HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-09-14-93-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
T A®3 L E O F MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Proclamations of Commendations for Heroism to three
Downey citizens 1
,..� Plaques of Merit to two Downey Firefighters 1
Mr. Cunningham, Downey Youth Football re problem with Cheerleaders to be
disgruntled resident near Rio San Gabriel Park re relocated to N/W
excessive noise created by cheerleaders corner of Park 2
Items Removed from Consent Calendar 2
Council Minutes: Adj. & Regular Mtgs., 8/24/93 Approved 2
Cash Contract #577, Furman Park Building Renovations:
Accept improvements & maintenance responsibility Approved 2
Warrants Issued: #68813-69324 Approved 2
Rio Hondo Temporary Home Agreement for 1993 -94 Approved 2
Dedication of Downey Civic Center Flag Pole Area in
Honor of Former Congressman Del Clawson Approved 2
Appointment of new BRAID Committee Members Approved 2
Res. #5714 adopting Memorandum of Understanding
between City of Downey & Downey Firemen's Association Adopted 3
Res. #5715 certifying Negative Declaration for
Drilling & Completion of Water Well #11 located at
11111 Brookshire Ave. (on Civic Center property) Adopted 3
Cash Contract #591, Civic Center Water Well: Approve
Plans & Specifications; authorize Public Works
Director to advertise for bids Approved 3
Set date /time for Council Tour of City Housing Stock Set for 4:00 p.m.,
10/12/93 3
Contract with Judicial Data Systems for complete
service processing of parking citations Approved 4
City of Downey Administrative Hearing Manual -
Park ing Violations Approved 4
Res. #5716 establishing parking penalties & other
related charges for parking violations within City Adopted 4
Page 1 of 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, SE PTA! BER 14, 1993
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED )
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
City Budget Adjustments for FY 1993 -94, excluding
Purchase Order Nos. 75647 & 75964 Approved 4
Res. #5715 authorizing submittal of application to
California State Dept. of Housing & Community
Development for funding under Home Investment
Partnerships Program; execution of standard agree-
me nt i f se 1 ec ted fo r such fu nd i ng ; and re la ted
documents necessary to participate in HOME Investment
Partnerships Programs Ad opted 5
Lennie Whittington re modifying City Hall hours to
coincide with 9/8 0 Plan hours 5
Vehicle towing & service agrements with Doug's Tug Cont. to
and Un i ted Towing 9/28/93 6
I -5 Consortium Budget Request Cont. to 9/28/93 6
Hbrtgage Credit Certificate Program - Resolution Cont. to 9/28/93 7
Modification to Shopping Cart Ordinance Staff to return with
Ordinance 7
Cn. Lawrence re Grandparents & Books Program
training at Library on Saturday, 9/28/93 7
Cn. Boggs re vacant fenced -in house at northwest
corner of Cl eta St. and Patton Rd. Referred to staff 7
Cn. Boggs re vacant residential lot with cement
slab at Alameda St. & Blodgett Ave.
9 Referred r re d to staff 7
Cn. Boggs received complaint re City Hall closure
on alternate Fridays 7
Cn. Boggs re letter from Supervisor Deane Dana Staff to return with
encouraging media not to promote graffiti in Resolution of support
advert is i ng 7
Cn. Boggs re including Downey in upcoming festivities
of 1-105 Freeway Grand Opening on 10/14/93 7
Cn. Riley commended Kaiser Hospital for donation to
7
Independent Cities for their Youth Summit Program
Cn. Riley announced birth of granddaughter, Joelene 7
Meria Dittman
Paget of 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, SEPTI34BER 14, 1993
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Cn. McCaughan re City employees removing stray 7
shopping carts
Cn. McCaughan requested report on solutions to
scavengers filtering through recyclable trash 8
Cn. McCaughan reiterated need for O r d i n a n c e
similar to City of Artesia Ordinance re
parking in front yard setback 8
Cn. McCaughan re need for better maintenance near Referred to Dir.
Paramount Blvd. ramps at I -5 Freeway of Public Works 8
Cn . McCaughan ha n re compliments iments received on slurry 9 p y sea l
project throughout City 8
Cn. Riley re litter-free freeways in Minnesota 8
Mr. Caton commended Public Works Dept. for slurry seal
project; complimented W. Jarrett for accomplishment of
Furman Park renovation & Dedication 8
Adjourned in memory of L. A. County Firefighters
Christopher Herman & Arthur Ruezga, killed in
line of duty 8
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., September 28, 1993 8
Page3of3
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SEPTEMBER 14 , 1993
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at
7.40 p.m., September 14, 1993, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall,
Mayor Robert S. Braze lton presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Robert S. Brazelton Mayor �--.
Barbara J. Riley Mayor Pro-Tem
Gary P. McCaughan, M.D.
Joyce L. Lawrence
Diane P. Boggs
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, Assistant Executive Director
Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Ron Yosh iki , Asst. Comm. Dev. Director/City Planner
Robert Brace, City Engineer
Greg Mayfield, Water /Sanitation Superintendent
Ed Velasco, Housing Manager
Cindi Lee, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Brazelton presented Proclamations of Commendation to Stephen
Ed rra rd s , Prsa nd o Fra i re , and Erik Hendricks, for their recent heroic efforts
in rescuing a young child from the riverbed.
Fire Chief Irwin presented two Plaques of Merit to Firefighters Da rre n
Moon and Scott Ja egg i on behalf o f Downey Police and Fire Memorial Trust
Foundation, for their efforts in developing and conducting anti -drug and drunk
driving scenarios through "Operation Prom Night."
HEARINGS: None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
With the concurrence of Counci 1 , Mayor Brazelton opened ORAL
COMMUNICATIONS at this time to accommodate the large number of school-age
children in the audience who were present regarding a particular matter.
Mr. James Cunningham, 7 612 Ad we n St., President, Downey Youth Football,
spoke regarding problems concerning a disgruntled resident complaining about
Council Minutes 9/14/93 -1-
•
excessive noise created by the organization's cheerleaders, which resulted in
the cheerleaders moving to another location in the Park and being subject to
injuries and harassment. The organization is requesting the cheerleaders be
allowed to return to the northwest corner of the Park for safety reasons.
Approximately 100 people were recognized in the audience as having the
same concerns expressed by Mr. Cunningham. • Ji
Mr. Caton directed Mr. Jarrett to relocate the cheerleaders to the
northwest corner of the Park, and requested the organization meet with staff
to discuss possible compromising actions, such as keeping music or amplifiers
,--., away from residential areas.
Mr. Lennie Whittington approached the podium to speak and was informed by
Mayor Brazelton that the remainder of Oral Communications will be helcd at the
scheduled time of 8:30 p.m.
The meeting recessed at 7:55 p.m. and reconvened at 7:58 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL:
Mr. Caton requested removal from the Consent Calendar of AGENDA ITEM VI-
F -1, AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN NCRTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE PROGRM.
Council Member McCaughan requested removal from the Consent Calendar of
AGENDA ITEM VI -E -5, 1 -5 CONSORTIUM BUDGET REQUEST.
Council Member Riley requested removal from the Consent Calendar of
AGENDA ITEM VI -E -3, VEHICLE TOWING AND SERVICE AG REEMENTS .
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member
Boggs, and unanimously carried to ra ive further reading of the Resolutions and
approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS - AUGUST 24, 1993:
Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. 577, FURMAN PARK BUILDING RENOVATIONS: Accept
improvements, approve Change Orders 7 through 15, totaling $22,039, and accept
maintenance responsibility: Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 68813 - 69324, $1,862,204.28: Approve.
RIO HOMO TEMPORARY HOME AGREEMENT FOR 1993-94: Approve.
DEDICATION OF DOWNEY CIVIC CENTER FLAG POLE AREA IN HONOR OF FORMER
CONGRESSMAN DEL C LAW SO N: Approve.
APPO IN1N ENT OF NEW BRAID COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Approve.
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i
RESOLUTION NO. 5714 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING THE M 8M CRAHDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
J 4, CITY OF DOWNEY MD THE DOWNEY FIREMEN'S S ASSOCIATION
RESOLUTION NO. 5715 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
CERTIFYING THE N E6 ATI VE DECLARATION FOR DRILLING AND
COMPLETION OF WATER WELL NO. 11 LOCATED AT
11111 BROOKSH IRE AVENUE (ON CIVIC CENTER PROPERTY)
CASH CONTRN T M. 591, CIVIC CENTER WATER WELL: Approve plans and
PP p
specifications and authorize the Director of Public Works to advertise for
bids to drill Water Well No. 11: Approve.
ORDINANCES NOT SET FORTH ADO VE : None.
RESOLUTIONS NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
SET DATE/TIME FOR COUNCIL TOUR OF CITY HOUSING STOCK
It was the consensus of Council to schedule the tour for Tuesday, ues ay, 4.00
p.m., October 12, 1993.
Council Member Boggs commented on the need for adequate transportation to
accommodate the public, and suggested having citizens sign up in advance to
determine the size of vehicle needed.
When Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St., complained that requiring
q 9
pre - registration for Boggs
public would violate State law, Council Member Bo s
clarified her intention was to merely make sure adequate size transportation
would be provided for the public.
PARKING CITATIONS - PROCEDURE FOR PROCESSING
w. Williams summarized the staff report , explaining the Judicial Council
of C a l i f o r n i a conducted a study of potential changes regarding the parking
citation process. He discussed Assembly Bill 408, which places responsibility
of processing parking citations on those agencies that issue the tickets.
Parking violations would be decriminalized and a system of civil penalties
would be adjudicated by an administrative structure within the City rather
than the court system. Punishment for parking violations would change from a
criminal penalty to a civil liability. The City will receive all parking fine
revenue, excluding State and local parking penalty surcharges. He further
discussed the procedure to be followed for contesting a citation, including an
administrative hearing and civil court proceedings. Proposals were solicited
from firms with experience in processing parking tickets, which included the
demonstration of hand-held ticket writing devices. Based on services and
costs offered, staff is requesting approval to contract with Judicial Data
Systems for the lease of automated citation writers and the full processing of
parking citations issued by the City. Approval is recommended for the
Administrative Hearing Manual to be used as a guide by the Hearing Officer.
Staff is proposing to increase parking citation penalties for all violations,
in an amount equivalent to the surcharges paid to the County and the
processing fee charged to the City.
Council Minutes 9/14/93 -3-
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by tl iJ3
Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to contract with Judicial
Data Systems for complete service processing of parking citations.
It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Boggs,
and unanimously carried to approve the City of Downey Administrative Hearing
Manual._
RESOLUTION NO. 5716
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
TO ESTABLISH PARKIN PENALTIES AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES
FOR PARKING VIOLATIONS WITHIN THE CITY
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Riley, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously approved to waive
further reading and adopt.
Mr. Caton commended Mr. Williams on preparing an excellent staff report
on this matter.
CITY BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1993-94
Mr. Powell summarized the staff report, noting this annual process
involves carrying forward appropriations from the preceding fiscal year to the
current fiscal year to handle items previously ordered but not yet paid for or
delivered.
Council Member Lawrence questioned the items and amount of Purchase Order
No. 75647, and was informed the order includes gift items for the Adult
Literacy Program.
Council Member Boggs questioned Purchase Order No. 75964 regarding a
briefcase and shift bag for $349.11, and was informed this order includes Im re
than one briefcase.
,.-.. After further discussion, it was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded
by Council Member Boggs , and unanimously carried to approve the carry - forward
budget items and the appropriation adjustments for Fiscal Year 1993 -94,
excluding Purchase Order tbs. 75647 and 75964.
Prior to the foregoing vote, W. Caton advised that a report will be
returned with more information on the two purchase orders in question.
RESOLUTION NO. 5717
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA
STATE D EPARIN ENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR
• FU IUD ING UNDER THE HONE INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRIf4 ;
THE EXECUTION OF A STANDARD AGREEMENT IF SELECTED FOR SUCH
FU PL ING MD ANY M ENDMENTS THERETO; AND ANY RELATED
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIPS PROG RM S
Council Minutes 9/14/93 -4-
•
Mr. Rangel summarized the staff report, recommending application
� nd ing an apple cation
requesting $250,000 in HOME funds be filed with the California Department of
Community Development. The State has $20 million in Investment Partnership
P
funds to allocate Statewide via a competitive apps scat ion process. The use of
the funds is restricted to housing activities which directly benefit low
income households, and w i l l be y
used in Downey to improve both owner and renter
occupied units. He mentioned the program requires 25% matching funds from the
City based on the HOME allocation.
Council Member McCaughan questioned what the outlay would be from the
Redevelopment funds if the allocation of $250,000 was awarded and was
informed the amount would be 25% of the $250,000, or approximately pp y $83,000. .--•
Five percent of the award would be used for operating costs.
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive
further reading and adopt.
ORAL CC MMUNC IATIONS
Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St., noted his dismay that others
were not allowed to speak during the previously held Oral Communications
period. He requested that City Hall hours be modified to coincide with the
9/80 plan hours.
OTHER BUSINESS: CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS REMOVED BY COUNCIL APPROVAL
VEHICLE TOWING MID SERVICE AGREEMENTS WITH DOUG ' S TIJG AND UNITED TOWING
Mr Gene Moore , 12516 Downey Ave., representing United Towing Co.,
expressed concern with the proposed rotation and sharing system with another
contractor. He distributed copies of a letter outlining the potential
devastating impact to his company that would result from sharing the
contract. The rotation system requires the contractor to maintain adequate
equipment to handle all of the towing for half the time. He requested that
Un i ted Towing remain the sole contractor in Downey for this service.
Council Member Boggs agreed with his concern regarding equipment
preparedness, and suggested staff review this matter prior to further
consideration.
Council Member Riley expressed concern with the affects of rotation on
the contractor's employees, citing the lack of constant work available.
Council Member McCaughan asked if complaints had been received regarding
United Towing.
Chief Caldwell replied that United Towing has an excellent reputation,
free of customer complaints. He had suggested sharing the contract since the
two contractors both submitted bids that met the minimum qualifications.
After rece iv ing input from h is Department d ispa tc hers rega rd ing the most
practical rotation system, he recommended a weekly rotation be implemented.
In reply to Cou nc i l Member McCaughan ' s questions, Mr. . Moore indicated his
company has an adequate number of tow trucks to handle the City's needs.
Council Minutes 9/14/93 -5-
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Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of considering this contract ��
as a franchise.
Chief Caldwell mentioned other Cities have attempted to grant a franchise
in this area, but have experienced various problems. Changes in the Vehicle
Code allow the City to charge a person a fee to release their towed vehicle,
thereby recovering a portion of the City's cost.
Mr. Caton suggested continuing this item to the next meeting when further
information w i l l be available for review. Representatives of Doug's Tug w i l l
be notified of the meeting.
Mayor Brazelton directed staff to return with further information
regarding this item at the next Cou nc i l meeting.
1 -5 CONSORTIUM BUDGET REQUEST
Council Member McCaughan questioned which budget would be affected by the
additional requested appropriation, and was informed it would be from the
1993-94 fiscal year budget, beginning July 1, 1993.
At the request of the City Manager, the 1-5 Consortium Budget Request was
continued to the next Council Meeting.
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING A M CR TG AG E CREDIT CERTIFICATE PROGRM IN
COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, AUTHORIZING
AN APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA DEBT LIMIT ALLOCATION
COMMITTEE IN 1993 OR IN 1994 FOR Sti ALLOCATION FOR THE
ISSUANCE OF M CR T AGE CREDIT CERTIFICATES AND THE TRANSFER
OF SUCH ALLOCATION TO THE COUNTY OF LOS AHG EL ES
W. Ran el summarized the staff report, notin this relatively 9 noting y new
program is designed to make buying a home in Downey more obtainable and
affordable for first -time home buyers through retention of a portion of their
gross annual income. He discussed the program's qualifications, including a
required performance deposit by the City to the County based on the requested
allocation amount.
Council Member McCaughan ex expressed concern that the City's 's performance
P y
deposit would be at risk if a low number of Hbrtgage Credit Certificates were
issued.
Mr. Velasco explained the performance deposit will encourage cities to
actively promote the program. As long as one certificate is issued in Los
Angeles County, the City's deposit will be returned on a pro -rated basis. The
City will determine i f applicants meet the necessary criteria and approve all
loans.
Although he agreed with the concept, Council Member McCaughan mentioned
that other groups, such as Habitat for Humanity, are also worthy of possible •
redevelopment funding.
The Resolution was read by title only.
Counci 1 Minutes 9/14/93 -6-
•
Z; 4 Mr. Caton
suggested that staff return with more information on the
performance deposit regulations prior to further consideration.
Staff was directed to return at the next meeting with more information,
and to complete the pre- application process, indicating an interest in the
program.
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE A MODIFICATION TO SHOPPING CART ORDINANCE
Cou nc i l Member McCaughan requested staff prepare modifications to the
shopping cart ordinance, to include requiring a business entity to show roof
of contracting with a cart retrieval business p
9 eva service ice when they obtain � n the � r
license; designating central drop -off locations for shopping carts; and
educating the public on their role in this matter.
Staff was directed to return with an ordinance.
Council Member Lawrence mentioned the training for Grandparents and Books
Program at the Library will begin on Saturday, September 18, 1993, and
encouraged interests persons to attend.
Council Member Boggs requested staff take action on the fenced -in house
at the northwest corner of Cleta Street and Patton Road, which has been vacant
for some time.
Council Member Boggs asked staff to investigate a vacant residential lot
with a cement slab on property at Alameda Street and Blodgett Avenue.
Council Member Boggs mentioned receiving a complaint about the closure of
City Hall on alternate Fridays.
Council Member Boggs referenced a letter from Supervisor Deane Dana about
encouraging the media not to promote graffiti in advertising, and requested
staff prepare a resolution of support on this matter.
0—N
Council Member Boggs commented on the upcoming grand opening celebration
for the I405 Freeway on October 14 , 1993, and asked that Downey be included
in any festivities planned.
Council Member Riley commended Kaiser Permsnente Hospital for donating
$3,000 to Independent Cities for their Youth Summit Program to be held this
Fall , which is well-attended by young people in the area.
Council Member Riley announced the birth of her gra nildau gh to r , Joe le ne
Meria Dittman.
Council Member McCaughan requested all staff members be informed of the
shopping cart policy, and remove stray carts from public areas.
Council Minutes 9/14/93 -7-
e
Council Member McCaughan referenced recent articles in the Press Telegram
regarding increased incidences o f scavengers filtering through recyclable
trash, and requested a staff report on possible solutions to this problem.
Council Member McCaughan reiterated his request that Council consider
adopting an ordinance similar to the City of Artesia 's Ordinance regarding
parking in the front yard setback.
Council Member McCaughan compared the aesthetics of the I -5 Freeway ramps
on Lakewood and Paramount Boulevards, noting the need for better maintenance
near the Paramount Boulevard on and off ramps.
Redmayne noted he will contact Ca l t raps regarding the need for better
maintenance at the I -5 Freeway and Paramount Boulevard.
Council Member McCaughan noted receiving compliments on the neatness of
the slurry seal project throughout the City.
C o u n c i l Member Riley commented o n her recent visit to Minnesota where she
noticed the freeways were free of litter.
O1N ER BUSINESS - Staff Me nt ers
Mr. Caton commended the Public Works Department for the recently
completed slurry seal project on various streets, and complimented Mr. Ja rre tt
on the accomplishment of the Furman Park renovation project anaa dedication.
ADJURMNENT: 9:15 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned in memory of two Los Angeles County
Firefighters, Christopher Herman of Downey and Arthur Ru ez ga of Ya ld i na , who
i
were killed in the line of duty, to 6:30 p.m., September 28, 1993, in the
Council Chamber of-the Downey City Hall.
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•d i th E. Mc Don ne:f1 -, 'Ci t , Clerk
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