HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-10-94-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MAY 10, 1994
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Certificate of Appreciation to Eagle Scout
Bryan Richard Griffith 1
0 ,,, Certificates of Appreciation to longtime Downey
businesses that have served community 1
Proclamation re "Foster Care Month" 1
Proclamation re "Mental Health Month" 1
Proclamation re "National Public Works Week" 1
Certificate of Appointment - Martin S us n i r, Water
Advisory Board, District 1 2
Approve programs & allocations recommended for CDBG
funds, & authorize City Manager to submit 1994 -95
CDBG Application with required certifications to
Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, subject to
modifications for improvements to certain Downey
schools and sidewalks Approve 4
Oliver Weyent requested City assistance in solving
loitering problems at Stewart & Gray Rd. & Lakewood Blvd. 5
Larry Young reiterated need for senior center 5
Kathryn Clark re National Senior Citizen Recognition
Month & problem with fleas at Apollo Park facility 5
Lee Squire re use of CDBG funds for rehabilitation
purposes to augment Code Enforcement Program; requested
copies of proposed proactive neighborhood preservation
programs; will report findings to Council on his audit
of Downey High School's use of funds 5
Fred James complimented Downey Chamber of Commerce
Street Faire; suggested DowneyLINK transport passengers
from Stonewood Center to Furman Park summer concerts 5
Larry Squire re City - School Committee reviewing Downey
Schools Master Plan & establishing recreational site
north of I -5 Freeway 5
Page 1 of 4
COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 10, 1994
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Johnette Stickel re survey of revenues at Long Beach
Golf Courses & suggested review of monthly operations
of Rio Hondo Golf Course when reopened to insure
comparable revenues 6
Council Minutes: Adj. & Regular Mtgs., 4/26/94 Approved 6
Warrants Issued: #75449 -75831 Approved 6
Public Parking Agreement to provide public parking
for benefit of Amendment #4 of Firestone Project
Area - Stonewood Mall Approved 6
Amendment to Agreement between Ferguson Co. & City
of Downey on behalf of L.A. County Drainage Area
(LACDA) Alliance for consulting services Approved 6
Refer to Hearing Officer Appeal of Myong Suk Choi
re denial of police permit Approved 6
Zone Change #94 -10, changing zone on properties
located at 12055, 12045 & 12023 Lakewood Blvd. &
11904 -12058 Marbel Ave. (even- numbered addresses
only) from R -1 (Single Family Residential), R -2
(Two - Family Residential) , and C -1 (Neighborhood-.
Comerci al) to H -M (Hospital-.Medicai Arts) Set hrg. 5/24/94 6
Unscheduled equipment purchase - Replacement of
CD Rom Work Station in Library to allow continued
public access to reference sources Approved 6
Adoption of City's Nondisposal Facility Element Set hrg. 5/24/94 6
Res. #5789, appointing Carmen Marquez to Emergency
Preparedness Committee - District 4 Adopted 6
Ord. #974, adopting Zone Change #94 -3 (9051 & 9063
Florence Ave.) : Request for change of zone from
R -1 (Single Family Residential) to R -3 (Multi-family
Residential) Adopted 7
Ord. #975, approving Text Code Amendment #94 -1, adding
Section 9127, Commercial-Manufacturing Zone (C-M),
Permitted Uses and Development Standards Adopted 7
Res. #5790, authorizing submittal of application under
State of California Local Government Used Oil Oppor-
tunity Grant Program Adopted 8
Page 2 of 4
COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 10, 1994
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT
ACTION PAGE NO.
Res. #5791, approving amendment to the contract
between Board of Administration of the Public Employees'
Retirement System & City Council of the City y c ty of Downey Adopted 8
Ord. authorizing amendment to the contract between Introdu •
ced, staff
City Council of the City of Downey & Board of Admi ni s - to contact PERS re
tration of the Public Employees' Retirement System loss of benefits due
to remarriage 8
Cn. McCaughan noted City - School Committee has discussed
common use facilities for recreational activities &
suggested further comments be directed to School Board 9
Cn. McCaughan advocated proactive Code Enforcement to
address neighborhood preservation issues 9
Cn. McCaughan requested notification of next Rec. &
Community Svs. Commission mtg. when community center
issue is discussed & requested update on Commission's
discussion at its last meeting 9
Cn. Riley requested update on rider participation of
DowneyLINK transit system 9
Cn. Riley re practice of closing Park restrooms on
weekends when activities are still underway Referred to staff 9
Cn. Boggs requested update on City's legal authority
to control pornographic newspaper racks near Post Office
Cn. Boggs re Chamber of Commerce's practice of providing
required export certificates only to businesses who are
Chamber Members 9
Cn. Boggs compared employee ratio statistics in article
about small town in Maine to Downey, noting excellent
service provided by staff and volunteers. 9
Cn. Boggs requested update on availability of rat poison
in community Referred to staff 9
Cn. Lawrence re loitering problems at Stewart & Gray Rd.
& Lakewood Blvd., suggesting pay phones be limited to
outgoing calls only 9
Mayor Brazelton concurred with need for recreational
activities north of I -5 Freeway Referred to staff 9
Page 3 of 4
COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 10, 1994
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Mayor Brazelton hoped for increased revenues when
Rio Hondo Golf Course reopens, with funds used to
provide de recreational acti vi tes north of I -5 Fwy. 9
Mayor Brazelton w i l l consider all facts presented
by Rec. & Community Svs. Commission before making
final decision on community center 9
Mr. Caton commended efforts of Fire & Community Svs.
Depts. for successful Fire Service Recognition Day
& Ki ds day 10
Mr. Caton noted O l i n Corp. has taken over Aerojet
General in Downey & preserved jobs in City 10
Mr. Caton recognized Police Capt. Mike Miller &
thanked Police Dept. for doing outstanding job - 10
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., May 24, 1994 10
Page 4 of 4
i
MINUTES ' r)
OF THE CITY COUNCI „ , 4
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MAY 10, 1994
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at
7:45 p.m., May 10, 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
Tim McOsker, Assistant City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Ron Irwin, Fire Chief
Jim Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Art Rangel, Director of Econ. & Community Development
Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Mike Miller, Police Captain
Robert Brace, City Engineer
Victoria Jenkins, City Librarian
Ed Velasco, Housing Manager
Ron Yoshi ki , Asst. Comm. Dev. Director /City Planner
Cindi Lee, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Brazelton presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Bryan Richard
Griffith on his attainment of Eagle Scout status.
Mayor Brazelton presented Certificates of Appreciation to representatives
of the following longtime Downey businesses that have served the community:
Wenzel's Music Town, Thrifty Oil, Ted's Smoke Shop, Neil's Stationers, and
Dr. John F. Hoskey. The businesses of Net Electronics and Astro Pak Communi-
cations and Rivera Barber Shop were also acknowledged.
Mayor Brazelton presented a Proclamation declaring May, 1994, as 'Foster
Care Month ", to Gordon and Martha Sodetani, members of H.O.P.E. Foster Parents
Association.
A Proclamation declaring May, 1994, as "Mental Health Month ", will be
mailed to the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
Mayor Brazelton presented a Proclamation declaring May 15 -21, 1994, as
"National Public Works Week ", to Public Works Director Richard Redmayne.
Council Minutes 5/10/94 -1-
efr.
Council l Member Boggs presented a Certificate of Appointment to Mr. Martin
Susnir, Water Advisory Board, District 1.
Mayor Brazelton recognized former Mayor /Council Member Robert Cormack in
the audience.
HEARINGS
Mayor p
r B razel ton opened the public hearing on PROPOSED 1994 -95 COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS AND FUNDING ALLOCATIONS.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the proof of publication, which was so
ordered to receive and file.
Mr. Rangel summarized the staff report, noting the City w i l l be receiving
a combined total of $1,633,730 in 1994 -95 Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Funds and money from principal and interest payments on CDBG loans, for
use on eligible projects. Staff has received various funding requests from
City Departments, the Downey Unified School District, and suggestions from
residents who attended three community meetings held regarding CDBG funds. He
discussed 11 ongoing programs and five new activities recommended for
funding. Approximately $500,000 from the HOME Program and the 20% Set Aside
Funds could be used to replace the proposed $545,573 payment on the HUD
Section 108 loan, thereby augmenting the CDBG Program. Possible new uses for
funds include assistance to the Habitat for Humanity organization and first-
time homebuyers.
Council Member McCaughan questioned the effect of reducing the allocated
funds to Code Enforcement and the Graffiti Removal Program.
Mr. Rangel indicated the budgeted amount for Code Enforcement is a more
practical figure for the operation of this Program. AB939 monies w i l l be used
to replace CDBG funds not allocated to the Graffiti Removal Program.
There was no correspondence received on this matter.
Mr. Lee Squire, 8804 Samoline St., requested the staff report clearly
indicate the Community Development Commission is legally liable for the
repayment of this HUD Section 108 loan from any available proceeds. Since
CDBG money is being requested for this repayment, it is assumed that all tax
increment and other proceeds are obligated for 1994 -95.
Mr. Larry Squire, 9546 Metro St., concurred with staff's recommendation
on several programs. He expressed concern with possible insufficient funding
for Code Enforcement, citing examples in his neighborhood where additional
Code Enforcement officers are necessary. He referenced an agreement between
the Redevelopment Agency and the City of Downey, reiterating the fact that any
money available in the Redevelopment Agency must be used to repay the HUD
Section 108 loan prior to using other funds, such as CDBG monies. He
suggested that consideration be given to acquiring several adjustable, movable
basketball hoops for use at Golden Park to accommodate more basketball
players.
Mr. Oliver Weyent - see his coments under Oral Communications.
Council Minutes 5/10/94 -2-
4
There being no one else wishing to speak on this matter, it was moved by
Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and so ordered to
close the public hearing.
Council Member Boggs discussed her recommendations to modify the
suggested CDBG budget by increasing financial support to upgrade City schools.
She suggested an additional $25,000 be allocated for electrical improvements
at Warren High School; an additional $10,000 be allotted for restroom
renovation at Downey and Warren High Schools; and an additional $10,000 be
directed to electrical improvements at Gaul di n Elementary School. She
requested CDBG monies be allocated to a sidewalk program to improve the
consistency of sidewalks in the community, questioned the need for floor
resurfacing at the Apollo Center activity room and the amount budgeted for the
Apollo Center in 1993 -94, and inquired about the extent of the Imperial
Highway study.
Mr. Jarrett explained the Apollo Center activity room floor is
approximately 10 years old, has been resurfaced twice, and is now worn to the
point of replacement.
Mr. Velasco noted that proposed expenditures for the Apollo Center would
be very close to the amount budgeted.
Mr. Rangel indicated the Imperial Highway Planning Study would encompass
the entire length of Imperial Highway within the City limits, and commented
the allocated funds would be spent on preliminary tract reports.
Discussion ensued regarding improvements at Downey and Warren High
Schools and whether they would be eligible activities under the CDBG
Program.
Council Member Lawrence suggested that some of the activities such as
restroom renovations and parking lot resurfacing could be listed as necessary
public health and safety items eligible for funding.
Mr. Velasco mentioned that if the restroom renovations were directed
toward the handicapped, they would automatically qualify as an eligible
activity under HUD requirements. However, the School District has not
structured their requests in this way.
Mr. Caton noted the District could be contacted about this matter, and
the CDBG budget could be amended during the course of the year, as long as the
basic application is filed by May 31, 1994.
Council Member McCaughan expressed concern with assisting a specific
school when many schools are in need of both plumbing and electrical needs.
He hesitated to move forward without assurance from the School District that
this assitance would be part of a program to renovate and upgrade all
elementary schools in the City.
Discussion ensued regarding flexibility within the Public Service
category, and the e l i g i b i l i t y of sidewalk installation and renovation
activities.
Council Minutes 5/10/94 -
-%
Council Member Lawrence questioned the carryover of different monies from
last year's budget that were not used, i.e., $39,491 for the Downtown Specific
Plan, and was informed that money is now a part of the entire CDBG budget for
1994 -95.
Regarding the Keep Downey = Beauti fu l Program, Mr. Rangel explained that
AB939 monies will be used to fund the Program this year, noting last year's
CDBG allocation for Keep Downey Beautiful is also part of the entire 1994 -95
CDBG budget.
In response to further questions, Mr. Jarrett explained that different ,..�.
financial sources, such as State monies and park-in-lieu fees, will fund the
playground equipment at Rio San Gabriel Park.
Council Member Lawrence concurred with Council Member Boggs' requests for
additional funding for the School District and sidewalk program. She
requested an additional $5,000 be allotted to the Rio Hondo Temporary Home.
Further discussion was held regarding support for first -time homebuyers
through the Federal Government's HOME Program, the Habitat for Humanity
organization, and the new restrictions placed on the 20% Set Aside Funds.
Council Member Riley asked if sidewalk construction required matching
funds, and was informed the project does not necessiate matching funds, but
would be restricted to eligible areas. She agreed with allotting funds for
electrical improvements and restroom renovation at the schools, but would not
support resurfacing of school parking lots or gym floors.
Council Member McCaughan expressed concern that certain budgets are
slowly increasing in allocated funding, such as the Paint Fix -Up Program,
whi 1 e other areas, such as Code Enforcement, are being reduced.
Mr. Caton noted that after studying the possibility of using these funds
to assist in building a community center at Apollo Center, staff 'learned this
would not be an eligible project, based on the demographics involved.
Mayor Brazelton asked about the possibility of additional basketball
facilities at Golden Park as discussed by Mr. Larry Squire, and Mr. Jarrett
agreed with the suggestion, noting the playing area would need to be relocated
to alleviate noise complaints from neighboring residents.
It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Riley,
and carried by the following vote to approve Programs and allocations
recommended for CDBG funds, and authorize the City Manager to submit the 1994-
95 Community Development Block Grant Application with required certifications
to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, subject to the following
modifications: Increase the School District allocation by $45,000- to include,
if eligible, electrical improvements at Warren High School and Gau ldi n
Elementary School, and restroom renovation at Downey and Warren High Schools;
allocate $45,000 to a sidewalk budget; and remove $90,000 from the HUD Section
108 Loan Payment allocation, to balance the CDBG budget:
AYES: 4 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Riley, Boggs, Lawrence, Brazelton
gg >
NOES: 1 COUNCIL MEMBERS: McCaughan
Council Minutes 5/10/94 -4-
Prior to the foregoing vote, Council Member McCaughan indicated he would
vote against the motion, which approves allocations to specific schools prior
to reviewing a master plan from the School District that addresses all Downey
schools and their needs.
Further discussion ensued regarding volunteerism at schools, questionable
eligibility for certain school improvements, and various locations and
priority areas for sidewalk renovation installation.
Mr. Caton assured the Council that only the projects that meet the
criteria under the CDBG Program will be done.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Oliver Weyent, 8555 Cole St., requested City assistance in solving
loitering problems at the southwest corner of Stewart & Gray Road and Lakewood
Boulevard, that have caused an edverse affect on his nearby business.
Mr. Larry Young, 8622 Fifth St., President of Downey Seniors Recreational
Club, expressed his appreciation for the youth of the community, noting a
generational conflict over a community center does not exist. He mentioned
Downey seniors attend senior centers in other cities, such as Pico Rivera,
reiterating the need for a Downey senior center at Third Street and La Reina
Avenue, which could be serviced by the DowneyLINK transit system. To save
architectural and other costs, he suggested the City copy the senior center
format using plans of the Pico Rivera Senior Center, '
g p Ce to and asked that this
matter be returned to Council level for action.
Ms. Kathryn Clark, 10532 La Reina Ave., noted that May is National Senior
Citizen Recognition Month, and mentioned a problem with fleas at the Apollo
Park facility. She questioned the extent of the amenities of a gymnasium, and
discussed similar operating costs for both a gymnasium and senior center.
Mr. Lee Squire, 8804 Samoline St., suggested using CDBG funds for
eligible rehabilitation purposes as a way to augment the current Code
Enforcement Program. He requested copies of any proposed proactive
neighborhood preservation programs as discussed by Mr. Rangel, and noted he
will be conducting a financial audit on Downey High School's use of funds and
report his '
por t s f i nd� ngs to Council.
Mr. Fred James, 9 360 S a m o l i n e St., complimented the Downey Chamber of
Commerce Street Faire and the helpful workers. He '
suggested expanding the
hours of the DowneyLINK transit system in order to transport passengers from
Stonewood Center, where ther i s ample parking, to Furman Park
there mP p g, for the summer
concerts.
Mr. Larry Squire, 9546 Metro St., suggested the City - School Committee
review a Downe School Master '
y s aste Plan and consider establishing a recreational
site north of 1 -5 Freeway, since Unsworth Elementary School will be reopening
this Fall.
Council Minutes 5/10/94 -5-
Ms. Johnette Stickel, 8731 McCallum St., commented on revenue received
from merchandise sales and driving range fees at various golf courses in Long
Beach, and expressed optimism that the Rio Hondo Golf Course revenues w i l l
increase upon its reopening, if a careful review is conducated of monthly
operations.
Mayor B razel ton asked Ms. Stickel to provide a copy of her information
from other golf courses to staff at her convenience.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Riley,
and _unan i mous ly carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and
approve the Consent Calendar as recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS - APRIL 26, 1994:
Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 75449 - 75831, $852,627.44: Approve.
PUBLIC PARKING AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE PUBLIC PARKING FOR THE BENEFIT OF
AME NDNE NT NO. 4 OF THE FIRESTONE PROJECT AREA - STONEWOOD MALL: Approve.
AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FERGUSON COMPANY AND CITY OF DOWNEY ON
BEHALF OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DRAINAGE AREA (LACDA) ALLIANCE for consulting
services: Approve.
REFER TO HEARING OFFICER APPEAL OF MYONG SUK CHOI REGARDING DENIAL OF
POLICE PERMIT: Approve.
ZONE CHANGE NO. 94 -10, CHANGING ZONE ON PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 12055,
12045 AND 12023 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AND 11904 -12058 MARBEL AVENUE (EVEN -
NUMBERED ADDRESSES ONLY) FROM R -1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) , R -2 (TWO- FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL) AND C -1 (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL) TO H -M (HOSPITAL - MEDICAL ARTS) ;
(APPLICANT, FLM ENTERPRISES) : Set hearing for 7:30 p.m., May 24, 1994, in the 1
Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
UNSCHEDULED EQUIPMENT PURCHASE - REPLACEMENT OF CD ROM WORK STATION IN
LIBRARY at a cost of $4,750 to allow continued public access to reference
sources: Approve.
ADOPTION OF CITY'S NONDISPOSAL FACILITY ELEMENT: Set hearing for 7:30
p.m., May 24, 1994, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
RESOLUTION NO. 5789 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF CARMEN MARQUEZ TO THE EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE FOR COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT FOUR
Council Minutes 5/10/94 -6-
t 9,:
ORDINANCES NOT SET FORTH ABOVE
Council Member Riley advised she will be abstaining from voting on the
Ordinance adopting Zone Change No. 94 -3 due to a possible conflict of
interest, and vacated the dais, accordingly.
ORDINANCE NO. 974
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CHANGING THE
ZONE OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9051 AND 9063 FLORENCE AVENUE, DOWNEY, TO
�-, R -3 (MULTI- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) AND AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING
MAP OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY TO REFLECT SUCH CHANGE OF ZONE
(ZONE CHANGE NO. 94-3)
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and carried by the following vote
to waive further reading and introduce:
AYES: 4 COUNCIL MEMBERS: McCaughan, Boggs, Lawrence, Brazelton
ABSTAIN: 1 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Riley
Council Member Riley resumed her Council seat at this time.
ORDINANCE NO. 975
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING TEXT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 94 -1, ADDING SECTION 9127,
COMMERCIAL MANUFACTURING ZONE (CN), PERMITTED USES AND
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The Ordinance 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.
RESOLUTIONS NOT SET FORTH ABOVE
RESOLUTION NO. 5790
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION UNDER THE STATE
OF CALIFORNIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT USED OIL OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM
Mr. Redmayne summarized the staff report, noting the California Oil
Recycling Enhancement Act of 1991 established a fee on the sale of motor oil
to fund activities that discourage illegal disposal of used oil, including
education programs and used oil recycling centers. CalSan, Inc. has proposed
to manage and operate a used oil recycling campaign designed to increase the
number of recycling centers in the community. Seven other cities have joined
in an application to the Used Oil Recycling Grant Program, requesting $500,000
to initiate a used oil recycling center development and promotion campaign in
eight cities, with B e l l f l o w e r serving as the lead agency. Downey would
provide no capital outlay for this program, but would receive 1% of the total
Grant for administrative costs.
Council Minutes 5/10/94 -7-
SO al
a
Council Member McCaughan referenced the funding sources mentioned An the
application, questioning whether money from the Grant would be sufficient to
fund the activities planned for all the cities.
Mr. Jeff Duhamel, representing CalSan, Inc., 9821 Downey - Norwalk Rd.,
clarified there would be no investment required from the City for this
program. The used oil recycling campaign and recycling centers will be
developed around the funds received from the Grant. He discussed other
funding sources available to the City, such as the Used Oil Block Grant
Program.
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Riley, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive
further reading and adopt.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
RESOLUTION NO. 5791
A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT
BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES'
RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
Mr. Powell discussed the proposed amendment to the Public Employees'
Retirement System (PERS) contract which would increase the 1959 Survivor's
Benefit Program from Level If to Level III for the surviving spouses and
children of employees who die. bef ore retirement— A report received from PERS
indicates the City has surplus money in the 1959 Survivor's Benefit Program to
pay the City's cost for this increase during the next 25 years.
Council Member Boggs expressed dismay with the wording of the PERS
amendment, referring to loss of benefits should a surviving spouse remarry.
In an effort not to penalize people for getting remarried, she requested staff
contact PERS regarding that restriction, indicating her support of the
Resolution is conditioned upon staff following through with this request.
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Riley, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive
further reading and adopt.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to waive
further reading and introduce, and direct staff to contact PERS regarding
continued benefits for survivors upon remarriage.
OTHER BUSINESS — CONSENT CALENDAR: Items Removed by Council Approval: None.
Council Minutes 5/10/94 -8-
05,3 L,
OTHER BUSINESS - COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council Member McCaughan mentioned the City - School Committee has
discussed common use facilities for recreational activities and suggested
comments on this matter be directed to the School Board.
Council Member McCaughan advocated proactive Code Enforcement to address
neighborhood preservation issues.
Council Member McCaughan requested notification of the next Recreation
,,.. and Community Services Commission meeting when consideration is given to the
senior center and gymnasium, and that he be brought up -to -date on the the
Commission's discussion of this matter at their previous meeting.
Council Member Riley requested an update on rider participation of the
DowneyLINK transit system.
Council Member Riley asked staff to review the practice of closing
restrooms at City Parks on weekends when activities are still underway.
Council Member Boggs requested an update from staff regarding the City's
legal authority to control pornographic newspaper racks near the Post Office.
Council Member Boggs asked staff to contact the Chamber of Commerce
regarding its practice of providing required export certificates only to
businesses who are Chamber Members.
Council Member Boggs compared statistics cited in an article about a town
in Maine with a population of 10,000 people and 70 paid employees with the
larger population /fewer employee ratio in Downey, noting the excellent job
done by Downey employees and volunteers.
Council Member Boggs requested an update on the availability of rat
poison in the City, and asked staff to contact the person in need of the
poison.
Council Member Lawrence referenced loitering problems at Stewart and Gray
Road and Lakewood Boulevard, and suggested the public telephones at this
location be modified to allow only outgoing calls in an effort to combat this
problem.
Mayor Brazelton concurred with the need for recreational activities north
of the I -5 Freeway and asked staff to review this possibility.
Mayor Brazelton expressed hope that once the Golf Course is reopened,
there will be sufficient revenues to help finance part of the Community
Services budget which could be used for a recreational area north of the I -5
Freeway.
Mayor Brazelton stated he will review all the facts presented by the
Recreation and Community Services Commission, including a needs assessment
study and operation costs, before making a decision on the community center,
and asked for public cooperation during this process.
Council Minutes 5/10/94 -9-
,
4 , a' ";
OTHER BUSINESS: Staff Members
Mr. Caton commended the efforts of the Fire and Community Services
Departments for a successful Fire Service Recognition Day and Kidsday.
Mr. Caton noted Olin Corporation has taken over Aerojet General in
Downey, preserving approximately 300 jobs in the City.
Mr. Caton recognized Police Captain Mike Miller and thanked the Police
Department for the outstanding job they perform.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:45 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned to 6 : m
g d� 6:30 p . . , May 24, 1994, in the Council
Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
1
dith E. McDonne , City Clerk 'o.e t S. :rPe ton, 'yor
•
Council Minutes 5/10/94 -10-