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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-02-23-77-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 1977 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 5:30 p.m., February 23, 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 Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development William A. Goggin, City Planner Francis E. Carter, Assistant City Planner Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Mayor Scotto announced the purpose of the meeting is for a study session on the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance regarding Establishment of Design Review Board and Enforcement. Mr. Coggin explained the proposed ordinance eliminates zone exceptions. He com- mented that approved zone exceptions have allowed a use in a particular zone not permitting that use, and he mentioned zone exceptions are being eliminated because the State has mandated conformity between the zoning maps and the general plan. Mr. Goggin said the ordinance, as written, is inclusive as to the scope in which design review would play a part in future development. He stated he has discussed this with a num- ber of developers in the City who prefer using a Design Review Board rather than going to the Planning Commission. He read a letter from Mr. Willis Haines, architect, sup- porting the concept of a Design Review Board in lieu of a Building Appeals Board. Mr. Leslie Olsen, 8129 Florence Avenue, Chairman of the Southeast Chapter of the Building Contractors Association, requested the Council's permission for Mr. Dick Worth of the State Association to send a letter stating reasons why the State Association objects to the Design Review Board. Discussion was held regarding Section 9156.02, Intent and Purpose, sub -section (2). Mr. A. A. D'Alessandro, 8201 Fourth Street, favored subdivisions and planned unit developments being included in the design review and said floor plans and design should be reviewed as well as elevations. He commented on the proposed composition of the Design Review Board and suggested the Board include one general building contractor, with the home owner or resident being real estate oriented. Referring to sub -section (b) under Section 9156.10, Procedure for Site Plan and Design Review and Approval, Mr. D'Alessandro objected to the option granted the City Planner to "approve, dis- approve, conditionally approve, or refer said plans to the Design Review Board." He raised questions regarding Section 9156.14, Factors to be Considered in Site Plan and Design Review, sub -sections (6), (9), and (10). Mr. Goggin responded to comments of Mr. D'Alessandro. Councilman Jennings questioned Section 9156.14, sub -section (10)(d), being appli- cable in an R-1 zone. He then asked that the Design Review Board be established by separate ordinance and that the membership be combined with members of the Building Appeals Board. He said he definitely does not favor appointing two licensed archi- tects, as proposed, and raised questions regarding the other occupations selected for the Board. During discussion regarding composition of the Board, Councilman Greene suggested the Board be composed of one building contractor; one licensed architect; one regis- tered building designer; one licensed landscape architect; two home owners; and one engineer. Councilman Miller further suggested that the two home owners consist of one person who has a background in real estate and that possibly after names have been submitted for possible appointment to the Board, the Council might want to interview and select each appointee as a body instead of the Council Members appointing individually. Council Minutes 2/23/77 (Adjourned) -1- „��673 Mr. Thompson mentioned the Council might want to appoint two home owners, one with real estate background and the other an attorney. Councilman Greene asked if the Design Review Board would be usurping the Planning Division. Mr. Goggin replied no, the Board will establish guidelines for the Planning Division to follow. He responded to questions regarding the proposed functions of the Board. Discussion ensued. Mr. William Cole, representing the Downey Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber opposes the concept of the Design Review Board. He made various suggestions to the Design Review Section of the ordinance, questioned some of the wording used, and further suggested a specific filing fee for the review process be included in the ordinance. Mayor Scotto announced she has to leave for another meeting. Councilman Jennings indicated he would like to hear further input regarding the Design Review Board and asked Mr. Goggin to send written requests to builders in the City to attend the next study session and address the City Council regarding their viewpoints. He also asked that a member of a Design Review Board from another city be invited to speak. Mayor Scotto stated she will be out of town next week and will return March 8th. Mr. Thompson reminded the Council that the breakfast with Assemblyman Bruce Young is scheduled for 7:30 a.m., Friday morning, March 4th, at King's Restaurant. The next two study sessions on the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance were set for 5:30 p.m., March 7 and 14, 1977, to discuss Design Review and Enforcement. At 7:36 p.m., Mayor Scotto adjourned the meeting to 5:30 p.m., March 7, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, for study session on the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Design Review and Enforcement. Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Hazel N. Scotto, Mayor Council Minutes 2/23/77 (Adjourned) -2-