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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-11-23-76-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY NOVEMBER 23, 1976 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT: ACTION: PAGE NO. Resolution #3354, Confirming Assmt. for Imprvmt. of Orange St. (AD #119) Adopted 1 Appeal, ZE Case #1302, 8560 Albia St. Denied 1, 5 Appeal, ZE Case #1302, 8560 Albia St. - Reiland fees for Planning Comm. & Council Hearings Approved 5 Adoption of National Electrical Code, 1975 Edition - Hold final action pending adoption of Resolution at next meeting So ordered 2 Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 2 Minutes, Adjourned Meeting September 27, 1976; Regular Meeting November 9, 1976 Approved 2 Denial of Legal Claim: Ref. #297 Approved 2 General Warrants #148678-148995; #202972-203005 Approved 2 Cash Contract #401, Parking Lot, Rio Hondo Country Club - Plans, specs, & auth. to advertise Approved 2 Cash Contract #404, DIP #689 & 692, S/s Firestone Bl. E/o Pangborn & N/s Iowa St. E/o Dolan - Plans, specs & auth. to advebtise Approved 3 Ordinance Amending Sec. 3142 DMC re Bicycle Riding Introduced 3 Ordinance Auth. Adoption of Rules & Regulations re Conduct of Council Meetings Introduced 3 Ordinance #516, Auth. Amendment to Contract bet. Council & Bd. Admin. Calif. PERS Adopted 3 Ordinance #517, Amending Zoning Map (Planning Res. #152, Zone Chg. Case #124) Adopted 3 Parking Lot #13 bet. 2nd & 3rd Ste E/o Downey Ave. Held in abeyance 4 City -Wide Bikeway Program - Auth. staff to prepare req, application to receive 1976-77 funding & receive & file Bikeway Report Approved 5 Lease of Heliport by Wright Airlift Company to demonstrate International, Inc. helicopter for Council 6 Co -sponsored Agreements with Downey Museum of Art, Downey Civic Chorus, Downey Symphonic Society, Downey Lions & Downey Jaycees (Downey Christmas Parade Comm.), & Downey Junior Athletic Association Approved 6 Section 8 Rental Assistance Program Requests Failed 7 Permit for Downey Christmas Parade scheduled for 12/5/76, 1:30 P.M. Approved 7 Allocation of Community Development Block Grant Funds for Downey Apollo Service Center (Rives Avenue School), Modifications for Public Use - Initial expenditure of $30,000 Approved 7 Rehabilitation Program Work shop set for 1/5/77 8 Page 1 of 2 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, NOVEMBER 23, 1976 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT: Teamsters Dental Plan - City agreement effective 12/1/76 w/Private Medical -Care, Inc. SE Area Animal Control Authority, Agreement w/Park Water Co. for Purchase -Option of Two -acre Land Parcel Appeal of Cal Worthington Chrysler -Plymouth re Use of Advertising Balloon at 9250 Lakewood B1. Appointment of Mr. L. Lawrence Lewis to Water Acquisition Corp. City's appointees to Animal Control Authority - Suggested apptmt, of Cn. Greene & Cn. Jennings Tennis Courts at Downey High School City -Hospital Self -Insurance Plan Meeting recessed to Executive Session ACTION• PAGE NO. Approved 8 Received & filed 9 Denied 9 Approved 9 9 Ref. to City Manager for Report 9 Ref. to City Manager for Report 10 10 Page 2 of 2 5582 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY NOVEMBER 23, 1976 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. Novem- ber 23, 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: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development John T. Neavill, Director of Parks and Recreation Edwin H. Wood, Fire Chief William A. Goggin, City Planner Ray T. Lake, Building Official Joseph R. Guthrie, Captain, Police Department Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer John H. Saunders, Administrative Analyst Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Reverend Ernest Matson, followed by the Flag Salute led by Councilman Miller. Mayor Scotto declared that this is the time and place for hearing protests or objections against the assessment for Improvement of Orange Street between Glynn Avenue and Brookshire Avenue (Assessment District No. 119). She inquired if the City Clerk had the Affidavits of Publication, Posting, and Mailing, to which the 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 City Clerk had received any written protests or objec- tions, and the City Clerk replied he had not. Mayor Scotto inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in protest to the assessment, and there was no response. She inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor, and there was no response. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to close the hearing. RESOLUTION NO. 3354 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CONFIRMING THE ASSESSMENT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF ORANGE STREET. (A. D. No. 119) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, sec- onded 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. 3354. Mayor Scotto declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Appeal, Zone Exception Case No. 1302, 8560 A1bia Street. She inquired if the City Clerk had the Affidavit of Publication, to which the 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. Mr. Goggin reported the applicant's request is for approval of construction that already exists at the subject property and consists of a six-foot porch in the front yard setback with a roof over the porch, reducing the required 20-foot front yard building setback to 14 feet. Council Minutes 11/23/76 -1- S ? Mayor Scotto inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence on this matter, and the City Clerk replied he had not. Mayor Scotto inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of the Appeal. It being noted the applicant was not present, the hearing was held in abeyance pending the applicant's arrival. Mayor Scotto declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Adoption of National Electrical Code, 1975 Edition. She inquired if the City Clerk had the affidavit of Publication, to which the 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 City Clerk had received any written protests or objections, and the City Clerk replied he had not. Mayor Scotto inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposi- tion to the National Electrical Code, 1975 Edition, and there was no response. She inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor, and there was no response. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and so ordered to close the hearing. Mr. Sorensen advised that adoption of the Ordinance should be held over to the next meeting because a Resolution is required adopting express findings regarding changes proposed by the City, and the Resolution is not available. It was so ordered by the Mayor. Removal of Items from Consent Calendar Agenda Items VIII-C-1, Cash Contract No. 401, Parking Lot, Rio Hondo Country Club, and'VIII-C-2; Cash Contract No. 404 - D.I.P. Nos. 689 and 692, South side Firestone Boulevard east of Pangborn Avenue and North side Iowa Street east of Dolan Avenue, were removed from the Consent Calendar. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to approve the Remainder of the Consent Calendar: Minutes, Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting of September 27 1976 and Regu- lar City Council Meeting of November 9, 1976. Denial of Legal Claim: Reference No. 297. Mar¢ene Glenn_ General Warrants: Nos. 148678 - 148995; Nos. 202972 - 203005: S626 Speaking to Cash Contract No. 401, Parking Lot, Rio Hondo Country Club, Council- man Jennings asked if this includes tree relocation. Mr. Neavill replied that the maintenance contractor has agreed to handle the tree relocation as part of his normal contract. Councilman Jennings asked how the engineering will be paid. Mr. Spindel stated that if the bids received are lower than the estimate, the engineering would be charged to the General Capital Improvements Engineering Account. He said the only approval requested at this time is to advertise for bids, and this will come back to the Council when the bids are received. Mr. Spindel noted concrete gutters have to be installed; this has increased the cost and was not included in the original budget estimate. It was moved by Council Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to approve plans, specifications, and grant authority to advertise for bids on Cash Contract No. 401, Parking Lot, Rio Hondo Country Club. t No. 404 D.I.P. Nos. 689 and 692 South side Firestone Boulevard East of Pangborn Avenue and North side Iowa Street East of Councilman Jennings asked if the Sidewalk Fund being depleted is the Sidewalk Budget Fund for 1976-77. Mr. Spindel replied it is the Street and Sidewalk Fund, which is composed of the $10,000 appropriated in the budget this year plus any payments received back from assessments on Chapter 27 projects. He said it is possible an additional appropria- tion might have to be requested from the Unappropriated Balance of the Capital Improve- ments Fund when the time comes for awarding the contract, and it would be his recommen- dation to appropriate the amount rather than deplete the Sidewalk Fund. Council Minutes 11/23/76 -2- Councilman Jennings stated that would also be his recommendation. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to approve plans, specifications, and grant authority to advertise kor bids on Cash Contract No. 404, D.I.P. Nos..689 and 692, South side Firestone Bou1e- V rd east of Pangborn Avenue and North side Iowa Street east of Dolan Avenue. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3142 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, WHICH SECTION RELATES TO BICYCLE RIDING The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, sec- onded 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. Questions were raised regarding enforcement of the ordinance and whether there is a program to publicize this in the schools. Mr. Thompson said there is a police officer assigned to the schools regularly, and the Bicycle Safety Program is still being conducted in the schools, with traffic rules regarding bicycle riding being made available, It was noted the ordinance was approved by the Citizens Bikeway Committee and Traffic Committee. Mr. Thompson pointed out that from time to time the City alters its enforcement approach depending on what has occurred regarding bicycle and pedestrian safety, and the officers are alerted. He said the Ordinance would be brought to the attention of the school children since one of the chief means of enforcement is education. Captain Guthrie advised that for years in the schools, police officers have been telling the children to walk their bicycles across the street, but there has been nothing in the code to enforce it. Councilman Jennings asked that an article appear in the next Communicator regard- ing the Ordinance. AYES: 4 Council Members: Jennings, Miller, Jackman, Scotto NOES: 1 Council Member: Greene ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION OF RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATIVE TO THE CONDUCT OF COUNCIL MEETINGS The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, sec- onded 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 introduce the Ordinance. ORDINANCE NO. 516 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, sec- onded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to adopt Ordinance No. 516. ORDINANCE N0, 517 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ADOPTED BY SECTION 9107 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (PLANNING RESOLUTION NO. 152, ZONE CHANGE CASE NO. 124) The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, sec- onded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered to waive further reading. Council Minutes 11/23/76 -3- �5 It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to adopt Ordinance No. 517. Parking Lot No. 13 between Second and Third Streets east of Downey Avenue Mayor Scotto requested this matter be held to executive session at the end of the Council meeting to discuss negotiations and the appraisal. Councilman Jennings, questioned the need for permit parking when the parking lot is theoretically for customers of stores. Mr. Thompson commented on a study conducted approximately three or four years ago which determined the parking needs for customers and employees or people who spend most of the day in the downtown area and need a place to park. He said that is the reason one-half of the lot was converted to permit parking. Councilman Jennings indicated that if the lot is not for customer parking he would not want to consider it because the purpose was to bring customers into the downtown area. Mr. Spindel said it is felt that if the permit parking is converted to the easterly half of the lot owned by the church, then the church would not have to pay taxes if the lot is not revenue producing. There being no objections, this matter was held in abeyance. Mayor. Scotto declared the public hearing reopened on Appeal, Zone Exception Case No. 1302 8560 Albia Street. She inquired if the applicant was present to speak in favor of the appeal. The applicant, Mrs. Kathryn J. Williams, 8560 A1bia Street., stated her property should be privileged because it is the only double lot on the street, and when the plans are completed, they will enhance her property and upgrade the value of surround- ing properties. Responding to questions, she said the porch was built by a relative who is not a contractor and without permit. Mr. Goggin explained staff measured the setbacks of every house in this block on both sides of the street, and there is only one violation of the Building Code, which will also require the filing of a zone exception. He noted both that property and this property extend five feet into the front yard setback. Mr. Goggin said under the Code, a person is permitted to have a front porch unenclosed not exceeding six feet with an eave or eyebrow projecting 30 inches. He pointed out that modifications can be made in order to meet the Code requirements, and all of the roof, except that por- tion over the doorway, would have to be removed. He further explained that as the construction exists, any future owner could be enticed to enclose the porch and add six feet to the living room; then the home would be only 14 feet from the property line. Mrs. Pharis, 8543 A1bia Street, stated she has no objection to the porch on Mrs. Williams' home and it enhances the looks of the property. Mr. Joe Lubin, 7820 Allengrove Street, said there are other sections of the Code that exist and are enforced, and this is one case he feels there should be a deviation. Responding to questions, Mr. Goggin noted that if the appeal is denied, the porch would be permitted, but the portion of the roof structure which is nonconforming would have to be removed. Councilman Jackman asked if there is a penalty for building something without a permit. Mr. Spindel replied that a $200 penalty is assessed if that person who did the construction had previous knowledge that a permit was required. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Diane Boggs, 8629 Meadow Road, stated she is confused about the way the ordi- nance is written in that it allows an open porch, but a closed porch is an enticement. Mr. Goggin mentioned his remarks were based on the possibility of enclosing the porch and the alternatives of granting modifications. Further, he said the case is based on whether the City wants to enforce and maintain the setback of 20 feet for all residential properties. Responding to comments regarding whether the concrete slab was installed accord- ing to Code, Mr. Lake indicated there is no real requirement for footing so Long as the slab does not support structural walls. Council Minutes 11/23/76 -4- Mr, Lubin pointed out that permits can only be obtaLined between 8.00 am. and^ 5:00 p.m. during the week. There being no one else wishing to speak, it was moved by Councilman Jennings, sec- onded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to close the hearing. It was moved by Councilman Jennings and seconded by Councilman Greene that the Appeal, Zone Exception Case No, 1302, be denied as it is presented; that Mrs. Williams be permitted to keep the slab and portion of the porch over the door; and because of Mrs. Williams' lack of knowledge of the procedure she should have gone through, that her fees for the Planning Commission hearing and Appeal be waived, Mayor Scotto asked that the motion be separated into two motions. With the consent of the second, the motion was withdrawn. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to deny the Appeal to Zone Exception Case No. 1302, It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by the following vote that the fees assessed against Mrs. Williams for the Planning Com- mission appearance and the Council appeal be waived and refunded, AYES: 4 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Miller, Jackman NOES: 1 Council Member: Scotto City -Wide Bikeway Program During discussion regarding a full parkway sidewalk on the east side of Paramount Boulevard, Mr, Spindel explained that although pedestrians have the right-of-way, the Bikeway Committee felt this location would be desirable for getting bikes off the trav- elled roadway and onto the full sidewalk, and the full parkway sidewalk would give more room for the bikes and the pedestrians. Councilman Jennings stated he objects because since he has been on the City Council the City has attempted to get the School District to maintain the parkway in front of their property. He asked if the school will pay for the concrete, Mr. Spindel said this would be funded from SB 821 funds, and the property owner is charged with the maintenance of the parkway. He mentioned that in the ten -or -twelve — foot parkways there would be enough room for small trees, tree wells, bicycles, and pedestrians, Mayor Scotto asked that the last paragraph on Page ii be deleted from the summary. Mrs. Evelyn Richards, 10302 Pangborn Avenue, member of the Citizens' Bikeway Com- mittee, responded to comments regarding the Rio Hondo Channel access to Crawford and Treasure Island Parks. A discussion was held regarding the licensing of bicycles. Commenting on Page 7 of the Bikeway Report, Mayor Scotto objected to the statement regarding "the committee evaluation and conclusion that on residential streets adjacent owners would not support removal of curb parking for exclusive bike lanes," Councilman Greene indicated he would like to take this matter under submission, Mr. Spindel advised that in order to qualify for SB 821 Funding, this must be approved by the end of the year, and one of the SCAG regulations is a City-wide Bikeway Plan must be adopted. He requested that any questions or comments on the report be submitted before the next meeting so the Bikeway Committee can review them. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to authorize staff to prepare the required application to receive 1976-77 funding, and to receive and file the Bikeway Report, Mayor Scotto stated she feels strongly that the program should be concentrated in the center of the City for students travelling to school. Mr. Spindel explained this is being timed to coincide with the County construction of a bikeway path on the Rio Hondo Channel. AYES: 3 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Jackman NOES: 2 Council Members: Miller, Scotto Mr. Thompson reported on a request of Mr. Clayton D. Wright of Wright Airlift International, Inc, regarding Lease of the Heliport. He said the company :conducts Council Minutes 11/23/76 -5- 87 specialized foreign and domestic helicopter work, primarily construction -type projects; the company is attempting to link International Airport with the Cities of Industry, E1 Monte, Downey, downtown Los Angeles, and Burbank; and the helicopters are the latest jet turbine, which create much less sound. Mr. Thompson stated before conducting any investigative work of the company, he would like to know whether the Council is inter- ested in this type of service, and Mr. Wright is willing to bring his helicopter to Downey for field investigation and observation. He noted Mr. Wright is aware of the complaints and problems with the old program and is willing to schedule his flights between 8:00 a.m, and 5:00 p.m. with the flight pass being over non-residential properties, Councilman Jennings suggested that the company make an offer with an amount per month, maintenance, and length of time. Councilman Greene said this could be detrimental to the new Southeast Park being developed. Councilman Miller asked about a request of the Fluor Corporation for use of the property for a parking lot. Mr. Thompson said he is not aware of any request. During discussion, Councilman Jennings further suggested that Mr. Wright be asked to demonstrate his helicopter. The Council concurred. Mrs. Diane Boggs, 8626 Meadow Road, commented on the problems that occurred under the City's contract with Los Angeles Airways and asked that the City strictly enforce any new contract it may make for lease of the heliport. Mr. Bob Brazelton, 10029 Birchdale Avenue, said this activity would be an environ- mentally detrimental activity to the area and suggested the Council appoint a committee to make a study on proper use of the property. He mentioned that at previous meetings there were indications this property would be considered for additional tennis courts or tennis facilities - Councilman Jennings asked about the money appropriated to improve the Downey High School tennis courts. Mr. Brazelton answered that those courts are virtually unusable and extremely worn on the surface. Mr. Thompson stated some refurbishing of the tennis courts was done approximately four years ago, but at this time the courts are in bad shape. Councilman Jennings suggested getting together with the School District in a joint effort to improve the courts. Mr. Fred Field, 8135 Valdina Drive, commented on the tennis courts at Downey High School and Independence Park, and said supervision of the courts in the schools would result in proper maintenance. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, following vote to approve Co-sponsore ey Civic Chorus, Downey Symphonic Soc stmas Parade Committee). and the Down seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by Agreements with the Downev Museum of Art. tic Ass A discussion was held regarding the payment by the City for utilities, including telephone, at the Art Museum. Councilman Jackman said the budget should reflect the actual costs for services provided by the City. Mr. Thompson replied he will make every effort to have that documented in the budget. Mayor Scotto suggested that not later than March 1st, the Downey Christmas Parade should submit a proposed schedule. Mr. Neavill advised that each of the co -sponsored organizations is asked to sub- mit a detailed budget on the form supplied by the City, as well as details of their past year's expenditures and a statement of the program. This, he said, could easily be transmitted to the City Council. AYES: 5 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Miller, Jackman, Scotto Council Minutes 11/23/76 -6- Section 8 Rental Assistance Program Requests Mr. Thompson reported that approximately fifteen people have contacted the City regarding this program, but no record has been kept of their names. However, he noted, the people who have called consisted primarily of the handicapped or elderly. The County Housing Authority, he said, has received very few calls from Downey residents. Mr. Thompson stated the program on the City's part would be quite small, and it would not be appropriate for the City to try to administer it. Councilman Miller commented this could tie in with the Rehabilitation Program, if and when the City should decide to enter into such a program. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Mayor Scotto to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the County for the Section 3 Rental Assistance Program, AYES: 2 Council Members: Jackman, Scotto NOES: 3 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Miller Failed. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to approve the Permit for Downey Christmas Parade scheduled for December 5, 1976, 1:30 p.m. Funds for ter (Rives Avenue Councilman Jennings commented on the kitchen equipment, telephone installation, and office furniture to be purchased and asked about the groups using the facility pay- ing for these items. Mr. Thompson mentioned a preliminary estimate of costs was made of those items necessary to make the building useful and meet public standards, and the initial expendi- ture of $30,000 is only the amount necessary to move in and use the building. Councilman Jennings requested a complete breakdown of the costs to put the Rives School in usable, first-class condition. Mr. Thompson stated it is not known what all of the uses will be at this time and where. Mr. Neavill explained new kitchen equipment will be purchased because the old equip- ment is in bad condition, and it is felt the expense is justifiable because many com- munity groups, including senior citizens, would be using the facility; also, the office furniture would be equipment for the Volunteer Services Coordinator. He said all of the other groups would be expected to supply their own furniture. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Mayor Scotto, and passed by the following vote to approve an initial expenditure of $30,000 for required modifications to the Downey Apollo Service Center (Rives Avenue School) for public use. Mr. Thompson indicated he will try to come back with a long range plan for proposed use of the facility. Councilman Jackman said he would want to see that report before voting on this matter. Mr. Thompson noted several groups have indicated that if the City would purchase the paint, their volunteer groups will do the painting. AYES: 4 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Miller, Scotto NOES: 1 Council Member: Jackman Consulting Services for Rehabilitation Program Councilman Jackman said he cannot understand hiring a consultant when the City has experienced employees on the payroll. He questioned the consultant fees, the cost for a City Housing Coordinator, and mentioned there are many things objectionable about the program. Mr. Thompson advised that the contract would specify a proposal of the work and maximum funding. He said the program is based on the fact that the Federal Government did pass the Housing and Community Development Act; Downey has the opportunity to develop a program to fit its own needs; and the program will be developed and administered locally. He pointed out City staff does not have the expertise to work out a Housing and Council Minutes 11/23/76 -7- kw, Rehabilitation Loan program, and it has been indicated the City would need additional help on the program. Speaking to the funds, Mr. Thompson stated the program would be payable out of the Housing and Community Development Funds, and one of the major aspects of the program as approved by the City Council for the last two years has been a Hous- ing and Rehabilitation Program --the details of these programs is an example of the kind of program that could be developed. He commented that if there are people living in unsafe or substandard housing, it is to the City°s advantage to help make the property safe, and if the property owner does not have the money to pay for the improvements, then the program would furnish those moneys for payment back under a formula based upon length of time and low interest -type loans, which would be handled through private lending institutions or other guidelines the City Council would specify. Mr. Richard Crisman of the Arroyo Group said he handles financing aspects of the contracts, and at present, the program which the City solicited responses to described a community program funded by all sources which might be found in the community. He commented that his company's response to the first phase of the program is to identify as quickly as possible the major areas of concern and then move directly into pilot --- programs to find out what can be anticipated in the way of problems. He pointed out this is an investment program in the community; the objective is to make the money go as far as possible; and the program has been successful, in other cities. During discussion, Mr. Thompson mentioned the problem faced by the City is the development of the program itself. He commented briefly on the task force committees that were formed and the studies conducted. Mayor Scotto suggested a Council workshop on this matter. Councilman Jackman stated he wants to recognize all of the problems prior to hir- ing any consultants. Councilman Jennings indicated he would like to see a list and map of the homes to be rehabilitated or demolished. With the concurrence of the City Council, a workshop on the Rehabilitation Program was set for 7:30 p.m., January 5, 1977, possibly in the Green Room of the Downey Theatre, Mr. Thompson advised the Teamsters Dental Plan is exactly as approved in the Memo- randum of Understanding and will not exceed $9.OG approved by the City Council. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote that the City enter into an agreement effective December 1, 1976, with Private Medical -Care, Inc., for the providing of a group dental plan for the mainten- ance unit represented by the Teamsters Union. Control Authority - Agreement with Park 3tion of Two -acre Land Parcel Responding to questions, Mr. Burk Bussiere, Authority Director, commented on the firm selected for designing the proposed animal shelter and said the proposed build- ing will be completely enclosed, a general purpose building, less expensive, and the cages now being used will be moved to the new facility. He indicated the electronic data processing equipment being placed into operation this coming month will be con- nected to the Downey Finance Department's computer, and he discussed the possibility of having a crematory installed. Mr. Bussiere explained the commission's action to deposit the funds for an option to purchase the property is to provide a timely filing of the Public Works Grant application. Councilman Jennings stated his objection to the Authority spending City of Downey General Fund money for the purchase. Mr. Sorensen explained that whenever the City Council appropriates money for the Authority or provides for funds to be paid by the City to the Authority, in effect, it loses control over the expenditure of those funds so long as they are expended in accordance with the purpose and for the reasons of the Joint Powers Agreement. Also, he said, one of the purposes and reasons for the agreement is to provide housing and facilities and conduct the normal business pf acquiring facilities. Councilman Greene questioned whether two acres would be sufficient to house an animal shelter that could be providing services for five or six cities. Mr. Bussiere answered that if the size of the area to be served is a population of 500,000 it would be adequate. Discussion ensued. Mr. Bussiere noted the City will require streets, sidewalks, and other improve- ments as a condition to a lot split on the property. Council Minutes 11/23/76 -8- Mr. Sorensen advised this agreement is between the Authority and the owner of the land, and whether the City approves or disapproves of the agreement does not have any affect upon it. Mr. Bussiere indicated he would like to have direction from each City Council because it is imperative to have uniformity among all of the Councils on any program and major expenditure. He suggested the Councils meet in the near future to express their view- points on policy and direction. Mr. W. E. White, 14009 San Antonio Drive, Norwalk, raised questions regarding which of the other cities had appropriated funds for this. He said the City of Norwalk has taken no action. Mr. Bussiere explained he was advised there would not be any problem or further action on the engineering agreement, but he does not know whether this has gone before the City Councils as a formal action. The report was received and filed. No action required. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to uphold the decision of the Planning Commission and deny Appeal of Cal Worthington Chrysler -Plymouth regarding Use of Advertising Balloon at 9250 Lakewood Boulevard. Mayor Scotto declared a recess at 11:43 p.m. The meeting resumed at 11:47 p.m. with all Council Members present. Mr. Norman Lieberman, 300 South Atlantic Boulevard, Monterey Park, attorney for the appellant, stated the balloon would be an allowable sign under the City's code because it merely designates the owner of the business and is not designed to be viewed primarily from the freeway. He asked that his client be permitted to fly the balloon at least until after the Council adopts the new Sign Ordinance. Mr. Goggin commented that all signs within 500 feet of the freeway right-of-way have to be approved by the Commission, and in every case the commission approved of, the sign has been oriented to the local street, but not to the freeway. Also, he noted the Commission has not approved of signs 150 feet in height, and balloon signs have not been approved in any other section of the City. Mr. Sorensen advised the question is not so much whether it is a balloon sign but whether a sign located in the manner displayed is not designed to be viewed primarily by persons travelling upon the freeway. Mr. Lieberman indicated the balloon could be moved if that is the desire of the Council. Roll call vote on motion to deny the appeal: AYES: 5 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Miller, Jackman, Scotto It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to approve the Appointment of Mr. L. Lawrence Lewis to the Water Acquisition Corporation. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Greene stated he feels the City°s Appointees to the Animal Control Authority should serve several years. Mayor Scotto concurred and suggested the appointment of Councilman Greene to serve with Councilman Jennings. Councilman Jennings indicated his willingness to serve and asked Councilman Greene to consider serving as delegate or alternate. Speaking to the Tennis Courts at Downey High School, Councilman Jennings noted the City spent funds on the school's baseball diamonds, and in return, the school was to refurbish its tennis courts. Mr. Thompson explained the School District did refurbish the tennis courts about four years ago, and they are now in bad condition again. Councilman Jennings asked for a report back from the City Manager. Council Minutes 11/23/76 -9- L Councilman Jennings then inquired if the City Manager will be submitting recom- mendations to the Council regarding use of the $23,423 (Housing and Community Develop- ment Funds). Mr. Thompson replied yes. Mayor Scotto requested a report back from the City Manager on the possibility of joining a City -Hospital Self -Insurance Plan, after exploring this with the Hospital administrator. Mayor Scotto commented that appointments are being considered for the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission and asked the City Council to delay any decision until time of the Commission meeting. Mr. White commented briefly on the Animal Control Authority's proposed acquisition of property. At 12:10 a.m., Mayor Scotto recessed the meeting to Executive Session to discuss negotiations on property and potential litigation. The meeting resumed at 1:15 a.m., with all Council Members present. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 1:15 a.m. �z Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer ' & /� Haze Scotto, Mayor Council Minutes 11/23/76 -10-