HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-07-28-98-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
JULY 28, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT
ACTION PAGE NO.
Certificate of Achievement to Peter B earning for eat�rung the
rank of Eagle Scout, Boy Scout Troop #351
1
Proclamations re 1998 Parents of the Year
1
Public Hearing re Appeal of General Plan Amendment
endment
#97 -66 & Zone Change #97 -67 for property at southerly Contd. p y y o td. to 7:30 p.m.
terminus of Bluff Rd. 8/11/98
2
Public Hearing re Zone Change #98-33 for ro erties •
p p Contd. to 7:30 p.m.
located at 8117, 8127 & 8133 Third St. 8/11/98
2
Lot Cleaning Program (Weed Abatement): Deny any
protests and affirm the assessments Approved 3
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar
3
Council Minutes: Adjourned & Regular Meetings 7/14/98 Approved g pp 3
Warrants Issued: 145587 - 146071, $ > Approved 3
Annual Project Summary for Expenditure of Proposition A &
Proposition C Local Return Funds: Approve the 1998 Annual
Project Summary & authorize staff to transmit docs. to the
L.A. Metropolitan Transportation Authority Approved pproved 4
Contract with the Fair Housing Foundation for Fair H ousin
g
Services: Approve a contract for FY 1998 -99 Approved 4
Community Development Block Grant Subrecipient Agreement
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with the Downey Unified School District: Approve Agreement
with the School District for an outreach program servicing
"at- risk" youth Approved
4
Chamber of Commerce Agreement Approved 4
Ord., amending the DMC pertaining to permits for the filming
of commercial motion pictures or television productions within
City limits Introduced 5
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COUNCIL MINUTES, JULY 28, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO,
Downtown Banner Program Approved concept •
& Contd. 6
John Gonzalez complained about parking tickets issued at park
on easterly end of Foster Rd. adjacent to the city of Bellflower 6
Purchase & installation of perimeter fence at NASA site Approved 6
Res. #6191, waiving competitive bidding & authorizing the
Director of Public Works to negotiate a contract for Phase I
underground storage tank replacement - Fire Station No. 1 -
Cash Contract #605 Adopted 7
Cn. Riley mentioned a letter received complimenting the
Building Division 7
Cn. Lawrence requested an update on status of
recommendations submitted by the Chamber of Commerce
for upgrading the downtown area 7
Cn. Lawrence remarked on attending a luncheon of the Public
Works Physical Services Div. employees & thanked them for
all their work 7
Cn. McCarthy mentioned a letter & check were received from
Kaiser Permanente with additional funds for workout
equipment at the Community /Senior Center 7
Cn. McCarthy commented on disturbances by students at the
Taco Bell at Stewart & Gray Rd. & Paramount B1. 7
Mayor McCaughan mentioned a letter received from the County
Board of Supervisors re an Ord. prohibiting outdoor advertising Referred to
of liquor, tobacco & adult phone messages staff 7
Mayor McCaughan noted that neighboring cities have enacted Referred to
a newsrack permit system & requested information staff 8
Mayor McCaughan referenced the publication "L. A. Health" &
the Long Beach Partnership Program & requested information Referred to
on how the City could coordinate a similar program staff 8
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., August 11, 1998 8
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
JULY 28, 1998
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:3 3 . m. Jul 28, 1998, in
$ p � July >
the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. presiding.
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PRESENT: :
Council Members.
P. McCaughan, M.D. Mayor
Gary gh y
Keith McCarthy Mayor ProTem
Joyce L. Lawrence
Barbara J. Riley
ABSENT: Robert S. Brazelton (excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Lee Powell, Acting City Manager
Charles Vose, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk- Treasurer
Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works
Ron Irwin, Fire Chief
James Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Darrell George, Director of Community/Economic Develo ment
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John Finch, Police Captain
Jason Mikaelian, Economic Development Specialist
Kevin O'Connor, Theatre Manager
Mark Sauter, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal
Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Steven Yee, Economic Development Coordinator
,...., Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor McCaughan presented a Certificate of Achievement to Peter Bouris for earnin g the
rank of Eagle Scout, Boy Scout Troop #351.
Mayor McCaughan presented to Brian and Jill Edwards, Michael and Betty Roddy
(represented by their children Michael and Kelly), and Tracy and Katherine Townsend,
Proclamations declaring them 1998 Parents of the Year. He introduced Katrin McCarthy, who
introduced Connie Sziebl, representative of Congressman Steven Horn's office. Ms Sziebl read a
letter of congratulations from Congressman Horn to the arents. Mrs. McCarthy gave a brief
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overview describing why the parents were selected for this recognition and presented them with gift
certificates from three area restaurants, La Barca, Mimi's and Olive Garden. She also noted the
Downey Theatre will be inviting the parents as guests of honor at the next performance in November.
Council Minutes 7/28/98 4-
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HEARINGS
Mayor McCaughan opened the public hearing on APPEAL OF GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. 97-66 AND ZONE CHANGE NO. 97-67, FOR PROPERTY LOCATED
AT THE SOUTHERLY TERMINUS OF BLUFF ROAD.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council
Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Riley, and so ordered to receive and file.
Pursuant to staff's recommendation and the required notification of surrounding property
owners, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCarthy and so
ordered to continue the hearing to 7:30 p.m., August 11, 1998, in the Council Chamber of
Downey City Hall.*
Mayor McCaughan opened the public hearing on ZONE CHANGE NO. 98-33, FOR
PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 8117, 8127 AND 8133 THIRD STREET.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council
Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Riley, and so ordered to receive and file.
Pursuant to staff's recommendation and the required notification of surrounding property
owners, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and so
ordered to continue the hearing to 7 :30 pm., August 11, 1998, in the Council Chamber of
Downey City Hall.
Mayor McCaughan opened the public hearing on LOT CLEANING PROGRAM (WEED
ABATEMENT).
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication and Affidavit of Mailing. It was
moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and so ordered to
receive and file.
Mr. Alvarez explained that the Downey Municipal Code provides for the abatement of
conditions on private property which create a public nuisance and notification to the affected property
owners in writing, providing a time frame in which they are to take corrective action. If action is not
completed within the time frame, the City performs the work and the cost, including administrative
charges, is assessed to the property owner. If the owner fails to pay, the City collects funds through a
lien on the property. This year, seventy -eight properties were notified, with twenty -five failing to take
corrective action. The owners were invoiced, six paid, two of the properties are owned by the State
and cannot be liened, and the remaining seventeen are to be liened at a cost of $12,988.60. He
commented on two abatement protests received, noting staff recommends denial.
There were no other items of correspondence received other than the two protests mentioned.
Mayor McCaughan asked if there was anyone who wished to speak in opposition to the Lot
Cleaning Assessments.
Council Minutes 7/28/98 -2-
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Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, commented that he was not opposed to the ram ro
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but felt that City owned properties should be abated more often, referring to the City's ro ert
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Firestone Boulevard.
There being no one else to speak in favor or in opposition to the Lot Cleaning Assessments, it
was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and so ordered to
close the public hearing.
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Riley, Y, and
unanimously carried (4 -0), to deny any protests and affirm the assessments.
Prior to the vote, Council Member Lawrence mentioned that some ro ert owners p p y e s are repeat
offenders and noted these conditions run down neighborhoods and decrease property values. She
referred to the p owned by Caltrans n
properties y s a d asked if the City performed the work and, if so, did
Caltrans ,.pay. She was informed the City did perform the work and is currently seeking payment.
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Council Member Lawrence then referenced Mr. Whittington's comment n
g s, noting the property referred
to was recently abated. She mentioned that some cities place flowers on their p arcels to make them
look better.
Council Member McCarthy noted the City of Paramount has a program for maintaining vacant
lots whereby an agreement is worked out between the city and the property owner. He suggested
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Downey pursue a similar program.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
Agenda Item VI-F-1, CASH CONTRACT NO 605 - PHASE I, UNDERGROUND
STORAGE TANK REPLACEMENT FIRE STATION NO. 1, was removed at the request of
Lennie Whittington.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor McCaughan noted he would abstain from voting on the Minutes of Jul 14th as he w
g y was
absent from the meeting.
Council Member Lawrence referred to Agenda Item VI -E -3, Community Development Block
Grant Subrecipient Agreement with the Downey Unified School District, and requested that a report
received in the mail be included in the public record.
It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and
unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading of the Resolution and approve the remainder
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of the Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, JULY 14, 1998:
Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 145587 - 146071, $1,837,531.26: Approve.
Council Minutes 7/28/98 -3-
I 00
ANNUAL PROJECT SUMMARY FOR EXPENDITURE OF PROPOSITION A AND
PROPOSITION C LOCAL RETURN FUNDS: Approve the 1998 Annual Project
Summary for the expenditure of Proposition A and Proposition C Local Return Funds, and
authorize Staff to transmit documents to the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation
Authority: Approve.
CONTRACT WITH THE FAIR HOUSING FOUNDATION FOR FAIR HOUSING
SERVICES: Approve a contract with the Fair Housing Foundation (FHF) to provide fair
housing services in fiscal year 1998 -99: Approve.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT
WITH THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT: Approve the Agreement with the
Downey Unified School District which allocates $21,300 in 1998 -99 Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) funds for an outreach program servicing "at -risk" youth: Approve.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AGREEMENT, FISCAL YEAR 1998 -99: Approve
ORDINANCES
FILMING PERMIT ORDINANCE
Mr. Powell explained this Ordinance was prepared to provide basic requirements in the
Downey Municipal Code for motion picture and television filming. The Ordinance requires that the
City Manager designate responsible departments and positions to oversee and approve permits and
provides basic guidelines for which the City Manager can provide specific direction. He reviewed
conditions filming companies must meet prior to filming.
Council Member McCarthy sked if the resident or property owner would give permission for
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filming and was informed it would be the adult occupant of the dwelling. He referred to Section 6906,
Permit Required, where commercial motion pictures and commercial photography are discussed and
suggested clarifying the meaning of commercial. He also referred to Section 6907, Permit
Application, noting the five day cutoff, and suggested a provision for a shorter term application.
Council Member McCarthy suggested it may be appropriate to define the amount of illumination,
volume of sound, duration, ground movement, etc., and was informed these items were purposefully
left undefined to allow for the constant changes in the filming industry. It was noted the Ordinance is
designed to protect the health and safety of residents, as well as protecting property, and specifics will
be defined in the Administrative Regulation.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING ARTICLE VI OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY
ADDING CHAPTER 10, SECTIONS 6905 THROUGH 6913, PERTAINING TO
PERMITS FOR THE FILMING OF COMMERCIAL MOTION PICTURES OR
TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS WITHIN CITY LIMITS
Council Minutes 7/28/98 s -4-
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The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by
Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to waive further reading and introduce.
Prior to the vote, Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, commented in favor of the
requirements set forth in the Ordinance.
Council Member Lawrence was not in favor of the emergency permit, stating she felt the five
day application period was adequate. She noted the Downey Cemetery District has its own filming
permit and she would supply a copy of the Cemetery District's application for staff's reference.
RESOLUTIONS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
DOWNTOWN DOWNEY BANNER PROGRAM
Darrell George referred to the 50 banners placed along Firestone Boulevard and other
downtown areas, noting the response has been positive but the size was felt to be somewhat small and
the colors used made them difficult to see. He noted a program is being proposed to increase the size
of the banners to 30" x 96" and to expand the area, which will add 32 banners to the program. He
noted $12,000 is set aside in the 1998 -99 budget and the expansion proposed would add another
$12,000.
Mr. Mikaelian of the Economic Development Department narrated slides of proposed new
banner choices for use throughout the year and others for use during the holiday season. He reviewed
the expanded area for display of the banners, Firestone Boulevard to Paramount Boulevard and
Brookshire Avenue and alon g Third Street from La Reina Avenue to Civic Center Drive.
It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, to
support recommendations 1) Purchase three new larger style banners for the existing banner
program along Firestone Boulevard and Downey Avenue, 2) Expand the banner program from
50 to 82 light standards along Firestone Boulevard to Paramount Boulevard and Brookshire
Avenue and along Third Street from La Reina Avenue to Civic Center Drive, and 4) A
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an additional $12,000 for program budget; and to postpone approving recommendation 3)
Select three banner styles -- one for the holiday season and two others for the rest of the year,
for input from the Downtown Committee. The motion was withdrawn with the consent of the
second. No action was taken.
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, suggested involving the community in the choice of
banners proposed or in the design of custom banners.
Mayor McCaughan asked which Council Members would be willing to meet with staff and the
Chamber of Commerce, and Council Members Lawrence and McCarthy volunteered.
Mr. Vose suggested a motion be made to approve the concept of the expanded banner
and to have the matter continued for additional input from the Downtown Committee.
program p
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At the suggestion of the City Attorney, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded
by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to approve the concept of expanding
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the banner program and continue this matter for additional input from the Downtown
Committee.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
John Gonzalez, 15602 Lakewood Boulevard, mentioned his involvement with a soccer club
that uses a park on the easterly end of Foster Road in the city of Bellflower, adjacent to the City of
Downey, and complained about parking tickets being issued to vehicles during the past few weeks •--�
after "no parking" signs were installed. He voiced his appeal of the tickets; requested removal of
telephone poles situated in the roadway in this area; requested the City install asphalt in the roadway;
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and asked for remival of the "no parking" signs. When Mr. Gonzalez expressed his intent to submit
12 parking tickets for appeal, he was informed by the City Attorney to leave copies but not the
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original tickets and to follow the proper appeal procedures.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (CONTD.)
PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF PERIMETER FENCE AT NASA SITE
Mr. George advised that one of the issues brought up during discussions with NASA/Boeing
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regarding the City's purchase of Parcels 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the NASA property is for 4300 linear feet of
fencing to enclose and secure Parcels 1 and 2 that will be occupied by Boeing. The City has identified
costs associated with this project in the amount of $45,000 and has tentatively agreed to split the
costs, with anything over $45,000 to be incurred by NASAIBoeing. Staff is asking for app roval to
proceed with the purchase of the fence and installation at a cost not to exceed $22,500.
Council Member Lawrence noted she would abstain due to a possible conflict of interest.
It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and carried
by the following vote to approve NASA's request for the purchase and installation of a P erimeter
fence at the NASA/Boeing site through a contract with Wally's Fence and Iron, a Downey
vendor, in an amount not to exceed $22,500, which is 50 percent of the total estimated cost of
$45,000.
AYES: 3 Council Members: McCarthy, Riley, McCaughan
NOES: 0 Council Members: None
ABSTAIN: 1 Council Members: Lawrence
ABSENT: 1 Council Members: Brazelton
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval
CASH CONTRACT NO. 605 - PHASE I, UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK
REPLACEMENT FIRE STATION NO. 1 (ACCOUNT NO. 40-13023
Mayor McCaughan noted that Mr. Whittington, who removed this item, was no long er in
attendance.
Council Minutes 7/28/98 -6-
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RESOLUTION NO. 6191 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF TIIE CITY OF DOWNEY
WAIVING COMPETi'i'1VE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR
OF PUBLIC WORKS TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT WITH A Q UALIFIED
CONTRACTOR FOR PHASE I: UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK
REPLACEMENT FIRE STATION NO. 1 -
CASH CONTRACT NO. 605
The Resolution was read '
ead by title only. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded
by Council Member Rile and unanimously carried (4.0) to waive further readin an y y, y reading d adopt.
Prior to the vote, Council Member McCarthy advised that this Resolution was initiated after
formal bids were solicited and none were received. The J ro'ect has a deadline and must move ahead.
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COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Riley read an excerpt from a letter complimenting the Building Division
and stating they are doing a great job looking out for the consumer, by forcing contractors to perform
their work in a manner that may surpass their normal standards.
Council Member Lawrence asked for an update on the status of recommendations
submitted from the Chamber of Commerce with ideas for upgrading the downtown area with trees,
etc.
Council Member Lawrence remarked on attending a luncheon of the Public Works Physical
Services Division employees and extended her thanks for all the work they do, particularly in the hot
summer weather.
Council Member McCarthy mentioned the City received a letter and a check from Kaiser
Permanente providing additional funds for workout equipment in the Community/Senior
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Center at Apollo Park.
Council Member McCarthy commented on disturbances reported by the manager of the
Taco Bell at Stewart & Gray Road and Paramount Boulevard. The manager mentioned he talked
to the Downey Unified School District and the Principal and Vice- Principal at Warren High School
regarding the behavior of summer school students who are coming to this facility after school and
disrupt business and customers.
Captain Finch stated truancy laws are not in effect during the summer but mentioned he spoke
with the manager of Taco Bell today and promised extra police presence until Friday p p when summer
school ends. The Principal at Warren has also promised to assist in any way he can to alleviate this
situation.
Mayor McCaughan '
cCau an noted receipt of letter f
a ette from the County Board of Su
y S p tY Supervisors
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reenacting an Ordinance prohibiting the outdoor advertising of liquor, tobacco, and adult telephone
messages within certain areas, parks, schools, etc., and requesting cities across the County to consider
adopting these standards. He requested information back from the City Attorney and staff on this
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issue.
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Council Minutes 7/28/98 ' -7-
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Mayor McCaughan noted that neighboring cities have enacted a newsrack permit system,
which appears to be the closest legal rocess to having regulations on public property. He requested
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staff to procure the information, and thought it was enacted in the City of Norwalk.
Mayor McCaughan referenced a publication entitled "LA Health" from the Department of
Health Services about the problem of uninsured children and suggested looking at the Long Beach
Partnership Program, which is a combined effort of various entities including private agencies. He
asked staff to bring back information on how the Long Beach Partnership Program is set up and on
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how the City might coordinate a similar program to address the issues of educational, recreational and
health care needs for children. r.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members: None
ADJOURNMENT: 9:00 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., August 11, 1998, in the Council Chamber of
Downey City Hall.
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