HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-08-25-77-Adjourned Regular Meeting031
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1977
The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at
5:30 p.m., August 25, 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
Martin F. Wynne, Director of Finance
Terence Middlebrooke, Manager of Revenue
William A. Goggin, City Planner
Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer
Mayor Jennings announced that from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Council will
conclude its discussions concerning Outdoor Billboards and make its recommendations
to the Planning Commission; then, at 6:30 p.m., the Council will discuss the Tax
Incidence Committee's Report.
Mr. Goggin explained that portion of the proposed Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance allowing for various types and sizes of outdoor signs
Mr. Ron Cipriani of Pacific Outdoor Advertising Company reviewed points
commonly cited as possible hazards of billboard advertising.
Councilman Greene inquired about billboard safety measures and also the manner
in which billboard advertisements are sponsored.
Mr. Cipriani explained the financing for automobile advertisements is done by
the automobile manufacturers and parts dealers who are within the advertising region
that will benefit from the billboard advertisements.
Mr. Bob Reed of Foster and Kleiser explained the method of conducting local
field trips for serveying billboard signs. He outlined difficulties encountered
when surveying districts for new signs.
Mr. Ted Murphy of Independent Sign Company reviewed the various setback policies
related to outdoor advertising signs and commented that the "M" zone limitation of
100 feet is unreasonable and should be extended to a total of 200 feet.
Mr. Goggin discussed the Cerritos sign ordinance; however, he stated it would
be difficult to compare the codes of Cerritos and Downey because Downey's proposed
ordinance has been prepared based on input from the present City Council as well as
past City Councils.
Councilman Miller questioned the period of time in which an offending sign is
permitted to remain in use.
Mr. Goggin said the maximum lifetime for non -conforming sign design is six years.
Discussion followed between the sign representatives and City Council regarding
policies for placement of outdoor advertising signs around or near shopping centers.
Councilwoman Scotto commented she agrees that billboard signs do detract in
those areas of local business.
Mr. Goggin proceeded to explain the legal type of sign and so-called illegal
type of sign.
Mayor Jennings asked if non -conforming signs or signs with an abatement period
would not be required to be landscaped.
Mr. Goggin replied no.
Mayor Jennings then favored changing the abatement period to nine years rather
than the proposed twelve years.
Council Minutes 8/25/77 (adjourned) -1-
R 32
Discussion followed.
It was moved by Mayor Jennings, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by
the following vote to approve the outdoor advertising billboard proposed ordinance
sections 9146.24 and 9146.26 as written, except for changes discussed on page "v."
AYES: 3 Council Members: Miller, Jackman, Jennings
NOES: 2 Council Members: Greene, Scotto
Mayor Jennings declared a recess at 6:30 p.m. The meeting resumed at 6:45 p.m.
with all Council Members present.
Mr. Goggin explained the proposed schedule for introducing and adopting the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.
Mayor Jennings announced the Tax Impact Study is now in discussion.
Mr. Jim Funk proceeded to explain the Tax Report.
Councilman Miller reviewed Dr. Hom's Report and pointed out possible errors.
Mr. Funk continued with the report analysis and explained the various recom-
mendations contained in Dr. Hom's report.
Mr. Don Hanson, 12215 Dunrobin, addressed the Council regarding private
Property Tax collections compared to Utility Taxes.
Mr. Joel Lubin, 7820 Allengrove, discussed Dr. Hom's report.
Ms. Bea Bickers, 7934 Melba Street, spoke regarding Dr. Hem's report and
mentioned the regressiveness of the Utility Users Tax. She feels the Tax Committee
should have submitted the report.
Mr. Lubin said he does not agree with having to prepare a final report due to
the time factor in the face of pending Council action.
Mr. Thompson discussed definitions of regressive taxes.
Mr. Wynne spoke regarding legislative trends and how they will affect Downey.
The next study meeting was set for Monday, August 29, 1977, at 7:30 p.m., to
discuss the Utility Users Tax and setting the Property Tax Rate.
At 8:15 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to 7:30 p.m., August 29, 1977, in the
Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
Robert L. Shand, City ClerkiTreasu er
Council Minutes 8/25/77 (adjourned) -2-