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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-01-11-77-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JANUARY 11, 1977 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT: ACTION• Five, Ten, Fifteen, Twenty Year Awards to Employees Proposed plaque for display in Downey Theatre lobby near mosaic Downey Citizens Forum Task Force - Forum to be held January 20th at all Middle Schools Rapid Transit District - Announcement re deletion and rerouting lines in Downey Removal of Items from Consent Calendar Minutes, Regular Meetings of December 14, 1976, and December 28, 1976 Denial of Legal Claims: Ref. #302 & 3o4 General Warrants #149581-149765; #203o85-203118 1977 Weed Abatement & Lot Cleaning Schedule S.S. Proj. #309, Gardendale St.: Plans, specs & auth. to advertise Resolution Apprvg. Final Subdiv. Map of Tr #32849 (Caladre Ave.) Tax Incidence Study - Auth. On. Miller to work with staff to obtain info for one month County Rates & Charges for Use of City Facilities for Commercial Movie Filming Renaming Rives Ave. School "Apollo Park Neighborhood Center" Fire Dept. to participate in Regional Occupational Program with School Dist. Federal Aid Urban System - Transportation Imprvmt. Program Worker's Compensation for Volunteers New Library & Public Safety Building Bicycles with miniature motors - On. Miller suggested re -writing ordinance DART Program Study session, Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Water Billing & Turn-off Procedure Executive Session re salary negotiations Meeting; Adjourned to January 17, 1977 Ref. to Rec. & Comm. Services Comm. for report back Approved Approved Approved Approved Approved Taken under submission Approved Approved until further notice Approved Approved Presented for consideration & future action Resolution to be brought back next meeting Referred to City Manager for report back Referred to staff for report Rescheduled from 1/18/77 to 1/17/77, 5:00 p.m. Ref, to Water Board for report PAGE NO. 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 Page 1 of 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JANUARY 11, 1977 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., Janu- ary 11, 1977, in the Council Chamber 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 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 and Recreation Loren D. Morgan, Police Chief Edwin H. Wood, Fire Chief Ray T. Lake, Building Official Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Reverend Cliff Gain, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, followed by the Flag Salute led by Councilman Miller. With the assistance of Councilman Miller, Mayor Scotto presented Five Year Awards to the following employees: Robert Grandolfo, Police Timothy Duffy, Police Muriel Raymond, Police Janet Pins, Library With the assistance of Councilman Jackman, Mayor Scotto presented Ten Year Awards to the following employees: James Gillispie, Police Edward Walker, Police Robert Larsen, Community Development With the assistance of Councilman Greene, Mayor Scotto presented Fifteen Year Awards to the following employees: Charlotte Crocker, Library Maxine Groher, Library Betty Davis, Library With the assistance of Councilman Jennings, Mayor Scotto presented a Twenty Year Award to the following employee: John Hume, Parks Twenty-one other employees were not present to receive their service awards. Mr, Paul Raymond, 9040 East Telegraph Road, Chairman of the Bicentennial Commission Plaque Committee, commented regarding the mosaic displayed in the foyer of the Downey Theatre which was presented by the Bicentennial Commission last July 4th. He requested permission of the Council to permanently display a plaque near the mosaic which would identify, the mosaic, the artist who created it, the Executive Committee of the Bicenten- nial Commission, and a list of the 76 persons who purchased the gold medallions. He exhibited the proposed wording of the plaque and noted the cost for the plaque will be borne by the Bicentennial Commission. - Mayor Scotto suggested this matter be referred to the Recreation and Community Serv- ices Commission for recommendation. She further commented that there are many other citizens who worked diligently on the Bicentennial, and if names are going to be displayed, perhaps others should be included also. Discussion followed, It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to refer the proposed plaque to the Recreation and Community Services Council Minutes 1/11/77 -1- _ 5627 Commission for recommendation to the Council. Responding to questions, Mr. Raymond said the sale of gold coins amounted to $24,700, the total sale of silver coins would amount to $11,640, and the total sale of bronze coins would amount to $3,552. AYES: 5 Council Membersg Greene, Jennings, Miller, Jackman, Scotto Mr. Neavill was requested to advise Mr. Raymond of the meeting when the plaque will be considered by the Commission. Mr. Gene Stowers, 9351 Gallatin Road, representing the Downey Citizens Forum Task Force, said the Task Force is a serious follow-up to Town Meeting °76 held last March in the Griffith Middle School. He stated the Task Force proposes the initiation of quarterly district citizens forum meetings designed so that the express hopes and concerns might move toward serious consideration and actualization. Mr. Stowers led the Council and audience in song, "The Eyes of Downey are Upon You." He then announced the first quarterly - meeting of the Downey Citizens Forum to be held Thursday, January '20, 1977, at all of the Middle Schools. Councilman Jay Price, City of Bell, Board Member of the Rapid Transit District (RID), officiaLly informed the Council that as a result of recent legislation, the operating funding of RID will be diminished considerably. He said the Gas Tax Funds which are received for operation in the past have amounted to 85 percent of 95 percent; now, this will be dropping to 83 percent of 78� percent, which will result in an operating deficit of $17 million as of July 1st. Councilman Price explained this means it will be neces- sary to start cutting back bus service now. He noted the savings resulting from the cut- ting back of one bus alone would be around $120,000, and anything that can be done without damaging the integrity of the regional .system will be done. Mrs. Carol Taylor, Community Relations Representative for RTD, advised the $17 million deficit will affect five bus lines in the City beginning January 16th, and alternatives have been worked out between City staff and RID. She commented on the rerouting and dele- tion of lines in the City and further explained this will take place over a period of time. Mrs. Taylor said change of bus notices and new timetables have been printed, the press has been notified, and signs have been posted on the buses affected. Removal of Items from Consent Calendar Agenda Item VIII-C-1, S.S. Project No. 309, Gardendale Street, was 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 of Regular City Council Meetings of December 14, 1976, and December 28, 1976 Denial of Legal Claims: Ref. No. 302, John Wesley Temples III, and Ref. No. 304, State Farm Insurance Company. General Warrants: #149581 - 149765• #203085 - 203118: $591 550.93. 1977 Weed Abatement and Lot Cleaning Schedule. Following discussion, it wa.s moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to approve plans and specifications and grant author- ity to advertise for bids on S.S. Project No. 309, Gardendale Street. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT NO, 32849 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDERS AND ACCEPTANCE OF A LETTER OF CREDIT IN LIEU OF SURETY BONDS (CALADRE AVENUE) Mr.. Sorensen advised he would not recommend adopting the Resolution until the letter of credit is complete. Taken under submission. Tax Incidence Study Councilman Miller asked about the Council"s position on this matter. Councilman Jackman said he does not agree that the City should spend money to make the study. Council Minutes 1/11/77 -2- Councilman Greene did not concur with Councilman Jackman. Councilman Jennings stated he feels the City has competent staff and should not have to go outside for a survey. Councilman Miller commented on gaining consent of citizens to provide the City with information needed to make the study. Mr. Thompson indicated if a citizens committee is to be formed to do the study, it would have to be comprised of people with differing backgrounds in order for the City to obtain the information and results it needs and is applicable to Downey. Also, he said, the City should include the impact of Property Tax in terms of family income as compared to the Utility Users Tax, and the same with regard to apartments, commercial uses, and industrial uses. Then, Mr. Thompson stated, the impact of the Utility Tax on residential property would have to be gauged against what the impact would be if the City were levy- ing its maximum Property Tax. He estimated it would take approximately three -to -four weeks to form a committee to undertake the study. Discussion followed regarding necessity of going directly to the citizens in order to determine the impact of Property Tax and Utility Tax on different income levels. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by unanimous vote that Councilman Miller work with staff in obtaining whatever information can be gathered within the next month. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to adopt the County of Los Angeles Rates and Charges for Use of City Facili- ties for Commercial Movie Filming, until further notice. Renaming Rives Avenue School to "Apollo Park Neighborhood Center." Councilman Jennings ra=.._ed questions regarding use of Community Development Block Grant Funds for improvement of the facility. Mr. Thompson replied there is a, provision in the adopted budget for Community Develop- ment Funds of $30,000 for move -in costs. It was moved by Councilman .Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to rename Rives Avenue .School to "Apollo Park Neighborhood Center." Councilman Greene questioned the necessity to use the words "neighborhood center" rather than including the facility as part of Apollo Park. Mr. Thompson stated Rives School was purchased as a neighborhood center. AYES: 4 Council Members: Jennings, Miller, Jackman, Scotto NOES: 1 Council Member: Greene It was moved by Councilman. Jennings, seconded by Mayor Scotto, and passed by unani- mous vote to approve of the Fire Department participating in a Regional Occupational Pro- gram in cooperation with the Downey Unified School District. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr, Thompson advised that the Council°s Transportation Committee met this afternoon on the Federal Aid Urban System - Transportation Improvement Program. Mr. Spindel submitted a FAU Recap and stated the format of getting projects approved requires that a transportation improvement program be compiled by SCAG. He noted the City has a total allocation of $1,868,200; the projects either constructed or committed up to now are estimated at $1,079,500, leaving a balance to be allocated of $798,700. Mr. Spindel said a list of potential projects has been submitted to the Council for consideration, which total more than the allocation, and hopefully next Council meeting staff will bring back some recommendations for selecting the projects. He stated the proposed list of potential FAU projects includes transit projects, bridge widening, street construction, pedestrian access, traffic control, and landscaped medians. Mr. Spindel pointed out the amount of money actually allocated would be 83 percent, with the City matching 17 percent. Mayor Scotto commented that Federal funds for the senior citizens van will run out June 30th. She requested Councils consideration for earmarking some of these funds until 1980. She mentioned she has asked staff to obtain some figures as to what the cost would be to operate a bus with: RTD in comparison to some of the smaller agencies. Councilman Greene questioned the need for a landscaped median. Councilman Jackman suggested consideration be given to the senior citizens bus Council Minutes 1/11/77 -3- Mr. Spindel indicated staff can provide the details or any further information the Council may desire, Mr. Neavill reported the Volunteer Advisory Committee reviewed the staff report pertaining to Worker's Compensation for Volunteers. He said the committee has requested the Council to reconsider Worker's Compensation strictly for registered volunteers,exclud- ing all of the Council appointed commissions, boards, and committees, who are currently covered under a $10,000 medical policy along with -the City Council. He explained the com- mittee has suggested three alternatives: (1) That the Council reconsider Worker's Compen- sation for registered volunteers only; (2) If this is not possible, explore the possibility of private insurance; and (3) Retain the status quo but do not include provision for dis- claimers to be signed by volunteers. Councilman Jennings said it appears that if a member of a board or commission was injured, his maximum coverage would be $10,000; but under Worker's Compensation, if a volunteer was injured, the maximum coverage would be whatever he could receive, and that could be $100,000. He said he is not in favor of that. Discussion followed, Councilman Jackman indicated that if the Council wants the volunteer program to be successful, it should be willing to furnish Worker's Compensation for the volunteers; the cost would not be excessive except in the case of an accident; and the cost would still be less on the'basis of Worker's Compensation than it could be under normal negligence. Mr. Sorensen explained that coverage under Worker's Compensation would be in lieu of any action brought for negligence, and maximum exposure is significantly less. Councilman Jennings indicated the estimated 100 volunteers for the clean-up, paint -up program in the spring should be registered, and all volunteers in the City should be treated equally. Mr. Sorensen explained the purpose of registered volunteers is to avoid claims by those who are not truly a volunteer. Mayor Scotto favored including boards, commissions, and committees under Worker's Compensation. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE PERSONNEL MANUAL TO PROVIDE WORKER'S COM- PENSATION COVERAGE FOR VOLUNTEERS The Resolution was read in its entirety. Mr. Sorensen suggested the following change in Section 2, line 7: After the word "Resolution" insert the words "and are registered with the City Manager." It was moved by Councilman Jackman to adopt the Resolution as recommended by the City Attorney. Councilman Miller asked that the Resolution be brought back next meeting for Council's consideration. Following further discussion, the City Manager was requested to bring back the Resolution next meeting. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Jennings raised some questions regarding the Quarterly Financial Report. Questions involved Golf Course Fund balance additions to investment. Mr. Patton said balance includes additions. Mr. Spindel explained the reason for fluctuations in the water fund revenue, such as dry and cool weather. Mr. Patton explained the policy regarding investment of cash in the local banks. Councilman Greene said he would like the Council to take steps to start a new Library and PubL1C Safety Building. Mayor Scotto concurred. Mr. Thompson mentioned the School Board indicated it would not have a final answer on disposition of the .school property for at least another year or two. Councilman Jennings said the Council will probably have to place this on the ballot, particularly the Public Safety Building. Council Minutes 1/11/77 -4- 5630 Councilman Jennings suggested taking an option on the building south of the rail- road tracks on the west side of Lakewood Boulevard. Referred to the City Manager for report back to Council. Commenting on Bicycles with Miniature Motors, Councilman Miller suggested rewriting the Bicycle Ordinance in regard to bicycles on sidewalks. Chief Morgan advised that according to the Vehicle Code, if a vehicle has a motor which propels it, it is a motor vehicle, Councilman Miller indicated he would like the Council to recess the meeting to executive session. Councilman Jackman reported he has received complaints regarding the DART Program. He requested a report on the success of the program and suggested another mailing to citizens enclosing the red stickers. Mr. Spindel advised that the information he has received indicates the average par- ticipation for the City is about 40 percent. Councilman Jennings suggested that the red stickers be made to completely encircle the containers. Referred to staff for report. Mayor Scotto advised the study session on the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance scheduled for January 18, 1977, will be held at 5:00 p.m., January 17, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. Mayor Scotto inquired regarding the Water Billing and Turn-off Procedure. Councilman Jackman asked for a report from the Water Board regarding policy. Mr. Patton advised a resident has the opportunity to pay his water bill in advance if he is going to be out of town for a period of time. Referred to the Water Board for report. Mayor Scotto said she will circulate a memo on committees of the League of California Cities. .She noted any Council Member wishing to serve on a committee must submit his name to the League. Councilman Jennings requested that when the increased dues are submitted for the League of California Cities' building being constructed in Sacramento, the City Council be required to vote before they are paid. Mr. Sorensen advised that his recent letter regarding the Animal Control matter was written in the context of expenditure of budgeted funds. He said the City could not commit to an unlimited or contingent expenditure of funds because of the constitutional limitations, and he further explained that approval of any amount over the budgeted funds except for contract service would require the vote of each City involved. Katherine Save, 8540� Stewart and Gray Road, stated she is leaving the City, and she thanked the City Council for its thoughtfulness and attention in the past in allowing her to express her views. Councilman Miller indicated that in the event one of the Council Members cannot attend the Citizens Forum being held in each district on January 20th, he will be able to "fill in" At 10:05 pm., Mayor Scotto recessed the meeting to executive session to discuss salary negotiations. The meeting resumed at 11:40 p.m. At 11:40 p.m., Mayor Scotto adjourned the meeting to 5:00 p.m., January 17, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, for study session on the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Ro e� Shand,`City Clerk -Treasurer Council Minutes 1/11/77 -5-