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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-04-29-14-Special Called MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SPECIAL CALLED MEETING - APRIL 29, 1971 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special Called Meeting at 5:00 p.m., April 29, 1971, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Pro Tem Donald H. Winton presiding. PRESENT: Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Hollis, Ferris ABSENT: Councilmen: Jennings ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Donald B. Robison, Assistant City Manager Ellen C. Davis, City Clerk The Mayor declared that this Special Meeting was called for the purpose of discussing the Revised General Plan and Budgetary Personnel Requirements. He inquired of the City Clerk if she had the Affidavit of Posting and giving of notice, to which she responded in the affirmative. It was moved by Councilman Hollis, seconded by Mayor Ferris, and passed by the following vote to recess to executive session in the City Manager's office for the purpose of discussion on personnel matters. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilmen: Jennings The Meeting resumed at 6:30 p.m. with a roll call, as follows: PRESENT: Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Hollis, Ferris ABSENT: Councilmen: Jennings It was moved by Mayor Ferris, seconded by Councilman Morton, and passed by the following vote to continue this meeting in the Office of the Planning Director where maps and charts are available for review in connection with the matter of the Revised General Plan. AYES: 4 Councilmen: Morton, Winton, Hollis, Ferris NOES: 0 Councilmen: None ABSENT: 1 Councilmen: Jennings Mr. William A. Goggin, Planning Director, explained the status of the General Plan. He presented charts giving some forty pages of statistics which he said will be in a booklet form as a supplement. He said the supplement includes a master plan of streets and highways, a section on schools on which the Planning Department has consulted with the School Board, a section on existing and proposed parks. He reviewed the last 30 pages of the Plan. Councilman Morton stated he had not received a report back on his request of January 5, 1971 for review of his suggestion regarding revisions in the last 30 pages of the Plan. Councilman Winton read a list of questions and answers regarding per- centage of various uses in District #1. He said that District #1 is the largest district acre -wise, but if the area in use by the Federal Government were deleted, it would be the smallest. He said he believed the complexity of District #1 is rapidly becoming overburdened in the area of multiple dwellings, 34.8% including duplexes, which indicates this district is not only saturated, but becoming permeated with multiple dwellings. He spoke of the threat to the R-1 area and said that in the area of the freeways, most of the residential area will be taken. He said one of the principle concerns to be considered in certain areas is an urban development program of some nature, either voluntary upgrading by present owners, or a rigid enforcement of present ordinances as recommended by the Planning Department. Councilman Winton stated he was in agreement with most of the changes recommended by the Planning Department, but he believed some of them could develop into a serious situation. He said he equates District #1 with the Council Minutes 4/29/71 -1- entire City and he believes any effect upon it will affect the remainder of the City. He referred to communications from three persons regarding proposals of the Planning Department which he said he believed are matters that can be solved with some compatibility between the City and the land- owners. He stated he was concerned with the high rate of absentee ownership. He referred to a tour he had made last year when an inspection of the homes in the area disclosed flagrant violations of ordinances relative to maintenance with a high percentage of homes substandard. Councilman Winton stated he believed the conditions in District #1 are a matter of concern for the Planning Department, the staff, and the entire City Council. Councilman Winton spoke regarding the large number of areas of industrial property not yet utilized for that purpose. He commented on the possible effects of the extension of Stewart and Gray Road on the traffic patterns in that area. He mentioned Woodruff, Bellflower Blvd., Clark Avenue, Lakewood, Downey Avenue, and Brookshire which he said are all heavy carriers, and Stewart and Gray, Woodruff, Rosecrans on the extreme south, as well as Foster Rd. and Gardendale Avenue which carry about 17,000 cars a day. Councilman Morton said he had advised Councilman Winton some time ago that he would work with him and that he had taken a complete look at District #1 and finds there is a serious problem in that area, with some of the apartment houses built before the City incorporated not built to present code standards. He said there is a possible start of blight conditions, and the forcing of more apartments in that area could compound the problem. He stated that overpopulating the area has other effects on the community, adding to noise, air pollution and traffic. He referred to a letter he had received from Mr. McAlister of Downey Savings and Loan last October, registering opposition to further apartment house development on Florence Avenue and proposing the deletion of some of the apartment zoning on that street due to the density and traffic conditions which exist presently as a result of that type of zoning. Councilman Morton stated that in his opinion, the extension of Stewart and Gray Road will add to the traffic through both District #1 and District #2. He said the City should get the City of South Gate to reconstruct the bridge that used to be over Stewart and Gray Road, to have the traffic flow through there instead of down the ancillary streets in Districts #1 and #2. Councilman Morton said if an area is presently zoned R-3 and it comes to a main road or street which is a natural barrier and the revision to the General Plan proposes a jump over that barrier, he believes the Council should take a look at this. He stated that in many cases a property owner has invested his total savings in his home and he must be protected. He said if more apartments are developed, eventually they will have to include more children, and he inquired if the School Board members had been in to see the proposed General Plan. Mayor Ferris said he believed an attempt should be made to remove from the General Plan some of the R-2, R-3, and R-4 that is not yet developed. Councilman Winton spoke regarding traffic on Ratliffe and the proposal of Public Works to install a stop sign at Dunrobin which would bring in more traffic. He asked what preventative measures can be taken to preserve the R-1 integrity. He mentioned the area near the San Gabriel River south of Imperial and said the people were told the area where the dairy was would be redeveloped, and there is a problem there with dust, dirt, and motorcycles. He said that District #1 has 25% of the eating places in the City. Councilman Morton suggested that he or Councilman Hollis talk with Councilman Winton and meet with Planning for a few study sessions to analyze the situation in District #1. Councilman Winton suggested some standards for absentee owners and the necessity to place some controls on management. Council Minutes 4/29/71 -2- Councilman Morton suggested the Plan include "planned development" and additional provisions regarding signs. Mr. Coggin said he would submit a chart of dates for study sessions. The Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. ATTEST: ELLEN C. DAVIS, CITY CLERK Council Minutes 4/29/71 -3-