HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-09-08-92-Regular Meeting • MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SE PTENBER 8, 1992
T A B L E O F MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Proclamation re California Rideshare Week &
Keep California Moving Day 1
Certificate of Appreciation to Barbara J. Neder 1
Certificates of Appointment 1
Appeal, Zone Variance #92 -58 (8433 Eucalyptus St.) Res. of approval
(Hearing closed) at next mtg. 3
David Valdez re permission for music appreciation
club at Skate -O -Rama on Woodruff Ave. Referred to staff 3
Gordon Strahan re needed road repairs on Imperial
Hwy. between Ardis & Woodruff Aves. 3
Larry Squire thanked Cn. Lawrence for conducting
open forum at Furman Park; suggested seminar on
Redevelopment; requested response to previous
question re use of outside contractor for weed .
abatement in the City; commended Chief Mayes for
meeting with him re Police Dept. 3
Lee Squire commended Cn. McCaughan for attending
Downey School Board Mtg. on 9/21/92; complimented
Mayor r Bo s for City-School re-activating C� t - School
99 9 y Comm. &
inquired qu red into its purpose; asked who was in charge
of Redevelopment Agency since 7/87 3
Lennie Whittington re legal bills paid by City for
past year; using "tax increment funds" outside
Project Area to possibly assist displaced renters on
Manatee St. .
3
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar
4
Council Minutes: Adj. & Reg. Mtgs., 8/25/92 Approved 4
Cash Contract #433 - Citywide resurfacing
(Acct. #26 -16433 & #26- 16438) : Accept improvements
constructed & maintenance responsibility Approved 4
Warrants Issued: #48963-49296 Approved 4
Res. #5608 apptg. William Bobbitt to Cable TV
Advisory Committee - District One Ad o P ted 4
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Page 1 of 3
COUNCIL MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
TABLE OF ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Res. #5609 apptg. Willie Martinez to Los Angeles
County- Downey Regional Public Recreation Area
Authority (Golf Course Authority) - District One Adopted 4
Res. #5610 opposing Proposition 167 (Tax
Revenue Initiative) Adopted 4
Ord. #948 re public access to cemeteries Adopted 4
Ord. #949 establishing density bonus Adopted 5
Appropriation for repairs to Council Chamber Sound
System: Approve agreement with L.A. King for
sound system work, appropriate Cable TV
funds up to $30,000, & include investigation
into better quality tape recording system Approved 5
• Cash Contract #577 - Furman Park Renovation:
Award contract to Allied Engineering & Const.
for renovation of bldgs. at Furman Park &
appropriate funds for use Approved 6
Imperial Hwy. Redevelopment Study Referred to staff 6
Telegraph Rd. Redevelopment Study Referred to staff 6
Cn. Riley introduced daughter Mrs. Traci Sue
Riley Dittman • 6
Cn. Brazelton complimented hard - working staff,
their competence, & his confidence in them 6
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Cn. McCaughan requested updated rpt. on f e a s i b i l i t y
of Phase III on computer system at Police Department 6
Cn. McCaughan requested jt. mtg. with Planning Comm.
be held earlier than February 1993 6
Mayor Boggs re Hazardous Waste Round - Up - 9/12/92, .
9 a.m. - p.m., Rockwell International 6
Mayor Boggs re Senate Bill 20X & need to request veto 6
Mayor Boggs re two properties in area of Cl eta Ave.,
Patton Rd., & Alameda St. & requested legal input on
possible demolition of partial structures at this location 6
Mayor Boggs re obtaining answer to questions asked at
Council meetings 7
Page 2 of 3
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COUNCIL MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
TABLE OF ACTIONS (CONTIMUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Mr. Caton re impacts of SB20X (Torres) on Downey 7
Mr. Caton re effect of State's adopted budget on City 7
Recess to Closed Session 7
Meeting adjourned rned to : 6:30 .m . September 22, 1992
J p � p 7
Page 3 of 3
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95 ':' MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
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OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at
8:09 p.m., September 8, 1992, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall,
Mayor Diane P. Boggs presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Diane P. Boggs Mayor
Robert S. Brace l ton Mayor Pro-Tem
Barbara J. Riley
Gary P. McCaughan, M.D.
Joyce L. Lawrence
ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Peter M. Thorson, City Attorney
Judith McDonnell, City Clerk
Clayton Mayes, Police Chief
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Comm. Dev. Dir. /City Planner
Ron Irwin, Fire Chief
Jim Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Art Ra nge l , Director of Community Development
Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works
Lowell Williams, Director of Finance
Chris Birch, Director of Personnel
William Makshanoff, Building Official
Kevin O'Connor, Theatre Manager
June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Cindi Apidgian, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Boggs read a Proclamation proclaiming September 14 -18, 1992 as
California Rideshare meek and September 17, 1992 as Keep California Moving
Day. �••.,
Mayor Boggs presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Barbara L. Neder,
Administrator, L.A. Tres Learning Center for speaking to the United Nations
and her continued involvement with the Downey City Library.
Mayor Boggs presented Certificates of Appointment to District One
appointees Mr. Kenneth Robarge, Water Advisory Board; Mr. Frank Beckner,
Parking Place Commission; and Ns. Dora lee (Dee) Schubert, Traffic Committee.
HEARINGS
Mayor Boggs opened the public hearing on APPEAL, ZONE YARIAI CE NO. 92 - 58,
8433 EUCALYPTUS STREET (APLICANT /APPELLANT, ISJBIA AGUIRRE) - a request to
permit a detached accessory structure to exceed the rear yard coverage
requirements, zoned R1 -5000 (Single-Family Residential) .
Council Minutes 9/8/92 -1-
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Ms. McDonnell affirmed the proof of publication. 95
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Mr. Rangel summarized the staff report, noting the variance was requested
because the Code requires that a detached accessory structure may occupy no
more than one -half the width of the required rear yard in a single family
zone. He discussed the past work that had been done on the property and the
subsequent inspection approvals.. He narrated a brief slide presentation of
the subject property.
There was no correspondence received on this matter.
Mayor Boggs asked the applicant /appellant to come forward and present his
case.
Ms. Nubia Aguirre, 13441 Verdura St., representing the property owners,
discussed the valid permits on the property and the assumption that the s i t e
met all Code requirements. She mentioned her client purchased the property in
its current condition and distributed estimates to Council indicating how much
it would cost the property owner to remove five feet of the structure in the
rear of the property to meet Code requirements.
Mayor Boggs asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in
favor of the Appeal.
Mr. Randy Martin, 7834 Florence Ave., stated the Planning Conmission
denial was based on the fact that the accessory structure exceeded the rear
yard coverage. However, the intent of the Ordinance was to provide an open
area for recreation and open space; the area as it exists today on the
property provides a total of 3,160 square feet of open rear yard space. Thus,
this property meets the intent of the Ordinance to provide open space.
There being no one wishing to speak in opposition, it was moved by
Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Lawrence, and unanimously
carried to close the public hearing.
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DENYING
ZONE VARIANCE NO. 92 -58 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8433 EUCNL.Y PTU S STREET
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Riley and seconded by Council Member Brazelton to wive flirther reading and
adopt.
Council Member Lawrence questioned the impact of five feet on the
required 60% open space and was informed the difference would be approximately
61 %. She indicated her acceptance of this small difference as meeting the
intent of the Ordinance.
Council Member Brazelton mentioned he had difficulty in establishing the
required findings for the Variance.
Council Member Riley was assured by staff that the accessory structure
was not being used as a rental.
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Mayor Boggs r y gg concurred that findings for hardship were difficult to
distinguish; however, she expressed concern with people buying property y g P pe ty in the
City in good faith, only later •
y, g y to find out there is a problem with the house
meeting ng C i ty Codes. She requested something be done i n the
fu to re where
incidents of this kind would not occur, suggesting possibly inspectin homes
while listed for sale. inspecting
e. S h e concurred that the open space on this property
meets the intent of the Code .
Council Member McCaughan expressed concern with setting t g a precedence. He
mentioned there should be full knowledge between the buyer and seller so that
the buyer knows whether the property meets Code requirements. He does not
condone building without permits.
The motion failed by the following vote:
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AYES: 2 COUNCIL MEMBERS:- Brazelton, McCaughan
NOES: 3 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Riley, Lawrence, Boggs
Mayor Boggs requested staff prepare a Resolution approving the Appeal PP 9 PP for
this case to be returned at the next Council meeting.
ORAL CNINICATIONS
Mr. David Valdez, 12446 Rose Ave., spoke regarding zoning problems in
receiving a dance permit for a music appreciation club designed for the youth
of Ibuney to be located at the Skate -a- Ram
. premises on ibod ru ff Ihrenue. He
distributed his Club Charter to the Council and was referred to staff.
Mr. Gordon Strahan, 12359 Gneiss Ave., mentioned the need for road
repairs i rs on Imperial a 1 Hi h�a P Lip Highway between Ardis lkrenue and od ru ff AArenue.
Mr. Larry Squire, 9546 Metro St., thanked Counc i l Member Lawrence for
conducting an open forum prior to a recent Furman Park Musical Concert. He
mentioned suggesting to the Downey School Board that they allow the City to
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use a cafeteria for conducting a seminar on Redevelopment and haw it impacts
the City of Downey. He requested a response to his previous question
regarding the use of an outside contractor for weed abatement in the City.
Finally, he commended Chief Mayes for meeting with him regarding the Police
Department.
Mr. Lee Squire , 8804 Sans l i ne St. , commended Council Member 'McCaughan for
attending the Downey School Board Meeting on September 21 1992. He
complimented Mayor Boggs for re-activating the City-School Committee and
requested it be held at a time convenient for parents and taxpayers. He
inquired regarding the purpose of the City - School Committee and whether it can
be expanded , and questioned who was in charge of the Redevelopment Agency
since July, 1987.
Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St., discussed legal bills paid by
the City f o r the past year, t o t a l l i n g $968,942.26. He spoke regarding the
different legal firms that have been used during this time and thanked the
Finance Department for their cooperation in obtaining this material. He noted
that "tax increment funds' can be used outside the Project Prea through the
adoption of a Resolution. Possibily, this money could be used City -wide,
particularly to assist the displaced renters on Manatee Street.
Council Minutes 9/8/92 -3-
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CONSENT CALENDAR: REMOVAL OF ITEMS FRAM CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member McCaughan and Mr. Lennie Whittington requested removal of
Agenda Item VI CASH CONTRACT NO. 577 - FU MAN PARK BUILDING RENOVATION:
APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND /WARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, from the Consent Calendar.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Lawrence, 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, August 25, 1992:
Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. 433 CITYWIDE RESURFACING (Account No. 26 - 16433 and
26- 16438) : Accept improvements constructed and maintenance responsibility:
Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: 148963 - 49296, $1,561,362.38: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 560B (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING
THE APPO IN1N ENT OF W ILLI /14 (BILL) BOBB I TT 10 THE CABLE TV COMMITTEE
FOR COUNC ILMANIC DISTRICT ONE
RESOLUTION N0. 5609 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING
THE APPOINTMENT OF WILLIE MARTIN EZ AS A N EMER OF THE LOS ANGELES
COUNTY-DOWNEY REGIONAL. PUBLIC RECREATION AREA AUTHORITY, (GOLF
COURSE AUTHORITY) FOR C OUNC ILMAMIC DISTRICT NO
RESOLUTION
No. 5610 ADOPT
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
OPPOSING PROPOSITION 167 (Tax Revenue Initiative)
ORDINANCES NOT SET FORTH ABOVE
ORDINANCE N0. 948
AN ORD INMC E OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MENDING
SECTION 4137 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO PUBLIC
ACCESS TO CBIETERIES
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member
Riley, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and unanimously carried to waive
further reading anal adopt.
Council Minutes 9/8/92 -4-
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ORDINANCE NO. 949
M ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY iM END IN6
SECTIONS 9104, 9114 AND 9133 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE
ESTABLI SH Ii G THAT MULTIPLE FM I Y
L RESIDENTIAL HOUSING DEYELO PM ENTS
OF FIVE (5) UNITS OR MORE AND MULTIPLE FILM ILY OWNERSHIP CONVERSIONS
NAY INCLUDE A DENSITY BONUS
AND/OR OTHER I NC ENTT VE S
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Meer
Brazelton, seconded b mb Council 1
by c Member Riley, Ri ley and unanimously sly carried to waive
further reading and adopt.
RESOLUTIONS NOT SET FORTH ABOVE: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS AND APPROVAL OF REPAIRS TO COUNCIL CHMBER SOUND
SYSTEM
Mr. Jarrett summarized the staff report, discussin the past difficulties
discussing P s
w i t h the Cou nc i t Chanter sound system, tem and the current y u rent sound r
p oblems. He
briefly outlined some of the corrective measures contained in the proposal
submitted by L.A. King.
Council Member Brazelton questioned if there was a warrant for the new
informed Y
system and was nformed a warranty would be included.
Mayor Boggs mentioned her hesitancy in approving this item until more is
known about how the City will be affected by the approved State budget.
Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St., spoke regarding continuing
problems with the sound system and requested the quality of tape recordings of
the meetings also be addressed in the approval.
It was moved by Cot nc i l Member McCaughan, seconded by Cou nc i l Member
Brazelton, and unanimously carried to approve an Agreement to perform the 7
sound system work proposed y rlc by L.A. King, appropriate unappropriated Cable TV
funds up to $30,000, and include P investigation into a better quality tape
recording system.
01H ER BUSINESS: CONSENT CALENDM - ITEMS REMOVED BY COUNCIL APPROVAL
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CASH CONTRACT NO. 577 - FUNI4M PARK BUILDING RENOVATION
Cou nc i 1 Member McCaughan questioned whether the proposed renovation would
include shielding air ducting on the exterior of the museum building and the
response was yes.
Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee St., noted that a majority of
j y
funding for this project comes from State grants and questioned whether money
was still available considering the State's current economic condition.
Mr. Jarrett explained these funds are earmarked for park projects; they
are bond issues that have already been voter-approved. The State has assured
the City that funds would be forthcoming when the contract is awarded.
Council Minutes 9/8/92 -5-
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It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member
Brazelton, and unanimously approved to require the Golf Course Fund to repay
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$75,000 in City loans and appropriate these funds for use on this project; and
award Cash Contract No. 577 to Allied Engineering and Construction for
renovation of the buildings at Furman Park, at a total cost of $558,000.
OTHER BUSINESS: CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
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Council Member Riley noted the need for Imperial Highway Redevelopment
and requested Council approve a study of this a rea .
Mayor Boggs concurred, and directed staff to bring back a report on
future possibilities in this area. Both she and Council Member Lawrence noted
their residences are close to Imperial Highway, and questioned whether they
9 Y� q e t ey
can participate in consideration of this issue.
Mr. Thorson indicated that since the request is so general, at this
point, there is no conflict of interest.
Council Member McCaughan requested . the Redevelopment study also include
Telegraph Road in north Obraey. .
Mr. Caton explained the details of what such a study might include and
mentioned he would contact the City of Pico Rivera regarding their
participation with Telegraph Road.
Council Member Riley introduced her youngest daughter in the audience,
Mrs. Traci Sue Riley Oi ttma n .
Council Member Brazelton expressed his confidence in staff, noting they
are competent and hard- working.
Council Member McCaughan requested an updated report from the Police
Department computer consultant regarding the feasibility of - Phase III prior to
the budget discussions.
r-. Council Member McCaughan asked that the joint meeting between Council and
Planning Commission be conducted earlier than the plate February meeting.
Mayor Boggs announced a Hazardous Waste Round-up scheduled for Saturday,
September 12, 1992, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Rockwell Interntional off of Stewart
and Gray Road.
Mayor Boggs mentioned Senate Bill 20X (Torres -Los Angeles River
Conservancy) is on 6bvernor Wilson's desk for approval. This Bill will
definitely impact the City of fey through increased housing and insurance
rates. She encouraged the public to contact the `Governor requesting veto of
this Bill.
Mayor Boggs expressed concern with the length of time the two properties
in the area of Alameda Street, Patton Road, and Cl eta lMrenue will be fenced
off. She requested staff obtain legal input regarding demolition of these
partial structures.
Council Minutes 9/8/92 -6-
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Mayor Boggs requested staff to try to obtain answers to questions that
are asked at Council Meetings so the meetings will not become a question and
answer session.
OTHER BUSINESS: STAFF MEMBERS
Mr. Caton discussed the impacts of Senate Bill 20X (Torres) on the City
of Downey which was proposed to help the recovering riot area in Los
Angeles. He mentioned the impact is that a portion of Downey would fall under
a consortiums building regulations and the Plan would destroy the Los Angeles
County Drainage Area (LACDA) project to heighten the riverbanks of the Rio
Hondo River approximately 3 to 5 feet to take Downey out of the Flo odp la i n
area. He spoke regarding the devastating impact this would have on the local '^
economy in the next ten years and the outrageous insurance rates that citizens
would have to pay for flood insurance. He urged the citizenry mail a letter
to the Governer requesting veto of this Bill.
Mr. Caton discussed the effect of the State's adopted budget on the
City. He noted Downey will lose $950,000 for this fiscal year and explained
the different areas from which this money will be taken. He will be
contacting the Council Budget Subcommittee to discuss reductions in the City
which w i l l then be brought back at a p u b l i c hearing before Council.
Mayor Boggs announced the meeting is recessing to Closed Session (9:45
p.m.) to complete discussion of items previously announced on the Closed
Session Statement.
The meeting reconvened at 10:28 p.m. with all Council Members present.
There were no Closed Session actions to report.
IUD J URN 1 ENT: 10:28 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., September 22, 1992 in the Council
Chamber of the Cown ey City Hall ,
1
h i,a;te
, _ 4, / ) / 14( # 4
d i th E. Mc Don ne , ` City C l e rk -Diane P. Boggs, Mayor/
Council Minutes 9/8/92 -7-