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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06-06-77-Adjourned Regular Meeting5� MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JUNE 6, 1977 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 5:30 p.m., June 6, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Richard M. Jennings presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Kenneth J. Miller William L. Greene Mayor Pro Tem Theodore H. Jackman Hazel N. Scotto Richard M. Jennings Mayor ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development William A. Goggin, City Planner Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Mayor Jennings announced that the adjourned meeting is for continued study on the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. He said it is hoped the Council will complete its study and refer this matter back to the Planning Commission for perusal. Mayor Jennings reported on receipt of a letter from Mr. Donald Walker request- ing permission to remove a magnolia tree and replace it with another tree approved by the City at his own expense. The Council agreed to consider Mr. Walker's request at this time. Councilwoman Scotto commented regarding her recent visit to the property and concurred with Mr. Walker's letter that there were leaves from the magnolia tree in the gutter. Responding to questions, Mr. Spindel said a magnolia tree loses leaves nearly all year, and he pointed out that some magnolia trees cause damage to curbs and gutters but can be root pruned. He noted that most requests by property owners to remove parkway trees have been turned down by staff. Responding to further questions, he indicated that if a property owner were permitted to remove a tree he would have to obtain a City permit. Mr. Spindel commented on the removal of trees that are causing damage or are badly mishapen. Councilman Greene suggested the City might need a firm policy on tree removal. Mayor Jennings recommended this matter be referred to staff for decision Councilwoman Scotto stated she can appreciate Mr. Walker's request, however, she feels the City's policy should be upheld. It was moved by Mayor Jennings, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by unanimous vote to return this matter to staff to follow the City policy. Continued study on the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Section 9104.30: Mr. Goggin advised the section was rewritten to separately define "basement." Section 9104.49: Mr. Goggin mentioned this section was added for defining "cellar." Following discussion, it was the concensus of the Council to leave the sections pertaining to "basement" and "cellar" the same as in the present code. Section 9104.141: Added to define "Lot, Contiguous" and is written the same as in the present code. Section 9104.159 - Lot, Through: Added for clarification and is in the pre- sent code. A discussion was held regarding whether cable television should be included in Section 9104.202 - Public Utility. Mr. Goggin said he will review this with the City Attorney. Council Minutes 6/6/77 (adjourned) -1- 5762 Section 9108.04 - Open Space: Mr. Goggin mentioned the various parks listed will. be shown only as "PP - Public Park." section 9110.08(3): Mr. Goggin advised this section was rewritten to include the Council's decision concerning children's day care in a single family residence limited to a maximum of six children at a maximum of six years of age. The Council Members did not concur with the maximum six years of age. That portion of Section 9110.08(3) was removed. Section 9110.08(9): Mr. Goggin stated this section on garage sales has been reworded. Section 9120.06(8): This section was added to permit restaurants, coffee shops, flower shops, barber shops, and beauty shops to be located within the main building of a commercial complex. Section 9132.60: Mr. Goggin said the wording will remain as originally submitted; also, the City Attorney has concurred with the additions and deletions in Section 9134.10. Section 9134.18: A new section covering "Fireworks." Section 9134.22: A new section added concerning "On sale of Alcoholic Beverages" and is worded the same as the present code. Mayor Jennings called for a decision on the point where the 300 feet should be measured from residential property. Discussion followed. - Councilman Miller suggested staff review this with the Police Chief and bring back; recommendations to the Council. A discussion was held regarding Section 9134.28, Antenna Towers, and the anchoring of guy lines. Mr. Goggin will review with the City Attorney Section 9134.28(5) pertaining to citizen band equipment. Mr. Bob Wartenbe inquired regarding the meaning of the word "maintained" as contained in Section 9134.28(2) - Restriction of Antennas and Towers. Mr. Goggin pointed out that the word "maintained" means the antenna should be maintained for operational purposes. Speaking to Section 9138.26 - Detached Accessory Buildings in Yard and Setback Areas: Mr. Goggin stated those properties having narrow setbacks and wishing to expand the existing structure may keep their narrow setback. He then mentioned the City Attorney has requested that in Section 9142.06 - Performance Standards, the following language be deleted: "No enterprise is permitted which produces or causes any of the following detrimental environmental effects which are detectable at any point on abutting property so as to produce a nuisance or hazard and which are or may be detrimental to other property in the area or to the welfare of the occupants thereof. In addition the following shall apply:" Questions were raised that the last sentence beginning with "In addition.." should be left in to preface the following paragraphs. Section 9144.16 - Closed Service Stations, was added to the ordinance. Parking space requirements for compact automobiles was added to Section 9148.18. Section 9148.18(4)(d): The new paragraph concerning compact vehicle parking space requirements was discussed. The Council also discussed with Mr. Goggin Sections 9148.18(4)(d) and (a) concerning parking requirements for compact vehicles and the handicapped, which were added to the ordinance. Mr. Goggin pointed out handicapped parking spaces are a State requirement. Mr. Goggin explained that on the basis of past zone exceptions, the Planning Commission has asked that the minimum driveway width for single car garages be increased to 15 feet, as shown in Section 9148.18(2)(c). He then commented on Section 9148.20 and the requirements for circular driveways on residential Council Minutes 6/6/77 (adjourned) -2- *5763 property. He said he would be more inclined to approve a circular driveway on large residential lots having no sidewalks. Mr. Thompson suggested a reference be inserted in the ordinance, whereby circular driveways would be permitted providing certain criteria are met. Mr. Goggin said he will take this back to the Planning Commission for review. Mr. Goggin stated the City Attorney has requested an addition to Section 9154 - Public Hearings, concerning the matter of legality. Mayor Jennings raised questions regarding a fee structure for public hearings. Councilman Miller inquired if there is any parking criteria for motorcycles and bikes. Mr. Goggin replied no. Mayor Jennings asked if the Building Appeals Board and Design Review Board will be the same entity. Mr. Goggin replied no, the Building Appeals Board will consist of five members and the Design Review Board will consist of three. Discussion followed. The Council concurred that the Design Review Board shall consist of a Landscape Architect, a Civil Engineer or Registered Building Designer, and an Architect. Mr. Goggin commented there are still several problems with the Sign section of the Ordinance; also, he will confer with the City Attorney regarding conforming uses and bring this back to the Council. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by unanimous vote to forward the Ordinance back to the Planning Commission for its review and study, with a supplement section to follow on non -conforming uses and signs. Mr. Goggin displayed a map of a proposed 184-unit condominium subdivision at the corner of Century Boulevard and Downey Avenue. He mentioned all of the alleys designed in connection with the condominium would empty out onto Century Boulevard; plus, it would create more traffic on the nearby residential streets. Mr. Goggin said the subdivider will be requested to submit another design, but if he does not, two alternatives could be considered by the Council: One, is to file an injunction; the second would be to vacate a portion of Century Boulevard, create cul-de-sacs within the subdivision, and install right turn only signs at the subdivision exits. Mayor Jennings mentioned people in the audience have complained regarding the difficulty they have in hearing the staff who sit at the northwest corner of the Council Chamber and Councilwoman Scotto. Mr. Thompson presented to the Council for information the complete Needs Assessment Study including computer print-out. Mr. Thompson then commented on the need to recarpet the entire Police Department. He mentioned funds would be available in several accounts, and the amount for the carpeting would be approximately $11,500. Councilman Jackman indicated he would like to see the figure broken down to square yards and the type of carpeting proposed. Discussion ensued. Mr. 'Thompson mentioned it is proposed the Water Acquisition Agreement be extended to September 1st. Mayor Jennings advised that tomorrow night's adjourned meeting will be pre- ceded by a field trip through the Police Department at 4:45 p.m. At 8:25 p.m., the meeting was adjourned to 5:30 p.m., June 7, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, for study session of the City of Downey Budget for Fiscal Year 1977-78./ Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Council Minutes 6/6/77 (adjourned) -3-