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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-04-27-76-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APRIL 27, 1976 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT: ACTION: PAGE NO. Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 1 Minutes, April 12, 1976 Approved 1 Denial of Legal Claims: Ref. #271, Ref. #272, Ref. #273 Approved 1 Cash Contract #371, Unit II, Hopeland Ave., Horley Ave., Julius Ave. & Pomering Rd. - Plans, specs & grant auth. to advertise Approved 1 Cash Contract #379, Fontana St.: Downey Ave. to Patton Rd.: Plans, specs & grant auth. to advertise Approved 1 General Warrants #144136 - 144383 #202371 - 202406 Approved 1 Resolution #3271, Auth. use of Certain Access Rights (Bluff Rd. @7342 Glencliff) Adopted 1 Resolution #3272, Auth. use of Certain Access Rights (Laura St. @7505 Sarabeth) Adopted 1 Resolution #3274, Req. Bd. Sprvsrs. of County Flood Control Dist. of State to accept on behalf of said Dist. Transfer & Conveyance of Storm Drain Imprvmts. & Drainage Sys. (SS #283) Misc. Transfer Drain #615 Adopted 1 Resolution #3275, Proclaiming Month of May, 1976 as Property Imprvmt. & Beaut. Month Adopted 2 Resolution #3276, Restr. Vehicle Curb Prkg. 2-hrs. bet. 7am & 6pm except Sun. & Holidays S/s Rosecrans Ave. bet. Lakewood & Century Adopted 2 Little Lake Rd. Wilderness Park - Temporary Prkg. Suspension, 5/15 & 5/16 Approved 2 Firestone Blvd. - East City Limits to West City Limits - State recommendation to revise present posted speed limits Approved 2 Resignation of Paul Riccobon from Recreation & Comm. Services Commission Accepted 2 Resignation of William Hose, Jr. from Civil Defense & Disaster Council Accepted 2 Resignation of Milton R. Mackaig, Jr., from Health & Environmental Sanitation Committee Accepted 2 Resolution #3273, Adopting 1976 Issue of Standard Specs for Public Works Const. Adopted 2 Foster Road Bike Bridge, San Gabriel River - Negative Declaration - Make finding of no significant effect on environment Approved 3 Ordinance amending DMC re Political Activities Introduced 3 Resolution #3277, Ordering Dir. Comm. Dev. to make report (Annex. 76/2 thru 76/27) Adopted 3 Engineer's Report (Annex. 76/2 thru 76/27) Received & filed 3 Page 1 of 2 COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 27, 1976 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT: ACTION: Resolution #3278, Concurrently withdrawing portion of Zone I & Decl. intention to annex to City Ltg. Dist. (Annex. 76/2 thru 76/27) Adopted Resolution acknowledging provision for & appropriation of required Match Funds to 2nd 12-month Funding Period of "SE Burglary Investigation Team" Adopted S.S. Proj. #295, Brookshire Ave. - Increase of $2024.99; accept imprvmts.; & auth. transfer of funds Approved S.S. Proj. #289, Downey Ave.: Florence to Gallatin; Gallatin Rd.: Downey to Lakewood - Award to West Coast Paving of Covina CC #SS-308, Slurry Seal - Fiscal Year 1975-76 - Award to Ted R. Jenkins of Long Bch CC #SS-308, Slurry Seal - Fiscal Year 1975-76 - Cooperative Agmt. bet. Cities of Downey & Pico Rivera Joint Program w/City of SFS re Battalion Chiefs Acquisition of Rives Avenue School Downey Meals on Wheels - Request for City support Oral Communications section of Council Agenda - Change Agenda to have citizens speak first, then Council Resolution #3280, Termining Appointment of Neil R. Claiborne as Member of Planning Commission Change Council Meetings to second and fourth Tuesday evenings of the month Approved Approved Approved Taken under submission City Mgr. to arrange joint mtg. bet. Council & School Bd. To be considered at budget time Referred to City Clerk Adopted PAGE NO. 3 3 & 6 4 4 4 4 4 6 6 7 7 Approved; staff to prepare ordinance 7 Set study sessions commencing one week from today for 7:30 p.m. Failed City's Street Lighting and Sidewalk Policies - Req. for report back prior to 5/10 hearing on Lemoran Ave. Referred to City Manager Discussion re return of Election Precincts April 13, 1976 Mayor Proclaimed Week of 5/2 - 5/8 as "Hire a Veteran Week" Discussion re Council Committee Assignments - Appointments to Boards & Commissions - Mayor Scotto suggested Council might want to consider asking for resumes Meeting adjourned to 5:00 pm 4/27/76 for Study Sessions on Budget, Fiscal Year 1976-77 8 8 8 8 9 9 Page .2 of 2 53 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APRIL 27, 1976 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 8:00 a.m., April 27, 1976, in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Hazel N. Scotto presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: William L. Greene Richard M. Jennings Kenneth J. Miller Theodore H. Jackman Hazel N. Scotto ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Donald B. Robison, Assistant City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development Richard D. Patton, Director of Finance John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation Loren D. Morgan, Police Chief Edwin H. Wood, Fire Chief William A. Goggin, City Planner Ray T. Lake, Building Official Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Reverend Tom Jolley, Downey Memorial Christian Church, followed by the Flag Salute led by Councilman Greene. Removal of Items from Consent Calendar The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar: Agenda Correspondence Items. Resolution adopting the 1976 Issue of Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction. Foster Road Bike Bridge, San Gabriel River - Negative Declaration. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote of the City Council to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar: Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting of April 12, 1976. Denial of Leeal Claims: Ref. #271. Robert L. Blum; Ref. #272. Lorene B. Elder Ref. #273. Christine Cash Contract #371, Unit II, Hopeland Avenue, Horley Avenue, Julius Avenue, and Pomering Road: Plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids. Cash Contract #379, Fontana Street: Downey Avenue to Patton Road: Plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids. General Warrants: #144136 - 144383; #202371 - 202406: $506,242.56. RESOLUTION NO. 3271 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE USE OF CERTAIN ACCESS RIGHTS DEDICATED TO THE CITY (BLUFF ROAD AT 7342 GLENCLIFF DRIVE) RESOLUTION NO. 3272 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE USE OF CERTAIN ACCESS RIGHTS DEDICATED TO THE CITY (LAURA STREET AT 7505 SARABETH STREET) RESOLUTION NO. 3274 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO ACCEPT ON BEHALF OF SAID DISTRICT A TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE OF STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS KNOWN AS (SELECT SYSTEM PROJECT NO. 283) MISCELLANEOUS TRANSFER DRAIN NO. 615, IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY, FOR FUTURE OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND IMPROVEMENT, AND AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE THEREOF Council Minutes 4/27/76 -1- a83 RESOLUTION NO. 3275 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY, 1976, AS PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT AND BEAUTIFICATION MONTH RESOLUTION NO. 3276 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY RESTRICTING VEHICLE CURB PARKING TO TWO HOURS BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 6 P.M. EXCEPTING SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS ALONG THE SOUTH SIDE OF ROSECRANS AVENUE BETWEEN LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AND CENTURY BOULEVARD Little Lake Road, Wilderness Park - Temporary Parking Suspension, May 15 and 16, 1976. .rd - East City Limits to We to revise the present - State Correspondence from Paul Riccobon regarding Resignation from Recreation and Community Services Commission. Correspondence from William Hose, Jr., regarding Resignation from Civil Defense & Disaster Council. Correspondence from Milton R. Mackaig, Jr., regarding Resignation from Health & Environmental Sanitation Committee. Councilman Miller inquired about accepting the resignations subject to reappoint- ment, where these employees might continue to serve. He said he would like a period of time to decide whether he would Like to reappoint. City Attorney Sorensen replied if the resignations are accepted, they are always subject to reappointment providing the people concent. He said these resignations are effective immediately and are probably effective whether the Council accepts them or not. Referring to the continued hearing on Downey Improvement Project #683, East side of Lemoran Avenue between Lubec and Gallatin, scheduled for May 10, 1976, Councilman Miller asked when it will be appropriate to review the City°s Sidewalk Policy. City Manager Thompson stated a report will be submitted at the hearing, and the matter can be discussed at that time or at anytime the Council desires. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Greene, and so ordered to accept the resignations of Paul Riccobon, William Hose, Jr., and Milton R. Mackaig, Jr. RESOLUTION NO. 3273 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE 1976 ISSUE OF THE STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION, PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION AND THE ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS, FOR PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY Mayor Scotto inquired if there are any major changes the Council should be aware of before approving this. Community Development Director Spindel replied no, that these specifications are constantly undergoing revisions year after year. He noted the specifications have been in existence for approximately ten years; he was on the original committee that put these together, and City Engineer Henriksen has worked on the subsequent committee on some of the amendments. The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote of the City Council to adopt Resolution No. 3273. Foster Road Bike Bridge, San Gabriel River - Negative Declaration Community Development Director Spindel reported the design is being done under the City°s agreement with the County Road Department, and since it is a Federally -funded Council Minutes 4/27/76 -2- a384 project there will be a public hearing held on the negative declaration. He noted the bike bridge was approved by the Council for funding from FAU Funds and also from SB 821 Funds for the City`s matching share. Mr. Spindel stated construction will probably commence late this summer. Mayor Scotto asked that a report on this be made to the Citizens Bike Committee. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered to approve the Negative Declaration on Foster Road Bike Bridge, San Gabriel River, and make the finding of no significant effect on the environment. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 2716 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, WHICH SAID SECTION RELATES TO POLITICAL ACTIVITIES The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings to waive further reading. Mr. Bruce Watson,9220 Stewart & Gray Road, inquired regarding the contents of the Ordinance. City Attorney Sorensen explained the existing code section is being amended to make it less encompassing than it was; it relates only to public employees. The motion to waive was seconded by Councilman Jackman. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote of the City Council to introduce the Ordinance. RESOLUTION NO. 3277 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO MAKE A REPORT PURSUANT TO THE STREET LIGHTING ACT OF 1919 (ANNEXATION 76/2 THROUGH 76/27) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote of the City Council to adopt Resolution No. 3277. Community Development Director Spindel reported the annual operation cost is $4,188.60; the tax rate per $100 assessed valuation for Zone I is 18c; Zone II, 28c. It was moved Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and so ordered to receive and file the Engineer's Report as written. RESOLUTION NO. 3278 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CONCURRENTLY WITHDRAWING A PORTION OF ZONE I AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ANNEX CERTAIN AREAS TO THE DOWNEY CITY LIGHTING DISTRICT AND TO MAINTAIN AND FURNISH ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO STREET LIGHTING FIXTURES ON THE STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES WITHIN THOSE AREAS UNTIL JANUARY 31, 1983 (ANNEXATION 76/2 THROUGH 76/27) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote of the City Council to adopt Resolution No. 3278. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ACKNOWLEDGING PROVISION FOR, AND APPROPRIATION OF REQUIRED MATCH FUNDS TO THE SECOND TWELVE-MONTH FUNDING PERIOD OF A PROGRAM ENTITLED "THE SOUTHEAST BURGLARY INVESTIGATION TEAM" The Resolution was read by title only. Council Minutes 4/27/76 -3- Councilman Jennings requested that this Resolution be taken under submission until he has seen the appropriation in the budget. City Manager Thompson explained the money would be taken from the Administrative Services and Charges Account of administration in the Police Department. Police Chief Morgan stated the grant is not based upon the same fiscal year as the budget, the City has paid $5,000 for administering the grant, and it is a procedure whereby Police Department funds are used until reimbursement of the grant funds. The Resolution was taken under submission. (See Resolution adopted on Page 6 .) It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote of the City Council to approve an increase in the amount of $2,024.99 on S. S. Project #295, Brookshire Avenue; accept the improvements completed; accept the responsibility for maintenance thereof; and authorize the following transfer of funds: Amount From To $8,500 A/C #26-16140 A/C #26-16158 Following a summation of bids, it was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote of the City Council to award S. S. Project #289, Downey Avenue: Florence Avenue to Gallatin Road; Gallatin Road: Downev Avenue to Lakewood Boulevard, in the amount of the unit prices bid, to West Coast Paving Co. of Covina, the lowest and best bidder. Following a summation of bids, it was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote of the City Council to award Cash Contract #SS-308, Slurry Seal - Fiscal Year 1975-76, in the amount of the unit prices bid, to Ted R. Jenkins Company of Long Beach, the lowest and best bidder. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote of the City Council to approve the Cooperative Agreement between the City of Downey and the City of Pico Rivera on Cash Contract #SS-308, Slurry Seal - Fiscal Year 1975-76. It was moved by Councilman Jennings and seconded by Councilman Jackman to endorse in principle Joint Program with the City of Santa Fe Springs regarding Battalion Chiefs, decide not to fill a Battalion Chief vacancy presently open on the Fire Department, and instruct the City Manager to present to the City Council an agreement to implement the plan. Councilman Miller questioned whether personnel from the City of Downey could pro- vide services to another City in return for the other City providing services to the City of Downey. He said Charter Section 702 states City staff shall provide the City°s services, and in this case it would be different services. City Attorney Sorensen replied this question has been raised and discussed, and it appears upon analysis that so long as the joint use of personnel is limited to super- visorial capacity and the City still retains its own work force, then it would be meeting the Charter requirement. Councilman Miller asked about using joint facilities. Mr. Sorensen said joint facilities could probably be used, but the City needs to retain its own facilities within the City. City Manager Thompson indicated if this were approved in concept then staff would meet with the City Attorney, City Manager, and Fire Chief of Santa Fe Springs to work on a specific contract which would be brought back to the City Council for approval. Fire Chief Wood said he would like Council concurrence so that studies can commence on this. He answered further questions of the Council. Councilman Miller said he would like more time to study this before making a decision. Mr. Sorensen was asked if this matter could be brought up during the scheduled study sessions. He said they will be adjourned meetings, and the Council may consider any matter it wishes. Councilman Jennings withdrew his motion. Taken under submission. Council Minutes 4/27/76 -4- ® -5386 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Commenting on Acquisition of Rives Avenue School, City Manager Thompson explained the written statement to the Council is a re -expression of the policy as stated at the Last regular City Council meeting, and since there has been a change in the Council membership, this is a restatement of that policy in order to determine if the Council is still of that opinion. Councilman Jackman indicated he would like to hold this matter over two weeks so he would have an opportunity to review it. Councilman Miller stated his concern regarding the use of Community Development Block Grant Funds for the total acquisition of the school. He said if the City goes forward with this and finds it cannot use those funds to purchase the school, then funds would have to be withdrawn from funds earmarked for other purposes. Coun.,ilman Miller pointed out that Community Development Block Grant Funds are very restrictive and stated he would like to see them as part of the package to purchase the school. He noted General Revenue Sharing Funds can be used for Library expansion, but Block Grant Funds cannot. He said the Library expansion has been delayed and delayed, and he would like to see it receive proper attention. Mrs. Betty L. Kilpatrick, 8603 Meadow Road, Downey, stated under Education Code Sections 900 and 1000, she is not addressing the Council as a member of the Governing Board of the Downey Unified School District but as an individual member who has attended all of the Board meetings regarding the purchase of Rives School. She re- viewed the City°s purchase of Site 8, now known as Golden Park, and the conditions that the property be used for recreational purposes for a period of 25 years, with the School District having the option to repurchase the property from the City at the current market value, including cost of improvements, if it finds the enrollment has increased and the property is needed for school purposes. She commented on the length of twms it took the City to respond to the School District's notice to sell the property and said the inclusion of the Community Development Act moneys was done on the part of the City, not the School District. Mrs. Kilpatrick reviewed sections of the proposed agreement between the City and School District and said the School District carrot sell the property under a conditional escrow. She called for the zoning of City property as open space for a period of at least five years. Mrs. Kilpatrick suggested a meeting between the City Council and School Board and noted the School Distrust has waited well in excess of one year for a decision on this. ,...' Mayor Scotto asked if all the School Board members need to be present for a meeting with the Council. Mrs. Kilpatrick said she does not know what the feeling of the Board would be to have a meeting in Mr. Mayes' absence, and he would have to be consulted as to his objection to a meeting being held without his presence, inasmuch as he will not .return until the middle of June. Discussion followed. Mr. Thompson said he thinks it is important the governing bodies get together be- cause both are working for the public interest. He commented the reason it was hoped the City could purchase the Rives Avenue School in the same manner it purchased Wilderness and Southeast Parks is that the City Attorney has advised the City cannot, appropriate funds which it does not have; therefore, the City proposed purchasing the property over a period of three fiscal years, with one parcel being purchased outright prior to June 30, 1976, the second parcel purchased during the 1976-77 fiscal year, and the third parcel purchased in July or August in the subsequent fiscal year using anticipated Revenue Sharing or Capital Improvement Funds. Then, he said, it was determined it would be possible to use Housing & Community Development Block Grant Funds rather than Revenue Sharing. With regard to the designation of school lands as open space, Mr. Thompson said this is merely a way of saying lands purchased by taxpayer dollars be designated for that purpose; that if it is sold or released by the City, the Planning Commission. and City Council would determine the appropriate private Land designation of zoning being consistent with the surrounding property. City Attorney Sorensen explained if the City were to sell property zoned for open space, then whoever acquired the property would have to go through the same procedures to have the zoning changed; if the City were to use the property, the City is not bound by its own zoning ordinances in using it. He said the City would have more freedom in disposing of property than the Board of Education has. Discussion followed. Council Minutes 4/27/76 -5- 7 Mr. Thompson commented on the redrafting of the agreement to accommodate the requirements on both sides. He outlined the requirements for using Housing & Community Development Funds to purchase the property. Mrs. Kilpatrick inquired if the City would be subject to Planning Community zoning requirements in the sale of City property. Mr. Sorensen replied the City Council has the final determination as to what the zoning shall be upon any parcel of land. Mayor Scotto agreed the City Council should meet with the School Board. She stated if no objection, she would ask the City Manager to arrange a meeting with Dr. Gallegos. Mr. Thompson asked each Council Member to submit a list of available dates for the meeting. Mayor Scotto declared a recess at 9:23 a.m. The meeting resumed at 9:37 a.m. with all Council Members present. Councilman Jennings indicated Police Chief Morgan has answered his questions per- taining to Agenda Item X-b, and he would be willing to proceed. RESOLUTION NO. 3279 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ACKNOWLEDGING PROVISION FOR, AND APPROPRIATION OF REQUIRED MATCH FUNDS TO THE SECOND "TWELVE-MONTH FUNDING PERIOD OF A PROGRAM ENTITLED "THE SOUTHEAST BURGLARY INVESTIGATION TEAM" The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote of the City Council to adopt Resolution No. 3279. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Bruce Watson, 9220 Stewart & Gray Road, commented on the lack of citizen participation in the City°s government. He suggested the City Council organize a citizens committee from the different districts to go out and seek input as to why the citizens are "turned off" as far as participating in local affairs. Mayor Scotto commented that quite a few people turned out for the Community Development meetings, attempts have been made to seek citizen participation in budget meetings, and there was good participation at the Town Hall Community Meetings. She noted the City is now conducting a survey through a Needs Assessment Study, in which. approximately 600 letters have been sent out to people in the community. Mr. Watson referred to an assessment district hearing held approximately two years ago, where the majority of the people present protested the assessment district but the Council by a four -fifths vote dad override the objections. Councilman Jennings advised the majority of the people at that meeting were against the assessment district, but the majority of the property owners in the district were in favor of it, so the Council did not override anything. Councilman Greene pointed out the Council attends as many community functions as is possible. Councilman Miller stated he is aware of the apathy, and he hopes to hold meetings in each of the districts and also go out and personally knock on a few doors. - Mr. Watson inquired regarding the election on the sale of bonds to build the Downey Community Hospital. City Manager Thompson replied the bond issue was not approved by the voters, but the building of the hospital was. Mr. Henry Oberndorf, 7810 Stewart and Gray Road, spoke in response to a comment of Mr. Watson regarding use of the Council°s reimbursement expense. Mrs. Evelyn Deck, First Vice President of the Downey Meals on Wheels, introduced the new president, Mrs. Jean Forsse. She requested the Council°s consideration to support Meals on Wheels for the following year for the continued employment of an office manager 20 hours a week. Council Minutes 4/27/76 -6- 388 Mayor Scotto inquired if there is a possibility Meals on Wheels would not need the Cityes donation. Mrs. Dack replied yes, Meals on Wheels is financially well off at the present be- cause it did not spend its projected budget. She commented on the number of meals served through the Downey Community Hospital and noted the beginning of a fourth route through the cooperation of the Woodworth Guest Home. Mrs. Dack reviewed the fund raising efforts of the program and said there is a vague possibility the program may expand to 37 meals. Mayor Scotto indicated the Council will consider this request at budget time and she commended the Meals on Wheels volunteers for their outstanding effort. Speaking to Mr. Bruce Watson, Councilman Jennings asked that Mr. Watson stake an appointment with the City Manager or appropriate department head for whatever question he might have so that he will have factual information before coming to the Council. Commenting on the Oral Communications section of the Council Agenda, Councilman Jennings noted the procedure has been to have citizens speak first and then the Council. He asked that this procedure be reversed in order to allow communications by citizens.. The Council concurred. The City Clerk was directed to change the Agenda. RESOLUTION NO. 3280 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY TERMINATING THE APPOINTMENT OF NEIL R. CLAIBORNE AS A MEMBER OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Miller, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Mayor Scotto, and passed by unanimous vote of the City Council to adopt Resolution No. 3280. Councilman Greene suggested there would be better citizen communications if the Council Meetings were changed to two Night Meetings per Month. Councilman Jackman concurred. Councilman Miller also concurred and asked the Council to take some action today. City Attorney Sorensen explained the Council meetings were originally the second and fourth Monday evenings, however, the Council at that time changed one meeting to Tuesday morning because people working on the night shift complained they could not attend any Council meetings, He stated the change would require amending Section 2100 of the Downey Municipal Code; it would also require introduction, a second reading, and then be effective 30 days thereafter. Mr. Sorensen commented on the problems that could occur in scheduling hearings if the night meetings were held on different nights. Mayor Scotto proposed the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of the month. Councilman Jennings pointed out that another reason morning meetings were established were to give civic classes an opportunity to attend; also, night meetings place a burden on staff because they must attend. It was moved by Mayor Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by the following vote to change the Council meetings to the second and fourth 'Tuesday evenings of the month. Councilman Jennings inquired if there would be asking staff to prepare an ordinance. Mayor Scotto replied yes. Po S/il'?6 AYES: 4 Council Members: Greene, Miller, gs, Scotto NOES: 1 Council Member: Jennings Councilman Greene commented on the late return of three precincts in District Three during the Downey Municipal Election held April 13, 1976. City Clerk Shand said one of the precinct inspectors has been censored for future reference. He explained there was a problem with counting the votes on the Charter Amendments; also, one precinct worker became ill and had to leave, which created more confusion. Council Minutes 4/27/76 -7- Councilman Greene called for discussion regarding the scheduled 5.00 p.m. study sessions. He said this is not the best time for people to attend, and he asked the Council to consider changing the time to 7:30 p.m. Councilman Jennings said study sessions are not necessarily for input by the public. Councilman Jackman stated 5:00 would be an excellent time for him. Mayor Scotto indicated she would agree with changing the time. Mr. Bruce Watson spoke in favor of a 7:30 study session. It was moved by Councilman Greene and seconded by Mayor Scotto that the study sessions commencing one week from today be set for 7:30 p.m. AYES: 2 Council Members: Greene, Miller NOES: 3 Council Members: Jennings, Jackman, Scotto Motion failed. Councilman Miller asked for a study and review of the City°s Street Lighting and Sidewalk Policies where there is a condition for installation of street lights or side- walks as a result of zone exceptions or lot splits. Speaking to the Lemoran sidewalk issue which is pending, he noted there is a case where zone exceptions or Lot splits resulted in 51 percent of the sidewalks being put in, and now the City has decided to install the rest of the sidewalks whether the other residents want them or not. Councilman Miller questioned whether the people who do not want sidewalks were properly informed that the condition was a part of the hearing taking place and said he would like to have the matter thoroughly reviewed with the Council re-examining its position on this matter. He said he would like to have a report back from the City Manager prior to the May loth hearing on Lemoran Avenue. No objections were stated by the Council. Mrs. Lillian Mulley, 9224 Gainford, addressed the Council regarding the late return of one of the precincts during the April 13th Municipal Election. City Clerk Shand explained the precinct workers were trained through a routine booklet prepared by the Registrar of Voters office. Ms. Diane Boggs, 8629 Meadow Road, commented on an incident occurring eight years ago, wherein election workers took time out for dinner. Mr. Shand said the polling officers were advised at the time of organizing the precincts that there were not to be any breaks for dinner. Mrs. Evelyn Richards, 10302 Pangborn Avenue, cited a problem where poll watchers were not allowed to sit and listen to the vote count. Again Mr. Shand pointed out that a precinct was advised of this, and they did open their doors to the public. Mayor Scotto said perhaps there should be pre -training prior to the next election. Mayor Scotto proclaimed the Week of May 2nd to 8th as "Hire a Veteran Week". She acknowledged the presence of Mr. Keyser from the State Employment Development Department.. Mayor Scotto asked the City Manager for a more complete list of duties for Board and Commission appointees. Mayor Scotto reviewed the City Council Committee Assignments, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk. It was noted the Council Budget Study Committee will consist of the entire Council. City Manager Thompson explained there are no delegates to the Independent Cities; that all Council members are invited to the General Membership meetings. He said the City of Downey did have a member on the Executive Board, but there will probably be a replacement. Mayor Scotto indicated the City should receive notification of the meetings and stated she would like to see a copy of the Bi-Laws. Mayor Scotto asked if the City Manager has provided the new Council Members with Budget information for tonight's study meeting. Council Minutes 4/27/76 -8- .5390 Mr. Thompson replied yes. Mayor Scotto noted in her Appointments to Boards and Commissions she asks for resumes from those appointees. She said it is important to know who is serving the City, and she suggested the rest of the Council might want to consider this. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:44 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., April 27, 1976, in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall for study sessions on the Budget for Fiscal Year 1976-77. `//y Ll� z Rob rt L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Haze _.Scotto, Mayor Council Minutes 4/27/76 -9-