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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-07-12-94-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JULY 12, 1994 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Certificates of Appreciation to longtime Downey businesses that have served community 1 •-.. Certificates of Appointment and Reappointment 1 Res. #5825, Confirming the 1994 -95 Fiscal Year Assessment for Lighting Maintenance District A.D. 121 Adopted 2 Ord. approving Z.C. #94 -10, changing zone from C -2 (General Commercial) to R1 -5000 (Single- Family Residential) for properties at 7944 & 7945 Phlox St. Introduced 3 Ord. amending Section 9148 of the Downey Municipal Code re Signing Standards Introduced 4 Larry Squire congratulated Cn. Brazelton & Mayor Riley on reelection; stressed need for proactive Code Enforcement; requested consideration for City programs to assist displaced renters 5 Ruben Acosta re ACTION NOW Program at Apollo Park & request for waiver of rent fee for Room 102 5 Bob Winningham asked date be set aside for Downey service organizations to conduct fundraiser tournament at Rio Hondo Golf Course prior to its public reopening, with money raised being used for programs in the community 6 Council Minutes: Adj. & Regular Mtgs., 6/28/94; Adjourned Regular Mtg., 7/5/94 Approved 6 Warrants Issued: #101459 - 101858 Approved 6 Contract Renewal with Fair Housing Foundation for Fair Housing Services (FY 1994 -95) Approved 6 Rental Agreement with American Cancer Society for office space, Suite 105-B, at Apollo Neighborhood Ctr. Approved 6 Ord. #979 re Z.C. #94 -4; changing zoning from R1- 10,000 (Single- Family Residential) to R -3 -0 (Multi- Family Ownership) for properties at 9117, 9121, 9125, 9131, 9191, 9201, 9215, 9227, 9245 Florence Ave. & 10035 Haledon Ave. Adopted 6 Page 1 of 2 COUNCIL MINUTES, JULY 12, 1994 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Neighborhood Preservation Program Meeting Date Set for 4:30 p.m., 8/23/94 6 Cn. Boggs requested uested matter of City Hall hours & To be placed on q days open to public be agendized next agenda 7 Cn. Boggs re status of one -stop permit counter 7 Cn. Boggs re issue of better communication with constituents be placed on future agenda 7 Cn. Lawrence requested Mr. Acosta's request for rent waiver at Apollo Center be considered on future agenda, including update of funds currently given by City to other social service organizations 7 Cn. Lawrence requested Mr. Winningham's request for golf tournament fundraiser date be placed on future agenda 7 Cn. McCaughan re publicizing City litigation expenses to inform citizenry of high costs involved 7 Cn. McCaughan re option of designating specific times per year for yard sales Referred to staff 7 Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., July 26, 1994 7 Page 2 of 2 ,II MI 9 MUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ' = s JULY 12, 1994 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., July 12, 1994, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Barbara J. Riley presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Barbara J. Riley Mayor Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. Mayor Pro Tem (arrived at 7:50 p.m.) Joyce L. Lawrence Diane P. Boggs Robert S. Brazelton 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, Dir. of Economic & Community Development Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works Lowell Williams, Director of Finance Robert Brace, City Engineer Bob Gallagher, Building Official Ed Velasco, Housing Manager Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Comm. Dev. Director /City Planner June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager Marco Martinez, Associate Planner Cindi Lee, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS Mayor Riley presented Certificates of Appreciation to representatives of the following longtime Downey businesses that have served the community: Bill Lehman Construction, Downey Rent -a -Tux, Flo Bailey Personnel, Nutri -Vi ll e, and Say-on Drug Store. The businesses of California Bookkeeping Service and Gasdia & Gasdia, A Professional Law Corporation, were also acknowledged. Mayor Riley presented a Certificate of Appointment to Dan Pulone, Cable TV Citizens Advisory Committee; and Certificates of Reappointment to James Pryor, Traffic Committee; Stephen Allen, Planning Commission; and Ed Brownlie, Parking Place Commission. Council Member Brazelton presented a Certificate of Appointment to Jim Reynolds, Emergency Preparedness Committee; and Certificates of Reappointment to Frank Sheldon, Planning Commission; Joe Davis, Water Advisory Board; and Arthur Ochoa, Library Advisory Board. Council Member Lawrence presented a Certificate of Appointment to Bob Winningham, Recreation and Community Services Commission. Council Minutes 7/12/94 -1- � t +„, HEARINGS Mayor Riley opened the public hearing on LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT A.D. 121, 1994 -95 ASSESSMENT LEVY, PURSUANT TO PROVISIONS OF THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972. Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the proof of publication and the affidavit of posting. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and so ordered to receive and file. Mr. Redmayne summarized the staff report, noting a Lighting District rate structure was approved by Council last year, setting rate limitations for the next four years. There are sufficient reserve funds available to reduce the rates to zero in Zone 1 (Residential), Zone II (Commercial), and Zone V (Stonewood Center) . It is anticipated that sufficient funds from property taxes will be raised to offset any rate increases in the remaining zones. No correspondence was received regarding this matter. As there was no one present to speak concerning the proposed Assessments, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and so ordered to close the public hearing. RESOLUTION NO. 5825 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CONFIRMING THE 1994 -95 FISCAL YEAR ASSESSMENT FOR LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT A.D. 121 The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried by the Members present to waive further reading and adopt. Mayor Riley opened the public hearing on ZONE CHANGE NO. 94 -20, A REQUEST TO CHANGE THE ZONE FROM C -2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) TO R1 -5000 (SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 7944 AND 7945 PHLOX STREET. Ms. McDonnell affirmed the proof of publication. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and so ordered to receive and file. Mr. Rangel presented the staff report, noting the change in zone will allow the subject properties to be consistent with the area as defined in the City's Comprehensive General Plan. The request was initiated by the property owner of 7944 Phlox Street, when he experienced difficulties in refinancing his house because his property is located in the C -2 (General Commercial) Zone. After reviewing the area, staff included the property at 7945 Phlox Street in the zone change request, since this site is also a residence located in the C -2 Zone. He narrated a brief slide presentation of the subject and surrounding properties. Council Minutes 7/12/94 -2- Mayor Riley asked the applicant or his representative to pp p t come forward and present the case. Mr. Don Fuller, 7944 Phlox St., requested the change i n zone be granted to 9 g alleviate problems he is having in refinancing his home because of the current commercial zoning. No correspondence was received regarding this matter. There being no one present to speak in favor or opposition to the proposed Zone Change, it was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and so ordered to close the public hearing. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 94 -20, AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION FROM C -2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) TO R1 -5,000 (SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 7944 AND 7945 PHLOX STREET The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and unanimously carried by the Members present to waive further reading and introduce. Mayor Riley opened the public hearing on PROPOSED CODE AMENDMENT NO. 94 -05 AMENDING SECTION 9148 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE SIGN ORDINANCE. Ms. McDonnell affirmed receipt of the proof of publication. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and so ordered to receive and file. Mr. Rangel summarized the staff report, explaining the proposed revisions have resulted from numerous study sessions, public meetings, hearings, and discussions with the Downey Chamber of Commerce Sign Committee during the past two years. Staff presented a detailed outline of 49 proposed changes to the Sign Ordinance at the Council Study Session on June 14, 1994. The Chamber and staff agreed on 48 of these items as necessary revisions to modernize the Code and create a business - friendly atmosphere in Downey. The one issue of difference is the area of multi-tenant signing, with staff recommending establishment of a Planned Sign Program to allow those businesses that are set back from the street to have visible signs to the ' g public right-of-way. The Chamber is requesting modified language to permit multi - tenant signs, i.e., tenant boards, for every multi-tenant commercial property in the City. Mr. Yoshiki explained some of the more significant changes proposed, and noted another issue raised was related to political signing provisions as discussed in a letter to Council from Mr. Joel Lubin dated June 14, 1994. After reviewing Mr. Lubin's suggestions, staff recommends retaining the political signing provisions as proposed in the staff report, which imposes certain limitations on political signs located on residential and non- residential properties. He narrated a brief slide presentation depicting Council Minutes 7/12/94 -3- t 4 commercial properties developed with multiple tenant businesses that are not visible to the street. Referencing the new purpose and intent statement which allows every tenant to have a visible sign to the public right -of -way to insure equity among the business community, staff is recommending establishment of a Planned Sign Program consisting of criteria to enable those businesses experiencing visibility problems to qualify for multi- tenant signing or tenant boards. Slides photographed in neighboring cities depicted multi- tenant centers in need of tenant boards, and other centers where businesses were visible to the street, including those developments previously referenced by the Chamber. Further slides outlined the 48 changes suggested to the Ordinance that were discussed in full detail during the study session. He noted the issue of historical signs w i l l be returned to Council at a future date. Council Member McCaughan arrived at 7:50 p.m. No correspondence was received regarding this matter. Mayor Riley ask if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of the proposed Code Amendment. Mr. Keith McCarthy, President, Downey Chamber of Commerce, 11131 Brookshire Ave., mentioned the Chamber Sign Committee and staff have diligently worked on the revisions proposed, and expressed support for all modifications discussed except for multi- tenant monument signs. The Chamber is requesting these types of signs be allowed for all commercial parcels. Although concern was expressed that multi- tenant signage contributes to area clutter, he noted that vacancy signs and boarded -up buildings are a greater affront to the aesthetics in the community. Mayor Riley ask if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition. Mr. Joel Lubin, 7820 Allengrove St., concurred with the Chamber's request for multi- tenant signage. He voiced disagreement with staff's recommendations regarding political signs, and asked Council to consider the alternatives he described in his letter. �--� There being no one else wishing to speak regarding the matter, it was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and so ordered to close the public hearing. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 9148 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE IX) AS SAID SECTIONS PERTAIN TO SIGNING STANDARDS It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and introduce. Prior to the foregoing vote, Council Member McCaughan expressed concern with the Planned Sign Program criteria, specifically questioning how many properties would qualify. He favored applying more stringent regulations on quality and sign clutter. Council Minutes 7/12/94 -4- td i Mr. Yoshiki explained that based on the criteria of the proposed Planned Sign Program, there are approximately 24 sites that may qualify for multi- tenant signing. Council Member Lawrence commented on the flexibility afforded by the proposed revisions in the area of sign design, placement, etc. She favored establishing the Planned Sign Program to address hardship cases where visibility is a concern. Council Member Brazelton agreed with implementing the Planned Sign Program to provide reasonable criteria for multi- tenant signing. He concurred with staff's recommendations on political signs, noting that enforcement is the key issue. Council Member Boggs reiterated the importance of visible addresses on buildings for easier identification. She noted that many tenant boards are overcrowded with names, etc. and are very difficult to read; the Planned Sign Program criteria could alleviate this problem. She concurred with Mr. Lubin's comments regarding size of property in relation to the size of a sign, suggested that political signs be considered as a separate issue at a later time, and stressed the need for overall Sign Code enforcement. Mr. Lubin recommended the political sign language proposed by staff be considered at this time, as these revisions would improve the current language and should not be delayed. Council Member Boggs clarified the intent of her motion included approving all of the proposed revisions. Council Member McCaughan discussed the proposed criteria of the Planned Sign Program as it applies to the equitable distribution of signing for small and large developments. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Pico Rivera Mayor Beatrice Proo was recognized in the audience. Mr. Larry Squire, 9546 Metro St., expressed congratulations to Council Member Brazelton and Mayor Riley on their reelection to City Council, and stressed the need for a more proactive Code Enforcement program. He voiced concern regarding notification to the renters affected by the recent Zone Change near Lakewood Park Health Center, and suggested the City consider programs to assist displaced renters in similar situations. Mr. Ruben Acosta, Southern California Rehabilitation Services (SCRS), 12458 Rives Ave., distributed information regarding services offered by Southern California Independent Living Center based at Apollo Park, i.e. attendant care, housing, transportation, etc. He discussed different aspects of an SCRS Program entitled ACTION NOW, which provides service to people that are HIV positive or have contracted the AIDS virus, and requested waiver of the rental fee of $405.55 for Apollo Park Room 102, to save money for needs of the ACTION NOW program. Council Minutes 7/12/94 -5- a Mr. Bob Winningham, 8346 Lexington Rd., suggested a date be set aside for Downey service organizations to conduct a fundraiser tournament at the Rio Hondo Golf Course prior to its public reopening, with the stipulation that the money received would be utilized for programs in the community. CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL: None. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, JUNE 28, 1994; AND ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING, JULY 5, 1994: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: N0. 101459 - 101858, $1,418,410.59: Approve. CONTRACT RENEWAL WITH THE FAIR HOUSING FOUNDATION for Fair Housing Services in the amount of $12,500 for fiscal year 1994-95: Approve. RENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY for office space at the Apollo Neighborhood Center, Suite 105 -B, at a monthly rental rate of $186.75, and authorize the Mayor to sign the standard Rental Agreement: Approve. ORDINANCES NOT SET FORTH ABOVE ORDINANCE NO. 979 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CHANGING THE ZONE OF PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 9117, 9121, 9125, 9131, 9191, 9201, 9215, 9227, 9245 FLORENCE AVENUE AND 10035 HALEDON AVENUE, DOWNEY FROM R1- 10,000 (SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO R -3 -0 (MULTI- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OWNERSHIP) AND AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY TO REFLECT SUCH CHANGE OF ZONE FOR ZONE CHANGE NO. 94 -4 The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Boggs, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. RESOLUTIONS NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION PROGRAM MEETING DATE It was the consensus of the City Council to schedule the meeting to discuss the Neighborhood Preservation Program for 4:30 � 9 P .m. August 23, 1994, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. OTHER BUSINESS - CONSENT CALENDAR: Items Removed by Council Approval: None. Council Minutes 7/12/94 -6- I I e4, OTHER BUSINESS INESS - COUNCIL MEMBERS Council Member Boggs commented on ' g9 the various hours and days that different City Halls are open to serve the public, i.e. Lynwood .m, � � Y d is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p , Monday through Thursday and closed every Friday, and r matter be laced on the next Y y, requested this P t agenda for discussion. Council Member Boggs inquired gg q ed about the status of a one -stop permit counter. Council Member Boggs emphasized the need for better • requested the corr�nun�cat�on with constituents, and re q e issue of ways to better serve the ' placed on a future Council publ � c be agenda for discussion. Council Member Lawrence requested that Mr. Acosta's request ' Apollo Park be discussion, q t for waiver of rent at A P placed on a future agenda for and she also asked for an update regarding all monies currently given - Y 9 by the City to other social service organizations. ons . Council Member Lawrence asked that Mr. Wi nni n ham's request g q est for a fundraiser date at the Rio Hondo ondo Golf Course be placed on a future agenda for discussion. Council Member McCaughan mentioned attending the Independent ' g P t C�ties Association Conference where discussion was held regarding litigation costs to cities, and suggested this information be publicized so that citizens ' will gain a better understanding of litigation costs, which diverts mone y from other public services , Council Member McCaughan referenced an article in the Orange C an Ordinance in - 9 County Register concerning Buena Park that limits yard sales to four designated weekends per year, and asked staff to review this option on consideration in our community . p for future . OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members: None. ADJOURNMENT: 8:50 p.m. The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., July 26, 1994, in the Council Chamber of the Downey Ci ty Hall. � i Al d arbara J, e a j y, yor •-, Council Minutes 7/12/94 -7-