HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-08-94-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MARCH 8, 1994
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Proclamation re "Mental Retardation Awareness" Month 1
Certificate of Appreciation to Connie Sziebl for
service on Recreation & Community Services Commission,
District 1 1
Certificate of Appointment to James Pryor, Traffic
Committee, District 2 1
Certificates of Appreciation to Downey businesses that
have served community for over 40 years 1
Introduction of new Building Official, Bob Gallagher 2
Community Development Presentation of Housing Division
Programs 2
Items Removed from Consent Calendar 2
Council Minutes: Adj. & Regular Mtgs., 2/22/94 Approved 2
Warrants Issued: #73676 -74009 Approved 2
Res. #5769, supporting H.R. 3392, the Slatterly/
B l i l e y Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1993 Adopted 2
Res. #5770, apvg. appointment of Gregory A. Rosenthal
to Emergency Preparedness Committee, District 4 Adopted 3
Res. #5771, amending Memorandum of Understanding with
Downey Firemen's Association Adopted 3
Res. #5772, adopting Memorandum of Understanding
between City and Downey City Employees' Association/
Maintenance Unit Adopted 3
Res. #5773, adopting Memorandum of Understanding
between City and Downey City Employees' Association/
Miscellaneous Unit Adopted 3
Res. #5774, adopting Memorandum of Understanding
between City and Downey Public Safety Auxiliary
Association Adopted 3
Res. #5775, establishing salary adjustments for non -
sworn Management employees & amending Management
benefit plan Adopted 3
Page 1 of 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 8, 1994
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT
ACTION PAGE NO .
Part -time Administrative Assistant position to
provide staff assistance for Keep Downey Beautiful,
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funded with AB939 monies Approved 4
Laura Gi andal i a re concern with attendance boundaries
set by Downey Unified School District for Unsworth
Elementary School children 4
Larry Young favored building senior center at Third
St. and La Reina Ave. 4
Sarah Rosales re safety factor in transporting children
from her neighborhood to Unsworth Elementary School 4
Fred James urged building new senior center & suggested
sidewalks be installed on Suva St. between Tweedy Ln.
& Paramount Blvd. for safety reasons 4
Bob Austin advocated community center for the youth 4
Kathryn Clark re need for new senior center 4
Harry Polgar hoped there would be no discrimination
policy against a ainst any group re community center 4
Sale of proprietary interest in the November 19, 1989
License Agreement between the City & Arroyo Seco Food
and Beverage Co. to Joan Wynne Approved 4
Sale of $900,000 of Proposition A funds to City of
Santa Fe Springs at 604 on the dollar, with money
from sale set aside for community center needs,
including staffing Approved 5
Downey Municipal Code Amendment 94 -1, Permitted
uses & development standards for new zone - CM
Commercial Manufacturing) Set hrg. 4/26/94 5
Cn. Boggs re attending public hearing on expansion
of Puente Hills landfill 5
Cn. Boggs inquired into extending Dial -A -Ride Program
to evenings and weekends 6
Cn. Boggs suggested needs assessment be conducted
relative to community center concept 6
Cn. Lawrence commented on recent attendance at a
senior citizen mtg. 6
Page 2 of 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 8, 1994
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Cn. Lawrence re financing needs assessment with the
money set aside from sale of Prop. A funds 6
Ch. Riley noted Community Center Subcommittee is
in planning stages, referenced possible location on
Imperial Hwy. & need for police presence in vicinity 6
p Y
Cn. Riley requested staff contact railroad personnel
re p robl ems with train traffic blocking intersections 6
Cn. Riley re compliment to City Engineer Bob Brace
for p reservation work on former City Hall "Arch" 6
Cn. Riley mentioned constituent letter of thanks to
Ed Velasco and staff for assistance in Senior Paint
and Fix -U p Program ram 6
Cn. McCaughan noted information from Community Center
Subcommittee is available to public; requested public
input p prior to finalizing plans for the Center 6
Cn. McCaughan asked that "Standards of Conduct signs
be laced in City parks 6
p Y
Cn. McCaughan expressed dismay at recent newspaper
editorial that contained falsehoods & ridiculed
certain Council Members; urged press to report on
positive aspects of City 6
Mayor B razel ton re his attendance at Little League
Pancake Breakfast fundraiser; asked press to
emphasize ze p ositive City happenings 6
p
Mr. Caton thanked Council for salary raises on behalf
of all City employees 6
Y
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., March 22, 1994 7
Page 3 of 3
' ► MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MARCH 8, 1994
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at
7:57 p.m., March 8, 1994, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall,
Mayor Robert S. Brazelton 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
Greg Caldwell, Police Chief
Ron Irwin, Fire Chief
Jim Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Art Rangel, Director of Econ. and Community Development
Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Robert Brace, City Engineer
Bob Gallagher, Building Official
Ron Yoshi ki , Asst. Comm. Dev. Director /City Planner
Ed Velasco, Housing Manager
Bill Doebler, Principal Planner
Cindi Lee, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Brazelton presented a Proclamation declaring March as "Mental
Retardation Awareness Month" to Mr. Kevin MacDonald, Executive Director, and
Ms. Betty Morse, President, Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC).
Council Member Boggs presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Ns.
Connie Sziebl for her service on the Recreation and Community Services
Commission, District 1.
Council Member Riley presented a Certificate of Appointment to Mr. James
Pryor, Traffic Committee, District 2.
Mayor Brazelton presented Certificates of Appreciation to representatives
of the following Downey businesses that have served the community for over 40
years: Saywell Florist, Downey Florist, Dr. John Simms, Kirkhi ll , Inc., and
Jewels by Angelo. The businesses of Ardis & Lehn and Dennis Electronics were
also acknowledged.
Council Minutes 3/8/94 -1-
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Mr. Rangel introduced the City's new Building Official, Bob Gallagher.
Mr. Ed Velasco discussed various responsibilities of the Housing
Division, including administering the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Program, Housing Improvement Program, Senior Paint and Fix -Up Program, Apollo
Neighborhood Center management, and Graffiti Removal Program. Narrating a
brief slide presentation, he explained the procedure and methods used for
graffiti removal by Downey crews. He noted that quick response time and
coordination with community groups have resulted in a successful graffiti
removal program as evidenced by statistical data showing a decline in the
number of sites reported.
Council Member McCaughan agreed that quick removal of graffiti deters
further incidences, and questioned if Downey had a plan for using delinquent
minors in the removal program, and if the Police Department was advised of
problem areas.
Mr. Velasco explained that due to the potential danger of chemicals and
blasters used to remove graffiti, and the lack of supervisory crew available,
the City does not have such a program at this time. He indicated that any
patterns in graffiti or commonly used sites are reported to the Police
Department Gang Detail.
Council Member Lawrence referenced positive correspondence she received
from constituents regarding the Senior Paint and Fix -up Program, and the quick
response time employed in graffiti removal.
HEARINGS: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
Mayor Brazelton requested removal from the Consent Calendar of Agenda VI-
E-1, DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT REGARDING STANDARDS FOR NEW C -M
(COMMERCIAL - MANUFACTURING) ZONE.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Boggs, 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 AND REGULAR MEETINGS - FEBRUARY 22, 1994:
Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 73676- 74009, $804,623.79: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 5769 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SUPPORTING H.R. 3392, THE SLATTERLY /BLILEY SAFE DRINKING
WATER ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1993
Council Minutes 3/8/94 -2-
f T
r RESOLUTION NO. 5770 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF GREGORY A. ROSENTHAL
AS A MEMBER OF THE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE
FOR COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4
RESOLUTION NO. 5771 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE
DOWNEY FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION
RESOLUTION NO. 5772 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES'
ASSOCIATION /MAINTENANCE UNIT
RESOLUTION NO. 5773 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES'
ASSOCIATION /MISCELLANEOUS UNIT
RESOLUTION N0. 5774 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY PUBLIC SAFETY
AUXILIARY ASSOCIATION
RESOLUTION NO. 5775 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ESTABLISHING SALARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR NON -SWORN MANAGEMENT
EMPLOYEES AND AMENDING THE MANAGEMENT BENEFIT PLAN
I
ORDINANCES NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None.
RESOLUTIONS NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
STAFF ASSISTANCE FOR KEEP DOWNEY BEAUTIFUL
Mr. Powell summarized the staff report, recommending approval of a part-
time position funded by AB939 funds to assist the Keep Downey Beautiful
Committee in identifying and coordinating work activities for their
volunteers. Although staff considered the option of establishing a full-time
position that would include duties of the part -time assistant and the Public
Information Officer, Mr. Powell expressed concern that the skills for each
position are quite different.
Council Minutes 3/8/94 -3-
It was move d b y Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member
and unanimously carried to approve a part -time Administrative Assistant n ,�
Boggs, y appropriate �• �, , ,�y
to provide staff assistance for Keep Downey Beautiful and A
from the AB939 Fund for this purpose.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Laura Giandalia, 8544 Lowman Ave., read a letter and • distributed
Ms. .
to Council expressing n concern regarding the Downey Unified School
material t p g
District's proposed • 's new boundaries for children to attend the reopened
p
Unsworth rth Elementar School, and requested the City review traffic safety
issues involving the area served by the school.
Larry Young, 8622 Fifth St. , President of Downey Seniors Recreational
Mr. y 9� 'n
Club, thanked Council Member Lawrence for speaking at a recent Club meeting,
and
mentioned the deteriorating condition of the Apollo Park facilities. He
commented on a beautiful senior center in Pico Rivera, and favored building a
senior center at Third Street and La Reina Avenue.
Brook ark Rd. addressed a recommendation from
Ms. Sarah Rosales, 7839 p Rd.,
Downe y Unified School District that would transport children from
her
neighborhood to Unsworth Elementary School at the expense of the children's
safety, q
fet and questioned whether the School District had contacted the City
about safety issues in the area.
Mr. Fred James, 9360 Samol i ne St., thanked Council Member Lawrence for
speaking at a recent senior citizen club meeting, and discussed the
possibility of converting certai n City facilities ilities into a senior center. He
recommended installation of sidewalks on Suva Street between Tweedy Lane and
Paramount Boulevard for school children's safety.
Mr. Bob Austin , 11000 Woodruff Ave., favored establishing a community
center y
for the youth instead of a senior citizen facility.
Ms. Kathryn Clark, ark 10532 La Reina Ave., discussed needs of senior
citizens, including a new senior center
Mr. Harry Pol gar, 10010 Pangborn St., requested there not be a
discrimination • y policy against any group when considering a community center.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued)
SALE OF OPERATING INTEREST - ARROYO SECO FOOD AND BEVERAGE COMPANY
Mr. Jarrett advised that staff concurs with a request from Jim Campbell,
owner/operator erator of the food and beverage concession at Rio Hondo Golf Course,
proprietary to transfer his interest to Ms. Joan Wynne, who has served in many
capacities at the Golf Course for the past 18 years .
Followin g discussion, it was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by
Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to approve the sale of
proprietary interest in the November 19, 1989 License Agreement between the
• p y
City and Arroyo Seco Food and Beverage Company to Joan Wynne.
Council Minutes 3/8/94 -4-
SALE OF PROPOSITION A FUNDS TO CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS
Mr. Powell summarized the staff report, recommending the sale of $900,000
of Proposition A funds to Santa Fe Springs at sixty cents on the dollar.
Santa Fe Springs is requesting these monies to assist the City of Norwalk in
funding a large train station that would service a Metrolink commuter stop.
He commented on the substantial balances in the Proposition A and C accounts,
thus allowing the City to take advantage of this offer from Santa Fe Springs.
Council Member McCaughan expressed support of the recommendation, and
requested the money received in this transaction be set aside specifically for
the community center concept.
Council Member Riley concurred, and asked staff to clarify the different
ways in which Proposition A and C monies can be used.
Mr. Powell replied that both funds are restricted to mass transit type
programs. Proposition C monies can also fund road improvement projects used
in transit projects.
Council Member Boggs commented on the possible expansion of transit
programs currently provided by the City, and concurred with the sale of funds
to Santa Fe Springs with the understanding the money received w i l l be set
aside for community center needs.
Council Member Lawrence questioned whether sufficient funding would still
be available to possibly buy alternative fuel vehicles for use in Downey's
transit bus system, and was informed there would continue to be adequate
funding to pursue this option.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member
Boggs, and unanimously carried to approve the sale of $900,000 of Proposition
A funds to the City of Santa Fe Springs at sixty cents on the dollar, with the
proceeds set aside for community center needs, including staffing.
OTHER BUSINESS - CONSENT CALENDAR: Items Removed by Council Approval:
DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT 94-1, PERMITTED USES AND DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS FOR NEW ZONE - CM (COMMERCIAL MANUFACTURING)
Mayor Brazelton requested this hearing be set for April 26, 1994, since
he w i l l be unable to attend the April 12, 1994 meeting.
It was moved by Mayor Brazelton, seconded by Council Member Riley, and
unanimously carried to set the hearing date for Downey Municipal Code
Amendment 94 -1 for 7:30 p.m., April 26, 1994, in the Downey City Council
Chamber, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California.
OTHER BUSINESS - COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Council Member Boggs mentioned she will be attending a public hearing on
the expansion of the Puente Hills landfill, including review of the
Environmental Impact Report for this project.
Council Minutes 3/8/94 -5-
.
Council Member Boggs inquired about extending the Dial -A -Ride Program to
weekends and evenings.
Council Member Boggs recommended conducting a needs assessment related to
the community center concept, to determine what programs are currently
provided to the seniors and youth of the community.
Council Member Lawrence commented on her attendance at a recent senior
citizen meeting, and suggested that youth and senior citizens help each
other. She recommended financing a needs assessment with the money set aside
from the sale of Proposition A funds approved this meeting.
Council Member Riley noted the Community Center Subcommittee is still in
the planning stages, but referenced a possible location on Imperial Highway
and the need for police presence in this vicinity.
Council Member Riley requested staff contact railroad personnel regarding
problems with train traffic blocking intersections for an inordinate amount of
time, hindering emergency vehicle accessibility to all areas of the City.
Council Member Riley mentioned receiving a telephone call from a
representative of the Second Century Foundation, complimenting City Engineer
Bob Brace for his work in preserving the former City Hall "Arch."
Council Member Riley noted receipt of a letter thanking Housing Manager
Ed Velasco and staff for their assistance in the Senior Paint and Fix -up
Program.
Council Member McCaughan explained the Community Center Subcommittee is
still gathering information which is available for public review, and
requested community input prior to finalizing plans for the Center.
Council Member McCaughan requested staff establish "Standards of Conduct"
signs at City parks, to provide guidelines for use of equipment, facilities,
etc.
Council Member McCaughan expressed dismay at a recent newspaper editorial
that contained falsehoods and ridiculed certain Council Members, and he
discussed the need for ethical and truthful reporting. He noted his
attendance at the successful Little League Pancake Breakfast fundraiser at
Furman Park, and suggested the press cover positive aspects of Downey, such as
the Breakfast.
Mayor Brazelton spoke regarding his attendance at the Northwest Little
League Pancake Breakfast which raised funds to refurbish baseball diamonds,
and concurred with the need for the press to emphasize the positive happenings
of the City.
OTHER BUSINESS - STAFF MEMBERS:
City Council l f r
On behalf of all City employees, Mr. Caton thanked the ty Cou c o
approving the employees' salary increase.
Council Minutes 3/8/94 -6-
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ADJOURNMENT: 9:30 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., March 22, 1994, in the Council
Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
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Council Minutes 3/8/94 -7-