HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-17-92-Adjourned Meeting 9 46 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 17, 1992
The City Council of the City of Downey held an Adjourned Regular Meeting
y in Downey City a t 4:07 p.m. i n the Council � l Chamber o f the y y Ha ll, Mayor Barbara J.
Hayden presiding.
PRESENT ; Council Members:
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Barbara J. Hayden Mayor
Diane P. Boggs Mayor Pro -Tem
Robert G. Cormack
Robert S. Brazelton
Barbara J. Riley
ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Peter Thorson, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell , City Clerk - Treasurer
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Ronald Irwin, Fire Chief
James Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Clayton Mayes, Police Chief
Art Rangel, Director of Community Development
Ron Yosh i ki , Asst. Di r. of Comm. Dev./City Planner
Mary Martineau, Senior Planner
Cindy Nelson, Assistant Planner
Dan Rockholt, Planning Technician
Cindi Apidgian, Executive Secretary
RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION NO. 5540
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
OPPOSING GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL AND SUBSEQUENT ASSEMBLY
BILL 3214 TO ELIMINATE PROPERTY TAX REVENUES FOR
ENTERPRISE SPECIAL DISTRICTS
Council Member Boggs expressed concern that the State is attempting to
collect money from Sanitation District revenues currently imposed on property
tax bills. Should this Assembly Bill be adopted, the Sanitation District will
likely increase their rates on citizen's tax bills. She recommended adoption
of this Ordinance and continued monitoring of the situation.
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Boggs, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to waive
further reading and adopt.
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STUDY SESSION
STUDY SESSION REGARDING DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE DOWNEY
COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
Mr. Rangel summarized the staff report, noting the General Plan is a
long -range policy document that is required by law. He discussed the history
of the Plan, including formation of the General Plan Steering Committee. Bus
tours were conducted to review other communities' Plans and thirty -six
thousand City surveys were sent to property owners and businesses to solicit
their input. The local cable television station produced a show explaining
the different facets of the General Plan, and several press releases were sent
out with this information. Mr. Rangel outlined the procedure he will follow
for discussing the proposed policies, programs, and alterations to the General
Plan.
Mr. Thorson stated that since Council Member Brazelton has a limited
interest in the downtown area, he will not be participating in discussion of
the General P l a n as it pertains to downtown Downey.
Mr. Rangel discussed the Design Chapter of the General Plan, including
design elements for private developments and Design Review Board regulations.
Mayor Hayden expressed concern that if design restrictions are imposed,
it will make development prohibitive and decrease property values.
Council Member Boggs concurred, mentioning these restrictions may
adversely affect the home owner who wants to improve his site.
Mr. Rangel discussed the Economic Development Chapter of the General Plan
that would diversify and develop strategies to enhance economic development of
the City. This Chapter includes programs to capitalize on Stonewood Mali and
omits all reference to eminent domain.
Council Member Boggs commented that many programs in the economic
development area are dependent upon sales tax. Because redistribution of
sales tax is being considered at the state level, perhaps staff needs to
consider other sources of revenue.
Council Member Cormack expressed his desire to keep the City under local
control and separate from the State.
Responding to concerns raised by Council Members Brazelton and Boggs, Mr.
Thorson advised that eliminating the concept of eminent domain from the
General Plan will not change the Redevelopment Agency's power to utilize this
tool when necessary.
Mr. Caton noted the public's perception of eminant domain is often
different than the actual legal definition of the process.
Mr. Rangel continued his presentation on the Circulation Chapter of the
General Plan, which includes various transportation modes and regulated
traffic control.
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The Land Use Chapter which sets the pattern for land throughout the City,
including population o ulation and building density, was explained by Mr. Rangel. This
Chapter encourages owner - occupied housing development among its land use
programs and policies. It seeks to update the Zoning 0
P g Ordinance and eliminate
inconsistent zoning. Also included in this Chapter is a newly created land
use designation of commercial - industrial which would apply to the Rancho Los
Amigos Industrial area.
Ms. Martineau exhibited three maps: The current General Plan, the
proposed ed General Plan Amendments, and the actual zoning of the City as
indicated by the Land Use survey team. She explained the particulars of each
map, including the universal colors used to designate zoning areas. The
changes recommended by staff, the Planning Commission, and the General Plan
g • all areas except Steering Committee were discussed as they pertain n to a t down town p
Downey.
Prior to reviewing the General Plan as it relates to the downtown area,
Council Member Brazelton excused himself due to a conflict of interest and
left his seat accordingly.
Mr. Rangel discussed the Planning Commission, General Plan Steering
Committee, and staff's zoning recommendations for the downtown area.
At the conclusion of this discussion, Council Member Brazelton assumed
his seat on the Council.
Discussion ensued regarding amortization schedules and the Environmental
Impact Report pertaining to this matter.
Mayor Hayden advised there will be a formal public hearing before these
General Plan Amendments are adopted.
Mayor Hayden asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in
favor or opposition to the proposed General Plan Amendments.
Mr. Chuck Lyons, 15125 Garfield, Paramount, verified that Council
received a copy of his opposition letter dated February 12, 1992 and requested
industrial zoning be allowed to remain on his property without adding
commercial rezoning.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None.
OTHER ITEMS: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Council Member Cormack requested the status of adopting regulations on
anchoring newsstands to sidewalks and was informed staff will return with a
report on this matter.
ADJOURNMENT: 5:32 p .m .
The _meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., April 14, 1992 in the Downey City
Council Chamber.
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