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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05-27-76-Adjourned Regular Meeting'54 Z9 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING MAY 27, 1976 JOINT MEETING DOWNEY CITY COUNCIL/DOWNEY SCHOOL BOARD The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 5:05 p.m., May 27, 1976, in the Green Room of the Downey Theatre, Mayor Hazel N. Scotto presiding. The Flag Salute was led by Mayor Pro Tem Jennings. The Invocation was delivered by Mrs. Grace Horney, Vice President of the Board of Education. Roll call: Robert R. Pilling, President Robert G. Cormack Grace E. Horney Betty L. Kilpatrick D. Clayton Mayes (excused) John T. Shea Dr. Manuel Gallegos, Superintendent Glenda Harris, Secretary to School Superintendent Hazel N. Scotto, Mayor Richard M. Jennings William L. Greene Kenneth J. Miller Theodore H. Jackman Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer The School Board adopted Agenda No. 32 for the Joint Meeting of the Downey City Council and Board of Education held on May 27, 1976. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mayor Scotto called upon Dr. Gallegos for comments regarding the pending sale of Rives School. Dr. Gallegos described the series of meetings that have been held between the City Manager and himself during the past year. He said the two exception points to be resolved are the 15-year retention clause for recreational purposes of the Rives School property and the length of escrow. He stated the School District does not need the property and the purchase price is adequate. City Manager Thompson verified the series of meetings regarding cost and conditions of the sale, and he agreed the price is satisfactory. He reviewed the open space policy and displayed the various supporting documents involved in the proposed sale, including the EIR, ERME, and the HCD Act papers. Discussion followed pertaining to alternatives to be taken by the City Council in the event a problem arose regarding retention of the open space clause. Alternatives discussed included development of a street on the east side of the property and possible refurbishing of rooms within the Rives School for public use. Mrs. Horney raised the question regarding adequate space between the Rives School building and the existing private road on the east end of the property. Mr. Thompson said the road could be widened approximately 20 feet without any difficulty and extended to the cul-de-sac that now exists south of the City park maintenance garage located on the east side of Apollo Park. Discussion then followed regarding various methods, wherein the City would finance the purchase of the Rives property, including use of Cigarette Tax revenue as well as Revenue Sharing money. If necessary, the City could later use Housing and Community Development Act (HCD) money. Mr. Thompson has the necessary forms for this plan. Mayor Scotto reminded the meeting that Mr. Shea must depart at 6:00 p.m. Council Minutes 5/27/76 (Adjourned) -1- 5 0 Councilman Jennings asked what appraised value was established for the City. Mr. Thompson stated the appraisal was an estimate based on square feet. There was no A.I.A. appraisal made for the City. No cost for demolition was rendered in the appraisal. Mr. Thompson said the City could pay $189,000 immediately for the pro- perty and that August 20, 1976, is the latest date for making the remainder of the payment. Mrs. Kilpatrick asked if the City is proposing to use HUD money for the community center. Mr. Thompson answered yes. He said originally the plan was to use Capital Improvement money but that they now were proposing use of HCD funds per the plan which he had in front of him. He indicated this is the plan which is on file with HUD. Mr. Thompson stated the terms and conditions of the plan would be available to the School Board. Councilman Jennings commented that it was his understanding the City Council could use a mixture of any money, including HCD, Cigarette Tax, or any other money including Revenue Sharing. Mr. Thompson replied yes, this could be done. Councilman Miller asked if the plan. included $230,000 of Revenue Sharing in the application. Mr. Thompson said yes, and the plan called for that money to be used for neighborhood revitalization. He said Revenue Sharing money had also been earmarked by the Council in addition to HCD money. Mrs. Horney said the manner in which the funds are raised by the City for financing the purchase of the Rives Avenue property is the prerogative of the City Council. She indicated she feels the main issue is the open space question. Mr. Thompson stated the needs assessment was included in the plan, and part of those funds would be utilized to acquire the Rives School property. Discussion followed regarding the master plan. Mr. Thompson explained the master plan is subject to change by the City Council, it is intended to serve as a guide to policy direction, and it is utilized in the development of public facilities. He said the master plan was considered when developing Wilderness Park and Southeast Park and likewise the Rives Avenue site was predicated on the master plan and the need for additional open space in the south Downey area in the vicinity of Paramount Boulevard and Imperial Highway. Mr. Shea asked the City Manager if questionnaires were mailed out to resi- dents in the Rives School neighborhood regarding the proposed development. Mr. Thompson said yes, and the response was approximately 1600 replies. Discussion then followed regarding possible uses of the Rives property other than for City needs. Mr. Thompson mentioned two churches had indicated an interest in the Rives property. It was also mentioned that Rancho Los Amigos Hospital at one time voiced interest in the property. Councilman Jennings noted the HCD program is effective for three years. He asked if it was possible to extend the program for two more years. Mr. Thompson replied it is a five-year act and the funds have been applied for. He also said at the end of August the program will be into the second year of funding. Mrs. Horney commented that the issue to be decided is that of the open space clause and for how Long. She questioned whether or not the open space clause is necessary and if it can be made flexible. Mayor Scotto pointed out she felt there should not be a need to tie down the open space clause to 15 years because it would obligate future Councils. She felt she could not at this time write in the intent and thus commit future Councils accordingly. Council Minutes 5/27/76 (Adjourned) -2- 531 Mrs. Horney stated she thinks the agreement should be worded that the intent is there for recreational purposes. She asked if it would be possible to state the intent in the preamble of the agreement. Mrs. Horney said the purchase agree- ment for Golden Park contained an open space clause. She also stated it seems unreasonable to assume that within the near future the City will embark on a program to sell its parks. Mr. Pilling commented on a hypothetical situation that might arise in 15 years to compel the City to consider selling the Rives Avenue site. He suggested establishing a contingency plan. Mayor Scotto asked what would be the alternatives. She said it is not known what will happen in the next 15 years. Mr. Thompson said it is possible major changes in density could arise in the next five years. Also, the neighborhood could possibly evolve into a senior citizen housing need and land values could change. Mrs. Horney stated a feasible price now exists. She has no idea how high the price could go but feels the property should remain open space in the commu- nity interest and indicated perhaps the 15-year figure could be adjusted to a more reasonable span. Mrs. Kilpatrick said perhaps the clause should read "public interest" instead of "open space". Discussion then followed regarding possibility of the property going on the open market if no decision is made between the School Board and the City Council. A question was presented regarding possible leasing of the school to the City. This did not seem feasible in view of the fact that the School District prefers to have use of the funds that could be realized by selling the property. Mr. Pilling stated the basic requirement is for recreational use and that it should indeed go to the City. He said perhaps the matter should go back to the City Manager and the Superintendent for further study. Councilman Jackman commented the Council is responsible to the electors as well as the School Board and that both bodies have to be trusted in the public interest. Councilman Miller said he would favor a delay in the acquisition of the property inasmuch as the City Budget is not balanced. He said as far as the use of the land is concerned it would be a park and remain so. Councilman Jennings stated that personally he has no reservation regarding the open space clause. Councilman Greene said he is receptive to a five-year clause but would not consider a 15-year retention clause. Councilman Jennings said there are $235,000 General Revenue Sharing Funds earmarked for community rehabilitation. He stated he would accept a preamble to the agreement that the intention of the City Council is to keep the property as open space. Mr. Pilling cited an incident wherein Griffith Park (Los Angeles) would not be in existence today unless a clause for open space existed. He used this as a means of illustrating his desire for something tangible in the way of open space for the Rives School property agreement. Mrs. Horney said she would prefer a compromise clause wherein the Board could return in the future and discuss with the Council any situation that might indicate a possible need for revising the open space time factor. Mayor Scotto indicated an alternative wherein the School Board could lease the Rives property to the City for $1.00 per year and the City would assume all maintenance costs. Mr. Pilling replied the District needs the money and cannot lease the property. A discussion was held regarding the appraisal for the school site, wherein it was indicated that such appraisal was based upon the highest useful value. This Lead to a question of who could have control on establishing zones for the school property, whether it would be R-1, R-2, or R-3. Council Minutes 5/27/76 (Adjourned) -3- 43N Councilman Miller said the Council would have control. Councilman Jennings suggested the City pay for the school on a 15-year plan, interest free, improve the property, and then any year the City Council does not wish to make the payment it will revert back to the School District. Mrs. Horney proposed that a compromise be established in an effort to con- clude the entire matter. Dr. Gallegos said he and Mr. Thompson will get together and propose three or four compromises and will present them with a deadline for the City Council and School Board to agree; that if they do not agree, it will be apparent there is no solution. He stated the compromises will be presented by June 15th. Upon suggestion, Mayor Scotto called for a poll of the group voicing their opinion on the five-year clause. The comments were as follows: Mr. Pilling: No. Mr. Shea: Would require more thought; favors a meeting between the City Manager and Superintendent. Councilman Jackman: No, favors perpetual open space and meeting between the City Manager and Superintendent. Mrs. Kilpatrick: Favors meeting between City Manager and Superintendent. Councilman Miller: Not opposed to five-year clause but prefers to hold matter in abeyance. Councilman Jennings: Questioned where limitation will be placed in agreement. Mrs. Kilpatrick emphasized the limitation should be included in the preamble. Councilman Jennings said he prefers to stop negotiations and place the bid for the school property on the open market. Mayor Scotto reiterated the suggested June 15th deadline for the possible compromises from the City Manager and School Superintendent. There were no objections. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., June 2, 1976, in the cafetorium of the former Downey Elementary School, northwest corner of Second Street and Brookshire Avenue. The purpose of the meeting is to obtain citizen input regarding possible acquisition of water systems within the City of Downey. Rpbert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Haze Scotto, Mayor Council Minutes 5/27/76 (Adjourned) -4-