HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-25-93-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOW N EY
MAY 25, 1993
TA ; OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Proclamation re Distinguished School Awards to
Gauldin & Ward Elementary Schools 1
Items Removed from Consent Calendar 1
Council Minutes: Ad j. Regular Meeting, 5/11/93 Approved 2
Warrants Issued: #65892 -66251 Approved 2
Appropriate Prop. A funds to purchase 3 radios &
related equipment for Community Svs. - Transit Division Approved 2
Res. 5678, apptg Joyce Lawrence to Trustees Board of
Southeast Mosquito Abatement District Adopted 2
Proposed 1993 -94 Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Programs and Funding Allocations Approved as amended 3
Revision of Residential Refuse Collection Agreement
& Review of Commercial /Industrial Collection Cont. to 6/8/93 5
Joel Lubin re poor press coverage on recent
Special Election; condition of State budget;
need for clearer parking restriction signs 5
Zenaida Guerra re problem with Design Review Board
approval of block wall with gate along Second St.
near her property Referred to staff 5
Arthur Holman re article about recent Special Election 5
Alice Vartanian discouraged further consideration of
theatres in Downtown area 5
Norman Ho rn ey re Council review of staff's report on
problems pertaining to Century Freeway 5
Lennie Whittington re comments overheard at City Hal 1
about Special Election; requested developer's signs be
removed from proposed theatre location 5
Council Minutes: Regular Meeting, 5/11/93 Approved as amended 6
Res. 5677, reciting fact of Special Municipal Election
held in Downey on 5/18/93, declaring result thereof &
such other matters as are provided by law Adopted 6
Page 1 of 2
COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 25, 1993
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINuED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Cn. McCaughan re public phone at Furman Park 6
Cn. McCaughan re graffiti at Furman Park & need for
new Anti-Graffiti Ordinance 6
Cn. Lawrence thanked various City Depts. for successful
programs at Kidsday, Hall of Fame, Operation Prom Night, •--�
& Fire Department Open Houses 6
Cn. Lawrence requested support for bond issue on
November ballot re renovation of schools 6
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., June 8, 1993 6
Page 2 of 2
CITY COUNCIL 9
MINUTES OF THE
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MAY 25, 1993
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at
7:45 p.m., May 25, 1993, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall,
Mayor Diane P. Boggs presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members :
Diane P. Boggs Mayor
Barbara J. Riley
Gary P. McCaughan, M.D.
ABSENT: Robert S. Brazelton Mayor Pro -Tem (Excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Peter M. Thorson, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk
Lee Powell , Assistant City Manager
Gregory Caldwell, Police Chief
Ron Irwin, Fire Chief
Jim Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Art Rangel , Director of Economic & Comm. Development
Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works
Robert Brace, City Engineer
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Comm. Dev. Director /City Planner
Ed Ve l a sco , Housing Manager
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Kathy Simmons, Administrative Assistant
Joyce Baker, Deputy City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Boggs presented Proclamations honoring Gauldin and Ward Schools as
California's Distinguished Elementary Schools to Mr. Gary Rutherford,
Principal, Gauldin Elementary School , and Ms. Linda Kennedy, Principal, Ward
Elementary School.
HEARINGS: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL:
Mayor Boggs requested removal from the Consent Calendar of AGENDA ITEM
VI -A-2, CITY COUNCIL MATES, MAY 11, 1993.
Council Member McCaughan requested removal from the Consent Calendar of
AGENDA ITEM VI-F-1, RESOLUTION DECLARING RESULT OF SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
HELD ON MAY 18, 1993.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member
Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions
and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING, MAY 11, 1993: Approve.
VARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 65892 - 66251, $1,463,668.04: Approve.
APPROPRIATE PROPOSITION A FUNDS TO PURCHASE THREE RADIOS AND RELATED
EQUIPMENT FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES - TRANSIT DIVISION at a cost of $5,100 to be
used in the event of an emergency: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 5678 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPOINTING JOYCE L. LAWRENCE TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF THE SOUTHEAST MOSQUITO ABATEMENT DISTRICT
ORDINANCES NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None.
RESOLUTIONS NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
PROPOSED USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR FISCAL
YEAR 1993 -94 (Continued from May 11, 1993) -
Mr. Rangel summarized the staff report, discussing funding requests
received from the City's Departments and the School District. At the previous
meeting, it was the consensus of Council to allocate $100,000 in Set Aside
funds for Housing Rehabilitation and divert this amount in CDBG funds for
eligible activities. Staff is recommending these monies financially assist
the development of a Downtown Specific Plan, the Adult Literacy Program, and
playground equipment at Rio San Gabriel and Brookshire Parks.
Council Member McCaughan requested flexibility in CDBG funding to augment
the Code Enforcement Division in addition to staff's recommended amount. He
suggested $30,000 from the diverted $100,000 be allocated to Code Enforcement
for this purpose.
Mayor Boggs requested additional funding for the Adult Literacy Program
to include both components proposed by the City Librarian, and was informed by
Mr. Velasco that funding for this program is restricted to a certain amount,
which cannot be modified without altering other Public Service Programs.
It was the consensus of Council to allocate $8,429 to the Adult Literacy
Program.
Council Member Lawrence noted the School District's sale of Unsworth
School may provide them with their requested funds. She favored partial
funding for a Keep Downey Beautiful staff person with these monies.
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After further discussion, it was the consensus of Council to allocate
$8,000 in CDBG monies previously directed to the Apollo Neighborhood Center to
partially fund a Keep Downey Beautiful staff person.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member
Lawrence, and unanimously carried by the Members present (4 -0), to allocate
the diverted $100,000 in the following manner: Code Enforcement: $30,000;
Adult Literacy: $8,429; Downtown Specific Plan: $39,491; Rio San Gabriel
Park Playground Equipment Project: $18,000; Brookshire Park Playground
Equipment Project: approximately $5,000; reduce Apollo Neighborhood Center
allocation by $8,000 and divert these funds to Keep Downey Beautiful staffing;
authorize the City Manager to submit the annual grant application for CDBG
funds as amended; and authorize the City Manager to submit all reports and
correspondence required for the CDBG Program during fiscal year 1993 -94.
Prior to the foregoing vote, discussion ensued regarding the Set Aside
fund balance and prior funding given to the School District.
Ms. Joan Smay, 13338 Castana Ave., recommeded diverting an additional
$50,000 from Set Aside funds for use as CDBG funds to assist the School
District, since the sale of Unsworth School has not been completed and
financial assistance cannot be depended upon from this source.
Mr. Donald La Plante, Member of the Downey Board of Education, confirmed
that the School District cannot rely on funds from the potential sale of
Unsworth School. Any money that is generated from the sale will probably fund
Downey High and other school improvements. He discussed the differing
priorities of the District and City, and expressed appreciation for any
funding received from the City.
Council Member McCaughan invited School Board Members to discuss common
interests and future activities with City Council.
REVISION OF RESIDENTIAL REFUSE COLLECTION AGREEMENT AHD REVIEW OF
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL COLLECTION
Mr. Redmayne summarized the staff report, discussing the requirements of
State Law AB 939, which mandates dramatic reductions in solid waste disposal
by the year 2000. A recycling subcommittee composed of Council and staff
reviewed three alternative recycling programs: A Materials Recovery Facility
(MRF) Program, an automated system, and the existing program with mandatory
Downey At -Home Recycling Team (DART) and greenwaste provisions. It is their
recommendation that an automated system should be selected based on cost,
diversion and convenience. The automated system includes three separate
color -coded barrels for trash, recyclables and greenwaste, at a cost of $14.41
per month. As all trash sources must be involved to meet the mandated State
requirements, it is recommended that trash haulers be required to deliver
commercial and industrial trash to a MRF. A brief slide presentation was
narrated by Mr. Redmayne, explaing the different aspects of an automated
system.
Council Member Lawrence discussed the eventual disposition of greenwaste
and DART revenue. She requested further information on the trucks necessary
for an automated system.
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Mr. Redmayne noted the cost for 12 new trucks would be $130,000-150,000
each, which could be financed through a tax free bond. The ownership of the
trucks would be negotiable, including maintenance and depreciation.
Mr. Joel Lubin, 7820 Al le ng rove St., expressed concern with potential
problems created by the large barrels and further restrictions upon property
owners.
Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St., expressed concern with the
eventual elimination of commercial haulers and awarding the franchise contract
to one commercial hauler for easier regulation. He warned that if Council
pursued this plan, the haulers will threaten to sue the City, as they have
done in the past under similar circumstances. He expressed concern with the
City financing the new trucks required for residential refuse, noting other
cities contract with haulers that have the proper equipment.
Mayor Boggs noted that when AB 939 was passed by the State in 1989,
Downey participated in a consortium which prepared plans for dealing with the
State's deadlines, specifically the requirement to reduce solid waste disposal
25% by the year 1995 or be subject to extensive penalties.
It was moved by Council Member Riley and seconded by Mayor Boggs to
establish the mandatory recycling programs for residential, commercial and
industrial collection; a five year phase -out of all commercial hauler permits
in Downey to eventually award a franchise for commercial trash hauling to one
hauler; authorize staff to seek a residential trash rate expert to negotiate
and recommend a new trash rate for residential trash collection; and revise
the existing refuse franchise agreement with Calsan. (No vote taken; see page
3 for continuation of this item to next meeting.)
Council Member Riley clarified that the mec hn ica l equipment arms can
reach between parked cars to retrieve trash cans. She noted an automatic lift
would reduce injuries and claims.
Mr. Redmayne presented a sample barrel for inspection.
Ms. Marcella Bright, 10354 Hasty Ave., agreed the system is efficient,
but mentioned that in Arizona and Florida, trash is picked up three times a
week to accommodate more than three barrels of trash.
Discussion ensued regarding current legislation dealing with the area of
packaging to aid in waste reduction.
Ms. Alice Vartanian, 8603 Lubec St., expressed concern with the large
size of the containers and potential sanitary problems.
Council Member McCaughan clarified that additional barrels will be
available at a price to be negotiated. Stacking items for removal such as
bundled trimmings is not an option in the recommended plan. His main concern
is the hidden penalty affecting large sized families and lots with high trash
levels.
Council Member Lawrence stressed the importance for public education on
ways to reduce waste, such as composting.
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Mayor Boggs recalled recycling done during World War II, noting a change
in personal refuse disposal habits will need to occur. She discussed other
options that have been considered and are no longer available in the area,
such as rail -haul and trash incenerators.
Council Member Riley mentioned the City will be greatly penalized if its
resident do not learn how to reduce their trash.
It was the consensus of Council to continue this item to the next Council
meeting of June 8, 1993.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Joel Lubin, 7820 Allengrove, expressed concern with the poor press
coverage regarding the recent Special Election, and hoped that all sides will
work together in the future. He spoke about the condition of the State
budget, and requested clearer parking restriction signs on the streets for
easier compliance by the public.
Ms. Zenaida Guerra, 7975 2nd St., referred to her letter to Council dated
May 20, 1993, expressing concern regarding the Design Review Board approval of
a block wall along Second Street with a gate for purposes of maintaining the
landscaped area .
Staff was directed to look into the matter.
Mr . Ar t h u r Ho 1 ma n , 10 248 Wood ru ff Ave . , re fe re nc ed comments wade in a
} newspaper article about the recent election and asked everyone to work
I together.
Ms. Alice Vartanian, 8603 Lubec St., stated her opinion that movie
theatres will soon be an obsolete industry and discouraged any further
consideration of theatres in the Downtown area.
Mr. Norman Horney, 9102 Angell St., Member of the Freeway Committee,
requested Council review staff's report on problems pertaining to the Century
Freeway construction, and possibly forward these concerns to the appropriate
governmental agencies.
Mr . Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St . , re fe re nc ed comments ov erhea rid
at City Hall about the Spec is 1 Election, and requested the developer's signs
be removed from the proposed theatre location.
Mr. Caton informed him that the signs had already been removed.
OTHER BUSINESS: CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS REMOVED BY COUNCIL APPROVAL
COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 11, 1993
Mayor Boggs requested a correction be made to the Cote i l Minutes of May
11, 1993, on page 3, paragraph 4, regarding her comments on Commun i t
y
Development Block Grant Program and available funding to assist residents in
costs associated with compliance to meet City Codes. She asked that her
comments reflect her desire to have funds available for any household that
might have financial difficulties.
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It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member
Riley, and unanimously carried by the Members present (4-'o) to approve the
Council Minutes of May 11, 1993 as amended.
RESOLUTION NO. 5677
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY,
C AL I FOR NI A, RECITING THE FACT OF THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION HELD IN SAID CITY OF DOWNEY ON THE 18TH DAY OF
MAY, 1993, DECLARING THE RESULT THEREOF AND SUCH OTHER
MATTERS AS ARE PROVIDED BY LAW
Council Member McCaughan advised he w i l l be abstaining from voting on
this matter.
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member
Riley, and carried by the following vote to waive further reading and adopt.
AYES: 3 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Riley, Lawrence, Boggs
NOES: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COUNCIL MEMBER: Brazelton
ABSTAIN: 1 COUNCIL MEMBER: McCaughan
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Council Member McCaughan asked if a public telephone is to be installed
at Furman Park, and was advised there will be a telephone installed upon
completion of the renovation project.
Council Member McCaughan mentioned the presence of graffiti at Furman
Park, and reiterated the need for a new Anti-Graffiti Ordinance.
Council Member Lawrence thanked the Departments of Public Safety, Public
Works and Commuunity Services for their efforts in successful Kidsday and Hall
of Fame Programs, Operation Prom Night at warren High School, ant Fire
Department Open Houses.
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Council Member Lawrence encouraged community support for a boned issue
that will be on the November ballot regarding renovation of schools.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Me ■b ers : None. .
ADJOURNMENT: 9:30 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., June 8, 1993, in the Council
Chamber of the Cpwney City Hall .
' 7 t -
AOF I
IL, —4' i ' / ' / ...Ira -.4.
J d i th E. Mc Don nevi City Clerk Diane P. Boggs, Mayor
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