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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-12-08-98-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECEMBER 8, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Presentation of a plaque to Firefighter Paul Cruz in honor of 28 years of outstanding service 1 Res. #6215, approving the mitigated negative declaration for Andrews Rancho Del Sur Retail Center & Vacation #173 Adopted 2 Res. #6216, ordering the Vacation of Ryerson Av. & Neo St. between Firestone Bl. & 179± ft. west of the centerline of Haro Av. Adopted 3 Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 3 Council Minutes: Adjourned & Regular Meetings, 11/24/98 Approved 3 Cash Contract #S. S. 491 -- Misc. Concrete Construction & Repair: Approve plans & specs. & grant authority to advertise for bids Approved 3 Warrants Issued: 149637 — 150046, $1,373,653.04 Approved 3 Revocation of Billiard & Entertainment Permits: Refer appeal of Mr. Adolf Akhverdian (Route 66 Billards Club) to a Hearing Officer Approved 3 Res. #6217, approving an amendment to the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement for insurance and risk management purposes; approving the admittance of the City of Chino to membership in the Independent Cities Risk Management Authority y & appointing representatives to the ICRMA & the separate risk management programs Adopted 4 Res. #6218, authorizing the filing of an application for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grants Program Adopted 4 g p Res. #6219, approving the appointment of Dianne Lumsdaine to the Planning Commission, Dist. 5 Adopted 4 PAGE 1 OF 3 COUNCIL MINUTES, DECEMBER 8, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Res. #6220, approving the appointment of Dorothy Pemberton to the Recreation & Community Services Commission, Dist. 5 Adopted 4 Preliminary findings from reuse analysis of the Downey NASA site 4 Frank Perez congratulated newly elected Council Members Perkins and Winningham & wished them luck 6 Ella Edwards, Secretary- Treasurer of Downey Shuffleboard, commented on poor condition of the courts & requested Council's assistance Ref. to Staff 7 Lennie Whittington suggested flyer be inserted in citywide mailing soliciting comments regarding reuse of the NASA site 7 Res. #6221, extending the expiration date of the Master Agreement between Tooley Development Company and the City of Downey Adopted 8 FCC licenses for four new frequency pairs: Authorize the Fire Dept. to enter into a contract with The Richter Group, Communications Consultants, to acquire FCC licenses for four new UHF radio frequency pairs Approved 8 Cn. McCarthy thanked the Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the Holiday Lane Parade 8 Cn. McCarthy mentioned soccer games being held in the City of Bellflower at the eastern end of Foster Rd. that were affecting Downey residents in the area & asked staff to investigate Ref. to staff 9 Cn. Lawrence wished everyone a nice Holiday 9 Cn. Winningham thanked the Chamber for the Holiday Lane Parade 9 PAGE 2 OF 3 COUNCIL MINUTES, DECEMBER 8, 1998 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Cn. Winningham mentioned that curbs in the area of schools in Dist. 4 are in need of repainting, namely around Rio San Gabriel School Ref. to staff 9 Cn. Winningham wished everyone happy holidays 9 Cn. Perkins mentioned attending the Miss Downey `teen Pageant sponsored by the Downey Rose Float Association 9 Cn. Perkins mentioned the Code 7 Favorites cookbook benefitting the Downey Police & Fire Foundation 9 Cn. Perkins wished everyone a Very Merry Christmas & Healthy and Prosperous New Year & stated he look forward to working with this City Council 9 Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p . m. , January 12, 1999 9 h:\ccleriAsconteVab11208 PAGE 3OF3 '; 5 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECEMBER 8, 1998 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:38 p.m., December 8, 1998, 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 Joyce L. Lawrence Robert C. Winningham Meredith H. Perkins ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Charles Voss;, 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 James Jarrett Director of Community Services Darrell Geoige, Director of Community/Economic Development Lowell Williams, Director of Finance Robert Brace., City Engineer Bob Rowe, Deputy Fire Marshal Mark Sauter, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Mark Sellheim, Principal Planner Ed Velasco, Manager of Housing Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS Chief Irwin presented to Firefighter Paul Cruz a plaque in honor of his 28 years of outstanding service to the citizens of Downey. He recalled volunteer events Mr. Cruz undertook and mentioned his collection of fire departs Dent pedal cars and memorabilia, which have been displayed at Fire Department Open House events. HEARINGS Mayor McCaughan opened the public hearing on STREET VACATION NO. 173 — RYERSON AVENUE AND NEO STREET BETWEEN FIRESTONE BOULEVARD AND 179 FEET WEST OF THE CENTERLINE OF HARO STREET. Council Minutes 12/08/98 -1- • .3L. X Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the Affidavit of Posting of Notice and Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and so ordered to receive and file. Council Member Perkins asked the City Attorney whether he could vote on this item, since he was on the Planning Commission when it was approved by that body. He was informed by the City Attorney that he could vote. Mr. Yoshiki advised this project consists of two actions: The Mitigated Negative Declaration for Andrews Rancho Del Sur Retail Center; and Street Vacation No. 173. He explained this is a ten- "—'' acre site currently divided by Ryerson Street, which will include a two -phase retail shopping center project. The first phase involves approximately 4 5, 000 square feet of new development with a second phase of similar size. He noted the environmental impact report prepared by the Duane Morita Planning and Environmental firm outlines twenty -one mitigation measures, described in Exhibit B of the staff report, stating the applicants have reviewed these measures and have accepted them. Mr. Alvarez explained the vacation of Ryerson and Neo Streets is required in order to make this development whole. He reviewed key issues, such as the relocation of utilities and the effect on traffic circulation, noting it was felt there would be no adverse effects. He noted the recordation of the Street Vacation would be pending the final resolution of the utility relocations. He responded to comments from the Council. There was no correspondence received on this matter. Mayor McCaughan asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of the proposed Street Vacation. Mark Schenuda, Pacific Retail Partners, 911 Studebaker Road, Long Beach, representing the applicant, stated they concur with staff's findings. There being no one else to speak, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and so ordered to close the hearing. RESOLUTION NO. 6215 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR ANDREWS RANCHO DEL SUR RETAIL CENTER AND VACATION NO. 173 The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. Prior to the vote, Council Member McCarthy requested clarification as to whether the tenant would pay for changes in the roadway and utilities, if landscaping was part of the plan, and if the issue of access by emergency vehicles was considered. Council Minutes 12/08/98 -2- 01 T Mr. Alvarez responded that changes to the roadway and utilities would be at the expense of the developer, landscaping is included as part of the overall improvements, and both the Fire and Police Departments have reviewed the site and are satisfied it has adequate access. Council Member Perkins mentioned that citizens voiced opinions about this vacation while he was on the Planning Commission at which time the developer and his partners were agreeable and compensated the neighbors by way of a fence opening at the far west end allowing access to restaurants and other businesses. RESOLUTION NO. 6216 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING THE VACATION OF RYERSON AVENUE AND NEO STREET BETWEEN FIRESTONE BOULEVARD AND 179+ FEET WEST OF THE CENTERLINE OF HARO AVENUE The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL Agenda Item VI - - FCC LICENSES FOR FOUR NEW FREQUENCY PAIRS, was removed at the request of Council Member McCarthy. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, NOVEMBER 24, 1998: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 491— MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR (ACCT. NOS. 25- 13947, 25 -13948 AND 26- 16491): Approve Plans and Specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 149637 — 150046, $1,373,653.04: Approve. APPEAL HEARING — REVOCATION OF BILLIARD AND ENTERTAINMENT PERMITS, ROUTE 66 BILLIARDS CLUB, 8206 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD: Refer appeal of Mr. Adolf Aldiverdian to a Hearing Officer in accordance with Downey Municipal Code Section 6404: Approve. Council Minutes 12/08/98 -3- L ei 1 RESOLUTION NO. 6217 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT FOR INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT PURPOSES; APPROVING THE ADMITTANCE OF THE CITY OF CHINO TO MEMBERSHIP IN THE INDEPENDENT CITIES RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY; AND APPOINTING REPRESENTATIVES TO THE INDEPENDENT CITIES RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY AND THE SEPARATE RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS RESOLUTION NO. 6218 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANTS PROGRAM RESOLUTION NO. 6219 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF DIANNE LUMSDAINE TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION, COUNCIL DISTRICT FIVE RESOLUTION NO. 6220 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF DOROTHY PEMBERTON TO THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT FIVE ORDINANCES: None RESOLUTIONS: None ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FROM REUSE ANALYSIS OF THE DOWNEY NASA SITE Mr. George noted the Sedway Group was retained by the City to undertake a reuse study of the 160 -acre NASA site, and will present their preliminary findings tonight. The presentation is the first step in developing an optimal reuse strategy for the entire site. After discussion by the Council and community, staff will then direct the consultant in a more focused manner so they can complete their ultimate reuse analysis, which should be presented during the Council's second meeting in January 1999. He introduced Carol Fredholm, Project Manager of the Sedway Group. Council Minutes 12/08/98 -4- 4 ` : Ms. Fredholm explained that the Sedway Group was responsible for the real estate market et assessment component, SWA Group was responsible for the land use planning aspect, and Interra was responsible for the reuse analysis of the existing structures at the site. It was a collaborative approach pp oach by all three groups for the purpose of developing an optimal reuse plan for the 160-acre p p c e site. The objective was to replace the job loss from the closing of the Boeing facility in terms of ' S g y o quantity and quality and to attract high quality development and businesses with a ositive net revenue capability p p ty to help support local community services. She narrated a visual program showing the basic assumptions p g g u ptions the City provided for starting the analysis, such as the importance to allocate land and reuse of an existing building for a museum dedicated to the space exploration efforts that took lace in Downey, Y to allocate a ten —acre site for a school and park facility; to look at the reuse potential of existing structures, and to develop a plan for the site that identified a land -use mix that is market responsive. She reviewed advantages and disadvantages of the site, market potential, alternative land uses, and a comparative analysis of alternative land uses, noting Sedway has also identified competition and has interviewed surrounding cities to discuss the projects they have on the horizon. Joe Lacava of Interra noted their assignment was to determine the condition, capacity and . � p Y adaptability for reuse or redevelopment of the existing buildings, which did not include a historical evaluation, since NASA and the City have each retained their own historical consultant. He noted the buildings have been well maintained, are in excellent condition, and have unique facilities such as labs, testing facilities, crane systems, etc. He reviewed the positive and aspects negative ects of the location of g p the buildings, stating they are clustered in the center of the property with arkin on the perimeter, p g making circulation for multiple users a challenge. He reviewed options for reuse of the site, stating one potential for the major buildings is light industrial or warehouse use. He also mentioned several creative uses and noted once the historical use of the buildings is determined, the decision can be made on whether or not to reuse them. Mr. Bob Jacob from the SWA Group (the land planners), noted they looked at the physical capabilities at the site, reviewing surrounding land uses, traffic circulation and drainage. Mr. Sean O'Malley of the SWA Group reviewed what the proposed land uses could look like, and how and where these uses might be located on the site. He presented a visual presentation of three different scenarios, each of which included an industrial business ark with landscaping, p P g, a school/park site, and a two -acre interpretative museum to honor the historic qualities. He noted it was important q mportant to establish a "sense of place" through strong edge /site landscaping and street framework. Mr. George explained the purpose of tonight's presentation is to open dialogue, receive feedback, define and identify a preferred alternative and then to establish a blueprint for the eventual reuse of the property. Richard Strayer, 11601 Paramount Boulevard, President of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, stated the Chamber has established a committee to review Sedway's report and to provide Y p p input to assist the City in its decision. He expressed the Chamber's support of allowing independent Pp g P developers to develop this property and also delaying approval of the ground lease endin review b p g by the new Council Members. He urged the Council and staff to take great care in determining the best g and highest use for the site. Council Minutes 12/08/98 -5- 1 l r ��. . . t 1. t Lea Peterson, 12214 Lakewood Boulevard, representative of the Boeing Company, addressed the potential for a museum and a conference center on the site, stating Boeing is aware of the unique and significant 70 year history of the facility and the community's desire to preserve it but needs additional information and specific details from the City regarding plans for a museum on the site. She submitted a memo detailing some of Boeing's questions and indicated Boeing is planning to hold meetings with all interested parties. She mentioned that Rick Stevens, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing in Downey, has invited the City Council and City Staff to a meeting on December 16 and would like to set another meeting for January 1999 to include representatives from NASA and the General Services Administration (GSA). John Vincent, 10710 Wiley Burke Avenue, President of the Downey Historical Society, Y � Y Y, mentioned that the aircraft industry in Downey would be 70 years old in June of 1999. He reviewed the aviation history of the site, stating the Historical Society is ready to assist the Council with historical memorabilia to preserve this history. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, stated he would like to see the public invited to participate in discussions about possible uses for the site and suggested holding public forums. He also noted a hotel was mentioned in the report and advised that the present hotel/motels in the City were not full, suggesting these operators have an opportunity to provide input. Council Member Perkins referred to the public comments and said all suggestions would be taken into consideration, noting tonight is a preliminary step. He looked forward to the next report and additional input from the public. Council Member Winningham concurred with Council Member Perkins. Council Member Lawrence expressed interest in hearing from the citizens and asked for comparisons in the next report on competition, square footage for retail use and illustrations, whether traffic patterns have changed since the opening of the I -105 Freeway; inquired about the types of businesses Downey was not obtaining; wanted new traffic studies, particularly for a school use; and felt the Council should ask the School District for a map of school sites and how they would utilize this site in the next couple of years. She was also interested in seeing the project adequately g p J q Y characterize the site's space history. Council Member McCarthy asked how big the average school and park sites were and was informed schools are 10 -14 acres, parks 5 -10 acres. He voiced concern that the historical quality be taken into consideration and thought parking should be addressed. He hoped for more public input, stating this is a great opportunity to create more open space. Mayor McCaughan mentioned that two additional portions of the property still need to be purchased, noting this planning is contingent on those parcels. He felt the plan needs to be flexible in case there was the possibility of one user and concurred on discussions with the School District. He felt market timing is still competitive and strong. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Frank Perez, 9104 Gainford Street, congratulated newly elected Council Members Perkins and Winningham and wished them luck. Council Minutes 12/08/98 -6- i Ella Edwards, 13224 Carfax Avenue, Secretary- Treasurer of Downey Shuffleboard, expressed her desire to bring shuffleboard tournaments back to Downey, but noted Downey's courts are in need of repair. She asked the City to provide a building for storing equipment; to refurbish and provide wax for the courts; and to provide the group with a key for the restrooms when they play twice a week and start preparing the courts at 7:30 a.m. She mentioned other cities have covered or enclosed courts and asked Council Member Perkins for his assistance in this matter. Mayor McCaughan suggested she meet with Mr. Jarrett regarding her. concerns. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, suggested that a flyer be inserted in a citywide mailing, such as water bills, regarding a meeting on reuse of the NASA site, which could also have a space where suggestions could be written and returned. The meeting was recessed at 9:14 p.m. and reconvened at 9:23 p.m. with all Council Members present. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Cont.) GROUND LEASE WITH TOOLEY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Mr. Powell explained this item involves the approval of a ground lease with the Tooley Development Company and he reviewed how the ground lease fits into the Sedway project and overall plan for the Downey NASA facility. He narrated a visual display of the overall site, noting Parcels 3, 4, 5 and 6 are the parcels the City is currently acquiring from the Government. The parcels in the Tooley project, Nos. 5 and 6, are situated on the easterly side of the project, fronting on Bellflower Boulevard. He noted the City wants to acquire Parcels 1 and 2, which Boeing still occupies. The purpose of this development is to create jobs to replace those lost due to downsizing at the Downey Boeing facility, which will have a negative impact on the City. The ground lease is the basic agreement that will exist between the City and Tooley Development Company as landlord and tenant. If approved, the document will be executed in accordance with the Master Agreement, adopted by the Council on March 24, 1998. The Master Agreement defines the relationship between the City and Tooley and provisions that must be completed prior to the time the ground lease is executed, such as y p p p g demolition of existing buildings on Parcels 5 and 6, completion and approval of a development plan and a financing plan, and issuance of building permits. If the Master Agreement is complied with, three ground leases will be executed over a three -year period, each for approximately one -third of the property. He reviewed the economic and non - economic terms of the ground lease. Mr. Powell noted the decision tonight is whether to adopt the Ordinance approving the Ground Lease at this time or to continue the Ordinance until Sedway's report has been completed. He noted the revenue the City will lose when Boeing moves out entirely, noting Sedway's report stated an industrial business park was the strongest use. Tooley's project is in compliance with this finding and would start job creation now. The existing Master Agreement has an expiration date of December 31, 1998, and he proposed this be extended in the Resolution to March 1, 1999, as the Sedway report should be completed by that time. He responded to comments from the Council. Bill Tooley reviewed Tooley's history as a full- service real estate company devoted to the development, leasing, property management and master planning of high quality office, industrial and retail properties. He mentioned they have worked with City staff for three years on this project and applauded the City for bringing the Sedway Group in, stating he felt Sedway's presentation was right Council Minutes 12/08/98 -7- ;2 on the mark. He noted the Trammel -Crow Company, who has very strong experience in industrial and business park development, purchased Tooley earlier this year. Tooley has spent time on this project, as far as defining and understanding the market, and they have tested the market by bringing tenants, such as the Bali Company, Toyota, and the Rank Video Corporation to the site. He felt timing is an important factor to be considered in regard to the current market situation for Parcels 5 and 6 and looked forward to moving ahead when the property is conveyed to the City. Council Member Perkins stated he would like to extend Tooley's contract until March 1, 1999 for two reasons: The City does not have title to the property at the present time; and the City will have the final layout from the Sedway Group by that time. The other Council Members concurred. Mr. Caton stated in his opinion the City would not have been able to acquire title to Parcels 3, 4, 5 and 6 without the Tooley Development Company's help, noting Mr. Tooley traveled to Washington D.C. to support the City in this effort. RESOLUTION NO. 6221 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY EXTENDING THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE MASTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN TOOLEY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval FCC LICENSES FOR FOUR NEW FREQUENCY PAIRS Council Member' McCarthy asked for clarification as to whether the funding was a one -time or annual expense to the City and was informed it was a one -time expense and will be shared by the four • cities in the dispatch center, with Downey's portion equaling about $4,500. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to authorize $18,000 for the Fire Department to enter into a contract with The Richter Group, Communications Consultants, to acquire FCC licenses for four new UHF radio frequency pairs. OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members Council Member McCarthy thanked the Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the Holiday Lane Parade. Council Minutes 12/08/98 - 0 5 3 Council Member McCarthy mentioned soccer games being held at the eastern end of Foster Road on the south side in the City of Bellflower under Edison's power lines. He noted the use of this area impacts the citizens of Downey and asked staffto consult with either the City of Bellflower or Edison to see who has authority over its use. Council Member Lawrence wished everyone a nice Holiday. Y Council Member Winningham thanked the Chamber of Commerce for the Holiday Lane Parade. Council Member Winningham stated it was brought to his attention that the curbs in the area of the schools in District 4 are in need of repainting, namely around Rio San Gabriel School, and asked staff to review this. Council Member Winningham wished everyone Happy Holidays. Council Member Perkins mentioned he attended the Miss Downey Teen Pageant sponsored by the Downey Rose Float Association and that the winners rode in the Holiday Lane Parade. Council Member Perkins mentioned a cookbook benefittin g Downey the Downe y Police and Fire Foundation entitled "Code 7 Favorites" and encouraged everyone to order a copy. Council. Member Perkins wished everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Healthy and Prosperous New Year and indicated he looked forward to working with this City Council during the next four years toward making Downey truly a City with a Future Unlimited. OTHER BUSINESS — Staff Members: None The meeting recessed at 10:05 p.m. and reconvened at 10:48 p.m. with all Council Members present. ADJOURNMENT: 10:48 p.m. • - 4ri -- off , . kIILAIII 1 A L_L J • ith E. McDonnell, City Clerk Gary P. cCau han ► . • - rY g 41 H: \CCLERK\SCONTE\MINUIES\CCMN 1 208 Council Minutes 12/08/98 -9-