Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-01-25-77-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HE CITY OF DOWNEY JANUARY 25, 1977 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT: ACTION: PAGE NO. Presentations 1 Ordinance amending Zoning Map adopted by Sec. 9107 DMC (Zone Change Case #125, 12421 Woodruff Ave.) In.tr•oduced 2 Right of Nay Obstructions (Parking Overhang): Complaint by Betty Kilpatrick. 2 Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 3 Minutes, Study session on Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, 12/7/76; Regular Meeting, 1/11/77; & Correction, 12/28/76 Approved 3 General Warrants #149766-150271; #203119-203152 Approved 3 DIP #693, 8358 Florence Ave.: Grant 60-day ext. of time for const. of sidewalk Approved 3 Report on Sohio Oil Line For information only 3 Resolution #3371, Prohibiting Parking for Street Cleaning B/sides LaReina Ave. bet. Florence & Seventh on Wednesdays 8-10 am Adopted 3 Resolution Prohibiting Parking for Street Cleaning E/s Downey Ave. bet. Sixth & Seventh on Thursdays 7-10am Taken under submission 4 .......... Resolution Amending Personnel Manual to Provide Worker's Compensation Coverage for Volunteers Failed 4 Discontinue Volunteer Program Motion died for lack of second 4 Cash Contract #SS-310, Florence Ave. Storm Drain: Accept work performed & extra work Approved 4 Renewal of Wilderness Park License Agmt.: Auth. Mayor to sign & auth„ payment of license fees Approved 4 Downey Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Report, 10/1 - 12/31/76 Received & filed 4 Agreement - Consent to Move Microfilm & Hold Harmless Agmt.: Auth. Mayor to sign Approved 4 Do ney's Neighborhood Rehabilitation. Assistance Program: Items #1 & 3 of City Manager's recommendation, 1/4/77 Approved 6 Transportation improvement Program - Federal Aid Urban Projects: Adopt Group A Approved 6 Ballot Initiative for Civic Center and/or Library Building: Report by City Manager No action 6 City's 20th Anniversary Program: City Manager requested Council review prior to final printing 6 Appointment of Henry Oberndorf to Citizens Health & Environmental Sanitation Comm., Dist. 5 Confirmed 7 Mayor requested Council consideration re Oral Communications being heard at 8:00 p.m. 7 Mayor asked for any Council liaison committees make any reports during next two meetings 7 Page 1 of 2 COUNCIL DITJTES, JANUARY 25, 1977 TABLE OF MIMUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT: Mayor requested Council consideration re hiring Part-time Employment Alternative Sites for Downey City Library: Report by Mrs. Coffaro American Ballet of California: Request for adoption as Downey civic project Meeting recessed to Executive Session re Police Negotiations Meeting adjourned to 5:30 P.m., January 31, 1977 for study session re Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance ACTION: Referred to Dir. Parks & Rec. PAGE NO. 7 7 8 8 8 Page 2 of 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JANUARY 25, 1977 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., Janu- ary 25, 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 William A. Coggin, City Planner Ray T. Lake, Building Official 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 Mike Balentine, Calvary Chapel, followed by the Flag Salute led by Girl Scout Brownie Troop 1239. With the assistance of Councilman Jackman, Mayor Scotto presented a Ten Year Serv- ice Award to Mr. Earl Berry, With the assistance of Councilman Jennings, Mayor Scotto presented a Fifteen Year Service Award to Mrs. Inice Durham, secretary to the Mayor and City Council. On behalf of the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority, Councilman William Loehr, City of Pico Rivera, commented regarding Mayor Scotto's service on the Authority and presented to her a Certificate of Dedication to Quality Animal Care and Control. Mayor Scotto introduced Mr. Burke Bussiere, Director of the Southeast Area Animal Control. With the assistance of Councilman Jennings and Mr. Spindel, Mayor Scotto presented a Certificate of Commendation to Mr. Al Rubin, Survey Party Chief, whoiis.retiring. Mayor Scotto declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Zone Change Case No. 125, 12421 Woodruff Avenue. 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 on the applicant's request to rezone the property from R-1 to M-1 and a 30--foot strip along the southerly portion to "P" zone. He noted the Planning Commission has approved this request. 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 Zone Change. Mr. Edward DiLoreto, 7333 Rio Flora Place, stated he owns the property at 12405 Woodruff Avenue, which is zoned M-1, and he purchased the property to the south at 12421 Woodruff Avenue zoned R-1. He noted the strip of "P" zone to the south does not adversely affect the adjoining property or its value, and the requested Zone Change will not adversely affect the Comprehensive Zoning Plan but would conform to the new General. Plan proposal. There being no one else wishing to speak in favor, Mayor Scotto then asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition. There was no response. Council. Minutes 1/25/77 -1- )35 It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered to close the hearing. ORDINANCE NO. 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. 153, ZONE CHANGE CASE NO. 125). 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. Right -of -Way, Obstructions (Parking Overhang) Mrs. Betty Kilpatrick, residing on Meadow Road, addressed the Council regarding an incident occurring on January 14, 1977, but originating approximately 15 years ago when the residents on Meadow Road and Birchdale Avenue were requested to install sidewalks with matching funds. She said people stated concern regarding the short setbacks and the possibility of encroaching onto the sidewalk area when parking their vehicles in the driveway, but the City assured the sidewalks were necessary on routes to schools. She mentioned subsequently under Chapter 27 proceedings, the sidewalks were completed, and the residents were assured the setbacks for homes constructed under the old County ordinances would be adequate. She stated the residents in good faith installed side- walks for the safety of children. Mrs. Kilpatrick commented she feels the police officer acted in good faith in citing vehicles for intruding onto the walkways, however, some consideration should be given to the fact that a majority of the City was built under County ordinance. She encouraged suggestions from the Council on this matter since the sidewalks were put in at the "behest" of the City. Mr. Goggin explained that the side yard setbacks for corner lots under both the County and City codes are ten feet, and if sidewalks were installed, parked vehicles in the driveway would intrude onto the sidewalk. He pointed out that the Planning Division's jurisdiction ends at the property line and noted the front yard setback requirement is twenty feet. Councilman Jackman mentioned this condition has existed for fifteen years and there have been no complaints. Now, all of a sudden, vehicles are being cited. lie suggested warnings be issued first. Chief Morgan explained the violations were issued upon complaint of a school teacher who is assigned to watch the children going to and from school. He pointed out that the City does not have enough officers to issue door-to-door warnings, and it has been found that warnings do not work. Mrs. Kilpatrick said there is sufficient parkway for children to walk around her vehicle without having to go in the street. She called attention to an ivy obstruction seven blocks from her home. Mayor Scotto asked if vehicles parked in driveways are cited when there are no sidewalks. Chief Morgan replied no, but they do enforce the many violations on routes to schools. He said sidewalks are installed for the safety of children going to school, and it is a violation of the law to obstruct that use. Mr. Sorensen explained if a house was constructed under the County Ordinances with a ten -foot setback, and subsequently the City incorporated and enacted an Ordinance requiring fifteen feet, the ten -foot setback would be allowed to remain as a non -conforming use. Councilman Jennings commented the City has started the program alphabetically by street :name of clearing the parkway of obstructions. Mr. Spindel advised the removal of obstructions is being done alphabetically on Priority I streets, and they are now on Florence Avenue. A discussion was held regarding the format of the Agenda. Councilman Miller suggested moving the oral communications portion of the Agenda to earlier in the meeting. Council Minutes 1/25/77 -2- ^5­G3 Mr. Earl Berry spoke regarding areas in the City where there is not enough space in the driveway to park vehicles without intruding onto the public right-of-way. Removal of Items from Consent Calendar Agenda Item VIII-F-1, Report on Sohio Oil Line, 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: Study Session on Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, December 7, 1976; Regular Meeting, January 11, 1977: and Correction to Regular Meeting, Decem- ber 28, 1976. General Warrants. #149766 - 150271• #203119 - 203152: $748,356053. D.I.P. No. 693 8358 Florence Avenue: Grant a 60-day extension of time for construction of sidewalk. Report on Sohio Oil Line Responding to questions, Mr. Spindel explained a portion of the line will be in the right-of-way of the Rio Hondo Channel and in the right-of-way of the water and power easement. He said the Line will probably be three -to -four feet underground and used for transporting crude oil which is less volatile than gasoline. Mr. Spindel indicated the EIR is being reviewed, and he expressed concern regarding a proposed portion of the line between the Santa Ana Freeway and Telegraph Road that will cross the City°s well site. Responding to further questions, he noted the line will be inside the boundary of the Rio Hondo Golf Course. Mr. Spindel stated the line will be cross- ing several streets and Sohio will be asked for a franchise rather than a permit because it would give the City more control over operation. Presented for information only. RESOLUTION NO. 3371 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY PROHIBITING PARKING FOR STREET CLEANING PURPOSES ALONG BOTH SIDES OF LA REINA AVENUE BETWEEN FLORENCE AVENUE AND SEVENTH STREET ON WEDNESDAYS FROM 8 TO 10 A.M. (TOW AWAY ZONE) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered to waive forther reading. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3371. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY PROHIBITING PARKING FOR STREET CLEANING PURPOSES ALONG THE EAST SIDE OF DOWNEY AVENUE BETWEEN SIXTH STREET AND SEVENTH STREET ON THURSDAYS FROM 7 TO 10 A.M. (TOW AWAY ZONE) 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 and seconded by Councilman Greene to adopt the Resolution. Responding to questions, Mr. Spindel explained the zoning on the east side of Downey Avenue just north of Sixth Street is commercial, and the balance of the street up to Seventh is duplexes and R-2. He said the zoning on the west side between Sixth and Seventh is R-1. Councilman Jennings stated the apartments do not have adequate parking for the cars, and they park on the oppositeside of the street during sweeping hours. He said the parking should be prohibited on both sides of the street or not at all. During discussion, Mr. Spindel commented that a majority of the property owners signed a petition requesting this. Council Minutes 1/25/77 -3- Mr. Ed Downey, 10624 Downey Avenue, stated 100 percent of the people on the east side of the street signed a petition requesting the parking prohibition, and there are only three homes on the west side, mostly duplexes. He commented on the problems of continual rubbish on the east side of the street. With the consent of the second, the motion was withdrawn. Council Members indicated they would like to see a petition containing signatures of residents on the west side. Taken under submission. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE PERSONNEL MANUAL TO PROVIDE WORKER'S COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR VOLUNTEERS The Resolution was read by title only. Mr. Thompson explained the Resolution covers the City Council; boards, commissions and committees classified as advisory bodies to the City Council; and all those who would be registered volunteers of the City to be designated as volunteers for Worker's Compensation while performing in such capacity. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Mayor Scotto, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Mayor Scotto to adopt the Resolution Councilman Miller questioned the possibility of determining the existing medical condition of a volunteer. Mr. Thompson indicated it would not be possible to provide a physical examination, but staff could take certain procedures such as questioning the volunteer as to his physical condition. Mr. Sorensen commented on the temporary and permanent disability payments limited under Worker's Compensation and pointed out there would be no limit for a Lawsuit - brought against the City for negligence if there is no Worker's Compensation coverage. Discussion was held regarding the City's self-insurance coverage. Mr. Thompson noted the City's insurance picture is changing at a rapid rate. Roll call vote: AYES: 2 Council Members: Jackman, Scotto NOES: 3 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Miller Failed. It was moved by Councilman Jackman to discontinue the Volunteer Program. Motion died for lack of a second. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to accept the work performed under Cash Contract No. SS-310 Florence Avenue Storm Drain, and approve extra work in the amount of $479.43. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by unanimous vote to authorize the Mayor to sign renewal of Wilderness Park License Agree- ment, and authorize payment of license fees. It was moved by Councilman Jennings and seconded by Councilman Jackman to receive and file the Downey Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Report, October 1 - December 31, 1976. Mayor Scotto suggested inquiring into the possibility of the Chamber becoming accredited. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to approve the Agreement - Consent to Move Microfilm and Hold Harm- less Agreement, and authorize the Mayor to sign. Downey's Neighborhood Rehabilitation Assistance Program Mr. Thompson explained under the program the City would develop its own plan for the preservation of housing stock in the community. He said a portion of the program Council Minutes 1/25/77 -4- _ W-138 would provide for the training of a housing coordinator and development of initial loans to begin the program, and the specific guidelines including alternatives governing the the programs will be presented to the Council for consideration. Mr. Thompson stated if adopted, the Council would then enter into a program working with staff and outside help to develop a set of policies and guidelines --a consultant would provide the kind of expertise the City does not have in staff at this time. He pointed out that the grant for this year is dependent upon the City°s submission of a program. A discussion was held regarding qualifications of the recommended consultant, the Arroyo Group and Richard Crissman, Associate. Councilman Jennings said in his opinion he would rather the City take the grant funds and set up its supplementary interest loan program and demolition program without any consultant in-house. Councilman Jackman advised that he and Councilman. Miller met with three members of the banking and savings and loan community, and the three banking representatives indi- cated they would be willing to work with the City to teach or train personnel to carry out the program. He suggested entering into a program of redevelopment rather than rehabilitation. Mayor Scotto indicated people have been impressed with the program in the City of Pasadena, and she would like to see the City of Downey retain a knowledgeable person in this field. Mr. Thompson mentioned the City is looking in all probability to receive over three million dollars, and it would be the Council°s decision as to how the money is spent. Discussion followed. Councilman Miller suggested hiring a housing coordinator rather than hiring a con- sultant to do the training. Responding to questions, Mr. Thompson commented the unexpended Housing and Commu- nity Development funds from the first two-year entitlements, Revenue Sharing, and the third year entitlement, should total the anticipated three million dollars. He said the deadline for submitting the draft to SCAG for the third year entitlement is the middle of February. Further, he stated, the program is designed for low and moderate income families, and it is up to the City Council to establish the kind of program it wants. Councilman Jennings questioned the need for a consultant since the City has staff in the Building and Safety Division that can make a reasonable estimate of the homes to determine what the loan would have to be, or whether the home should be demolished. Mr. Thompson stated someone will have to go in the field, explain the program and how it will work; also needed, is the cooperation of banking and lending institutions. Councilman Jennings said it is his opinion the program should only be for loans to bring a home up to code and not for room additions. Mayor Scotto did not concur and indicated she thinks in dealing with people their needs should be considered. Further discussion ensued. Councilman Miller pointed out that if a Landlord agrees to fix his house he will have to have a return on his investment. He said it might be that the City would have to relocate the renter or subsidize the rent. Mr. Thompson stated the Council will have to make that decision. The following changes were noted on page 32 of the Neighborhood Rehabilitation handbook - Items number 4 and 13 under Intermediate -term Program Objectives shall read: 144. To decrease the number of uninhabitable units." 1713. To encourage appropriate new construction." Items number 6 and 7 under Short-term Program Objectives, eliminate the word "grants" Councilman Jennings mentioned there is a constituent on Cheyenne Street that can start the program as soon as the Council votes to approve it. Council Minutes 1/25/77 -5- SG39 It was moved by Mayor Scotto to approve the three items recommended in the City Manager's memorandum of January 4, 1977, as amended per the objectives, Motion died for Lack of a second. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to approve items number 1 and 3 of the City Manager's memorandum of January 4, 1977, as follows: 1. Authorize the City Manager to implement the recommendations as presented on page 36 of the Neighborhood Conservation Area report (Information Report No. 4 in Exhibit B). 3. Authorize the City Manager to hire a Housing Coordinator (Payment would come from. the Housing and Community Development Block Grant Program). AYES. 4 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Miller, Jackman NOES. 1 Council Member. Scotto Councilman Jennings suggested that in the future, the City Manager present the Council with an alternate program, Mr. Thompson agreed to provide alternatives. Transportation Improvement Program - Federal Aid Urban Projects Mr,. Spindel explained the projects were selected based on safety, mobility, cost savings and maintenance, aesthetics, and effect --the priorities were then set by group. He said Group A is the staff recommendation, and contains either number one or number two priorities. Councilman Jennings indicated he would be in favor of Group A. Responding to further questions, Mr. Spindel stated some of the projects cannot be funded, and the Council will make the final decision on this at a later date. He men- tioned the City would have funds available for approximately 80 percent of the projects; also, they can be amended, Mr. Spindel commented on the proposed median for Florence Avenue and noted there would have to be an EIR and public hearings. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to adopt Group A. Speaking to the handicapped and senior citizen 'buses, Mr. Spindel said it is pro- posed to buy these buses the City is now leasing for about $2500 each and purchase a new bus for handicapped for a total of $19,OOO. He indicated the ongoing cost projected for the senior citizen buses would be a maximum of $89,000 a year. Mr. Spindel mentioned although the grant funds for the senior citizen buses are expected to run out in June, it is believed funds will be available for an extension; also, the City is planning to explore the possibility of other Federal funds for operation of buses for handicapped and senior citizens. Discussion followed. AYES. 5 Council Members. Greene, Jennings, Miller, Jackman, Scotto CITY MANAGER'S REPORT In response to a prior Council inquiry regarding Ballot Initiative for Civic Center and/or Li"brar Building, Mr. Thompson reported the earliest date for an election on an advisory measure or public opinion poll would be April 11, 1978, the City's next Council - manic election. He said, if the City Council chose to place a tax rate by vote of the City Council or approval of a bond issue on the ballot, it is required that no date be set sooner than 90 days from the date of filing, and then in that case, the nearest date would be May 31st of this year, which would require Council action by the second meeting in February to meet that deadline. He indicated a City-wide ballot would cost in excess of an estimated $10,000. Mr, Thompson reported the Downey City Employees' Association, Downey Firemen's Associ- ation, Teamsters Union, and Downey Police Officers' Association have,submitted'requests for meeting and conferring purposes and have also submitted the specified information required by the Municipal Code, He recommended recognition of the employee groups. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by unani- mous vote to recognize the employees association for meeting and conferring purposes. Mr. Thompson advised he has a print of the City's 20th Anniversary Program, and he asked the Council to review the program for any changes prior to final printings Council Minutes 1/25/77 -6- _ ® 1 Councilman Jennings named Volunteer Programs in the City and said the program is still very much alive without Works Campensation coverage. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Mayor Scotto, and passed by unanimous vote to confirm the Appointment of Henry Oberndorf to the Citizens Health and Environmental Sanitation Committee for District 5. Commenting on the report of alternative sites for the Downey City Library, and particularly concerning the property on Lakewood Boulevard south of the railroad tracks, Councilman Jennings asked that Mrs. Coffaro be permitted to address herself to this matter, Mayor Scotto stated the Council will adhere to the Agenda and call for speakers from the audience after all Council comments. Speaking to the proposed parking restriction on the east side of Downey Avenue, which was taken under submission, Councilman Miller asked why it is necessary to obtain signatures on a petition of. people living on. the west side of the street. Councilman Jennings replied that on the day of street sweeping, people on the east side of the street will park on the west side, and then the west side will not be swept because of the parked vehicles, Mayor Scotto requested the Council give consideration to scheduling the Oral Com- munications section of the Agenda to 8:00 a.m. Mayor Scotto reported on visitors to the City representing the Glass Packaging Institute who were examining the DART Program, She said they were impressed with the program as one of the most promising of its type in the United States and will bring back a proposal to the City. She also commented on a citizen complaint concerning people searching through the recycling containers and taking out aluminum cans. Mayor Scotto mentioned her enthusiasm toward the City°s 20th Anniversary Celebration. Mayor Scotto asked that the Council Members who have acted as liaison to committees consider making any reports during the next two meetings, Mayor Scotto also requested Council consideration toward hiring Part-time Employment. She commented on the unemployment problem in the County and of the money being spent on the CETA Program. Mr. Thompson explained that about two or three years ago Council requested a study of departments to see which jobs could be broken into part-time. He said the Library was the only department where it was felt to be an advantage. Mr. Thompson indicated the problem of the program is two -fold: One, the City does not have a great deal of employment that would be available; and second, there is a tendency for people, once they become better and more experienced, to be anxious to assume additional work for a full- time position. He pointed out that part-time employees do receive lesser benefits than the regular employees. Councilman Jennings said he would need to have a complete analysis of cost to the City. Mrs. Ruth Coffaro, 9344 Via Amorita, member of the Library Advisory Board, addressed the City Council concerning a report by Janet Pina regarding Alternative Sites for the Downey City Library (a copy is on file in the office of the City Clerk). She said the report examines the following sites: 1. The Municipal Court building, which is not available. 2. The Davis Street property bounded by Brookshire Avenue, Davis Street, Iowa Street, and Dolan Avenue. The Downey Unified School District has a 55-year lease, 3. The Lakewood Boulevard property would provide approximately 3,000 parking spaces, and contains a three-story building of about 234,000 square feet. The first floor is presently leased to the Bechtel Corporation and the building is for sale. Mrs. Coffaro said part of the Lakewood property could be sold or leased to bring in revenue, and all of it could contain the civic center with the first floor being used for the Library. She noted that also included in the report is an exploration of financ- ing, and she pointed out it is the City Council°s prerogative to assess up to 30C tax for the purpose of expanding or building the Library. She stated concern that a bond issue would pass a vote of the people. Council Minutes 1/25/7'7 -7- Councilman Jennings explained most bond issues fail because they are not publi- cized properly, and he assured Mrs. Coffaro that in Downey it would be widely publicized. Mr. Donn Laurence Mills, speaking on behalf of the American Ballet of California, 11034 Downey Avenue, explained their plans for establishing a dance theatre encompass- ing traditional ballet as well as contemporary styles and forms. He outlined the plans of the company for establishing itself in the City of Downey and requested Council con- sideration toward adopting the American Ballet of California as a Downey civic project, as well as an accompanying financial grant from the City. He responded to questions of the Council. Referred to the Director of Parks and Recreation. At 10:30 p.m., Mayor Scotto recessed the meeting to Executive Session to discuss Police Negotiations. The meeting resumed at 11:40 p.m. with all Council Members present. Mayor Scotto then adjourned the meeting at 11:40 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., January 31, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, for study session on the Compre- hensive Zoning Ordinance concerning child care and amateur radios;. antennas. Robert L. Shand, MY Clerk-T easurer Hazel Scotto, Mayor Council Minutes 1/25/77 -8-