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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-04-14-92-Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COU NC I L OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APRIL 14, 1992 T A B L E O F MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Certificate of Appointment to Frank Wei - Design Review Board 1 .�.�, Certificates of Appreciation to members of Downey Amateur Radio Club 1 Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 2 Minutes: Ad j. Reg. Mtgs., 3/17/92 & 3/24/92; Reg. Mtg., 3/24/92 Approved 2 Warrants issued: #44675 - 45304 Approved 2 Appeal, Denial of Massage Permit Set hrg. 9:00 p.m. (11567 Paramount Blvd.) 4/28/92 2 Authorize City to enter into Utility Agreements with State for adjustment of manhole covers & water main valves on Firestone Blvd. Approved 2 Agreement with Robert C. Fox, Geologist, for services re water well site and construction Approved 2 Southeast Area Cities Air Quality Consortium Agreement with The Planning Center re model air quality plan Approved 2 Appropriate funds for I -5 Consortium Cities Joint Power Authority Approved 2 Utility Users Tax Report Set Study Session, 4:30 p.m., 4/20/92 3 Establishment of procedure for City Council Members to place items on agenda Approved as amended 4 Agreement with Anthony & Langford A.I.A. to provide architectural services for Community Services Center & Rio Hondo Club House F a c i l i t y Approved 5 Bob Rhoades re drug, noise, & other problems with neighboring house in 7200 block of Adwen St. 5 Willis Leach re vagrant living at vacant Paramount Chevrolet Car Lot (Paramount & Firestone Blvds.) 5 Cn. Cormack re corner of Old River School Rd. & Florence Ave. being used to sell old cars 5 Pagel of 2 COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 14, 1992 TABLE OF ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. Jimmie Renner re other problems her mother is having with house in 7200 block of Adwen St. 5 John Ford re problem of absentee landlord related to problem house on Adwen St. 5 _ Library Literacy Donation from Kaiser Foundation Approved 6 Rio Hondo Golf Course Professional Services - Agreement extension with Bruce MacDonald Approved as amended 6 Downey Improvement Project #732 - 8544 Firestone Blvd.: Appropriate funds to cover sidewalk improvement costs & authorize awarding informal contract to Grigolla & Sons (Account No. 40- 15732) Approved 6 Cn. Boggs re accounting of Forfeiture Funds Staff to return with report 6 Mayor Hayden re preparation of Resolutions for placing Utility Users Tax issue on November Ballot 6 Cn. Cormack re placing issue of returning dedicated rights -of -way to Firestone Blvd. property owners on next agenda 7 Adjournment in memory of Van Saltzman, retired Downey Police Officer 7 Adjournment to 4:30 p.m., April 20, 1992 (Study Session r'-r on Utility Users Tax) 7 Page 2 of 2 - -- - I MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 9 4 7j OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APRIL 14, 1992 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:31 p.m., April 14, 1992, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Barbara J. Hayden presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Barbara J. Hayden Mayor Diane P. Boggs Mayor Pro -Tem Robert G. Cormack Robert S. Braze l ton Barbara J. Riley ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Peter Thorson, City Attorney Judith McDonnell , City Clerk Art Rangel, Director of Community Development James Jarrett, Director of Community Services Clayton Mayes, Police Chief Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works Lowell Williams, Director of Finance Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Comm. Dev. Director /City Planner Robert Brace, City Engineer Gail Crook, Battalion Chief Ed Velasco, Housing Manager June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager William Doebler, Associate Planner Cindi Apidgian, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS Mayor Hayden presented a Certificate of Appointment to Mr. Frank Wei, Design Review Board. Mayor Hayden presented Certificates of Appreciation to Mr. David Buhler, Mr. David Lutain, Mr. Art Varney, and Mr. Bob Wartenbe for their involvement and achievements in the Downey Amateur Radio Club. Mr. Edward Jones was unable to attend. HEARINGS: None. OTHER BUSINESS: CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL Council Member Boggs requested removal of Agenda Item VI -E -1, LIBRARY LITERACY DONATION FROM KAISER FOUNDATION; Agenda Item VI -E -2, RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT WITH BRUCE MACDONALD; and Agenda Item VI -E -6, DOWNEY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 732 - 8544 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD from the Consent Calendar. Council Minutes 4/14/92 -1- ' • i t i CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member Cormack, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended: MINUTES: ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETINGS, MARCH 17, 1992 AND MARCH 24, 1992; REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 24, 1992: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: #44675 - 45304, $1,316,582.35: Approve. APPEAL, DENIAL OF MASSAGE PERMIT, 11567 PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD: Set hearing ra" for 9:00 m. April 28, 1992 i n the Don p. � p Downey City Council Chamber, 11111 Brook - shire Avenue, Downey, California. AUTHORIZE CITY TO ENTER INTO UTILITY AGREEMENT NOS. 7UT9362 AND 7UT-9361 (FIRESTONE BOULEVARD) WITH STATE OF CALIFORNIA for adjustment of manhole covers and water main valves: Approve. AGREEMENT WITH ROBERT C. FOX (CONSULTING ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST) - Proposal for professional services, water well site selection and construction at a cost not to exceed $20,000: Approve. SOUTHEAST AREA CITIES AIR QUALITY CONSORTIUM AGREEMENT with The Planning Center to prepare a model air quality plan and environmental impact report for the City: Approve. APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE I -5 CONSORTIUM CITIES JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY in the amount of $5,000: Approve. ORDINANCES NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None. RESOLUTIONS NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS UTILITY USERS TAX REPORT Mr. Williams summarized the staff report, noting the various information regarding the tax obtained. These specific monies have been spent on police officer hiring and operating expenditures. Council Member Boggs commented that increased costs in the Department on new personnel appears larger than appropriate. She requested a meeting with staff for more specific information. It was moved by Council Member Cormack and seconded by Mayor Hayden to ascertain that portion of the fund that was not spent directly on the new police officers and rebate this amount to the taxpayers. (Motion failed; see page 3 for vote.) Council Member Brazelton expressed opposition to the above motion, noting this would be a premature action if done prior to establishing the upcoming budget. He mentioned the Utility Users Tax was intended for public safety and feels the funds were properly expended. Council Minutes 4/14/92 -2- 94 7 3 Council Member Riley requested more information on this matter and reserved comment until the proposed budget was established. Council Member Boggs did not favor refunding the money until more information has been received regarding the tax, specifically how this money has been used since it was initially approved for a specific purpose. AYES: 2 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Cormack, Hayden NOES: 2 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Riley, Brazelton ABSTAIN: 1 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Boggs Motion failed. It was the consensus of Council to schedule a study session on the Utility Users Tax at 4:30 p.m., Monday, April 20, 1992 in' the Council Chamber. Mr. Caton commented on the police personnel situation. He then stated the problem is that the General Fund is made up of many revenue sources. If any money is accounted for separately, a violation of Proposition 13 would occur. The only way to specifically account for the money spent would be to establish a separate fund which would require a vote of the people. Council Member Boggs noted that when the tax was re- established, a special assessment district was discussed which would create a specific fund in which all Utility Users Tax money would be appropriated. During the study session, perhaps this alternative could be addressed. Mr. Caton agreed to review the use of a special assessment district, commenting that it would require a vote of the people. Also, those citizens that use police services are the only people that can be assessed. Therefore, industrial complexes that have their own security departments would not have pay; to pay, however, commercial businesses that are burglarized, etc. would be assessed, and probably carry the highest burden of payment. Dr. Gary McCaughan, 7918 Eighth St., requested the study session be set in the evening when a majority of the public can attend. He voiced concern 00-N with some of the limitations of Proposition 13 in discussing budget items and cited specific numbers in the Police Department regarding the money spent. Mr. Thorson clarified the Council can discuss sources of revenue in the budget but State law provides that if a tax is approved and appropriated for a specific purpose, it must be voted upon by the people. If a tax is collected in the General Fund, a public vote is not required. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROCEDURE FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO PLACE ITEMS ON REGULAR MEETING AGENDAS Council Member Boggs mentioned a meeting of the subcommittee composed of herself and Council Member Cormack was held and the report contains those items agreed upon. She did request, however, that additional language be added to Proposal No. Two that would provide for a draft agenda to be submitted to all Council Members. Dr. Gary McCaughan, 7918 Eighth St., spoke regarding public understanding of the agenda and how a person can place an item on the agenda. Council Minutes 4/14/92 -3- sah It was moved by Council Member Cormack, seconded by Council Member Boggs, carried to approve additional and unanimously pprove the proposed procedure with the additional language in Proposal No. Two. AGREEMENT WITH ANTHONY AND LANGFORD, A.I.A., FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES - COMMUNITY/SENIOR CENTER FACILITY AND RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE CLUB HOUSE FACILITY Mr. Jarrett spoke regarding the background, experience and expertise of this design architectural group. As there was no limitation in submittin submitting projects to the Federal Government, staff ha s proposed the community/senior center f a c i l i t y and also plans for the construction of a new banquet/ restaurant, pro shop, cart storage facility and parking facility for the golf course. He mentioned that if these plans are not ready to go when and if the legislature passes the Public Works Bill providing Y the money, Downey 's Downe 's projects will not be considered. It was clarified for Council Member Boggs that 8% of the total p ro jec t cost is the customary architectural fee. She expressed concern that the private sector may not have the opportunity to bid on the project under such time constraints, and the fact that an assessment need by the ubl is has not been established. She • questioned the commitment made to this firm. Mr. Jarrett stated this architectural firm would be developing the projects if the monies are provided. There will be an opportunity for the public to express their opinions on y p p n these projects. Mayor Hayden and Council Member Boggs requested involvement in the meetings between staff and the architects regarding the lanned development. p P Ms. Elsa Van Leuven, 10031 Lesterford St., expressed concerned with overspending at all government levels, specifically citing the Federal budget, and commented that another senior citizen facility is not needed in this area. Council Member Riley mentioned this Center will be multi- purpose in use with emphasis on the youth of our community. It was moved by Council Member Cormack, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to approve the Agreement with Anthony and Langford A.I.A. to provide architectural services for a Community /Senior Center, and Golf Course Club House Facilities; also to provide complete design services should either or both projects be selected for federal funding. . 9 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Bob Rhoades, 7248 Adwen St., spoke regarding problems at a neighboring house that is being rented out by an absentee property owner. He cited incidences of loud parties, illegal drug usage, driving cars across his lawn, etc. The Police have been notified and responded many times to this location, but the problems continue. He was asked to meet with the Police Chief after the meeting regarding this problem. Mr. Willis Leach, 7823 Fourth Pl., expressed concern with vagrants in the City. He reported a homeless person living in the vacant Paramount Chevrolet lot at the corner of Firestone and Paramount Boulevards and requested City staff take appropriate actions. q Council Minutes 4/14/92 -4- i i 9475 Council Member Cormack noted the former Safeway Parking Lot on Florence Avenue is being utilized to sell used - cars. Perhaps, Code Enforcement can stagger hours to work on weekends and alleviate this problem. Ms. Jimmie Renner, 7501 Sarabeth St., commented her mother lives at 7237 Adwen Street, next door to the problem house previously spoken about. She stated the loud music vibrates the walls of her mother's house, she has witnessed urination in the neighbor's backyard, and noted the presence of a built -on room that appears to be illegal le al with a great many people living at p 9 this location. --� Mr. John Ford, 7203 Adwen St., spoke regarding the problem of absentee landlords as it relates to the subject house on Adwen Street. He witnessed drinking and smoking of marijuana in their front yard. OTHER BUSINESS: CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS REMOVED BY COUNCIL APPROVAL LIBRARY LITERACY DONATION FROM KAISER FOUNDATION Council Member Boggs clarified she was the person who initially requested the Grant from Kaiser and not the Library as the report indicates. She suggested Kaiser Foundation and Library employee Ms. Claudia Daily be appropriately recognized for their efforts in working together with her in receiving this Grant and Council concurred. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to approve. RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - AGREEMENT EXTENSION WITH BRUCE MACDONALD Council Member Boggs mentioned in the report that Mr. MacDonald has agreed to attend the Professional Golf Association School in order to receive his Professional Golf Association Membership Card. She requested this language be placed in the contract and Mayor Hayden concurred. Discussion ensued regarding the length of said contract and the subsequent improvement in the facility since Mr. MacDonald has been at the site It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to approve a three year extension to the present Agreement with Bruce MacDonald for the provision of Golf Professional Services at Rio Hondo Golf Course with inclusion of language in the contract regarding the Professional Golf Association Membership. DOWNEY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 732 - 8544 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD Council Member Boggs questioned whether the landowner had been properly notified and was assured by Mr. Redmayne that this requirement had been met. It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to approve Downey Improvement Project No. 732 at 8544 Firestone Boulevard (Account No. 40- 15732), appropriating funds of $5,200 to cover sidewalk improvement costs, and authorize awarding informal contract to Grigol la and Sons in the amount of $4,365.25. Council Minutes 4/14/92 -5- t 1 • -) OTHER BUSINESS: CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS Council Member Boggs mentioned she had seen a report on the television show "60 Minutes" regarding Forfeiture Funds and that she was asked to do an accounting of the Forfeiture Funds Downey has received. Refer to City Manager for report. Mayor Hayden reflected on the discussion regarding the Utility Users Tax and requested staff prepare the Resolutions necessary to place this item on the November General Election ballot should the Council decide to move in this direction. Council Member Cormack requested the issue of returning dedicated rights- of-way to property owners on Firestone Boulevard be on the next agenda. ADJOURN KENT: NT: 8:53 p.m. The meeting was adjourned in memory of Van Saltzman, retired Downey Police Officer to a Study Session regarding the Utility Users Tax at 4:30-p.m., April 20, 1992 in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. ' McDonnell, '' �n ; Mayor udith E. City Clerk Barbar. �' .. , . . Council Minutes 4/14/92 -6-