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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-08-77-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 8, 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. Lot Cleaning Program, 1977 Season: Order work to be performed in accord with City Code & State Law Approved 1 Appeal, ZE Case #1322, 8408 Eucalyptus St. Hearing closed; action cont'd to 3/22/77 4 1977-78 Third Year Housing & Comm. Dev. Block Grant Appl. Hearing cont'd. to 3/22/77 5 Removal of Items from Consent Calendar 5 Minutes: Adj. Ref. Mtg. 1/17/77; Reg. Mtg. 2/22/77 Approved 5 Agenda Correspondence Items Filed 5 Denial of Legal Claims: Ref. #314 & 315 Approved 6 General Warrants #150904-151177; #203254-203283 Approved 6 Resolution #3384 on California Drought Adopted 6 Resolution #3383, Changing Name of Diane St. S/o Brookpark Rd. to Dalewood Ave„ Adopted 6 Ordinance #522, Amending Part 8, Chptr. 1, Art. III DMC re Traffic Regs.--Bicycle Riding Adopted 6 Resolution #3385, Apprvg. Final Subdivision Map of Tr. #32888 (Alameda St. & Lakewood Bl.) Adopted 6 Tract #32888: Park Fee Approved 6 Sidewalk Matching Funds #478 & 479 Approved 6 EIR on Curb & Gutter Repair, Sidewalk, Curb Ramps, & Handicapped Barrier Removal @ Various Locations Certified 7 Adjust Single & Season Ticket Prices for 1977-78 Downey Civic Light Opera Productions, w/exception children 12 & under be $1.50 Approved 7 Contract w/Downey Symphonic Society Taken under submission 7 Group Use & Rental Schedule Guidelines for Apollo Park Neighborhood Center Approved 7 Independence Park Tennis Concession: Reject bid proposals & auth. staff to negotiate w/all bidders Approved 7 Ordinance #521, Zone Change Case #125: Sec. 2, line 2, change word "including" to "rezoning" Approved 8 Appeal, ZE Case #1327, 12111 Lakewood B1. Hearing set for 3/22/77 8 Pooling of Liability Insurance: Auth. expenditure of not to exceed $50 Approved 8. Labor Negotiations: Auth. City Mgr. to prepare contract w/firm Nelson, Kirshman, Goldstein & Rexon to be brought back to Council for apprvl. Approved 8 Appoint Mayor Scotto as Council representative to SCAG Executive Committee Approved 8 Page 1 of 2 COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 8, 1977 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONT'D) SUBJECT: Appoint Councilman Greene as alternate representative to SCAG Executive Committee Rose Float Assn., deficit on flower costs League of California Cities Building Assmt., Invoice for $9995 Request for Council Policy on Travel Expenses League of Calif. Cities, L.A. County Div., Intergovernmental Affairs Comm. & Transporta- tion Comm.: Apptmts. of Mayor Scotto & On. Miller & Jackman Requestfor,Activation of Civic Center Comm. Meeting adjourned to 3/14/77 for study session, Comprehensive Zoning Ord. ACTION: Approved No action until further word from Assn. To be placed on next Agenda Information PAGE NO. 8 8 9 9 0 Page 2 of 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 8, 1977 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., March 8, 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 Colin Lennard, Acting City Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development John T. Neavill, Director of Parks and Recreation Loren D. Morgan, Police Chief Edwin H. Wood, Fire Chief William A. Goggin, City Planner Ray T. Lake, Building Official Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer John H. Saunders, Assistant to City Manager Martin Wynne, Acting Director of Finance Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Reverend Don Kanaley, First Baptist Church of Downey, followed by the Flag Salute Led by Councilman Jennings. Mayor Scotto declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Lot Cleaning Program, 1977 Season. She inquired if the City Clerk had the Affidavit of Mailing, to which the City Clerk responded in the affirmative. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered to receive and file the Affidavit. Mayor Scotto inquired if the City Clerk had received any written protests, and the City Clerk replied he had not. Mayor Scotto inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in protest to Lot Cleaning Program, 1977 Season, and there was no response. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to close the hearing. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to order work to be performed on the Lot Cleaning Program, 1977 Season, in accordance with City Ordinance and State Law. Mayor Scotto declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Appeal, Zone Exception Case No. 1322, 8408 Eucalyptus 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 Jackman, and so ordered to receive and file the Affidavit. Mr. Goggin reported the request is to establish, operate, and maintain automobile parking for church use and future expansion to include, an educational building. He commented on the location of the future building and said it would require a 46-foot setback from the north property line. The building will have to come back to the Plan- ning Commission for approval prior to building permits being issued. Mr. Goggin further commented on the proposed parking and noted a lot split has been granted. The other portion of the property is a single family home which will be removed. He outlined some of the conditions to approval by the Commission, including the vacation of access rights to Glynn Street, and he pointed out the opposition is the appellant in this case. Res- ponding to questions, Mr. Goggin explained the applicant will be required to install a fire hydrant. Mayor Scotto inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence on this matter, and the City Clerk replied he had not. Council Minutes 3/8/77 -1- >7_9 Mayor Scotto inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of the Apea1. Mr. Joseph Haughey, 12356 Glynn Avenue, the appellant, objected to the building of a parking lot in a residential area, and said he has learned that none of his neighbors were contacted by the church or Planning Division regarding the proposed plans of the church, nor did they receive notice of the public hearing. He stated the following objections to the zone exception: A block wall on Glynn and Eucalyptus is not compatible with surrounding single family residences. A parking lot being asphalt is not as ecologically sound as single family residences which would be landscaped. Noise pollution would be amplified by a parking lot because some of the trees would be removed. Mr. Haughey questioned the fiscal impact to surrounding taxpaying properties if the R-1 property to the north is sold to the church, and he also questioned the church's need to build an additional educational building. Speaking to the proposed additional parking, Mr. Haughey said the logical expansion should be onto Downey Avenue. He and his neighbors do not object to a zone exception for the south side of the church on Downey Avenue. Mr. Haughey urged the City Council to grant the zone exception on Downey Avenue, and allow the church to enlarge its auditorium. The 61 parking spaces, he said, will be adequate. Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Haughey, 12356 Glynn Avenue, suggested two Sunday morning church services would solve the parking problem. Mrs. Sandy Rowe, 12357 Glynn Avenue, stated the following objections to the zone exception: The noise from the church services on Wednesday evenings, particularly during the summer, is disturbing. The lighting from the church shines onto her home. Removal of the trees would create a worse noise problem. A five-foot easement would destroy the continuity of the neighborhood. A parking lot is not ecologically sound for the neighborhood and will not attain a a quiet open space. Much of the church property is in a state of disrepair. There is ample parking during the Sunday church services. Mrs. Rowe questioned whether a fire truck would be able to drive onto the back of the church property to service the educational building if needed. Mr. Garland Ray, 8410 Eucalyptus Street, mentioned his property is behind the church, and he commented there have been some problems with the house used by the church; also, the church does not maintain the fence. He pointed out there is noise eminating from the church on Wednesday evenings during the summer and that children use his yard and the church property as a shortcut to and from school. There being no one else wishing to speak in favor of the Appeal, Mayor Scotto inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition. Reverend Robert M. McMillan, Pastor, First Southern Baptist Church, representing other members of the congregation present in the audience, spoke in rebuttal to each point raised in Mr. Haughey's letter of appeal: 1. Mr. Karns did receive notice of the public hearing. 2. No information regarding fiscal impact of a zone exception is required to be presented to the Planning Commission. One of the conditions will be for the church to complete improvements on Eucalyptus Street adding curb, gutter, fire hydrant, sewer connection, and lighting. The church requests the City Council consider approving access to the church from Eucalyptus Street to provide an access road in the event of fire. 3. The requirements of the zone exception imposed upon the church are for the protection of surrounding properties, and the parking lot will have no detri- mental effect on public health, safety, or convenience. Council Minutes 3/8/77 -2- 4. The church has only two educational buildings, two houses for temporary child care, and the parking is for people who attend from two -to -three miles away. A minimum of 80 spaces will be needed when the auditorium is completed. 5a. No plans for an educational building have been prepared. It was stated in the request for zone exception that it might be necessary to build an educational building if the growth of the church demands it. 5b. The City's engineers have made the decision regarding width of the sidewalk. 5c. A block wall would be of greater aesthetic value than the present fence. 5d. Only one property owner borders the northerly boundary of the church property. 5e. Noise pollution is an unproven allegation. The area will be completely fenced. 5f. The church will be required to plant many more trees than presently exist and maintain those trees along with additional landscaping. 5g. The reference to a residence has nothing to do with church property. 5h. Property values adjacent to churches have in most cases brought premium prices. Reverend McMillan read a letter from Robert Wendt Real Estate. 5i. The church can never contribute to parking congestion on the street, but single family units can. 5j. As far as malicious mischief or graffiti, the church cannot foresee any problems with nearby walls at the present time. 6. The City is aiding the church in nothing but the allowing of a zone exception for a parking Lot and possible building; it is making no monitary contribution to religion whatsoever. 7. The application by the church for a zone exception is public record and meets the approval of the Planning Commission and Traffic Department. Reverend McMillan further spoke regarding comments of speakers in favor of the Appeal. He said when the new auditorium is completed, the church plans to repaint and decorate all of the buildings for uniformity. Reverend McMillan concluded that if the church does not move forward and grow and does not obtain this additional parking space, the church will go out of business. Councilman Miller inquired regarding the request for ingress and egress to Eucalyptus and Glynn for Fire Department access. Reverend McMillan replied the entrances and exits around the present property are approximately 9' 6" wide, and he does not think a fire truck could get through to the _ closed area. He commented there are some tree limbs on adjacent property that restrict certain vehicles from entering the church driveway. Reverend McMillan said if the Coun- cil granted an exit there would be approximately 40-to-50 vehicles exiting onto Glynn once each Sunday. There being no one else wishing to speak in opposition to the Appeal, the applicant was allowed time for rebuttal. Mr. Haughey commented on the location of his property and the fact that one of the property owners on Downey Avenue did not receive notice of the hearing. He said the Traffic Department has made a survey of the proposed parking lot and has indicated it would disturb the neighbors. Mr. Haughey stated he would rather see three residences properly landscaped than a block wall, and he suggested the Council view the property under discussion. He supported his wife's suggestion that the church hold two Sunday services in order to alleviate any parking problem. Mr. John R. Karns, 12346 South Downey Avenue, said he did not receive notice of the public hearing. He stated to put an ingress and egress on a small street is definitely detrimental to the area, and if Eucalyptus Street is ever extended through with a ten foot setback, this will create a substandard lot on Mr. Swedo's property. He requested his name be included on the future mailing of notices. Mr. Goggin explained a list of property owners within five hundred feet of the affected property is submitted by the applicant. The notices are then mailed out according to that list. Mrs. Rowe commented her home is only 90 feet from the church property, and she invited Reverend McMillan to visit her home to witness the noise on a Wednesday evening. She -- indicated that if a two-story educational building is constructed, it would be necessary for fire equipment to be able to get to that building. Mrs. Rowe commented on the noise that would be created by vehicles if a church entrance were installed on Glynn, which she does not feel would be safe or allowed by the City. Mrs. Haughey again asked the church to consider another alternative. Mr. Richard Rowe, 12357 Glynn Avenue, urged the Council to visit the neighborhood. There being no one else wishing to speak in rebuttal, it was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to close the hear- ing on Appeal, Zone Exception Case No. 1322. Council Minutes 3/8/77 -3- Mr. Lennard, Acting City Attorney, advised the letter from Robert Wendt Real Estate, introduced by the Reverend, is heresay evidence and cannot form the basis for an opinion or decision by the City Council. Also, he said, churches are subject to the zoning laws of the City and, therefore, are entitled to the due process of being able to secure a zone exception from the zoning laws they are subject to as would any other institution. Chief Wood explained fire trucks could not get through a ten foot opening. He stated when the initial application is made, the Fire Department does review the property as to requirements for fire flow, access, etc., but does not have any input after a decision is made by the Planning Commission. Councilman Jackman noted the narrow setbacks of the church. Mr. Lake explained the additive fire protection features on a building that deter- mine the side yards. He said from what he knows about the plan, separations would have to be placed between the old and new building, and under the code, if it were considered two buildings, a ten foot side yard would be adequate. Mr. Goggin stated if the Council denies the appeal and supports the Planning Com- mission's decision, the church would have five years in which to submit plot plans and elevations for the educational building to the Planning Commission for approval. Discussion followed. Councilman Greene said he is not ready to vote at this time. Councilman Jackman indicated he would like the Fire Department to check the property. Councilman Miller concurred that vehicles using ingress and egress on a residential street would not have a good effect on the people, and until he is shown there can be adequate fire protection through the existing driveways to properly service the rear of the property, he said, he could not vote. Councilman Jennings stated it would be a simple matter, and has been done in other places in the City, for the Fire Department to put a fire gate on the knuckle of Glynn and Eucalyptus, and only the Fire Department would have the key. This, he said, would take care of the fire protection in back of the church. Referring to the Planning Com- mission's conditions to the zone exception, numbers 11 through 17, Councilman Jennings indicated these are stringent and expensive and he cannot conceive of the Planning Com- mission requiring them when all the church is requesting is a block wall. Chief Wood mentioned a fire gate would be a solution to the problem for access to the rear of the property. Mr. Lennard advised the fire gate would be purely for fire access only. Mr. Goggin remarked there is a lot split in conjunction with this matter, and the lot split is a division of land upon which improvements of the public right-of-way are required. He spoke regarding the other conditions and explained the benefits of the requirements under the lot split which would require future street, curb, gutter or sidewalks should the property be purchased by a private developer and not the church. It was moved by Councilman Jennings to uphold the decision of the Planning Com- mission and add a fire gate in the wall on the Eucalyptus and Glynn knuckle. (see motion as restated.) Chief Wood said the gate would be 12 feet wide; also, the Fire Department equip- ment can jump the curb. Mr. Goggin explained the reason for the height requirements of the wall. It was moved by Councilman Jennings to deny the Appeal to Zone Exception Case No. 1322, based on the information brought forth in this hearing and the information brought forth before the Planning Commission, but to add a 12 foot fire gate in the knuckle area of Glynn and Eucalyptus. The motion died for Lack of a second. Councilman Jackman said he would like to take this matter under submission and have the Fire Chief inspect the property and make his recommendations. Councilman Greene concurred and suggested a field trip to the area. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by the following vote to continue the Appeal to Zone Exception Case No. 1322, to March 22,1977. AYES: 4 Council Members: Greene, Miller, Jackman, Scotto ABSTAIN: 1 Council Member: Jennings Council Minutes 3/8/77 -4- SG82 Responding to questions, Mr. Lennard advised that in the event there is any new testimony introduced either by staff or any other person, then the Council is obligated to open up the public hearing. However, if there is no new testimony or new information other than something submitted by staff which would be in rebuttal, the Council is not obligated to open up the public hearing. The only decision the Council can make at the next meeting would be based on evidence it has before it tonight. Mayor Scotto declared a recess at 9:21 p.m. The meeting resumed at 9:35 p.m. with all Council Members present. Mayor Scotto declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on the 1977-78 Third Year Housing and Community Development Block Grant Application, as __. required by Federal Regulations concerning citizen participation. 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 Miller, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered to receive and file the Affidavit. Mr. Thompson explained the requirements that must be met for the A-95 review by SCAG and the time for submitting the application to HUD for its 75-day review period. In the program itself, he said, the City has conducted public meetings at three mid schools and one elementary school in the City, which were very poorly attended. The program is in accordance with previous approvals of the City Council, with the bulk of the money going to the Financial Assistance Program, Public Works Projects, and Neighbor- hood Recreational Facility Modification. Mayor Scotto inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak regarding the Housing and Community Development Block Grant Application, and there was no response. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to continue the hearing to 7:30 p.m., March 22, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. Councilman Jennings raised questions regarding how a description of the $925,000 was determined. Mr. Thompson replied the suggested outline would accomplish the purposes indicated by the City Council. He and Mr. Saunders commented on the matching funds for the Plan- ning 701 Grant and the amounts earmarked under the HCD application. It was noted staff is currently recruiting to hire a person who would be employed under the grant. Councilman Jennings objected to Item 4 under the Housing Assistance Plan (HAP) - Table II, which he said should be changed or altered. Mr. Thompson said this refers to a section of the City and not a single residence and perhaps should be clarified. Councilman Jennings also said on Table IV of General Locations for Proposed Lower Income Housing, there should not be a reference to any particular ethnic group or age group. Mr. Lennard indicated one of the purposes under HAP is to identify those ethnic and portions of the community with respect to housing patterns --the reference to specific ethnic minorities is required by HUD. Councilman Jennings asked that the paragraph be reworded. Staff was asked to number the pages of the application prior to the next meeting Removal of Items from Consent Calendar Agenda Item VIII-E-1, Resolution changing the name of Diane 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: Adiourned Regular Meeting of January 17, 1977: Regular Meeting of February 22, 1977. Correspondence from L.A.F.C.O. regarding New Boundary Change Filing Procedure. Correspondence from County Board of Supervisors regarding Moratorium on Reassess- ment of Residential Property in Los Angeles County. Council Minutes 3/8/77 -5- Denial of Legal Claims: Ref. No. 314 Hubert Henkel• Ref. No. 315 Harry Gilbert, General Warrants: #150904 - 151177. #203254 - 203283: $545,199 72. RESOLUTION NO. 3384: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey on t. RESOLUTION NO. 3383 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CHANGING THE NAME OF DIANE STREET SOUTH OF BROOKPARK ROAD TO DALEWOOD AVENUE _ Responding to questions, Mr. Goggin explained the City had an understanding with the subdivider that he would change the name of the street from Diane to Dalewood; how- ever, when the tract was submitted to the County and returned to the City, the name had not been changed. It was pointed out that the subdivider will pay for the street signs. The Resolution 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 Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3383. ORDINANCE NO. 522 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING PART 8, CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE III, OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO TRAFFIC REGULATIONS -- BICYCLE RIDING The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Jennings, 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. 522. RESOLUTION NO. 3385 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT NO. 32888 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDERS AND ACCEPTANCE OF A LETTER OF CREDIT IN LIEU OF SURETY BONDS (ALAMEDA STREET AND LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3385. Councilman Jennings stated the Council is approving the lots by number because they are substandard lots in the City. He raised questions regarding the easement of the County Flood Control District on Lot 22. Mr. Goggin explained there is adequate area for a home on this lot equal to the size of the others. He commented that a lot on a knuckle or cul-de-sac is an irregular lot without the required 50 foot frontage, but this is not uncommon in subdivisions. Mr. Goggin commented further that the Planning Commission has approved of cul-de-sacs all throughout the City. In this subdivision, he said, there are 22 lots all identified by a number as required by code. Mr. Spindel indicated the code requires that if a lot does not have a 50 foot front- age or a depth of 100 feet based on peculiar circumstances of the tract, it has to be approved by the Planning Commission and City Council because of its unusual shape. AYES: 5 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Miller, Jackman, Scotto It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to approve Park Fee in the amount of $18,908 on Tract No. 32888. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to approve Sidewalk Matching Funds at the following locations: Estimated M.F. No. Address City Cost 478 7145 Luxor Street $140.00 479 7216 Pellet Street 114.00 Council Minutes 3/8/77 -6- t on Curb and Gutter Repair. Sidewalk Responding to questions, Mr. Spindel explained Council approved the hiring of a consulting firm to prepare the EIR at the time of considering the grant application for Public Works Employment Act. He said the City did not receive the grant, but these projects are proposed under the FAU system, and the report would still be necessary for that. Mr. Thompson stated Congress has indicated its intent to increase or continue the Accelerated Public Works Program, and the applications previously submitted will be honored in the same way they were submitted. Discussion followed. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to certify the Environmental Impact Report. It was moved by Councilman Jennings and seconded by Councilman Greene to approve the recommendation of staff and the Recreation and Community Services Commission to Adjust Single and Season Ticket Prices for the 1977-78 Downey Civic Light Opera ater motion. Councilman Jennings questioned the difference in the proposed price of tickets for the 12 and under age group being increased from $1.00 to $2.50, while the 13 to 17 age group is only being increased 50C. Mr. Neavill stated the proposal is to have a standardized ticket price which repre- sents about half the adult ticket price for all persons 17 and under. He said the phi- losophy is that usually youngsters 12 and under do occupy a seat the same as an adult; also, there are not a lot of youngsters that age attending the Civic Light Opera productions. Councilman Greene suggested holding the price at $1.00 and said that should be the age to start interesting youngsters in this type of culture. Mr. Neavill reviewed the anticipated total revenue the increase would provide and cited ticket prices in the Cities of Long Beach and San Bernardino. He noted there is no change proposed in the single ticket adult price. Councilman Jennings disagreed with charging children 12 and under the same price as 17 year olds. Following discussion, the motion and the second were withdrawn. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Jennings, and passed by unanimous vote to approve adjusting the single and season ticket prices for the 1977-78 Downey Civic Light Opera productions, with the exception that children 12 and under would be at a rate of $1.50. There being no objections, the proposed Contract with the Downey Symphonic Society was taken under submission. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to approve Group Use and Rental Schedule Guidelines for Apollo Park Neighborhood Center. Councilman Jackman inquired about a report on how many people in Downey will be served by these groups. Mr. Thompson replied it is in the process of being prepared. Responding to questions, Mr. Neavill explained the terms of the leases will vary depending on the group, and each lease will be submitted to the City Council for review and approval prior to being signed. Commenting further, he said the space for the Downey Art League will be improved at the expense of the City. Mr. Neavill stated in most cases it is suggested the rental be based on 20c per square foot. Responding to further ques- tions, he commented on the rental fee for some of the groups and noted discussions are still being held with various groups who have requested space. Mr. Neavill said it has been estimated 3� additional personnel will be needed. APES: 5 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Miller, Jackman, Scotto It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to reject the bid proposals for Independence Park Tennis Concession and authorize staff to negotiate with all bidders. Council Minutes 3/8/77 -7- For clarification, Mr. Neavill referred to Mr. Bushman`s appearance before the City Council indicating an interest to be considered. He said he has spoken with the City Attorney and been advised that by rejecting the bids, the City has the ability to discuss and negotiate this with any or all persons interested, if the City Council so desires, No objections were stated. AYES: 5 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Miller, Jackman, Scotto It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to approve changing the word "including" to "rezoning" in Section 2, Line 2, of Ordinance No. 521, Zone Change Case No. 125. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to set a hearing on Appeal, Zone Exception Case No. 1327, 12111 Lakewood Boulevard, for 7:30 p.m., March 22, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Thompson reported that the Contract Cities Association started a program of Pooling ,Liability Insurance; a consultant was retained to perform an insurance study, which has been submitted to the Association; and the Association is attempting to develop a Joint Powers Agreement of cities interested in exploring this possibility. He recom- mended exploration of the program to see if there would be any value to the City's insurance program and authorization to use upward of not to exceed $50 for monitoring the program and attorney's fees for drafting an agreement. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to authorize the expenditure of not to exceed $50 for the Pooling of Liability Insurance Program. Mr. Thompson commented he has discussed with the firm of Nelson, Kirshman, Goldstein and Rexon the possibility of representing the City in Labor Negotiations. It was moved by Councilman Jennings, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by unanimous vote to authorize the City Manager to prepare a contract in conjunction with the firm of Nelson, Kirshman, Goldstein and Rexon to be brought back to the City Council for approval. Mr. Thompson further reported he was contacted by Mr. Barton Mayes of SLAG, who has indicated that Downey has been chosen as the City to be asked to fill the vacant seat on the SCAG Executive Committee. He said it would be necessary for the City Council, if it so chooses, to designate one of its members to serve in that capacity and perhaps an alternate. Mayor Scotto offered to serve. Councilman Jennings indicated he would appreciate having Mayor Scotto serve and report back to the Council on the committee's activities. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to appoint Mayor Hazel Scotto as representative of the Downey City Council to the SCAG Executive Committee, AYES: 4 Council Members: Greene, Jennings, Miller, Jackman ABSTAIN: 1 Council Member: Scotto Councilman Miller suggested appointing Councilman Greene as an alternate representa- tive to the SCAG Executive Committee. Councilman Greene indicated he would be glad to serve. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to appoint Councilman Greene as the alternate representative to the SCAG Executive Committee. AYES: 4 Council Members: Jennings, Miller, Jackman, Scotto NOES: 1 Council Member: Greene Mr. Thompson mentioned the Rose Float Association was short on its flower fund for the float and has to raise additional funds to cover costs of about $2400. Councilman Jennings stated he does not want to do anything until the Council receives something in writing from the Association as to what they are requesting. Council Minutes 3/8/77 -8- Mayor Scotto said if the Council agrees, no action will be taken until after hear- ing from the Association. No objections. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Jennings explained the City has received an Invoice from the League of California Cities due August 1, 1977, for a Building Assessment of $9995, and he asked that the Council personally vote on whether it approves or disapproves of the assessment. The City Clerk was asked to place this matter on the next Council Agenda. Councilman Jackman suggested establishing a Policy on Council Travel Expenses. He said staff has been asked to report back on seminars attended and information learned, but he has not received any reports back from Council Members. Mayor Scotto asked Councilman Jackman to circulate any suggestions. She stated since she sees a value in these meetings she makes every attempt to attend. Mayor Scotto reported meetings are being held regarding the National Health Plan- ning and Resources Development Act, and any of the Council Members may attend. Mr. Spindel said a member of the Health & Environmental Sanitation Committee is also attending. Mayor Scotto noted that she and Councilmen Miller and Jackman have been appointed to the League of California Cities, Los Angeles County Division, Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and Transportation Committee. Mayor Scotto called for activating the Civic Center Committee. She asked if Mr. Thompson has met with Dr. Gallegos of the Downey Unified School District. Mr. Thompson replied yes, and he will be submitting a written report. Mayor Scotto suggested this matter be discussed next Council meeting. At 10:48 p.m., Mayor Scotto adjourned the meeting to 5:30 p.m., March 14, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, for study session on the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance concerning uses permitted in each zone and off-street parking. Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Haze Scotto, Mayor Council Minutes 3/8/77 -9-