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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-08-25-98-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUGUST 25, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Verbal presentation by Marshall Mouw thanking the Council for their participation & support of League of Calif. Cities 1 Certificate of Appreciation to Warren Heer for 10 years of service on Emergency Preparedness Dist. 3 1 � y P Comm., Certificate of Appreciation to Gloria Heer for 11 years of service on Rec. & Community Services Comm., Dist. 3 2 Certificate of Appreciation to Gloria Heer for 14 years of Pp Y service on Citizens' Health & Environmental Sanitation Comm., Dist. 5, & presentation of plaque from the Committee 2 Res. #6192, finding the City in conformance with the Congestion Management Program (CMP) & adopting the CMP local implementation report Adopted 3 Res. #6193, denying the appeal & approving CUP 98-37 for Adopted a day care /pre- school facility at 12739 Lakewood Bi. as amended 3 Council Minutes: Adjourned & Regular Meetings 8/ 11/98 Approved 3 J g g pp Warrants Issued: 146522 - 146979, $1,523,372.84 Approved 4 1998 -99 Agreement with Rio Hondo Temporary Horne Approved 4 Citywide Dog License Canvass: Approve entering into an Yw g pP g agreement with SEAACA Approved 4 Res. #6194, approving appointment of Ma Stevens to the pp g pp Mary Citizens' Health & Environmental Sanitation Comm., Dist. 5 Adopted 4 Res. #6195, designating New St. & Fourth St. an all -way stop intersection Adopted 4 Ord. #1055, changing the zone of properties located at 8117, 8127 & 8133 Third St. - Zone Change No. 98-33 Adopted 4 PAGE 1 OF 4 COUNCIL MINUTES, AUGUST 25, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Ord. adopting the L. A. County Code, Title II, as amended through Feb. 28, 1998, as the Health Code for the City, and provisions of County Ord. #97 -0071 req. posting of inspection grades for food establishments & food handler training Introduced & set certification hrg. 7:30 p.m. 9/8/98 5 Memorandum of Understanding between Interstate 5 Consortium Cities Joint Powers Authority for transit center/ transportation support facilities - Approved 6 Purchase & sale agreement for property acquisition - 8109 Approved w /changes Orange St. by City Attorney 6 Repealing the sale of fireworks Contd. 8 Diane Boggs announced her candidacy as a Dir. of Water Replenishment Dist., Div. 3, & requested Council endorsement 9 Lennie Whittington gave status of AB 146 and noted the City Charter gives the public the right to speak on any agenda item 9 Larry Lattimer, member of Aerospace Legacy Foundation, recommended saving the Boeing property 9 Ed Dowd, on behalf of the Aerospace Legacy Foundation, requested open discussion on the use of the Boeing property Gene Myers, member of Aerospace Legacy Foundation, requested a letter of interest from the City on the Boeing property 9 Charles Carr mentioned interest in developing a space theme attraction & education center at the Boeing site 9 Andy Munson mentioned attendance at a monthly event at the Space Division & noted Downey is birthplace of aerospace 10 David Stoika mentioned the Boeing property is a national heritage & needs to be preserved 10 Jose Trujillo supported the Aerospace Legacy Foundation proposal & urged Council consideration 10 PAGE2OF4 • COUNCIL MINUTES, AUGUST 25, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Joseph Polselli encouraged the Council to look into Aerospace Legacy Foundation's proposals 10 Res. #6196 opposing Prop. 9 - the 1998 Electric Utility Adopted as Initiative amended 10 Cn. Lawrence thanked everyone involved in publishing the City's Neighborhood Resource Directory 11 Cn. Lawrence re the Downtown Downey Restaurant Guide 11 Cn. Lawrence mentioned receiving a new Community Service Guide & The Communicator & noted new activities listed 11 Cn. Lawrence thanked the Downey Theatre Manager for the Theatre Day Cam program offered to youth this summer 11 Cn. Lawrence thanked Public Works for installing new traffic signs for the Police Dept. 11 Cn. Lawrence noted the City has a new Toyota electric sports utility vehicle purchased through grant funds 11 Cn. Lawrence advised that Governor Wilson vetoed AB2194, the clean air bill 11 Cn. McCarthy mentioned the renovation of the Library circulation desk & entrance is underway 11 Cn. McCarthy expressed appreciation to speakers from the Aerospace Legacy Foundation 11 Mayor McCaughan commended groups in attendance re aerospace and said City's first objective is to gain title to the property 11 Mayor McCaughan mentioned the Neighborhood Preservation brochure & commended Police Dept. & Public Works for input 11 Mayor McCaughan hoped to see a new Ordinance re newsracks in the near future 12 Mayor McCaughan mentioned AB146, the Havice Bill 12 PAGE 3 OF 4 ;:, COUNCIL MINUTES, AUGUST 25, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Mayor McCaughan requested a report from the Fire Dept. re whether triage assistance has changed at local hospital over last 90 days 12 Cn. Brazelton mentioned negotiations & bureaucracies involved in attempt to purchase the Boeing property 12 Mr. Caton responded to comments regarding development of the Boeing property 12 Mr. Caton mentioned letter received from FEMA re mandatory flood insurance 12 Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., September 8, 1998 12 h: kxlerk�soonte\tab10825 PAGE 4 OF 4 1096? MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL • OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUGUST 25, 1998 The .City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:31 p.m., August 25, 1998, Y � g p $� in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. Mayor Keith McCarthy Mayor ProTem Robert S. Brazelton Joyce L. Lawrence Barbara J. Riley ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M d . 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 Communit y Services Darrell George, Director of Community/Economic Development Lowell Williams, Director of Finance Robert Brace, City Engineer Linda Haines, Buildin g Official Mark Sauter, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Communit Dev./City Planner Y Y June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS f Marshall Mouw, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Glendora and President of the Los • Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities, thanked Council and staff for their membership, support participation g , su ort and artici ation in the League. He invited the Council to attend the League's monthly meeting next week in Redondo Beach and State Conference in Lon g Beach in October. Mayor McCaughan presented to Warren Heer a Certificate of Appreciation for his 10 years of service on the Emergency Preparedness Committee, Council District 3, noting Mr. Heer also served the City on the Water Advisory Board from 1973 to 1980. Council Minutes 8/25/98 -1- • 1096 0 9 8 Mayor McCaughan presented to Gloria Heer a Certificate of Appreciation for her 11 years of service on the Recreation & Community Services Commission, Council District 3, mentioning the numerous committees on which she has served. He also presented her with a plaque from the Health and Sanitation Committee, in honor of her years of service. Council Member Lawrence presented Gloria Heer with a Certificate of Appreciation for her 14 years of service on the Citizens' Health & Environmental Sanitation Committee, Council District 5, noting she also served on the Library Advisory Board from 1968 to 1980 and was a former President of Keep Downey Beautiful. HEARINGS Mayor McCaughan opened the public hearing on THE CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and so ordered to receive and file. Mr. Yoshiki advised the City must file an annual report, which is administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, showing that the City is in conformance with the Congestion Management Program. Conformance assures the City's allocation of state gas tax monies, which will amount to $600,000 this year. The City has always maintained a positive balance and presently has $31,800 in credits. There was no correspondence received regarding this matter. There being no one to speak regarding the Congestion Management Program, it was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and so ordered to close the public hearing. RESOLUTION NO. 6192 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FINDING THE CITY TO BE IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CHIP) AND ADOPTING THE CMP LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION REPORT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65089 The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Brazelton, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. Mayor McCaughan opened the public hearing on APPEAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) #98 -37 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12739 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD. Council Minutes 8/25/98 -2- 1 0 9 G 9 Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and so ordered to receive and file. Mr. Yoshiki explained the appeal is for the operation of a day care facility and he presented a visual program depicting the site and surrounding area. He mentioned the applicants/appellants met with staff to discuss issues of concern and the only remaining item involves the request to increase the number of children to be served at the facility from 66 to 70. Staff recommends approval of the CUP and increasing the number of children from 66 to 70 as requested. There was no correspondence received regarding this matter. Mayor McCaughan k y asked the applicants/appellants to come forward and present their case. Ruth Sanchez and Hedwig Taylor, 3 703 East Andy Street, Norwalk, stated they are in agreement with staff and requested approval to increase the number of children from 66 to 70. g q There being no one to speak regarding the Appeal of Conditional Use Permit #98-37, it was moved by Council Member Brazelton, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and so ordered to close the public hearing. RESOLUTION NO. 6193 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DENYING THE APPEAL AND APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 98 -37 FOR A DAY CARE/PRE- SCHOOL FACILITY ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12739 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD ZONED C -1 (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt, with an amendment to Planning's recommendation No. 1 on Exhibit "A", increasing the number of g s g enu hero children from 66 to 70. CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL: None CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor McCaughan noted he would abstain from voting on the Minutes of August 11 as he y g g � was absent from the meeting. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried, with the abstention as noted on the Minutes, to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, AUGUST 11, 1998: Approve. Council Minutes 8/25/98 -3- 1 9 7 0 WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 146522 - 146979, $1,523,372.84: Approve. 1998 -99 AGREEMENT WITH RIO HONDO TEMPORARY HOME FOR THE HOMELESS: Approve. CITYWIDE DOG LICENSE CANVASS: Approve entering into an agreement with South East Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) for a citywide dog license canvassing: Approve. RESOLUTION NO. 6194 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF MARY STEVENS, R.N., TO THE CITIZENS' HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION COMMITTEE, COUNCIL DISTRICT #5 RESOLUTION NO. 6195 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DESIGNATING NEW STREET AND FOURTH STREET AN ALL -WAY STOP INTERSECTION ORDINANCE NO. 1055 (ADOPT) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CHANGING THE ZONE OF PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 8117, 8127 & 8133 THIRD STREET FROM C -2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) TO C -3 (CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT) - ZONE CHANGE NO. 98-33 ORDINANCES LOS ANGELES COUNTY STANDARDS FOR OPERATION OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS Ms. Yotsuya explained that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance 97 -0071 establishing inspection and posting guidelines for food establishments, as well as a training certification program for food handlers, and requested that cities adopt similar regulations. She noted the Council reviewed the policy during the summer and expressed concerns on how food establishments could be reinspected after receiving a low grade or score. She stated the Board of Supervisors recently approved an enhanced policy which provides recourse for a facility that is not satisfied with its grade /score and explained how the "owner- initiated inspection" process will be handled. She noted these enhancements can be implemented without changing the existing Ordinance. Council Minutes 8/25/98 -4- 109T1 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, TITLE II, AS AMENDED THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 1998, AS THE HEALTH CODE FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY, AND ADOPTING THE PROVISIONS OF ORDINANCE NO. 97 -0071 OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES REQUIRING THE POSTING OF INSPECTION GRADES FOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS AND REQUIRING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and carried by the following vote to introduce the Ordinance and set the public hearing for 7:30 p.m., September 8, 1998, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. AYES 4 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Brazelton, Riley, Lawrence, McCaughan NOES 1 COUNCIL MEMBERS: McCarthy Prior to the vote, Council Member Lawrence noted she was satisfied with the changes the County has implemented. Council Member McCarthy stated he was not satisfied with the Ordinance and will discuss it again in two weeks. He felt it was another burden p imposed upon business owners by government, p noting businesses would be subject to the grade of inspectors who have varying opinions about the g subject g p rY g p ratings. Mayor McCaughan felt this Ordinance protects the consumer. Diane Boggs, 10568 Chaney Avenue, encouraged the Council to go forward with these gg � y � g g controls to protect the health and safety of consumers. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, was in favor of the Ordinance and felt the public should be protected. RESOLUTIONS: None ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INTERSTATE 5 CONSORTIUM CITIES JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY (JPA) FOR TRANSIT CENTER/TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT FACILITIES Council Minutes 8/25/98 -5- 109 Mr. Jarrett reported that the Consortium Cities secured an appropriation for the I -5 Corridor Transit Center/Transportation Support Facilities Project whereby each city identified an eligible transit related project. Downey proposed to construct a new intermodel transit center in the Central Downtown area, which would establish a downtown focal point that supports regional congestion management goals for transit, is customer friendly, promotes economic development, and serves to enhance the quality of life in the downtown area. The Memorandum of Understanding is required by the Federal Transportation Authority and allows each recipient city to file separately. The end product is that the City will receive $1,942,991 for the transit area downtown. He advised that other actions will be brought back to the Council at a later date. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the Interstate 5 Consortium Cities Joint Powers Authority and the Cities of Buena Park, Downey and Norwalk regarding the I -5 Corridor Transit Center/Transportation Support Facilities. PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT FOR PROPERTY ACQUISITION - 8019 ORANGE STREET Darrell George mentioned changes that have affected the way modern fire departments provide service, noting the site of the subject property, located adjacent to the City's main fire station, would allow for expansion of this station to accommodate the changes noted. The parcel is 10,713 square feet, with a 4,240 square foot building, consisting of five offices and 15 parking spaces. Based upon a certified appraisal, staff has come to terms with the property owner to acquire the property in the amount of $273,750. He explained how the additional space would be utilized and responded to comments from the Council. Mr. Vose mentioned the agreement was revised with minor changes and, if approved, he asked that it include the ability for additional non- substantive modifications as may be approved by the City Attorney. It was moved by Council Member Brazelton, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to authorize the City Manager to execute the purchase and sale agreement by and between the City of Downey and Linda Irwin for property at 8019 Orange Street, including any non - substantive changes made by the City Attorney, and appropriate funding in the amount of $274,300 for this purchase. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, mentioned the amendment was not in the public packet and asked what the changes consist of. Mr. Vose explained there was reference to a deed of trust and there is no deed of trust, stating changes are mainly clean up language. REPEALING THE SALE OF FIREWORKS Assistant Chief Sauter explained, at the request of the City Council, the Fire and Police have developed a recommendation for fireworks in the City. He noted the Downey Municipal Code (DMC) allows the use of safe and sane fireworks and every year 18 non - profit groups are permitted to sell fireworks. The Fire and Police Departments are recommending that the Council amend the DMC to Council Minutes 8/25/98 -6- 109T3 prohibit the sale and use of all fireworks within the City. He stated that every year Fire and Police authorize extra staff to answer fire related calls, noting the additional staff has not been effective in reducing the number of calls for service or the number of incidents, and the increase in calls taxes the dispatch centers. He mentioned cities that have banned fireworks and claim they have experienced fewer fires and injuries as a result, noting in four of the last seven years, the fire loss in the City has exceeded the approximate revenue generated by the sale of fireworks. Fire and Police feel that a ban on the sale and use of fireworks will facilitate their efforts in that they will know that all fireworks are illegal and will take necessary action. Jerry Dodi, 3208 Roxanne Avenue, Long Beach, representing the Elks Lodge, stated their primary functions are to help crippled children and veterans and fundraising p rY p pp is limited to the amount of money raised from various activities, one of which is the sale of safe and sane fireworks. He urged the Council to not repeal their sale. Paul De Tilla, 9600 Lemoran Avenue, was opposed to banning the sale of fireworks, commenting on the revenue benefit to community groups who provide various programs. He urged the Council to consider the total impact of this action. Myrtle Risley, 7938 Phlox Street, mentioned an incident that occurred in her neighborhood on a July 4th holiday that involved a house fire. She felt that fundraisers could determine another way to raise funds, stating nobody feels safe on the 4th of g Y July. Mario Guerra, 7702 Yankee Street, representing West Downey Little League, noted the p g Y �� fireworks stand is a reat source of revenue and he felt it was inaccurate to say the money raised was g Y Y not much the damage done. He urged the Council it not repeal sale of fireworks. of as uc as t e da age do e. e u ged t e Cou� c to of p Wanda Cowan, 10436 Wiley Burke Avenue, was in favor of the recommendation by the Police and Fire Departments. She preferred a City sponsored fireworks show with a minimum admission fee. Pete Marchica, 10605 Pico Vista Road, representing Downey High Football, said the football I � program costs $30,000 a year and they only receive $4,000 from the School District. He noted the booster club and p arents must raise the rest and asked for consideration from Council Members. David , 8031 Debris Lane, La Palma, Commander of Hollydale Post 723 of the American Legion and Executive Councilman for the 19th District for Downey Post 270, said most of their fundraising is done annually through the sale of safe and sane fireworks. He commended the g Y g Police and Fire departments for the work they do and said the sale of fireworks generates tax returns to the City, and he mentioned programs the local high schools support with these funds. He felt the continuation of this fund raising is very important to the continuation of these programs. Richard Engles, 9518 Muller Street, founder of Downey Pop Warner Football, advised that the g Y p 18 groups that sell fireworks make a quarter of a million dollars in five days and use these funds to serve the community's youth, keeping them out of gangs and off drugs. He stated the community needs these sales. Council Minutes 8 /25/98 -7- ./. 0 9 4 David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, felt that the irresponsible actions of some people using illegal fireworks was not a reason to stop others from using legal fireworks. John Kelley, 14111 Freeway Drive, Santa Fe Springs, Vice- President of American Promotional Events, distributor of state approved fireworks in Downey since 1978, referred to a report from the City Manager's office regarding fireworks and requesting backup material and specifics on several of the points mentioned. He suggested that a task force be formed comprised of the 18 non - profit groups that sell fireworks and review the Ordinance as it is written today. He also suggested the City Y � Y find our why the Downey Unified School District does not participate in the free safety and education program offered by his company each year. Steve Guzman, 8532 Cleta Street, President of Downey Jaycees, who formerly put on the community fireworks show and carnival at Warren High School, said the Jaycees make approximately 75 percent of their income from their fireworks booth and felt the issue is illegal fireworks vs. safe and sane and finding out which one is the actual cause of problems. Shirley Briggs, 7932 Phlox Street, empathized with people raising money but noted fireworks are not the only way to make money. Council Member Lawrence said most of the people who spoke are in favor of keeping firework sales and mentioned receiving phone calls from people opposed. She did not want to make a decision tonight and felt the suggestions by the fireworks company representative were good ideas. She would like to know the type of public celebration that could be done for the community. Council Member Riley recalled mentioning the banning of fireworks several years ago but noted the community's youth would not have some of their activity programs without money raised from this revenue source. She agreed with Council Member Lawrence that a citywide fireworks display might alleviate some of the yard activities, stating this is the nation's birthday and should be celebrated. Council Member McCarthy mentioned there is time to consider this issue. He felt that restricting the sale of fireworks would not necessarily eliminate illegal fireworks. Council Member Brazelton stated the primary argument is fundraising and felt there were numerous ways to raise money. He would like to have staff review the existing Ordinance to see if it could be strengthened regarding enforcement and also have staff check into the feasibility of a public display in lieu of the sale of safe and sane fireworks. Mayor McCaughan agreed with a fireworks display and concurred with Council Member Brazelton to have staff bring this back and to have feedback from community groups. He noted there Y� rou p are mounds of evidence regarding damage to the human body from safe and sane fireworks, stating this is a public health and safety issue. Council Member McCarthy asked about the monetary benefit the groups receive from the sale of fireworks and Chief Irwin replied they are required to file financial reports but the reports are pot always received. Council Minutes 8/25/98 -8- 1 0 9 5. „ Mayor McCaughan called a recess at 9:07 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:13 p.m. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Diane Boggs, 10568 Chaney Avenue, announced her candidacy for Director of the Water Replenishment District, Division 3, and will be on the November ballot. She requested the , Council's endorsement in lieu of sending personal letters. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, advised that Assembly Bill 146 passed the Senate '—% and now goes back to the Assembly for a concurrence vote and then goes to the Governor for signature. He also noted the Downey City Charter states the public has the right to speak on any agenda item and under Oral Communications. He noted he takes offense to remarks made by the Council regarding the speaker's comments after the speaker sits down. Larry Lattimer, 305 Aliento, Santa Margarita, member of Aerospace Legacy Foundation, read a rep ared statement with a recommendation to save the Boeing site. He said Downey must act p now or lose everything. He felt the property is a national treasure. He estimated the City will p p Y Y get g $60,000 a day from parking fees. The Aerospace Legacy Foundation has long asked for public discussion and he thanked Council Members who attended one of their meetings. Ed Dowd, 7409 Arnett Street, No. 3, Director of the Aerospace Legacy Foundation, spoke on behalf of his wife Jeanne, Executive Director of the Foundation. He addressed the Foundation's continuing request for open discussion on use of the North American/Rockwell /Boeing property and commented on how the Foundation has grown in voluntary efforts without cost to the City. He expressed the belief that the site has the potential for multi uses to satisfy all interested parties and recommended the City create a forum of open discussion with consultants, the Department of Y p � p Education, the Aerospace Legacy Foundation and any other civic minded group. Gene Myers, 944 Blue Ash Road, West Covina, member of the Aerospace Legacy Foundation and head of Space Island Development Group, stated it is believed technology has advanced far enough to allow a private organization to begin building large facilities in space, includin g a space hotel, which Hilton Hotel Corporation has shown an interest in. He mentioned other p ace p corporations who have shown an interest in joining this effort but they need a letter of interest from the City. Charles Carr, 3362 Keystone Avenue, Los Angeles, President of Polaris Design and Development, involved in design of various space education and entertainment facilities throughout the United States, said his group is attempting to establish dialogue and would like indication that the City has interest in developing a space theme attraction and education center at the Boein g g site, which holds great potential and history. Other cities have expressed . interest in taking the shuttle away for their own purposes and he distributed information to the City Clerk of what is going on in other cities. Council Minutes 8/25/98 -9- 1�976 Andy Munson, Director of Organization h ' Y That Supports Space Exploration and volunteer member of the Downey Speakers Bureau, mentioned the high attendance at a monthly event held at the Space Division complex called, "family night." Southern California is the birthplace of aerospace and Downey is where it started. He suggested a plaque be erected that says, "Here men and women from the United States of America built the first manned rocket ship from planet earth. They toiled for p p Y all mankind." David Stoika, 2065 Clear River Lane, Hacienda Heights, mentioned how priceless the Boeing g p g property is, stating it is a priceless national heritage and needs to be preserved. Jose Trujillo, 13212 Stanbridge Avenue, mentioned meeting Jean Dowd of the Aerospace Legacy Foundation two years ago, that he felt the Foundation has a reat proposal for the City, and g p p Y� urged Council consideration. Joseph Polselli, 9330 Gallatin Road, encouraged the Council to look into the Aerospace Legacy Foundation's proposals and thought it was great potential revenue for the City. OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval: None OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members PROPOSITION 9 - 1998 ELECTRIC UTILITY PROPOSITION Council Member Riley asked the Council to consider a Resolution opposing Proposition 9 - the 1998 Electric Utility Proposition. She noted there are six million dollars in bonds to defray the investment losses, and the California League of Cities and Independent Cities have opposed it. Margaret Pashko, Public Affairs Manager for the Gas Company, 9240 East Firestone Boulevard, advised that Assembly Bill 1890 mandated that residential and small commercial customers would receive a 10 percent discount off their electric bills. It created a competitive market place for electricity and Proposition 9 is a threat to the 10 percent discount and to the competitive market place. She asked the City to join a broad -based coalition in opposition to Proposition 9 and distributed individual forms for the Council. RESOLUTION NO. 6196 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY OPPOSING PROPOSITION 9 - THE 1998 ELECTRIC UTILITY INITIATIVE The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member econded b Y Y Riley, Y by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt, with amendments as noted. Prior to the vote, Mr. Vose suggested the "Therefore" language of the Resolution be changed to "the City Council of the City of Downey does hereby resolve " Council Minutes 8/25/98 -10- 109 Council Member McCarthy recommended inserting "9" everywhere the word "Proposition" appears in the Resolution. He also pointed out that Chamber of Commerce has gone on record in opposition to this Proposition. r Council Member Lawrence thanked the Neighborhood Preservation Coordinator, DART, Public Works, Gangs Out of Downey and the Downey Board of Realtors for publishing a City of Downey Neighborhood Resource Directory, which is also printed in Spanish. Council Member Lawrence mentioned the Downey Chamber of Commerce Downtown Merchants Committee, the Economic Development Department and Krikorian Theatres have published a Downtown Downey Restaurant Guide as a joint venture and she vowed to patronize every restaurant before the end of the year. Council Member Lawrence mentioned receiving a new Community Service Guide and The Communicator, which lists many interesting g interestin things, s, such as new youth activities and new activities at the Community /Senior Center and Gym. Council Member Lawrence thanked the Downey Theatre Manager for the Theatre Day Cam Y 8 Y p offered to the youth of the community program Y Y this summer. Council Member Lawrence thanked the Public Works Department for installing several new traffic signs for the Police Department. Council Member Lawrence noted the City has a new Toyota electric sports utility vehicle, purchased through grant funds, for use by the Building and Safety and Planning Divisions. Council Member Lawrence advised that Governor Wilson vetoed Assembly Bill 2194, the clean air bill. Council Member McCarthy mentioned he has been informed by City Librarian Vicki Jenkins that the renovation on the Library circulation desk and entrance is underway. Council Member McCarthy expressed appreciation to the people who spoke tonight from the Aerospace Legacy Foundation and hoped they are also speaking to the people at Boeing. He noted the great potential for development of the property, which he hopes can be targeted toward an education/entertainment center for space and other possibilities. He suggested that staff conduct presentations for community leaders on possible developments of the site. Mayor McCaughan commended the groups in attendance, noting the artifacts are the property of Boeing and the government and the City cannot claim title to them even though it is concerned about them. He felt the true issue at this oint is title to the property, which is not a done deal, and p must be the City's first objective, with future proposals put on the back burner. Mayor McCaughan mentioned the Neighborhood Preservation brochure and commended Y g g the Police Department and Public Works for their involvement in this. Council Minutes 8/25/98 -11- , i O9'8 Mayor McCaughan discussed the concern with newspaper racks and wanted to see a new Ordinance in the near future. Asked staff to check on Ordinances adopted in other cities. Mayor McCaughan mentioned that Assembly Bill 146, the Havice Bill, will now go to the Assembly and suggested that citizens write to their Assembly Members and to the Governor. Mayor McCaughan would like a report from the Fire Department regarding whether triage assistance by the local hospital for neurosurgical or head injury traumas has changed over the last 90 days. Council Member Brazelton mentioned the negotiations and bureaucracies involved in the City's attempt to purchase the Boeing property. OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members Mr. Caton advised the audience that the Brown Act does not allow the Council to take action on items not on the Agenda. He responded to comments regarding the development of the Boeing property, noting the assumption that the City can control the property is not true and advised that it will take a special act of Congress. He stated he does not want to see the property used for a federal prison, Caltrans yard, etc., and if it goes through the normal process, and the City does not obtain the special legislation, every federal and state agency will have a shot at the site. Downey's Congressman is supporting the City throughout this process and he urged residents to contact their elected officials and urge them to work for this piece of legislation. The City wants to preserve the site and it is important that the community put pressure on Boeing and NASA. It is important the Council establish a sub - committee and he wants the Director of Community/Econornic Development to start the process of looking at what options are available for the site. He said the Council needs to make some hard decisions on this issue. Mr. Caton advised a letter was received from FEMA regarding the mandatory flood insurance, noting the affected cities are working together in case they have to go to court. ADJOURNMENT: 10:15 p.m. The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., September 8, 1998, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. in ,,,,,,,9* I/ , ',,-,,,,,,,,,,,--, s, "--- ' l et' LO 4 & ith E. McDonnell Cit ( Clerk Gary P. MCaughan, Mayor F * 1 7 i H ACCLERKISCONTE ?viNUTESICCMNO825.WPD Council Minutes 8/25/98 -12-