HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-24-94-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MAY 24, 1994
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Certificate of Appointment - Carmen Marquez,
Emergency Preparedness Committee, Dist. 4 1
Certificates of Appreciation to longtime Downey
businesses that have served community 1
Proclamation re "Management Week" 1
Proclamation re "Drought - Proofing Month" 1
Res. #5793, ordering Vacation of the SEIy. 10' of
Cord Ave. northerly from Downey & Sanford Bridge Rd. Adopted 2
Res. #5794, adopting a Nondisposal Facility Element
in accordance with the California Integrated Waste
Management Act of 1989 Adopted 3
Ord. re Zone Change #94 -10, changing zone on properties
located at 12023, 12045 & 12055 Lakewood Blvd. &
11904 -12058 Marbel Ave. (even-numbered addresses only) Introduced 4
Items removed from Consent Calendar 4
Council Minutes: Adj. & Regular Mtgs., 5/10/94 Approved 5
Warrants Issued: #100136 - 100532 Approved 5
Res. #5796, authorizing execution of a General
.--� Services Agreement with Los Angeles County Adopted 5
Res. #5797, approving the appointment of Edward Ng,
Licensed Architect, to the Design Review Board Adopted 5
Res. #5798, officially sanctioning a unit of Police
Lieutenants & Captains and recognizing the Downey
Police Management Association Adopted 5
Authorization to apply for HOME Program Funds Approved 6
Larry Squire advocated a Proactive Code Enforcement
Program, citing neighborhood preservation concerns in
north Downey 6
Establish Study Session date to review recommended
changes in proposed Downey Municipal Code Amendment Set for 4:30 p.m.,
#94 -05 to City's Sign Ordinance 6/14/94 6
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COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 24, 1994
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Establish date for 1994 -95 City Budget Study Session Set for 4:30 p.m.,
6/8/94 7
DowneyLINK Ridership Update Received /Filed 7
Proposed Downey Municipal Code Amendment #94 -15 re
automobile repair in the R -1 & R -2 Zones Set hrg. 6/14/94 7 ,....
Res. #5795, rescinding Res. #4524 calling for a
No Parking restriction from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
on all days (no exceptions) on the north side of
Buckles St. between Lakewood Blvd. & Vultee Ave. Adopted 7
Cn. Lawrence commended Police Dept. for new informa-
tive brochure generated in-house 7
Cn. Lawrence referenced brochure re "Guide to Office
Paper Recycling" & suggested contacting Public Works
Dept. for further information 7
Cn. Lawrence re letter from St. George Greek Orthodox
Church, expressing gratitude for Planning staff assist-
ance in obtaining proper permits for construction of
new sanctuary /church center in City 8
Cn. Lawrence noted letter of appreciation from Automobile
Club re staff assistance for signage at new Downey location 8
Cn. Lawrence noted preliminary City Budget is 1.4% below
last year's budget 8
Cn. Lawrence requested report back on maintenance
responsibility for landscaped frontage strip on Lakewood
Blvd. near Downey Cemetery 8
Cn. McCaughan complimented hiring of part -time employee
for shopping cart retrieval; requested further information
on this program 8
Cn. McCaughan requested update on activities of Recreation
& Community Svs. Commission during past weeks 8
Cn. McCaughan re experiencing quality control & transmission
problems from Cable TV service & will be seeking further
information 8
Cn. McCaughan noted editorial in recent L.A. Times endors-
ing Downey's Proposition "C" re change in election date 8
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COUNCIL MINUTES, MAY 24, 1994
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE
NO.
Cn. McCaughan requested staff respond to Code Enforcement
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issues in northwest area of City as Squire outlined by Mr. Squire g
Mayor Brazelton suggested Mr. Squire submit concerns in
writing to avoid any being y request bey ng overlooked 8
Adjourned in memory of Fern Coleman, mother of
Council Member Diane Boggs 8
Meeting adjourned to 4:30 p.m., June 8, 1994, for
1994 -95 Budget Study Session 8
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
MAY 24, 1994
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at
7:40 p .m. , May 24, 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, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk
Greg Caldwell, Police Chief
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
Robert Brace, City Engineer
Bob Gallagher, Building Official
Victoria Jenkins, City Librarian
Ed Velasco, Housing Manager
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Comm. Dev. Director /City Planner
Mark Sellheim, Principal Planner
Cindi Lee, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Brazelton presented a Certificate of Appointment to Ms. Carmen
Marquez, Emergency Preparedness Committee, District 4.
Mayor Brazelton presented Certificates of Appreciation to representatives
of the following longtime Downey businesses that have served the community:
Security Land Escrow, Russells Bike Shop, Tropicana Hair Design, and Downey
Grinding Company. The businesses of Dr. William Adler, Homecraft Furniture,
and Attorney Lee Trafford were also acknowledged.
Mayor Brazelton presented a Proclamation declaring June 6 -11, 1994, as
"Management Week ", to Mr. Tim Carvalho, President and Chairman of the Board,
Rockwell Space Chapter National Management Association.
Mayor Brazelton presented a Proclamation declaring May, 1994, as Drought -
Proofing Month ", to Mr. Dave Hill, Water Conservation Planner, Central Basin
Municipal Water District.
Council Member Boggs noted that Mr. Bill Ralph, District Engineer,
Central Basin Municipal Water District, was unable to attend this meeting to
participate in acceptance of the Proclamation.
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Council Minutes 5/24/94 -1-
HEARINGS
Mayor Brazelton opened the public c hear
P p i n g on VACATION NO. 168,
SOUTHWESTERLY TEN FEET OF CORD AVENUE, 170 FEET NORTHERLY OF DOWNEY
AND
SANFORD BRIDGE ROAD.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the affidavit of osti n of p g o notice and
proof of publication, which was so ordered to receive and file.
Mr. Redmayne summarized the staff report, situation
explaining the situation
involves •—. a recently constructed concrete block wall which replaced an old
wooden fence along Cord Avenue. The block wall was built without City
permits, and when permits were requested at a later date, it was discovered
the wall had been constructed in the public c ri ht -of -wa . The
P 9 y wall has
undergone necessary remedial work to comply with all Code requirements, and
appropriate permits have now been obtained. The property owner is requesting
a street vacation to remedy this matter involving speci al circumstances.
There was no correspondence received on this subject.
There being no one wishing to speak in favor or opposition to the
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proposed street vacation, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by
Council Member Boggs, and so ordered to close the public hearing.
RESOLUTION NO. 5793
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ORDERING THE VACATION OF THE SOUTHEASTERLY TEN FEET OF
CORD AVENUE NORTHERLY FROM DOWNEY AND SANFORD BRIDGE ROAD
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.
Mayor Brazelton opened the public hearing on CONSIDERATION OF A
NONDISPOSAL FACILITY ELEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA INTEGRATED
WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1989.
Ms. McDonnell affirmed the proof of publication, which was so ordered to
receive and file.
Mr. Redmayne summarized the staff report, noting the filing of the City's
Nondisposal Facility Element (NDFE) with the State is a requirement of the
California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB939). The document
identifies the utilization of transfer stations, materials recovery
facilities, and yard waste composting facilities as nondisposal facilities
necessary to implement the City's waste diversion goals, including alternative
practices.
There was no correspondence received on this matter.
There being no one wishing to speak regarding the Nondisposal Facility
Element, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member
Boggs, and so ordered to close the public hearing.
Council Minutes 5/24/94 -2-
¶ RESOLUTION NO. 5794
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING A NOND I SPOSAL FACILITY ELEMENT IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE CALIFORNIA INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT
ACT OF 1989
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
y
Riley, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously carried to waive
further reading and adopt.
The meeting recessed at 8:00 p.m. and reconvened at 8:03 p.m. with all
Council Members present.
Council Member Boggs noted she will be abstaining from voting on Zone
Change No. 94 -10 due to a potential conflict of interest, and vacated the
dais, accordingly.
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Mayor Brazelton opened the public hearing on ZONE CHANGE NO. 94 -10, FOR
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PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 12055, 12045, AND 12023 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD, AND 11904
THROUGH 12058 MARBEL AVENUE (EVEN-NUt4ERED ADDRESSES ONLY) FROM R -1 (SINGLE
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL), R -2 (TWO-.FAMILY RESIDENTIAL), AND C -1 (NEIGHBORHOOD-
COPIIERCIAL) TO H -M (HOSPITAL - MEDICAL ARTS) .
Ms. McDonnell affirmed the proof of publication, which was so ordered to
receive and file.
Mr. Rangel summarized the staff report, noting the proposed change of
zone on the subject properties will bring the zoning map into conformance with
current uses on the sites. He narrated a brief slide presentation, indicating
the current zoning and development on the 19 affected properties, and
outlining the Lakewood Park Health Center which occupies 16 of these
properties. The applicants request for a zone change w i l l allow for
expansion of the health facility, adding a 151 -bed skilled nursing facility on
Marbel Avenue. This expansion would be in conjunction with a Tentative Tract
Map already approved by the Planning Commission. He discussed conditions
imposed on the Tract Map, including pedestrian and vehicle access rights and
extension of a block wall to enclose the project site. He mentioned that
concerns expressed regarding maintenance of the landscaped area at the
southwest portion of the site have also been addressed by conditions of the
Tract Map approval.
Council Member McCaughan expressed concern with inappropriate setbacks on
some of the sites, and was informed the developments on these properties were
approved by old Zone Exception Cases.
Council Member Lawrence discussed emergency vehicle access to Marbel
Avenue and commented on a possible drainage problem near McCallum Street,
which staff w i l l investigate.
There was no correspondence received on this matter.
Mayor Brazelton asked the applicant to come forward and present his case.
Council Minutes 5/24/94 -3-
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Mr. Craig Windsor, Osborne Architects, Glendale, representing the owner,
encouraged approval of the Zone Change.
Mayor Brazelton asked if there was anyone else present who wishes to
speak in favor of the proposed Zone Change.
Mr. Larry Squire, 9546 Metro St., expressed concern with the impact of
the Zone Change on the affected residents, and asked if they were notified of
this hearing in order to have representation present.
There being no one else wishing to speak in favor of the proposed Zone
Change or in opposition, it was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by
Council Member Lawrence, and so ordered to close the public hearing.
Responding to Mr. Squire's concern, Mr. Rangel indicated that notices
were mailed to residents within a 500 foot radius of the project site, and a
required notice of this public hearing was published in the local newspaper.
Mr. Windsor mentioned the expanded development is in the early planning
stages at this time. The tenants on the affected properties will be
appropriately notified when the applicant proceeds with the project.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
RECLASSIFYING THE ZONING DESIGNATIONS OF THE PROPERTIES AT
12023, 12045 AND 12055 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AND 11904 THROUGH
12058 MARBEL AVENUE (EVEN - NUMBERED ADDRESSES ONLY) TO THE HOSPITAL-
MEDICAL ARTS ZONE AND AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY TO REFLECT SUCH CHANGE OF ZONE (ZONE CHANGE NO. 94-10)
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Riley, and carried by the following vote
to waive further reading and introduce:
AYES: 4 COUNCIL MEMBERS: McCaughan, Riley, Lawrence, Brazelton
ABSTAIN: 1 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Boggs
Council Member Boggs resumed her Council seat at this time.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
Council Member McCaughan requested removal from the Consent Calendar of
Agenda Item VI -E -1, PROPOSED DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT 94 -15 REGARDING
AUTOMOBILE REPAIR IN THE R -1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) AND R-2 (TWO-FANILY
RESIDENTIAL) ZONES; and Agenda Item VI -F -1, RESOLUTION RESCINDING NORTH SIDE
PARKING RESTRICTION ON BUCKLES STREET BETWEEN LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AND VULTEE
AVENUE.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member
McCaughan, and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions
and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended:
Council Minutes 5/24/94 -4-
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COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS - MAY 10, 1994:
Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 100136 - 100532, $1,037,475.75: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 5796 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A GENERAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WIT H THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
RESOLUTION NO. 5797 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF EDWARD NG, LICENSED
ARCHITECT, TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
RESOLUTION NO. 5798 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
OFFICIALLY SANCTIONING A UNIT OF POLICE LIEUTENANTS AND
CAPTAINS ND RECOGNIZING I Z I THE DOWNEY POLICE MANAGEMENT
INS N H6 DO �. I C ASSOCIATION
ORDINANCES NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None.
RESOLUTIONS NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
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AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR HOLE PROGRAM FUNDS
Mr. Rangel explained that Downey has received official designation as a
HOME Participating Jurisdiction from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, which entitles the City to $364,000 in HOME funds for fiscal year
1994 -95. The use of these funds is restricted to increasing and maintaining
the supply of affordable housing units for families with low income levels.
Staff is recommending the money be used to establish a Mortgage Assistance
Program for first-time homebuyers, and to provide funding assistance to non-
profit housing organizations to develop affordable housing in the City. He
mentioned receipt of a letter from the Downey Habitat for Humanity
organization, requesting an allocation of $250,000 to acquire suitable
properties to rehabilitate or build homes in Downey.
Noting the deteriorating condition of rental housing in his District,
Council Member McCaughan expressed concern that rehabilitation for qualified
existing rental units is not being considered in the proposed allocations,
since the emphasis is on home ownership.
Council Member Boggs inquired about the procedure for selecting eligible
applicants for the new homebuyer program.
Mr. Al Orlando, 8536 Ravi l 1 er Dr., expressed concern with the increase of
rental housing in Downey, and supported home ownership.
Council Minutes 5/24/94 -5-
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Mr. Joseph Lumsdaine, 9926 Pangborn, President of the Downey Chapter of
Habitat for Humanity, explained the organizational structure of the Board of
Directors, and its relationship with the Southeast Los Angeles County Habitat
for Humanity. He noted there are procedures established for selecting
eligible applicants, including a Family Selection Committee. Volunteer labor
and material donations are vital to the organization's goal of building new
homes, including acquisition of property through a bargain sale process.
Mr. Dick Weaver, Board Member of the Southeast Area Los Angeles County
Habitat for Humanity, 8207 Disney St., Whittier, further discussed the Family
Selection Committee's process for selecting eligible applicants, including
motivation and financial capability. Ongoing support is offered to families
in new homes through a Family Support Committee from the organization. He
mentioned that a brief videotape regarding Habitat for Humanity could be
presented at a future Council meeting.
Council Member Lawrence indicated she would l i k e to see the information
video.
It was moved Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council e
. Y 99 � y Member
mb er
Lawrence, and unanimously ly carried to authorize the City Manager to submit the
HOME Program application, including the required Program Description and
Certifications, and allocate $231,800 for first -time homebuyer assistance;
$231,800 to Community Housing Development Organizations for property
acquisition associated with new construction and rehabilitation; and $36,400
for administration costs incurred in the first time homebuyer program.
Prior to the foregoing n vote, Mr. Ran el advised that approximately
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$162,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds have been allocated
for housing rehabilitation, which could be directed toward rental units.
Council Member McCaughan expressed support of new home ownership, but
noted the importance of rehabilitating existing rental structures in need. He
suggested formation of a program similar to BRAID (Business Retention and
Assistance in Downey) for residential neighborhoods.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Larry Squire, 9546 Metro St., reiterated the need for proact i ce Code
Enforcement in north Downey, citing the following concerns: continuously
burning street light (Songfest Dr. /Metro St.) ; weed abatement on properties at
Cedartree Street and True Avenue, and on Paramount Boulevard and Vista Del
Rosa; and improper signage for two used car businesses on Telegraph Road,
advertising "income tax services ".
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued)
ESTABLISH A STUDY SESSION DATE TO REVIEW RECOMMENDED CHANGES IN PROPOSED
DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT N0. 94 -05 TO CITY'S SIGN ORDINANCE
It was the consensus of Council to schedule the Sign Study
Session for 4 :30 p.m., June 14, 1994, in the Downey City Council Chamber.
Council Member Lawrence requested the Chamber of Commerce be notified
regarding this Study Session.
Council Minutes 5/24/94 -6-
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ESTABLISH DATE FOR 1994 -95 CITY BUDGET STUDY SESSION
It was the consensus of Council to schedule the 1994 -95 City Budget Study
Session for 4:30 p.m., June 8, 1994, in the Downey City Council Chamber.
DOWNE YL I NK UPDATE
Mr. Jarrett reviewed his report regarding ridership participation on the
new DowneyLINK Transit System during the first four weeks of service, noting
the increase in riders every week, including students and work communters .
Received and filed.
OTHER BUSINESS - CONSENT CALENDAR: Items Removed by Council Approval
SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT NO. 94 -15
REGARDING AUTOMOBILE REPAIR IN THE R -1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) AND R -2
(TWO- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) ZONES
Council Member McCaughan asked why this proposed Code Amendment was being
considered at this time, and was informed the City Prosecutor had requested
concise language in the Code regarding automotive repairs in the two Zones.
In response to further questions, Mr. Rangel explained the intent of the
Code Amendment would cover any type - of automotive repair, including trucks,
tractors, etc. Precise language could also be added to regulate specific
types of vehicles.
It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member
Lawrence, and unanimously carried to set the public hearing for proposed
Downey Municipal Code Amendment No. 94 -15 for 7:30 p.m., June 14, 1994, in the
Downey City Council Chamber.
RESOLUTION NO. 5795
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 4524 CALLING FOR A NO PARKING
RESTRICTION FROM 2:00 A.M. TO 6:00 A.M. ON ALL DAYS (NO
EXCEPTIONS) ON THE NORTH SIDE OF BUCKLES STREET BETWEEN
LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AND VULTEE AVENUE
Council Member McCaughan mentioned the parking concerns of residents in
this area expressed in previous years, and was assured the residents did not
object to the rescinding of the parking restriction.
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.
OTHER BUSINESS - COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council Member Lawrence commended the Police Department on their new
informative brochure that was generated within the Department.
Council Member Lawrence referenced a new brochure entitled "Guide to
Office Paper Recycling," and encouraged contacting the Public Works Department
for further information.
Council Minutes 5/24/94 -7-
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Council Member Lawrence acknowledged a letter from the St. George Greek
Orthodox Church, expressing gratitude for the Planning Division's assistance
in obtaining appropriate permits for constructing a sancturary and church
center in Downey.
Council Member Lawrence referenced a letter of appreciation from the
Automobile Club of Southern California for staff's assistance regarding
signage for their new location.
Council Member Lawrence noted the preliminary budget report is 1.4% below
last year's budget.
- -•.
Council Member Lawrence requested a report back on maintenance
responsibility for the landscaped frontage strip on Lakewood Boulevard near
the Downey Cemetery.
Council Member McCaughan complimented hiring of a part -time employee for
shopping cart retrieval, and requested further information on this program,
i.e., established criteria, hours of operation, etc.
Council Member McCaughan requested an update on activities of the
Recreation and Community Services Commission during the past weeks.
Council Member McCaughan mentioned quality control and transmission
problems he is experiencing from his cable television service, and indicated
he will be seeking further information on the matter.
Council Member McCaughan referenced an editorial in the L.A. Times which
endorsed Downey's Proposition "C" regarding change in election date.
Council Member McCaughan requested staff respond to Code Enforcement
issues in the northwest area of the Cit y as outlined by Mr. Squire.
Mayor B raz el ton suggested Mr. Squire submit his concerns in writing to
avoid am request being overlooked.
OTHER BUSINESS: Staff Members: None.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:10 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned in Memory of Fern Coleman, mother of Council
Member Diane Boggs, to 4:30 p.m., June 8, 1994, in the Council Chamber of the
Downey City Hall, to conduct the 1994 -95 City Budget Study Session.
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Council Minutes 5/24/94 -8-
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