introduced District 5's Planning Commissioner, Meredith
Perkins.
Council Minutes 6/9/98 -6-
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1 Mayor '
yo Riley complimented staff and Council Members for •
working through difficult
years on the budget.
Mayor Riley noted the date for the Mayoral Transition Ceremony is 7:00 p.m., June 24th.
OTHER BUSINESS - Stag Members
City Manager Caton asked Chief Caldwell •
to meet with Mrs. Brooks regarding the emu
situation, noting he felt the City had complied with her request p q est to keep the pets through the summer.
Mr. Caton mentioned the press conference held in the •
e Council Chamber this morning regarding
LACDA project, with representatives from g
the LA
• nsurance. He urged J p rom FEMA also in attendance, regarding requirements for
flood insurance. g q
ged the media and local press to make sure the word ets out about
this insurance before g t
purchasing o e July 6th, after which date the rates will double.
The meeting recessed at 8:42 .m. and reconvened °
p at 9:12 p, m, with Council Members
McCarthy, McCaughan, Lawrence, and Riley present; Council M
Y p Member Brazelton absent.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:12 p .m.
The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., June 23, 1998, in the Council '
City Hall.
Chamber of Downey
111 . i
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AZtt ' Alif ' / ...i i i
J ith E. McDonnell, City Clerk x B arbara J. Ri Iii,
Mayor
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Council Minutes 6/9/98 -7-