HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-09-22-98-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SEPTEMBER 22, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Proclamation declaring the week of Oct. 4 -10, 1998, as
Fire Prevention Week 1
Appeal, General Plan Amendment #97 -66 for property
located adjacent to the City's western boundary, south
of Foster -Bridge Rd. to the southerly terminus of Bluff
Rd. Contd to 10/27/98 2
Ord. changing the zone on certain property from R1-6000
to M -1, located west of the Rio Hondo River Channel,
adjacent to the City's western boundary, south of the
intersection of Suva/Foster -Bridge Rd. to the terminus of
Bluff Rd. (Zone Change #97 -67) Introduced 2
Council Minutes: Adjourned & Regular Meetings 9/22/98 Approved 3
Warrants Issued: 147430 - 147777, $1,466,741.88 Approved 3
Federal Transportation Authority Grant Application to Set hrg. 7:30 p.m.
construct a Downey Intermodal Transit Center 10/13/98 3
Renewal of service agreement with the City of Santa Fe
Springs for Automated Library Management: Authorize
the City Mgr. to execute the Agreement Approved 3
Res. #6198, amending the City's Conflict of Interest Code
and rescinding Res. #5989 Adopted 3
Ord. amending Article VI, Chapter 1A, of the Downey
Municipal Code entitled "Room Tax" Introduced 4
Retain consultant to prepare a reuse study for the 160 -acre
Boeing/NASA site: Authorize the City Mgr. ti) execute a
professional services contract with the Sedway Group, to
provide real estate consulting & planning services &
appropriate $77,000 from the General Fund for this purpose Approved 5
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COUNCIL MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 22, 1998
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Mayor Pro Tem McCarthy mentioned attending the 130th
Anniversary of the Downey First Baptist Church 5
Mayor Pro Tem McCarthy mentioned pending Ordinance
changes regarding adult entertainment businesses being
considered by the City of Bell Gardens 5
Mayor Pro Tem McCarthy complimented Keep Downey
Beautiful, Neighborhood Preservation & Code Enforcement
for the Lend -A -Hand program for assisting Seniors to
maintain their homes and yards 6
Cn. Lawrence noted on Saturday, in the Governor John
Gately Downey room at the Apollo Center, the Daughters
of the American Revolution will be donating a flag in
celebration of their 47th Birthday 6
Cn. Lawrence acknowledged the new benches in front of
the Library 6
Mayor McCaughan referenced a newspaper article regarding
the City of Pasadena allocating $90,000 to sponsor a nonprofit
foundation, earmarking funds for after school programs &
youth activities 6
Mayor McCaughan mentioned the City of South Gate is
considering a limitation re what colors residents can paint their
houses 6
Mr. Caton discussed new developments occurring in the City 6
Mr. Caton noted staff will be bringing the purchase documents
for the 68 acres at the Boeing site to the Council in next few
weeks, with the transfer ceremony tentatively scheduled
for 10/15/98 6
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., October 13, 1998
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SEPTEMBER 22, 1998
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:32 p.m., September 22,
1998, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. . residin
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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. Caton, City Manager
Charles Vose, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk - Treasurer
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works
Greg Caldwell, Police Chief
Ron Irwin, Fire Chief
Darrell George, Director of Community/Economic Development
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Robert Brace, City Engineer
Vicki Jenkins, City Librarian
Bonnie Kehoe, Recreation Division Manager
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor McCaughan presented to Chief Irwin a Proclamation declaring the week of
October 4 -10, 1998, as Fire Prevention Week.
HEARINGS
Mayor McCaughan opened the public hearing on APPEAL, GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. 97-66/ZONE CHANGE NO. 97-67 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED
ADJACENT TO THE CITY'S WESTERN BOUNDARY, SOUTH OF FOSTER - BRIDGE
ROAD TO THE SOUTHERLY TERMINUS OF BLUFF ROAD, which was continued from the
Meeting of July 28, 1998.
Council Minutes 9/22/98 -1-
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1 0 9 0 0
Mr. Yoshiki explained that two applications are involved, a General Plan Amendment and a
Zone Change, which were continued from the August 11th Council Meeting to afford the applicant
and staff time to work out solutions to eliminate the deficiency of infrastructure for the consideration
of reclassifying the land use on the property. Staff has identified methods of resolving the City's
concerns while at the same time addressing the needs of the applicant, and is requesting the Council
take two actions: One, to continue the General Plan Amendment to October 27; and two, to introduce
the Zone Change Ordinance and then bring it back on October 27th. During the interim period, staff
will resolve the remaining concerns with respect to the infrastructure deficiency related to this
property.
The City Clerk advised that an item of correspondence was received from C. T. & F. Inc.
However, it was a duplicate copy of correspondence previously received and was included in the
Council packets.
It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and so
ordered to receive and file.
Mayor McCaughan asked if there was anyone who wished to speak in favor or in opposition to
General Plan Amendment #97 -66 /Zone Change 97 -67, and there were no speakers.
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Riley, and
unanimously carried to continue the public hearing on General Plan Amendment 97 -66 to
7:30 p.m., October 27, 1998, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall.
ORDLNANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
CHANGING THE ZONE ON CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM R1 -6000
(SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO M -1 (LIGHT MANUFACTURING)
LOCATED WEST OF THE RIO HONDO RIVER CHANNEL, ADJACENT TO
THE CITY'S WESTERN BOUNDARY, SOUTH OF THE INTERSECTION OF
SUVA/FOSTER- BRIDGE ROAD TO THE TERMINUS OF BLUFF ROAD
(ZONE CHANGE 97 -67)
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 and introduce.
It was indicated that the second reading, for adoption of the Ordinance, would be continued to
the Meeting of October 27th.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Brazelton noted he would abstain from voting on the Minutes of September
8, as he was absent from the meeting.
Council Minutes 9/22/98 -2-
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It was moved by Council Member Riley, by Council Member y y C ember McCarthy, and
unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolution and approve the remainder of the
Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, SEPTEMBER 8,
1998: Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 147430 - 147777, $1,466,741.88: $1,466,741.88. Approve.
FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY GRANT APPLICATION TO
CONSTRUCT A DOWNEY INTERMODAL TRANSIT CENTER: Set the ublic hearing
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for 7:30 p. m., October 13, 1998, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall: Approve.
RENEWAL OF SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF SANTA FE
SPRINGS FOR AUTOMATED LIBRARY MANAGEMENT: Authorize the City
Manager to execute the Agreement: g g t. Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 6198 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE CITY'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE WHICH
INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE THE FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES
COMMISSION'S STANDARD MODEL CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 5989
ORDINANCES
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX ORDINANCE
Mr. Powell explained that the amendment to the Transient Occupancy or "room tax" is to
bring the City's Ordinance into compliance with recent court decisions and does not change the tax
rate. He outlined the three modifications involved; which modifies the definition of who is a transient;
adds an appeal process hotel owners may use when they feel they are being aggrieved by the
Ordinance; and describes the powers and duties of the Tax Administrator (the Finance Director). It
was noted there is no fiscal impact to the City.
Council Member McCarthy asked how the City's 9% bed tax compares with other
communities and was informed it was on the low end. He felt the change was a benefit to hotel .
owners by giving them an appeal process.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING ARTICLE VI, CHAPTER 1A OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL
CODE ENTITLED, "ROOM TAX"
Council Minutes 9/22/98 -3-
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The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded
by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and introduce.
RESOLUTIONS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
RETAIN CONSULTANT TO PREPARE A REUSE STUDY FOR THE 160 -ACRE
BOEING/NASA SITE
Mr. George explained staff is recommending that the Council authorize the City Manager to
execute a professional services contract with the Sedway Group to provide real estate consulting and
planning services for the 160 acre Boeing/NASA site and to appropriate $77,000 from the General
Fund for this purpose. He stated this represents the key initial step in identifying the eventual reuse of
this property, noting the scope of work will include: a highest and best use analysis to determine
economic viable uses; a general site constraints analysis and land plan to accommodate identified uses;
a feasibility assessment of reusing the existing structures; and a development and disposition strategy.
He advised that the Sedway Group is made up of Sedway, the SWA Group, and Interra, and that the
three groups combined represent a nationally recognized full- service real estate and urban economics
consulting firm. He reviewed Sedway's expertise, experience and projects conducted with similar
aspects to the NASA site.
Council Member Brazelton referred to documents already presented by the Tooley Company
for Parcels 5 and 6 and asked how these will be tied into the Sedway Group's study. He was informed
that Tooley's study will be incorporated into the study of the entire site.
McCarthy mentioned there has been correspondence from the Downey
Member C y p y
Unified School District stating they are interested in possibly incorporating acreage for public
education and suggested this be kept in mind. He also hoped input would be taken from community
leaders.
Council Member Lawrence advised that she will not be able to participate in the discussion or
voting on this matter due to a possible conflict of interest.
Council Member Riley concurred with Council Member McCarthy's comments suggesting a
portion of the site be used for a school and a park for after school activities.
Mayor McCaughan was in favor and felt this was the beginning of an open process where there
would a number of opportunities for the public to voice their input.
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, expressed his concern that the Tooley Company's
plans for Parcels 5 and 6 would be set aside. He referred to the $77,000 appropriation uested for re
p requested
Sedway Group study, noting the City has not acquired ownership of the property yet, and asked if
the $77,000 was the total cost or just the starting point.
Council Minutes 9/22/98 -4-
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093 3
Jose Trujillo, 13212 Standbridge Avenue, asked the Council to include a space museum in the
usage for the site and hoped this would '
g p s ou d be included in the study.
Mr. Caton responded to Mr. Whittington's comment regarding the City's acquisition of the
site. He noted Congressman Horn has language pending in the NASA Appropriation Bill, which
would direct NASA to work with the City on this matter. It also contains an appropriation of
$100,000 from the Federal Government to pay for this study. He mentioned that if the purchase does
not go through, it would create the possibility that the site could end up as a Federal facility, which the
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City would not want.
Mr. Whittington asked if Congressman Horn would try to sponsor legislation or whether the
City will have to pay for the land at fair market value rather than p
year through a 20 pay back, and, if
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so, would the City be in a position to come up with the money to buy the property. He was informed
that legislation would be introduced but there is no guarantee the City i
g o g a tee t e C ty would be able to acquire the
land at a price it would deem acceptable.
Carol Fredholm, representing h '
the Sedway Group noted the team is made up of three firms, the
Sedway Group, the SWA Group and Interra and stated two workshops will be included in their scope
of work. She indicated their intent to work with City staff and to involve public input.
It was moved by Council Member econded by Council Member Brazelton, and
Y Riley, Y Y
unanimously carried (4 -0), with the abstention as noted by Council Member Lawrence, to authorize
the City Manager to execute a professional services contract with the Sedway Group, to provide
real estate consulting and planning services for the 160 -acre Boeing/NASA site, and to
appropriate $77,000 from the General Fund for this ur ose.
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Mr. Caton advised Mr. Trujillo that a museum would be a consideration for the site.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
t-. OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Mayor Pro Tem McCarthy mentioned that he and Council Member Riley attended the 130th
{ anniversary of the Downey First Baptist Church last Sunday and extended congratulations on their
participation in the community.
Mayor Pro Tem McCarthy eferred to correspondence ' ' '
y y from the Planning Division regarding
pending ordinance changes for adult entertainment businesses being considered by the City of
Bell Gardens and asked if there has been any,response.
Mr. Yoshiki replied that staff has corresponded with the City of Bell Gardens encouraging
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them to follow Downey's adopted separation requirement of prohibiting the location of an adult
business within 1000 feet of sensitive land uses, such as residences. This matter is scheduled for that
City's Council Meeting at the end of September.
Council Minutes 9/22/98 -5-
100 3 4
Mayor Pro Tem McCarthy complimented Keep Downey Beautiful, Neighborhood
Preservation and Code Enforcement for the Lend -A -Hand program for assisting Seniors to
maintain their homes and yards.
Council Member Lawrence noted this Saturday, in the Governor John Gately Downey room at
the Apollo Center, the Daughters of the American Revolution will be donating a flag in
celebration of their 47th birthday, and she extended her congratulations.
Council Member Lawrence acknowledged the new benches in front of the Library.
Mayor McCaughan referenced a newspaper article regarding the City of Pasadena
allocating $90,000 to sponsor a nonprofit foundation between the City and the Rose Bowl Holding
group, earmarking the funds for after school programs and youth activities.
Mayor McCaughan mentioned the City of South Gate is considering a limitation regarding
what colors residents can paint their houses.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members
Mr. Caton discussed new developments occurring in the City, such as a newly proposed
hotel for Firestone Boulevard and noted the Public Works Director has been active in bringing to the
attention of the surrounding cities the Water Replenishment District's war chest of over $60,000,000
that staff feels belongs back with the participating cities.
Mr. Caton noted staff will be bringing the purchase documents for the 68 acres at the
Boeing site to the Council, either at the next or following meeting, with the transfer ceremony
tentatively scheduled for October 15th. He mentioned the City is making a strong effort in
Washington to obtain control of Parcels 1 and 2 in an effort to make up for the loss of the Boeing jobs
and he commented on the impacts the closure of Boeing will have on the City.
ADJOURNMENT: 8:12 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., October 13, 1 998, in the Council Chamber of
Downey City Hall.
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A i jth E. McDonnell, City Clerk Gary P. cCaughan, May
HACCLERK\SCONTE\MINUTES \CCMNO922.WPD
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