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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-28-78-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 28, 1978 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT^ ACTION^ Presentation of Certificate in Transportation Systems Managemto to Charles Eccleston Resolution #3525, Ordering Annexe to City Ltg, Dist. (Annexe 78/2 - 78/20) Report, Governmental Street Lighting Permit of Soo Woong Jun to operate Massage Parlor Business at 7340 Florence Ave, Removal of Items from Consent Calendar Minutes. Adj. Reg., Mtg. 3/13/78 & 3/14/78; Reg.. Mtg, 3/14/78 General Warrants #159168 - 159453 #204447 - 204485 UUD #6, Firestone Bl<e Time extension SS Projo #327, Slurry Seal, 1977-78. Specs & autho to advertise (A/C #26-16190 & 10-45428) Introduction of members of Veterans of WWI Barracks 2348 Resolution #3524, Commending Melvin L. HombS on Retirement Resolution #3526, Denying appeal in Zone Variance Case #5 Resolution #3527, Appointing George Slabodnik to Personnel Advisory Board SS Proj. #316, Woodruff Ave.^ Award to Vernon Paving Co. & autho transfer of funds CC #412-B, Sidewalk Const< various locations^ Reject bid & readvertise (A/C #71-15008) CC #414, Council Chamber Ceiling Remodeling; Accept improvements & deduct cost of work done by City forces (A/C #21-13938) Citywide Aerial Photographs2 Appropriate $3200 to A/C #10-5110.0053 from General Fund Balance for purchase of photographs Consideration for serving Wine & Champagne in Downey Theatre- Refer to Recreation & Community Services Comm. for further study Home Beautification Program (Senior Citizens) - CETA Title III Anti -Recession Funds. Appli_cation of $16,259 for asphalt & paving maint,. to be appropriated to A/C #10-4-3312 .Appointments to Rose Float Comm., Dist. 3^ Mrs. Lee Brown & Mr. Don Moore Transfer $150,000 to Golf Course Fund from Bond Trust Fund w/condition money be used for capital imprvmtse to Golf Course City Manager Report on Impact of Jarvis Amendment to Municipal Programs Adopted Received & filed Denied Approved Approved Approved Approved Adopted Adopted as amended Adopted Approved Approved Approved Approved Failed Approved Approved Approved Approved, City Manager to come back w/tentative Agreements PAGE NO. 1 Y 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 Page 1 of 2 COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 28„ 1978 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT - Family Services Agency req. for City to remodel rooms at Apollo Park Neighborhood Center & double their rent until loan is paid Councilman Miller feels Council should take stand on Jarvis Amendment Discussion re Cleanup Program involving Rubbish Co. Councilwoman Scotto cannot attend April 6th League Calif. Cities Meeting Councilwoman Scotto rego consideration to increasing Dog License Fees commensurate w/County fee Helpline Youth Counselling; Mayor Jennings requested Council give serious consideration prior to any budget allocation Removal of Homes in 105 Freeway Corridor; Comments: of Mr. Mike Huggins Meeting adjourned to 7;30 p.m., April 10, 1978 ACTIONe Request for further report PAGE NO, 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 Page 2 of 2 59S3 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 28, 1978 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7e36 p.m., March 28, 1978, 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 Hazel N. Scotto Richard M. Jennings Mayor ABSENT. Theodore H. Jackman (excused) ALSO PRESENT. Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Donald B. Robison, Assistant City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Beatrice Joy Braun -Stone, office of City Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation William F. Martin, Police Chief William A. Goggin, City Planner Ray T. Lake, Building Official Terence Middlebrooke Manager of Revenue Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer Thomas Tincher, Housing & Human Services Coordinator Ronald S. Irwin, Battalion Chief Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Judy McDonnell, Recording Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Councilman Greene, followed by the Flag Salute led by Councilwoman Scotto. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Jennings introduced Beatrice Joy Braun -Stone of the City Attorney°s office. Mayor Jennings and Mr. Spindel presented a ,ement to Mr. Clarles G. Eccleston, Traffic Mayor Jennings declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on Downey City Lighting District Annexation 78/2 - 78/20, Various Locations. He inquired if the City Clerk had the Affidavits of Posting and Publication, to which the CityClerk responded in the affirmative. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and so ordered to receive and file the Affidavits. Mayor Jennings inquired if the City Clerk had received any written protests or objections, and the City Clerk replied he had not. Mayor Jennings then inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in protest to the Annexation, and there was no response. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to close the hearing. AYES. 4 Council Members. Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT: 1 Council Member. Jackman RESOLUTION NO. 3525 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING ANNEXATION OF A CERTAIN AREA TO THE DOWNEY CITY LIGHTING DISTRICT AND TO MAINTAIN AND FURNISH ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THOSE STREET LIGHTING FIXTURES LOCATED ON STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES WITHIN THAT AREA UNTIL JANUARY 31, 1983 (ANNEXATION 78/2 - 78/20) The Resolution was read by title only, It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and so ordered to waive further reading. Council Minutes 3/28/78 l® 1094 It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3525. Councilman Miller favored the City contributing to the General Fund for its obligations and request government agencies and school properties to do the same, or set an assessment rate Citywide for an additional zone to include the City and other governmental agencies. It was noted staff has requested the street lighting on governmental properties be considered at budget time. AYES-. 4 Council Members., Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT-. 1 Council Member-. Jackman It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and so ordered to receive and file the Governmental Street Lighting Report. Mayor Jennings declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing to determine whether the permit of Soo Woong Jun to operate a Massage Parlor Busi- ness at '7340 Florence Avenue should be allowed. Chief Martin explained that subsequent to Mr. Jun°s filing an application for massage parlor business an investigation was conducted regarding the applicant's previous business, and during that investigation it was discovered the applicant owns and operates a massage parlor business in the City of Harbor City. He said within the last 12 months an amployee of Mr. Jun was arrested for prostitution and after plea bargaining pleaded guilty to Section 415 of the Penal Code. Chief Martin reviewed Section 6554 of the Downey Municipal Code, wherein the applicant must provide a statement of business or occupation of employment during the last three years preceeding the date of application. He feels it is reasonable to con- sider anything in the applicant's background during the past three years to be relevant to his qualifications for Police permit, and the arrest of an employee for prostitution during this period suggests the City should be concerned about the manner in which a similar business would be conducted in the City. He indicated it was, therefore, his determination to deny the permit, Mr. Sanford Horn, 301 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, attorney for the applicant, stated Mr. Jun has operated his present business for three years without incident except for the one indicated by Chief Martin, and that the employee acted in direct violation of Mr. Jun°s orders and was promptly fired as a result of that arrest. He commented on the basis provided in the Downey Municipal Code for denial of a permit, Mr. Horn referred to his letter of March lst containing information concerning Mr. Jun°s application and pointed out that local government is preempted from prohibiting massage parlor businesses in the City. He commented on the charac- ter of Mr. Jun and stated Mr. Jun is present with his interpreter. Mr. Horn indicated Mr. Jun paid a substantial amount of money to purchase a business in the City after he received verbal approval for a police permit, and Mr. Jun also pur- chased his business license. He submitted a copy of the Sales and Purchase Agreement for the massage parlor business and Assumption of Lease of Premises (at 7340 Florence Avenue). The documents were received for the record. Mr. Junes name and address were cited for the record as Soo Woong Jun, 437 Wendy Circle, Anaheim, Chief Martin pointed out there is a difference of opinion regarding the conver- sation that took place between Mr. Jun and Sgt. Davidson of the Downey Police Department, and he read a portion of Sgt. Davidson's memo dated March 7, 1978, concerning his conversations with Mr. Jun. Mr. Sorensen asked Mr. Horn if he had made any requests for reports and documents and been refused. Mr. Horn replied no. Mr. Thompson then asked Sgt. Davidson if the Chief of Police requested a report from him only on the conversations that took place between himself and Mr. Jun. Sgt. Davidson replied yes. Mr. Horn noted Mr. Jun°s recollection is that Sgt. Davidson informed him he could open the business and that there were no objections by the Police Department. Mr. Sorensen advised the Council that after closing the hearing it may discuss this matter in executive session and announce the results in open meeting, or it may discuss it in open meeting. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to close the hearing. Council Minutes 3/28/78 -2- AYES. 4 Council Members-. Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT; 1 Council Member-. Jackman It was moved by Councilman Miller and seconded by Councilwoman Scotto that the Council recess to executive session to discuss this matter. The executive session was held from 8210 p.m. to 8.28 p.m., at which time the meeting resumed with Council Members Miller„ Greene Scotto„ Jennings present; Councilman Jackman absent. Mayor Jennings stated the Council is working towards an ordinance which will definitely set out the location for massage parlors in the City, and in executive session the City Council discussed the actual merits of this case. It was moved by Councilman Greene to deny the appeal for police permit. Mr. Sorensen cited the findings of the City Council during its executive session. The motion to deny the appeal was seconded by Councilwoman Scotto and passed by the following vote. AYES. 4 Council Members-. Miller, Greene, Scotto„ Jennings ABSENT: 1 Council Member•, Jackman Mayor Jennings introduced Patricia Meneally, former Miss Downey-. Mayor Jennings declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on 1978-79 Fourth Year Housing and Community Development Block Grant Application, as required by Federal regulations concerning citizen participation, which was con- tinued from the regular City Council Meeting held March 14, 1978. Mr, Thompson indicated he had no further reports at this time. Mayor Jennings inquired if there was anyone present to speak regarding the Housing and Community Development Block Grant Application, and there was no response. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to continue the hearing to 7s30 p.m., April 10, 1978, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. AYES. 4 Council Members,-, Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT. 1 Council Member-. Jackman REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Item VIII-C-1, So So Project #327, was removed from the Consent Calendar. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by the following vote to approve the Remainder of the Consent Calendar - Minutes. Ad of March 14 General Warrants,. #159168 - 159453; #204447 - 204485. $859,209.10. Underground Utility District #6, Firestone Boulevards Time extension, AYES. 4 Council Members-. Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT. 1 Council Member-. Jackman S.S. Project #327, Slurry Seal, Fiscal Year 1977-78 Meet - Councilwoman Scotto noted one of the streets goes through the Freeway corridor, and she asked if it is necessary to repair it at this time, Mr. Spindel replied yes, because the streets have been fairly neglected for some time. Also, he pointed out this is a City street, and if preventative mainten- ance is not done, the City could incur a larger expense in the future. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by the following vote to approve specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids on S.S. Project #327 (Account 426-•16190 and #10-45428). Council Minutes 3/28/78 -3- AYES.- 4 Council Members- Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT- 1 Council Member:; Jackman ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Items not on Agenda) Mayor Jennings introduced Commander Warren Purdy and Junior Vice Commander Harry Van Hoeven of the Veterans of World War I Barracks 2348. He also introduced Mr. Earl Berry who has donated hundreds of hours each year to the Veterans Hospital, Mrs. Signs Van Hoeven introduced Mrs. Eileen Wilson, Casey Homes, and Clyde Case. She thanked the City for allowing them to use the facility at Apollo Park and for the memorial plaque at the fountain of the Downey Theatre. Mayor Jennings recessed the meeting at 8237 p.m. for photographs to be taken of the Council and members of Barracks 2348. The meeting resumed at 8.42 p.m. with Council Members Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings present. Councilman Jackman absent, RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 3524 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY COMMENDING MELVIN L. HOMBS ON HIS RETIREMENT The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and so ordered to waive further reading. It 'was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3524, AYES. 4 Council Members. Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT- 1 Council Member.- Jackman RESOLUTION NO. 3526 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DENYING AN APPEAL IN ZONE VARIANCE CASE NO. 5 The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Miller and seconded by Councilwoman Scotto to adopt Resolution No. 3526. At the request of Mayor Jennings, Section 1(d) was changed to read. That the creation by this lot split would result in two undersized lots." It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No, 3526, as amended. AYES: 4 Council Members: Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT. 1 Council Member. Jackman RESOLUTION NO. 3527 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPOINTING GEORGE SLABODNIK AS A MEMBER OF THE PERSONNEL ADVISORY BOARD The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Miller, and so ordered to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3527, AYES; 4 Council Members,., Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT. 1 Council Member,. Jackman CASH CONTRACTS It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to award S.S. Project #316, Woodruff Avenue„ in the amount of the unit prices bid, to Vernon Paving Company of Cerritos, the lowest and best bidder, and authorize transfer of funds in the amount of $7,000 from Account 026-16194 to Account #26-16178. AYES. 4 Council Members. Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT. 1 Council Member.- Jackman Council Minutes 3/28/78 -4- 505"f It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilwoman Scotto, and passed by the following vote to reject the bid for Cash Contract #412-B, Sidewalk Construc- tion at Various Locations, and grant authority to re -advertise (Account #71-15008). AYES: 4 Council Members. Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT:: 1 Council Member. Jackman It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to accept the improvements completed in conjunction with Cash Contract #414, City Council Chamber Ceiling Remodeling, and deduct the cost of work done by City forces in the amount of $50.83 (Account #21-13938). AYESs 4 Council Members. Miller, Greene, Scotto„ Jennings ABSENT, 1 Council Member. Jackman MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL ACTIONS It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Greene, and passed by the following vote to appropriate $3,200 to Account #10-5110.0053 from General Fund Balance for the purchase of Citywide Aerial Photographs. It was noted the low bidder was Metrex Management Corporation. AYES. 4 Council Members. Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT. 1 Council Member. Jackman Consideration for serving of Wine and Champagne in the Downey Theatre Mayor Jennings stated in his opinion the City is losing revenue in the Green Room because it does not permit champagne to be served at events in the Theatre nor at any wedding receptions that might be held there. It was moved by Mayor Jennings and seconded by Councilman Miller to reconsider this request and refer it to the Recreation and Community Services Commission for further study. Councilman Miller said consideration is being given to remodeling the Golf Course, and he does not feel the City should go in competition with that facility. He asked if there is a provision concerning alcoholic beverages being served within certain proximity of a school. Mr. Goggin replied the City°s code provides for residential only. Mr. Neavill explained that he has requested Theatre staff to keep a record of the requests regarding the serving of champagne or wine for private purposes, and there is an indication it could produce a fair amount of revenue for the Theatres Councilman Greene concurred regarding the remarks made concerning the golf course and feels there could be enough revenue generated without the City competing with itself. AYES. 1 Council Member. Jennings NOES: 3 Council Members: Miller, Greene, Scotto ABSENT: 1 Council Member: Jackman Failed. Home Beautification Program (Senior Citizens) - CETA Title III Mr, Thompson outlined the provisions under the program, which would provide for employment of unemployed youth between the ages of 16 and 19, for doing minor repairs including labor and materials. He noted the eligility requirement is that the workers be from the First Supervisorial District, and there would be no lia- bility on the part of the City, Mrs Thompson further pointed out that as part of the application process, the homeowner would sign a waiver provision. He stated this is a special program and would be conducted by the County. Councilman Miller suggested using some of the City's CETA employees, He then inquired how soon the program would be operational. Mrs Thompson replied this summer. It was moved by Councilwoman Scotto, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to approve the Home Beautification Program for Senior Citizens - CETA Title III, AYES. 4 Council Members. Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT; 1 Council Member: Jackman Council Minutes 3/28/78 -5- 6799 A discussion was held regarding the CETA Program, It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to approve the Allocation of $16,259 of Anti -Recession Funds for asphalt and paving maintenance, to be appropriated to Account #10-4-3312. Councilwoman Scotto favors seeing the funds go toward planting more trees in the City, particularly along the Downey Theatre, Councilwoman Scotto offered a substitute motion to use the Anti -Recession Funds for planting trees in the City. Mr, Thompson said an attempt will be made to see what can be done on the next allocation. The substitute motion died for lack of a second. Roll call vote on original motion2 AYES- 4 Council Members: Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT: 1 Council Member- Jackman Councilman Greene announced two Appointments to the Rose Float Committee, re2re- senting District 3- Mrs, Lee Brown and Mr, Don Moore. The appointments were approved by the following vote - AYES: 4 Council Members- Miller, Greene, Scotto, Jennings ABSENT: 1 Council Member-. Jackman It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to approve the transfer of $150,000 to the Golf Course Fund from the Bond Trust Fund, with the condition that this money be used for capital improve- ments to the Golf Course. Mayor Jennings inquired regarding the proposed improvements at the Golf Course involving the banquet room ceiling modification, as well as enlarging the banquet room and building a new locker room, Mr. Neavill explained that in Mr. McCallum°s proposal for enlarging the banquet room, he has requested consideration be given to modifying the ceiling to open beams, and Mr. McCallum was asked to submit his plan in writing to be reviewed by the Engineering Division, He said Mr. McCallum is ready to move ahead as soon as the City can modify the men°s locker room into the smaller banquet room. Responding to further questions, Mr. Neavill commented on alternate suggestions for modifying the existing pro shop into a new ments locker room; or if not feasible, the other alter- nate would be to add a new ments locker room to the northwest corner of the existing clubhouse structure. The second alternate would be contingent upon constructing a new pro shop or snack bar. Mr.. Thompson commented on the proposals which he said would depend on the total amount of funds available for this project. He pointed out the budget allocation of $170,000, plus this money and the possibility of including some of the moneys the Golf Course received from the sale of water rights, could be considered by the City Council in this overall program. Mr. Thompson indicated it would be 60 to 90 days before staff could come back to the Council with a more definite proposal and cost estimates. Discussion followed Councilwoman Scotto would favor using the funds for other purposes such as the Library. Mr„ Thompson stated the funds could not be used for that purpose. Also, the Golf Course Authority would not approve the funds being transferred out of the Bond Fund except with the proviso that the Council agree the funds would go into the Golf Course capital improvements. Further discussion ensued regarding the Bond Trust Fund, Councilwoman Scotto made an amended motion to approve the transfer of $150,000 to the Golf Course Fund from the Bond Trust Fund with the condition that considera- tion be given toward use for capital improvements to the Golf Course. The amended motion died for lack of a second, Council Minutes 3/28/78 -6- a ^9 Roll call vote on original motionm AYES.- 3 Council Members; Miller, Greene, Jennings NOES.- 1 Council Member.- Scotto ABSENT.- 1 Council Member, Jackman Mr. Thompson asked the Council if it would authorize staff to come back with tentative agreements with Marmacs and an architect. He said he would also submit a report which would include projections with regard to revenue. The Council concurred, CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Thompson submitted a preliminary report concerning the Impact o£ the Jarvis Amendment to Municipal Programs, which will be updated as the actual budget is pre- sented, and he said these are possible consequences and recommendations to the City Council in the event the Jarvis Amendment passes. Speaking to the first option of reducing services equal to loss of revenue, he indicated it is felt rather than making an across-the-board reduction in municipal services, it is better to completely eliminate certain services of lesser priority to the public health,, safety, and welfare and to curtail higher priority items to a lesser degree„ also, alternatives may be presented of charging fees for certain services to offset the cost for that service. Mr. Thompson stated preliminary estimates indicate the Jarvis Amendment would call for a reduction of at least $2,5 million in the General Fund. He commented on the services that could be curtailed in the various City departments, Mayor Jennings feels the first option should be to eliminate all capital improvements and transfer Revenue Sharing moneys to the General Fund. Mr, Thompson continued citing programs that could be curtailed in City depart- ments, totaling $2,265,000. The second option, he indicated, would be the possibility of increasing revenue to offset any losses if services were not reduced, which would include potential of revenue, such as Utility Users Tax, a major increase in business license fees, City payroll tax, or a property transfer tax. He cited other minor sources of revenue which would be open for consideration. Mr. Thompson explained he is being requested to make presentations in regard to the impact of the Jarvis Amendment on City services, and if no objection, he would honor those requests. He did point out, however, that he would try to be as factual as possible, and being responsible to the City Council, he would have to indicate he thinks the Jarvis Amendment could be devastating on the delivery of municipal services. Councilwoman Scotto and Councilman Miller indicated they had no objection. Mayor Jennings did object to the City manager's report being used in its pre- sent form without first including Revenue Sharing Funds. Mr, Thompson replied they could be included, Mayor Jennings suggested the City can offset the devastating effects of the Jarvis Amendment by passing an ordinance prior to the June Primary Election, He did concur with the City Manager speaking to the public on this matter, Mr. Thompson explained the Family Services Agent plans to lease one of the facilities at the Apollo Park Neighborhood Center, and they desire to remodel two of the main rooms at the Center, He said the Family Services Agency is supported and recognized by the United Way, and they have requested that the City, through its Equipment Fund, to do the remodeling and provide those funds against which their rent would be doubled up to $1,000 per month until the loan is paid off at a reasonable interest rate, Mr. Sorensen advised he is concerned with the City making a loan to an agency and whether it would be use of funds for public purpose. Discussion followed. Mayor Jennings said he would be against it. Councilman Greene said he feels this could be setting a precedent. The Council requested a further report from staff, ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Miller feels the City Council owes a responsibility to the taxpayers to take a stand on the Jarvis Amendment, Council Minutes 3/28/78 -7- Mr„ Thompson mentioned he will come back with a more definitive proposal during the Budget presentation, A brief discussion was held regarding a public information forum, Councilman Greene inquired if the City has ever conducted a clean-up program at which time the rubbish company would pick up any trash during a one or two week period. Mr,. Spindel replied no; however, it was considered several times by the Health & Environmental Sanitation Committee, He pointed out there is a program in the City°s rubbish contract where any property owner can call to have any items picked up for a ,00 ch arge once a month on Thursday. Also if a clean -,up was written into the con- tract, it is very likely the rubbish rate would have to he increased to cover it, Councilwoman Scotto advised that as the City°s representative to the League of California Cities, she will not be able to attend the April 6th meeting, She then mentioned she hopes that at Budget time, consideration will be given toward Increas- ing Dog License Fees in relation to the Countzfee. Councilwoman Scotto commented regarding a complaint concerning employee attitudes toward the Volunteer Pro ram and asked that this be looked into. Mayor Jennings reported that the Cerritos Corridor Juvenile Diversion Project contracts with various agencies for services in counselling children„ one of which is Helpline Youth Counselling. He pointed out that during the last year, Helpline failed to cover its actions by proper reports and counsellors were not available when needed. He asked the Council to give this serious consideration at Budget time, Mr., Mike Huggins, 13207 Deming, stated that on March 27th, he attended the application for petition in Federal Court for removal of homes in the 105 Freewav corridor, He commented on conditions existing near his home in the corridor and the lack of response to complaints concerning safety hazards, He said he feels the City should provide areas where people can call to report safety hazards„ and he voiced disappointment that detailed records are not kept of incidents, dates, and times reported, Mr. Huggins stated further disappointment that the City did not have written affidavits prepared for the court session,, and the Judge indicated it was not a hearing but a petition for removal of the homes, Mr. Sorensen advised that the Judge indicated Caltrans has not been submitting reports concerning the condition of Freeway homes, Mr. Thompson noted that complaints received by the City are documented and referred to Caltrans, Mr, Huggins said Judge Pregerson stated he would be willing to review on a house -by -house basis those homes the City feels are health and safety hazards, Mr. Sorensen said upon advice, he did attend the Court hearing prepared to submit oral testimony. He indicated that submitting a list of homes specifying the problems of each house should be considered a one-on-one basis, Mr. Thompson asked Mr. Huggins if he would approve of the City compiling a list of homes which should be removed immediately, Mr. Huggins replied yes, and it should be compiled with the assistance of the PTA and parents in the area. Mr. Spindel advised staff will be investigating types of structures which are not feasible to move based on expense of reconditioning. Also, he said, a list will be made of the homes that have had arson, fire, and crime taking place since the injunction date, Mr. Spindel pointed out that a good case for removal will have to be submitted to the Court before the homes will be removed, Mr. Thompson suggested a day and night telephone hotline for citizens to call when problems occur, Mr. Huggins stated the School District has indicated it will support this in paying for printed stickers of the hotline numbers when the City can provide them, At 10a45 p.m„ it was moved by Councilman Greene and so ordered to adjourn the meeting to 7,.,30 p.m., April 10, 1978, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. l Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Rich rd M. JenniYg , Mayo E Council Minutes 3/28/78 -8-