HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-08-10-76-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUGUST 10,1976
T A B L E O F M I N U T
E A C T I O N S
SUBJECT:
ACTION:
PAGE NO.
Resolution No. 3326, Ordering Annexation to
City Lighting Dist. (Annex. 76/28 thru 76/37)
Adopted
1
DIP #689, N/s Iowa St. bet. Dolan & Brookshire
-
Auth. Dept. of Comm. Dev. to proceed w/const.
Approved
2
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar
2
Minutes, Adj. Reg. Mtg. 7/27/76, 5:00 p.m.;
Reg. Mtg. 7/27/76, 7:30 p.m., as amended
Approved
2
Agenda Correspondence Items
Filed'
2
Denial of Legal Claim, Ref. #284
Approved
2
SS Proj. #304, Quill Dr., Old River School Rd.
to Rives Ave.: Plans, specs, & grant authority
to advertise
Approved
2
CC #380, Alleys: West of Paramount Blvd. (from
Albia St. to 375' Nly); & E/o Western Ave.
(from Fifth St. to Sixth St.): Acceptance of
improvements
Approved
2
General Warrants: #146238-146539;
#202661-202700
Approved
2
Ordinance Amending DMC re Speed Limits
(Rosecrans Avenue)
Introduced
2,
Ordinance #512, Amending DMC re Public Welfare,
Morals, & Policy
Adopted
3
Ordinance amending DMC re Wild or Vicious
Animals
Taken under submission
3
Ordinance Adding sec. 3195 to DMC re Motor
Homes & Other Recreational Vehicles Introduced 3
Resolution #3327, Awarding Contract to improve
Orange St. (AD #119) Adopted 4
Resolution apprvg. Memorandum of Understanding
with California Teamsters Local 911 for
Fiscal Year 1976-77 Held to next meeting 4
Resolution #3328, re Physical
Services
Record Clerk
Adopted 4
Repair of Public Improvements
- Adopt policy
Approved 5
Sidewalk Policy
Taken -under submission 5
Sidewalk Matching Funds, M.F.
#457,460,462
Approved 5
Downtown Parking Lots Report`
Submitted for info only 5
Bicycle Program Report
Submitted for info only 5
SUA Agreement - Enter into contract
with SUA
& auth. Mayor to sign
Failed 8
Councilman Jennings req. Council be involved
in allocating space at Rives
School to all
community -oriented groups
9
Executive session re Teamsters Memorandum 9
Adjourned to 8/17/76 re Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance 9
Page I of 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUGUST 10, 1976
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.,
August 10, 1976, in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Hazel N. Scotto
presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
William L. Greene
Richard M. Jennings, Mayor Pro Tem
Kenneth J. Miller
Theodore H. Jackman
Hazel N. Scotto, Mayor
ALSO PRESENT: Ervin Spindel;s�ciings�ity Manag�rnager
Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney
Loren D. Morgan, Police Chief
William A. Goggin, City Planner
Ray T. Lake, Building Official
Terence Middlebrooke, Manager of Revenue
G. D. Davis, Battalion Chief
James R. Jarrett, Recreation Supervisor
Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer
John H. Saunders, Administrative Analyst
Jeanne Cook, Deputy City Clerk -Treasurer
Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary
The Invocation was delivered by Reverend Bob Stiles, Congregational Church, followed
by the Flag Salute led by Councilman Jennings.
Mayor Scotto declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on
Downey City Lighting District Annexation 76/28 through 76/37. She inquired if the Deputy
City Clerk had the Affidavits of Posting and Publication, to which the Deputy City Clerk
responded in the affirmative.'
It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and so ordered
to receive and file the Affidavits.
Mayor Scotto inquired if the Deputy City Clerk had received any written protests or
objections, and the Deputy City Clerk replied she had not.
Mayor Scotto inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in protest to
the Annexation, and there was no response.
It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered
to close the hearing.
RESOLUTION NO. 3326
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ORDERING ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN AREAS TO THE DOWNEY CITY
LIGHTING DISTRICT AND TO MAINTAIN AND FURNISH ELECTRICAL
CURRENT TO THOSE STREET LIGHTING FIXTURES LOCATED ON
STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES WITHIN THOSE AREAS UNTIL
JANUARY 31, 1983 (ANNEXATION 76/28 THROUGH 76/37)
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 to adopt Resolution No. 3326.
Mayor Scotto declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on
Downey Improvement Project No. 689, North side of Iowa Street between Dolan Avenue and
Brookshire Avenue. She inquired if the Deputy City Clerk had the Affidavit of Posting
and Mailing, to which the Deputy City Clerk responded in the affirmative.
It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and so ordered
to receive and file the Affidavit.
Mayor Scotto inquired if the Deputy City Clerk had received any written protests
or objections, and the Deputy City, -Clerk replied she had not.
Council Minutes 8/10/76 -1-
Mr. Spindel reported on the improvements of sidewalk, curb., gutter, and street
paving, and said more than 50 percent of the block has been completed. He requested
authority to proceed with construction.
It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered
to accept the Engineer's Report.
Mayor Scotto inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in protest
to the improvements, and there was no response.
It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so
ordered to close the hearing.
It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by
unanimous vote to grant authority to the Department of Community Development to proceed
with construction on Downey Improvement Project No. 689.
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar
It,w4s moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by
unanimous vote to approve the Consent Calendar:
Minu
m., as
5:00 o.m.: Re¢ular
Correspondence from California Highway Commission regarding Receipt of Downey
Resolution No. 3304 urging Construction of Century Freeway.
Correspondence from Southern California Rapid Transit District regarding Election
of Director in Corridor D.
Correspondence from Ruth H. Brent and Harriett Paine regarding Blueprint for
Disaster Preparedness in the Home.
Correspondence from Colin Lennard of Burke, Williams and Sorensen regarding
Conflict of Interest Code.
Correspondence from California Fair Political Practices Commission regarding
Government Code Requirements.
Correspondence from Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney, regarding Appointments of
Commission Members from District.
Correspondence from Southern California Rapid Transit District regarding Federal
Funds under Mass Transportation Act.
Denial of Legal Claim: Ref. No. 284, Ellen P. Reon.
S. S. Project No. 304, Quill Drive, Old River School Road to Rives Avenue: Approve
plans, specifications, and grant authority to advertise for bids.
Cash Contract No. 380, Alleys: West of Paramount Boulevard (from A1bia Street to
75 feet northerly and East of Western Avenue from Fifth Street to Sixth Street
Accept improvements completed and responsibility for maintenance thereof.
General Warrants: #146238 - 146539; #202661 - 202700: $196, ,795.36.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING TO SECTION
3186 RELATING TO RESTRICTED SPEED LIMITS (ROSECRANS
AVENUE)
The Ordinance 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
the following vote to introduce the Ordinance.
Councilman Greene stated his opposition to increasing speed limits.
Mr. Spindel said this is for a short distance on Rosecrans Avenue in Downey from
Lakewood westerly about two blocks to its intersection with Century Boulevard. He indi-
cated that when the Ordinance is brought back for adoption he will advise whether this
will make Rosecrans uniform with other speed limits along the street.
AYES: 4 Council Members: Jennings, Miller, Jackman, Scotto
NOES: 1 Council Member: Green
Council Minutes 8/10/76 2
Councilman Jennings asked that the report on the Rosecrans Avenue speed limits
include whether there is uniformity in the 40 mph speed limits along Florence Avenue,
Paramount Boulevard, and Lakewood Boulevard, and also whether these streets in the
surrounding communities are 40 mph.
ORDINANCE NO. 512
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY REPEALING SECTIONS
4100, 4101, 4101.1, 4102.2, 4120, 4404, AND 4405, ALL OF
WHICH SAID SECTIONS RELATE TO PUBLIC WELFARE, MORALS,
AND POLICY.
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded
by Councilman Greene, and so ordered to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by
unanimous vote to adopt Ordinance No. 512.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTION
4290.1 AND ADDING SECTION 4292 WHICH SECTIONS RELATE TO
WILD OR VICIOUS ANIMALS.
The Ordinance 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 and seconded by Councilman Jackman to introduce
the Ordinance.
Mr. Goggin explained aviaries are permitted by zones, and if this ordinance is
adopted as written, then they would automatically be prohibited. He suggested the Council
might want to study this further before taking any action.
Councilman Greene asked about adding language to Section 4291 involving wasps, rather
than changing the entire ordinance.
Mr. Sorensen stated Section 4292 is necessary to provide some effectiveness to the
ordinance.
Councilman Jackman said the ordinance should be rewritten to protect people who have
bees.
It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered
to take the ordinance under submission.
Councilman Jennings stated if this will cause a hardship on anyone in the City, he
would suggest staff bring back an alternative ordinance that will work.
Councilman Jackman asked about contacting the animal control if a person has a
problem with bees.
Mr. Coggin said said the animal control will not respond to those calls.
Discussion followed.
Mr. Sorensen indicated the ordinance was drafted at the request of the Council to
control stinging insects, and he felt this ordinance was what the Council wanted.
Councilman Greene suggested adding a section exempting certain zones.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ADDING SECTION 3195 TO THE DOWNEY
MUNICIPAL CODE WHICH SAID SECTION RELATES TO
MOTOR HOMES AND OTHER RECREATIONAL VEHICLES.
The Ordinance 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 Council Miller, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unani-
mous vote to introduce the ordinance.
Council Minutes 8/10/76 -3-
Mr. Bruce Watson, 9220 Stewart and Gray Road, Downey, asked whether the ordinance
will prohibit someone living in motor homes on City streets or in back yards.
Mr. Sorensen replied this relates only to the public right-of-way.
RESOLUTION NO. 3327
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY AWARDING CONTRACT TO IMPROVE
ORANGE STREET IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY, IN
ACCORDANCE WITH RESOLUTIONS NO. 3268 AND
NO. 3303. (A.D. NO. 119)
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 to adopt Resolution No. 3327.
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDER-
STANDING WITH THE CALIFORNIA TEAMSTERS PUBLIC,
PROFESSIONAL & MEDICAL EMPLOYEES UNION, LOCAL
911 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1976-77.
Mr. Spindel said this is submitted for information for action at the next Council
meeting on August 24th.
Councilman Jennings disagreed with changing the dollar value of the medical -dental
benefit package for this group of employees. He said this should be consistent with the
rest of the programs approved in salary negotiations.
Mr. Spindel stated the total wage package is less than negotiated with the other
employee groups.
Mr. Saunders responded to questions of the Council. He pointed out that in this
memorandum of understanding, a dollar value for medical is being placed so that if there
is an increase in the dollar value of the premium, the Teamsters would have to negotiate
for the difference; also, if it does go up a certain amount during the year, the employee
would have to pay the difference.
Councilman Jackman asked if the Teamsters would be receiving greater benefits than
other employee groups.
Councilman Jennings stated it is his opinion every employee in the City should
receive exactly the same medical benefits and vacation plan.
Mr. Saunders indicated the memorandum does not include a benefit that is not availa-
ble to another employee group, but it does pay towards that optional benefit more than
the other employees receive.
Mr. Sorensen outlined the meeting and conferring requirements .under. the. Brown Act;
and said the Council has the final authority as to what would or would not be approved;
if the Council does not approve, it would not mean the negotiating team and staff have
not met and conferred in good faith or that the requirements of the Act have been avoided.
Councilman Jennings asked about the Council's taking a "straw vote" so the City
Manager will have some indication what the Council will do at the next meeting.
Mr. Sorensen replied yes, and the Council can also meet in executive session for
the purpose of instructing its negotiating committee as to the parameters which it can
negotiate.
The Resolution was held to the next meeting.
The City Council scheduled an executive session for later in the meeting.
RESOLUTION NO. 3328
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
RELATING TO PHYSICAL SERVICES RECORD CLERK
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
the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3328.
Council Minutes 8/}0/76 -4-
'55D0
Mr. Spindel responded to questions of the Council regarding deletion of the Leadman
position and addition of the Record Clerk and noted it is felt the Record Clerk is more
important. He commented on the estimated budgetary savings that will result.
AYES: 5 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Miller, Jackman, Scotto
Repair of Public Improvements
Councilman Greene inquired if a new property owner would have to assume responsi-
bility for damage by tree installed without permit prior to his purchase of the property.
Mr. Spindel replied yes.
Councilman Greene then asked for the definition of "faulty materials" causing curb
and gutter damage.
Mr. Henriksen explained it has been discovered that some of the compaction under
-- sidewalks are not what they should be, and in some cases it has been found that some of
the subgrading has subsided up to six inches. He said this is considered faulty con-
struction practice, and he commented it is not possible to check all subgrading with
compaction tests because the manpower is not available.
Discussions were held regarding trees installed without permit; the policy estab-
lished by prior Council action regarding replacement of curbs due to tree damage; and
curb drains.
It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by
unanimous vote to adopt a policy on repair of public improvements.
Sidewalk Policy
Councilman Greene stated he would like to have more time to consider this.
Mayor Scotto suggested this be reviewed by some of the Council committees, such
as Planning and Traffic. No objections were stated.
It was moved by Councilman Greene to take the Sidewalk Policy under submission.
Mr. Spindel said this year's bid for sidewalks with grading is less than last
year's, but the bid for sidewalks without grading is more.
It was taken under submission.
Sidewalk Matching Funds
It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by
unanimous vote to approve Sidewalk Matching Funds at the following locations:
M.F. Estimated
No. Address City Cost
457 13218 Blodgett Avenue $102.00
4W 9663 Foster Road 321.00
(Bellflower frontage)
462 12621 Dunrobin Avenue 159.00
Total Estimated City Cost $582.00
Downtown Parking Lots Report
Mr. Spindel pointed out there is a correction on the first page of the report and
said although no rent payments have been paid by the City to the Baptist Church for the
lease of the southeast quarter of Parking Lot 13, the taxes have been paid by the City.
However, he noted the City has paid rent and taxes on the northerly half of the lot,
but there is no agreement on this portion. He indicated he will submit a corrected
copy of the report to the Council.
The report was submitted for information only.
Bicycle Program Report. Submitted for information only.
SUA Agreement
Mayor Scotto noted that although she did not attend the adjourned Council meeting
on August 2nd, she has listened to the tape.
Council Minutes 8/10/76 -5-
Councilman Jackman stated the Council should establish a priority on what it wants
to build. He said staff is recommending since the Library cannot be built at this time
to go ahead with the wings for the Police and Fire Departments, and he is opposed
because he feels this is a number two priority.
Mr. Spindel explained it was felt the Library still could be built and is still a
number one priority as far as the Council is concerned. He stated it was also felt
negotiations could be conducted with the School Board for property to construct the
Library, but in the meantime if the grant is forthcoming, work could be scheduled start-
ing with some other phase. Mr. Spindel pointed out that if the school property is not
available, then the plan could be amended to build the Library on the City's existing
property.
Mr. Ben-Bassat of SUA Incorporated concurred that there are two alternatives avail-
able if the school property cannot be purchased or leased for the Library: The first
would be to remodel the existing Library and enlarge or expand it in the same location
in order to come up with the maximum growth requirements of the Library needs for the
years 1980-85; parking can be provided underneath the expansion.
Councilman Jennings remarked that parking would have to be the higher priority
because it would have to be completed first.
Mr. Ben-Bassat stated the second alternative is to build the Library on the City
Hall annex property just south of the existing City Hall.
Councilman Jennings asked if access will be provided for the businesses just west
of Dolan Avenue on Firestone if Dolan Avenue is closed.
Mr. Ben-Bassat replied alley access should be left open, closing Dolan Street from
the alley south for pedestrian use. He recommended applying for the Federal grant with
separate applications attaching priority to each one.
Mayor Scotto said a letter from Dr. Gallegos states the school property would not
be available until December, and she asked how this will affect the proposal to use the
property.
Mr. Ben-Bassat responded that this should not discourage the City from applying
for the grant. He noted all applications filed prior to the end of September will have
priorities and will be reviewed, and he pointed out that Federal regulations will be
released on August 23rd. In further explanation, Mr. Ben-Bassat stated if a City can
show there are negotiations or a certain progress in discussion with respect to pur-
chase or lease of property, there will be some commitment from the Government to appropri-
ate funds for it. He said the City should be prepared under all conditions to submit
the application prior to the day after August 23rd, if possible, and should be submitted
with alternatives.
Councilman Miller asked how much of SUA's fee of $110,000 would be related to
development of plans for the Library to be submitted with the applications.
Mr. Ben-Bassat replied it would cost approximately $15,000 to $25,000 of the $110,000
if it is decided to go with the Library on the school property and the property is not
available by the time necessary to apply for the grant.
for grant
Councilman Jackman said he is not in favor of making application/to build the Library
on property the City does not own or may never own. He again stated it should first be
established where the Library will be built and then make application, and if the grant
is not available, then finance it through another method.
Discussion followed.
Questions were raised regarding whether the City would receive sufficient funds to
complete the project once it is started.
Mr. Ben-Bassat said an accurate cost estimate would have to be submitted with the
Plans, which is a detailed estimate of the construction. He said he met with staff and
Mayor Scotto, and the plan displayed for the Council's consideration was the alternative
selected as the final plan.
Mayor Scotto spoke regarding the need for a basic plan for the civic center and
said she would like to see the Council proceed with this.
Mr. Ben-Bassat pointed out that all of the documents to be prepared will be the
property of the City if the City decides to terminate the contract with SUA.
Councilman Jackman said grants are also available for completion of plans and specifi-
cations, and he would be in favor of this rather than spending $110,000 of the City's
money.
Council Minutes 8/10/76 -6-
Councilman Miller commented he was informed by the City Manager of Carson that their
Congressman has advised according to a formula they can expect to receive $245,000. He
asked if there is some kind of a formula.
Mr. Ben-Bassat said there are many rumors that SUA has had to screen to see which
one is more realistic than the others, plus SUA is in daily contact with Washington on
this. He reiterated that the City would have priority in receiving funds if it applied
in the manner stipulated, and there is a lot of information to be prepared not only to
be submitted with the application but when the grant is approved. Mr. Ben-Bassat pointed
out that according to the language of the Bill, the project will be 100 percent financed
including architectural and engineering fees.
Councilman Jackman suggested the City acquire another bid on this.
Further discussion ensued.
Mayor Scotto inquired if there was anyone in the audience who wished to speak to
this matter.
Mr. Jack Arian said he recently purchased Supply Sergeant on the corner of Firestone
and Dolan, and stated the closing of Dolan Avenue would ruin his business because there
would be less parking.
Mr. Spindel indicated the alley access would be kept open.
Mr. Joseph Hagler, Controller for J & B Interiors, 8315 Firestone Boulevard, asked
the Council to secure other bids. He said the business of J & B Interiors would be seri-
ously hampered if Dolan Avenue were closed, and they do not want their parking lot used
as a thoroughfare.
Mr. Paul Spothelfer, 9708 Haledon Avenue, discussed this proposal compared to the
Facilities Master Plan compiled by SUA several years ago. He noted the costs have in-
creased and he feels the square footage for moderate growth should be sufficient. Mr.
Spothelfer stated the Library should be a priority one project by adding onto the exist-
ing building. He suggested the Council consider a turnkey method of construction, which
he outlined for the Council's information. Mr. Spothelfer recommended the City try to
get input from leading citizens and professional people of the community.
Mr. Bruce Watson, 9220 Stewart and Gray Road, said he is against the project but
is not opposed to enlarging the Library to accommodate the needs of the City. He sug-
gested alternatives for the Council's consideration.
Mr. Thomas E. Collins, 9032 Charloma Drive, said he is an architect,and a master
plan cannot be arrived at in three weeks time. He noted there are many capable pro-
fessional people who are available locally; there are different ways of arranging serv-
ices to accomplish this project; and he suggested the Council interview and consider
other sources of professional services.
Mr. Roy Leach, 10724 Smallwood Avenue, representing the Downey First Baptist Church,
stated concern regarding the closing of Dolan Avenue.
Mrs. Elizabeth Wissler, 10731 Haledon Avenue, protested the closing of Dolan Avenue.
She urged the Council to give first priority to the Library.
Mrs. Catherine Walker, 10270 Branscomb Street, commented on the need for Library
expansion and said the amount to purchase the school property could be spent to provide
a high Level of service and better quality of books for the Library. She further
objected to the proposed Location of the building and questioned the cost for Library
construction including the cost for furniture and the need for a laundry. She suggested
there be more input on this from architects and builders.
Mr. Sorensen explained that before this plan is firm or implemented, there would be
- the need for an environmental impact report and a review. He said the matter would have
to go before the Planning Commission for its review, and there would be opportunities
for public input.
Mr. Ben-Bassat responded to the comments from the audience.
An alternate plan for the civic center was displayed.
Mr. Ben-Bassat stated the plan shows expansion of the existing Library and a larger
City Hall annex on the south side, a Public Safety Building of the Police Department on
the ndrth side, and said the plan would include placing the Council Chambers on top of
the City Hall annex.
It was moved by Mayor Scotto to enter into the contract with SUA and authorize the
Mayor to sign.
CouncilrMiAbtes 8/101-76 17
1503
Councilman Jennings inquired if this would include the full extent of the $110,000.
Mayor Scotto replied yes.
Mr. Sorensen advised the total fees and total potential liability, assuming the
City goes beyond a particular stage, is in excess of that amount under the agreement,
but the City can stop the agreement before then. He stated as he understands the
language of the agreement, if the City Council wants to terminate it prior to expendi-
ture or encumbering the $110,000 and the notice is sent out in time, it can be done.
Mr. Sorensen pointed out it is also possible due to the rapid progression of work, that
by the time the 30-day notice is sent out a large part of the $110,000 may have been
used up.
Councilman Jennings seconded the motion.
Councilman Jennings stated he is not ready at this point in time to gamble $110,000
on the hope the City will receive full funding from the Federal Government for the
entire project, and there has been no mention of where the City will obtain money to
purchase the school property. Also, he said funds would be needed to purchase the Chamber
of Commerce building, as well as other businesses in the surrounding area, and he would
rather wait and proceed with this in a more organized manner with the hope there will be
money left for the City of Downey.
Councilman Greene concurred and indicated the volunteer program should be used to
the fullest capacity for some of the abilities citizens might have to offer. He mentioned
he would not be willing to proceed with this any further at the present time.
Councilman Jackman also concurred and said he would be willing to go along with an
alternative, but not the alternative listed in the contract. He suggested obtaining bid
proposals from two or three companies on the Library and then seek the Federal grant for
the Library or consider a bond issue. He stated the Library should be the number one
priority.
Councilman Miller mentioned the Council agreed there should be a civic center plan,
but at the present time he does not feel there is one, and he pointed out there could be
problems with land acquisition. He said he does not want to rush into something, and he
noted that originally, the Council discussed constructing a Library and getting a grant
for that.
Mr. Spindel informed the Council the Budget contains approximately $480,000 in Reve-
nue Sharing Funds earmarked for the civic center and Library expansion which could be used.
Mayor Scotto spoke in favor of moving ahead on this but said if the Council feels as
it does, with the consent of the second she will rescind her motion and take this under
submission.
Councilman Jennings stated he does not wish to withdraw his second and would like
to see this concept voted on tonight. He indicated that if it is voted down, then he
would like to see an orderly progression toward a civic center.
Mr. Sorensen advised that if the Council votes to defeat the motion, that does not
preclude the Council from considering this again at a later time.
Roll call vote:
AYES: 1 Council Member: Scotto
NOES: 4 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Miller, Jackman
Failed.
Mr. Spindel asked if the Council would like staff to pursue this further.
Councilman Jennings said a report of the League of California Cities indicates that
if a plan is under way a City may proceed to obtain a grant to complete the plan. He
asked that this be pursued.
Councilman Miller suggested the City conduct a telephone survey with other cities
to see how many will be applying for the grant and also attempt to ascertain whether
there is a formula available to determine what a City can expect to receive.
Mayor Scotto spoke to Mr. Manicone in the audience and asked if he would contact
Congressman Clawson regarding a formula.
Mr. Spindel mentioned the League will be conducting a workshop on August 31st in
San Francisco, and that some of the Council Members might want to attend. He said he
realizes this was done in a hasty manner, but it was felt that whoever submits their
applications first with solid plans would have the best chance of receiving the grant.
Council Minutes 8/10/76 -8-
4
Following discussion, Mr. Spindel said he will contact other cities regarding this
matter.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Bruce Watson thanked Councilman Jennings for his vote on the SUA Agreement. He
also asked if the Council decides to build a Library that it be put to the vote of the
people.
Councilman Jennings inquired regarding the status of the Rives School Acquisition.
Mr. Spindel said the property is now in escrow at Transamerica Title Company in
Downey.
Councilman Jennings then stated the entire City Council should be directly involved
in allocating space at the school and vacated park headquarters so that it will be
assured all community -oriented groups will be treated equally and fairly. He asked that
no space be allocated until the Council has had an opportunity to meet with the City
Manager on this.
Councilman Greene asked if the City has anything on Garage Sales. He was advised
that it is contained in the proposed Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.
Councilman Jackman inquired when the Council can expect a request for funds to
rehabilitate the Rives School.
Mr. Jarrett replied that this is being evaluated at the present time.
Mayor Scotto asked if the residents in the area adjacent to the proposed Animal
Control Facility have seen a proposal for the new building.
Mr. Spindel said there were sketches on view.
Mayor Scotto advised the Council will be meeting at 5:00 p.m., August 17th, in the
Council Chambers, and 5:00 p.m., August 18th, in the Green Room of the Downey Theatre
for studies on the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.
At 11:30 p.m., Mayor Scotto recessed the meeting to executive session to discuss
the Teamsters' Memorandum of Understanding. The meeting resumed at 12:45 a.mq with all
Council Members present.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was
adjourned at 12:45 a.m, to 5:00 p.m., August 17, 1976, in the Council Chambers of the
Downey City Hall.
k \""� cccnre,
Je8, "Cook, Deputy City Clerk -Treasurer
Hazel,N. Scotto, Mayor
Council Minutes 8/10/76 -9-