HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-04-13-93-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COU NC I L
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APRIL 13, 1993
T A B L E O F MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Certificate of Appointment 1
Proclamation re National Library Week 1
Proclamation re National Child Abuse Prevention Month 1
Council Minutes: Adj. Reg. Mtgs., 3/23/93; 3/30/93;
4/5/93; Reg. Mtg., 3/23/93 Approved 2
Correspondence from City of El Cajon re Assembly
Bill 17 (Restrictions on sale of Pornography) Received & Filed 2
Correspondence from Emergency Preparedness Comm. re
plan for Community Emergency Awareness Received & Filed 2
Warrants issued: #64558 -65117 Approved 2
Proposed use of Community Block Grant Funds for Set hrg. for
Fiscal Year 1993-94 5/11/93 2
Unscheduled equipment purchase: Computers for Code
Enforcement Approved 2
Res. #5666, apprvg. appt. of Roger Lawrence -
Golf Course Authority - District 1 Adopted 2
Res. #5667, estab. compensation for election officers
& polling places in Special Municipal Election, 5/18/93 Adopted 2
Res. #5668, listing officers & polling places for
Special Municipal Election, 5/18/93 Adopted 2
Ord. amending DMC re tresspass on private property Introduced 3
Ord. amending DMC re storage of aerosol spray paint
containers & marker pens Introduced 3
Ltg. Maint. Dist. A.D.121/Ltg. & Landscaping Maint.
Dist. A.D.121-- 1993 -94 assessment levy /establish Approved Landscaping
maximum assessment levy through 1996-97 option 4
Res. #5669, approving draft Engineer's report for
assessments within Ltg. Maint. Dist. A.D.121 for
1993 -94 through 1996 -97 (including Landscaping
Maintenance Addendum) Adopted 4
Page 1 of 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 13, 1993
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Res. #5670, declaring intent to levy & collect
ltg. & landscaping assessment within Ltg.
Maint. Dist. A. D.121 for 1993 -94 through 1996 -97 Adopted 4
Selection of Jones, Hall, Hill & White as bond
counsel for Golf Course Project Approved 5
1993 -94 City Budget Study Session Set for 6:30 p.m.,
4/22/93 5
Unscheduled equipment purchase: Two Paramedic
Ambulances Approved 5
Information on establishing Hospital Commission to
annually review Hospital lease Received & Filed 5
Marlene Kazen favored development of Down town
Theatre Project 5
Lennie Whittington re City refrain from spending 6
Steve Heine re gang activity near Crawford Park 6
Donald Self re redevelopment in neighboring cities 6
Mike Perry re lighting & fencing near Crawford Park 6
Cn. McCaughan re decrease in City's workforce 6
Cn. McCaughan suggested meeting with residents on
Dinwiddie St. near Crawford Park to ascertain problems 6 ,.,
Cn. Lawrence re anonymity of Taxpayers New publication 6
Cn. Riley requested newspapers not print names of resi-
dents complaining about gang activity near Crawford Park 6
Cn. Riley re Downey's good rating in California
Business Magazine for being "business-friendly" 6
Cn. Riley recognized City Librarian & Library Advisory
Board Member in audience 6
Cn. Riley re visit to Fire Station #4 6
Cn. Riley re Council's mtg. with Assemblyman Epple on
effect of State budget on City's funds 6
Cn. Riley recognized her daughter & son -in -law in audience 6
Page 2 of 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 13, 1993
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Cn. Braze lton re recent hiring & 3 year pay freeze for
City employees; mentioned difficult budget cutbacks ahead 7
Cn. Braze lton re more restrictive graffiti ordinance 7
Mayor Boggs re report on free -play policy at Golf Course 7
Mayor Boggs re probable Special Election in November
on Charter Amendment; requested information & timeline
for placing other measures on ballot 7
Mayor Boggs requested City Attorney draft Charter
Amendment re fair political practices in local
elections 7
Cn. McCaughan re Downey Unified School Board mtg. City Mgr. wil 1
to be held 6/1/93 on Redevelopment findings request staff report 7
Ken Miller re recommended Charter Amendments &
unnecessary proposed term limitation Amendment 7
Cn. Lawrence requested Ken Miller's input on
potential Charter Amendments 7
Mr. Caton complimented Cn. Brazelton on recent
Grand Canyon fete
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., April 20, 1993 7
Page 3 of 3
(3'6"53 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APRIL 13, 1993
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at
7:45 p.m., April 13, 1993, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City
Hall , Mayor Diane P. Boggs presiding.
PRESENT: C o u n c i l Members:
Diane P. Boggs Mayor
Robert S. Braze l ton Mayor Pro-Tem
Barbara J. Riley
Gary P. McCaughan, M.D.
Joyce L. Lawrence
ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Peter M. Thorson , City Atto rney
Judith McDonnell , City Clerk
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Clayton Mayes , Police Chief
Art Rangel, Director of Econ. and Community Development
Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Robert Brace, City Engineer
Alta Duke, Social Services Manager
Vicki Jenkins, City Librarian
Bill Makshanoff, Building Official
Bruce Robinson, Battalion Chief
Ed Velasco, Housing Manager
Ronald M. Yo sh i ki , Asst. Comm. Dev. Director /City Planner
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Cindi Lee, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Council Member Riley presented a Certificate of Appointment to Jerald
Si lby - Downey Civic Center Corporation, District 2.
Mayor Boggs presented a Proclamation declaring April 18 -24, 1993 as
National Library Week to Arthur Ochoa, Chairman, Library Advisory Board; and
Betty Watt, President, Friends of the Downey City Library.
Mayor Boggs presented a Proclamation declaring April, 1993, as National
Child Abuse Prevention Nbnth to Patricia Kent, Director of Community
Relations, Community Family /Guidance Center.
HEARINGS: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR: ITEMS REMOVED BY COUNCIL APPROVAL: None.
Council Minutes 4/13/93 -1-
CONSENT CALENDAR t 0 ' 4
Mr. Thorson advised that . Council Members Brazelton and McCaughan will
abstain from voting on Agenda Item VI -F -2, RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING
COMPENSATION FOR EL EC TI O N OFFICERS AND POLLING PLACES - SPECIAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION, MAY 18, 1993, and Agenda Item VI-F-3, RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING
OFFICERS AND POLLING PLACES FOR THE MAY 18, 1993, SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION.
It was moved by Council Member Ri ley, seconded by Council Member
Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions
and approve the Consent Calendar as recommended: (Council Members Brazelton
and McCaughan abstained from voting on Resolution Nos. 5667 and 5668.)
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETINGS, MARCH 23, 1993, MARCH 30,
1993, AND APRIL 5, 1993; REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 23, 1993: Approve.
CORRESPONDENCE: FROM CITY OF EL CAJON URGING SUPPORT OF ASSEMBLY BILL 17
(PUNISHMENT REGARDING SALE OR DISPLAY OF PORNOGRAPHY IN COIN- OPERATED VENDING
MACHINES): Receive and file.
CORRESPONDENCE: FROM EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE REGARDING PLAN FOR
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY N AR EN ESS Receive and file.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 64558 - 65117, $1,558,374.10: Approve.
PROPOSED USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS (CDBG) FOR FISCAL
YEAR 1993 -94: Set hearing for 7:30 p.m., May 11, 1993 in the Downey City
Council Chamber.
UNSCHEDULED EQUIPMENT PURCHASE - COMPUTERS FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT at a cost
of $6,800 to be funded from the Building and Safety Records Management Fee
Account: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 5666 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF ROGER LAWRENCE AS A MEMBER OF THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY - DOWNEY REGIONAL PUBLIC RECREATION AREA
COMMISSION (GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY) FOR COUNCILMANIC
DISTRICT ONE
RESOLUTION NO. 5667 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOW NEY , CALIFORNIA,
ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION FOR ELECTION OFFICERS AND POLLING PLACES
IN THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
TO BE HELD ON MAY 18, 1993
R ESO LU TI O N NO. 5668 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
LISTING OFFICERS AND POLLING PLACES FOR THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SAID CITY ON TUESDAY, THE 18TH DAY OF MAY, 1993
Council Minutes 4/13/93 -2-
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f
V
ORDINANCES NOT SET FORTH ABOVE
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADDING
SECTIONS 4153 THROUGH 4160 TO CHAPTER 1 OF ARTICLE IV OF THE
DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING 10 TRESPASS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
Ms. Yotsuya summarized the staff report, noting adoption of this
Ordinance will provide a needed tool for police officers to exercise in the
field when needed.
Mr. Thorson noted the correct Penal Code Section referenced in Section
4160 of the Ordinance should read "365."
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Riley, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and unanimously carried to waive
further reading and introduce.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MENDING
SECTION 4136 OF CHAPTER 1 OF ARTICLE IV OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL
CODE REGARDING. THE STORAGE OF AEROSOL SPRAY PAINT CONTAINERS
AND MARKER PENS
Ms. Yotsuya summarized the staff report, citing restrictions the
Ordinance would place on accessibility of spray paint cans and marker pens.
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Riley,
y ey, and unanimously Carried to waive
further reading and introduce.
Prior to the foregoing vote, discussion ensued regarding restrictions on
etching utensils, informing businesses about the new laws, and addressing
possession, penalties and abatement issues associated with graffiti problems.
RESOLUTIONS NOT SET FORTH ABOVE
LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT A.D. 121 OR LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING
MAINTENANCE DISTRICT A.D. 121 -- 1993-94 ASSESSMENT LEVY /ESTABLISH MAXIMUM
ASSESSMENT LEVY THROUGH 1996-97
Mr. Redmayne summarized the staff report, discussing ss in th
p g e option of
including direct assessments for on- street and public facility landscaping in
each lighting section.
Council Member McCaughan clarified that the final decision on including
proposed landscaping assessments would be made at the Council meeting on July
13, 1993. He recommended retaining the landscaping option at this time until
more information is available on the budget.
Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St., expressed concern after reading
an article in the Taxpayers News publication that mentioned government may
start using assessment districts to benefit City employees and fund various
special services, i .e . , police and fire departments.
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Mr. Ken Miller, 7336 Cleargrove Dr., recommended consideration be given
to increasing the utility users tax instead of imposing assessment
districts. He noted there are exemptions for elderly and handicapped people
under the utility users tax; however, an assessment must be paid by all
property owners.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member
Braze lton, and carried by the f o l l o w i n g vote to include the Addendum to the
Draft Engineer's Report adding Landscaping Maintenance to Assessment District
A.D. 121:
AYES: 3 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Braze lton, McCaughan
Riley, y� � g
NOES: 2 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Lawrence, Boggs
RESOLUTION NO. 5669
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING
THE DRAFT ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR ASSESSMENTS WITHIN LIGHTING
MAINTENANCE DISTRICT A.D. 121 FOR FISCAL YEARS 1993-94
THROUGH 1996 -97 (including Landscape Maintenace Addendmm)
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Riley, and carried by the following vote
to waive further reading and adopt:
AYES: 4 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Riley, Brazelton, Lawrence, McCaughan
NOES: 1 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Boggs
RESOLUTION NO. 5670
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION
TO LEVY AND COLLECT LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENTS
WITHIN LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT A.D. 121 FOR
FISCAL YEARS 1993-94 THROUGH 1996-97
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and carried by the following
vote to waive further reading and adopt:
AYES: 4 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Riley, Brazelton, Lawrence, McCaughan
NOES: 1 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Boggs
Prior to the foregoing vote, Council Member Lawrence mentioned she would
be voting in favor of the Resolution so the addendum can be discussed at the
meeting of July 13, 1993.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
SELECTION OF BOND COUNSEL FOR GOLF COURSE PROJECT
Mr. Powell summarized the staff report, noting the recommendation to
select Jones, Hall, Hill & White as bond counsel for the Golf Course
project. As this would be a contingency agreement, the firm would be paid
only if the bond program is completed.
Council Minutes 4/13/93 -4-
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It was moved by Council Member Brazelton, seconded by Council Member
Lawrence, and unanimously carried to confirm the decision of the Golf Course
Authority and approve the selection of Jones, Hall, Hill & White as bona
counsel for the Golf Course project at a cost of $30,000 for a $5 million
bond.
1993-94 CITY BUDGET STUDY SESSION
After discussion regarding the upcoming joint meeting with the Planning
Commission, it was the consensus of Council to schedule the 1993-94 City
Budget Study Session for 6:30 p.m., April 22, 1993.
UNSCHEDULED EQUIPMENT PURCHASE - TWO PARAMEDIC AN BU LAN C ES
Chief Robinson summarized the staff report, citing the cost savings
resulting from the purchase of reusable ambulance modules.
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member
Riley, and unanimously carried to increase the amount budgeted for two new
Paramedic Squads by $45 ,000 .
HOSPITAL COMMISSION TO ANNUALLY REVIEW HOSPITAL LEASE
Cou nc i l Member McCaughan advised he w i l l be abstaining from discussion on
this matter and vacated his seat, accordingly.
Mr. Thorson reviewed his letter to Council dated April 7, 1993, in which
he discussed aspects of the lease between the City and the Downey Community
Hospital Foundation, that was entered into on February 8, 1983.
In response to questions from Mayor Boggs, Mr. Powell verified that
certain documents outlined in the lease have been received from the Hospital.
Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St., mentioned he had been unable to
locate any City record of money paid by the Hospital Commission on the lease.
Mr. Powell advised that the Hospital made a lump sum payment of $99 per
the terms of the lease, as indicated by City documents which are available for
public inspection.
It was the consensus of Council that review of the aforementioned
documents listed in the lease would be sufficient; therefore, establishment of
a Commission would not be necessary.
It was moved by C o u n c i l Member Riley, seconded by Council Member
Lawrence, and unanimously carried by the four Council Members to receive and
file the City Attorney's letter regarding the Downey Community Hospital lease.
Council Member McCaughan resumed his seat at this time.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Marlene Kazen, 9537 Parrot Ave., expressed her desire to see
development of the Downtown Theatre project in Downey. She recently visited
the Krikorian Theatres in La Mirada and was highly impressed with the clean,
friendly, and safe atmosphere of the surrounding area.
Cou nc i l Minutes 4/13/93 -5-
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Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St., suggested the City refrain from
spending money as opposed to raising taxes, citing the high cost of the VIP
Holiday Lane Parade luncheon as an expense that could be deleted.
Mr. Steve Heine, 7012 Dinwiddie St., expressed concern with gunfire,
taggers, and other gang activity in the area of Crawford Park, and asked that
the back gate of the Park be closed to thwart these problems. He requested
Police patrol a particular residence on Dinwiddie Street, where car bombings
and extensive graffiti occur on a frequent basis; and asked that his name not
be reported in the newspapers.
Mr. Donald Self, 7022 Dinwiddie St., commented on redevelopment occurring
in neighboring cities, and conditions he felt were selectively imposed on his
property during recent remodeling.
Mr. Mike Perry, 7010 Dinwiddie St., spoke regarding the necessity of
additional lighting and fencing near Crawford Park, and requested assistance
in alleviating the problems in this area.
Mayor Boggs directed staff to investigate the issues addressed by these
citizens .
OTHER BUSINESS: CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council Member McCaughan responded to earlier comments regarding City
spending, noting a decrease in City Hall staffing levels of 30% over the past
two years.
Council Member McCaughan asked that a meeting be scheduled with the
residents of Dinwiddie Street near Crawford Park, perhaps in conjuction with
the Neighborhood Watch Program, to f a c i l i t a t e understanding of the ,problems
that were previously mentioned.
Council Member Lawrence spoke regarding the anonymity of the publication,
Taxpayers News, and recommended the public thoroughly investigate
�., organizations such as this one before contributing money when solicited.
Council Member Riley appealed to the press not to print the names of
those residents who spoke regarding the gang problem near Crawford Park to
avoid retaliation.
Council Member Riley mentioned Downey placed No. 20 out of 40 cities in
the California Business Magazine as being "business - friendly."
Council Member Riley commented on National Library Week, recognizing Ns.
Vicki Jenkins, City Librarian, and Ms. Fern Persion, Library Advisory Board,
in the audience.
Council Member Riley mentioned her recent visit to Fire Station No. 4.
Council Member Riley reported on Council's meting with Assemblyman Bob
Epple last week regarding the State Budget and its effects on City funds.
Council Member Riley recognized her daughter and son -in -law present in
the audience from Minneapolis.
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Council Member Brazelton cited the various City cuts that have recently
been made, including the hiring and three -year pay freeze for employees.
Difficult economic decisions will have to be made in an attempt to maintain
the level o f service currently enjoyed by the community.
Council Member Brazelton suggested consideration of a more restrictive
graffiti ordinance.
Mayor Boggs requested a report on free -play policy in use for the last
several years at the Golf Course.
Mayor Boggs commented on the probability of another Special Election
occurring in November for the consideration of a Charter Amendment, and the
election timeframe - for adding measures to this ballot, including other Charter
Arne nd me nt s
Mayor Boggs asked the City Attorney to draft a Charter Amendment
regarding fair political practices in local elections.
Council Member McCaughan mentioned he received a letter from the Downey
Unified School District notifying him of a meeting on their Redevelopment
findings to be held at 7:00 p.m., June 1, 1993 in the District Board Room. He
recommended staff attend this meeting.
In response to Council Member Lawrence's questions, Mr. Caton advised he
will request a staff report from the District on this upcoming meeting.
Mr. Ken Miller, 7336 Cleargrove Dr., commented on the fact that Charter
Amendments had been recommended through years of review, and expressed dismay
that an Amendment regarding term limitations would be considered for the
bal lot.
Council Member Lawrence requested Mr. Miller's input during the review of
potential Charter Amendments.
OTHER BUSINESS - STAFF MEMBERS '
Mr. Caton complimented Council Member Brazelton on his recent fete in
hiking the Gram Canyon in one day.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:10 p.m.
The meting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., April 20, 1993, in the Council
Chamber of the Downey City Hall .
ud i th E. M c Don ne 1 1 ; City Clerk I is n e P. Boggs, Mayor l i
,
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