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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-04-25-78-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APRIL 25, 1978 T A B L E O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT: Awards to winners in Poster & Logo Contest of Clean Community System ACTION: Minutes: Adj. Reg. Meeting, April 10, 1978; Adj. Regular Meeting, April 18, 1978; Adj. Regular Meeting, August 30, 1977. Approved Correspondence from LA Bd. Supervisors re Mission Canyon Landfill Filed Denial of Legal Claim, Ref. #366 Approved CC #410, Bldg. & Restroom Modifications, Various Locations: Grant 20-working day time extension (A/C #29-13933) Approved General Warrants #159788 - 160131 #204538 - 204585 Approved 8035 Albia St., Temporary Parking Control Suspension: Grant auth. for temp. suspension of 1-hr. prkg. restr. until 7/31/78 Approved DPC #106, Brookshire Ave., Dacosta to 172' Sly. - Private Street, Brookshire Ave. to 321' Wly.: Accept decication & improvements Approved DPC #107, Sewer Main Ext. in Easement: Accept dedication & improvements Citizen request for permission to keep Nubian goat Resolution #3533, Finding Necessity to Perform work proposed under CC #430 by Force Account (at 9612 Birchdale Ave.) Resolution #3534, Providing for Designation of Applicant's Local Agent for Federal Disaster Assistance Resolution #3535, Auth. Temporary Reduction of Parking Spaces (11034 Downey Ave.) Resolution Auth. Reduction of Parking Spaces (8100 Third St.) Resolution #3536, Urging Governor of Calif. & State Dept. Transportation to Expedite Removal of Vacant Homes from R/W of I-105 Fwy., Con- struction of Fwy., & Urging Federal Dept. Transportation to immediately approve the EIS for Fwy. SS Proj. #291, Unit II, Woodruff Ave. N/o Firestone B1.: Award to T.J. Crosby Co. & auth. transfer of funds to A/C #26-16151 S.S. Proj. #327, Slurry Seal for 1977-78: Award to Ted R. Jenkins (A/C #10-4-5428 & #26-16190) Downey Energy Conservation Program S.S. Proj. #328, Fifth St. Widening, Downey to Brookshire (A/C #26-16191): Auth. payment.to property owners for acquisition of property Approved Referred to Planning Div Adopted Adopted Adopted Taken under submission Adopted Approved Approved PAGE NO. Referred to staff for inquiries & report back Approved 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 V Page 1 of 2 DOWNEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 25, 1978 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT: ACTION• PAGE NO. Extension of Agreement on DART Program to 6/2/78 Approved 4 Lease Agreement bet. City & Family Service of Los Angeles Request denied 5 Submittal of Handicapped Transit Claim to County Transportation Comm. for 1978-79 Art. 4.5 Transportation Dev. Act (TDA) for $33,000 Authorized 5 Proposed City Boundary modifications w/City of Bell Gardens Staff authorized to proceed 6 Appointment of Michelle Bains to Redevelopment Project Area Comm. Approved use of City vehicle by Mr. Oberndorf, n Coordinator of Clean Community System Referred to staff 6 Discussion re Hotline Telephone Number for 105 Freeway 7 Study session to discuss Proposition 13, incl. Proposition 8 & SB-1 Set for 4:30 p.m., May 2, 1978 7 Neighborhood Watch Program Staff to make presentation to Council 7 Request for report re legal conversion of garage at 9612 Birchdale Ave. 8 Retirement of Ray Lake May 2nd 8 - Meeting adjourned to 4:30 p.m., May 2, 1978 8 Page 2 of 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APRIL 25, 1978 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7.33 p.m., April 25, 1978, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor William L. Greene presiding, PRESENT. Council Members - Theodore H. Jackman Kenneth J. Miller Mayor Pro Tem Lyell W. Swearingen Milton R. Mackaig William L. Greene Mayor ALSO PRESENT- Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Donald B. Robison, Assistant City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Beatrice Joy Braun -Stone, of the City Attorney°s office Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation William F. Martin, Police Chief Edwin H. Wood, Fire Chief William A. Goggin, City Planner Ray T. Lake, Building Official Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer Terence Middlebrooke, Manager of Revenue Thomas Tincher, Housing & Human Services Coordinator Jeanne Cook, Deputy City Clerk -Treasurer Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Bishop Thomas R. Wilson, Church of Latter Day Saints, followed by the Flag Salute led by Councilman Jackman. Mayor Greene welcomed Council Members Mackaig and Swearingen to the City Council., PRESENTATIONS Mr., Henry Oberndorf, on behalf of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., and Downey Clean Community System, stated Chairman Leona Aldridge will present an award to all of the winners in the poster and logo contest of the Clean Community System° The following winners received awards - Third place - Poster- Misses Ann Morgan and Stephanie Fulton, Second place - Poster- Miss Denise Martinez, including savings bond presented by Mr. John Zrelak of Downey Zrelak Mortuary. First place - Poster- Miss Gina Garcia, including savings bond presented by Councilman Miller on behalf of Real Estate Unlimited, Third place - Logo- Mark Coenan, Second place - Logo- Chris Buccowich, including savings bond presented by Mayor Greene on behalf of Calsan, Inc. First place - Logo- Mike Amy, including savings bond presented by Miss Downey Lori Hauser on behalf of Mr. and Mrs, Leslie Keays and an anonymous donor. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by the following vote to approve the Consent Calendar - Minutest Adjourned Regular Meeting, April 10, 1978, Reorganization Meeting, April 18. 1978; and Adiourned Regular Meetinq, Auqust 30, 1977, Correspondence from Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors regarding Mission Canyon Landfill, Denial of Leqal Claim- Ref. #366, Terry Lyons and State Farm Insurance, Cash Contract #410, Building and Restroom Modifications, Various Locations- Grant a 20-working day extension of time (Account #29-13933). General Warrants- #159788 - 160131P #204538 - 204585: $697,611.27. Council Minutes 4/25/78 -1- Albia the temporary suspension of one-h A1bia Street until July 31, 1978. Suspension; Grant authority for rescriction adjacent to 8035 Avenue, Dacosta Street to 172 feet ,enue to 321 feet westerly. Accept Downey Private Contract #107, Sewer Main Extension in an Easement° Accept dedication and improvements completed. AYES. 5 Council Members- Jackman, Miller, Swearingen, Mackaig, Greene ORAL COINMUNICATIONS (Items not on Agenda) Ms. Vartanian, 8603 Lubec, inquired regarding Agenda material in the lobby and library. Mr, Steven Brock, 7257 Dinwiddie, stated his request for permission to keep a Nubian goat as a pet for his children, He pointed out his children are allergic to cats and dogs, and doctors have advised him that Nubian goats are non -allergenic. Mr. Brock mentioned his lot is almost one-third of an acre being 242 feet deep and 60 feet wide, and his immediate neighbors have no objection to the goat. He said he submitted a written request to the Planning Commission, and his request was turned down at the Commission's last meeting. Mr. Goggin explained the Commission cannot take action without a formal hear- ing. He said goats are not permitted in the R 1 zone, and if Mr. Brock wanted to pursue this he would have to apply for a variance which would then require a hearing before the Planning Commission. Mr. Brock was asked to contact the Planning Department again and make the proper application. Mr. Raymond Breaux, 7802 Adoree Street, Chairman of the Health & Environmental Sanitation Committee, addressed the Council regarding the DART Program. He was ad- vised that the DART Program is on the Agenda and he should make his presentation at the time it is heard. ORDINANCES (none) RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 3533 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FINDING IT NECESSARY TO PERFORM CERTAIN WORK PROPOSED UNDER CASH CONTRACT NO, 430 BY FORCE ACCOUNT The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Mayor Greene to waive further reading, It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3533. Councilman Miller questioned the City constructing a sewer lateral, as well as pumping and filling the cesspool on this property. Mr. Spindel explained this was included in the right-of-way acquisition and agreement with the property owner, and since the City is acquiring the property the cesspool becomes part of the City's right-of-way and would have to be connected to the sewer. Councilman Jackman asked if the property is a duplex. Mr. Spindel indicated he understands there has been a member of the family living in the converted garage, but as far as he knows the house is not a duplex. AYES: 3 Council Members: Jackman, Swearingen, Greene NOES: 1 Council Member. Miller ABSTAIN: 1 Council Member: Mackaig RESOLUTION NO. 3534 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY PROVIDING FOR DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT°S LOCAL AGENT FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE Council Minutes 4/25/78 -2- The Resolution was read by title only, It was moved by Councilman Miller and seconded by Councilman Jackman to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3534. RESOLUTION NO. 3535 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING A TEMPORARY REDUCTION OF PARKING SPACES (11034 DOWNEY AVENUE) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Miller to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3535. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING A REDUCTION OF PARKING SPACES (8100 THIRD STREET) The Resolution was read by title only, It was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Miller to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Miller and seconded by Councilman Jackman to adopt the Resolution. Questions were raised regarding the fees charged for waiving parking spaces and the new Zoning Ordinance requirements, Mr. Goggin explained the plans were first proposed approximately five months ago, and they did meet the requirements of the old code. However, the parking was increased in the adoption of the new code, and the Planning Commission felt the use of the property did not require additional spaces as provided in the new ordinance. At the request of Councilman Miller, the Resolution was taken under submission. RESOLUTION NO, 3536 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY URGING THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND THE CALIFORNIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO EXPEDITE THE REMOVAL OF VACANT HOMES FROM THE RIGHT OF WAY OF THE I-105 FREEWAY, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FREEWAY, AND URGING THE FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO IMMEDIATELY APPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THIS FREEWAY The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Miller to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3536. Councilman Jackman stated the Council has had a history of not being 100 per- cent in favor of the Freeway, and the Resolution was placed on the Agenda to see whether or not the Council is now solidly behind the Freeway issue. AYES- 5 Council Members: Jackman, Miller, Swearingen, Mackaig, Greene CASH CONTRACTS It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and passed by unanimous vote to award S.S. Project #291, Unit II, Woodruff Avenue N/o Firestone Boulevard, in the amount of the unit prices bid, to T. J. Crosby Co., Inc., of Santa Ana, the lowest and best bidder, and authorize the transfer of $4,000 from Account #26-16194 and #26-16174 into Account #26-16151. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to award S.S. Project #327, Slurry Seal for Fiscal Year 1977-78, in the amount of the unit prices bid, to Ted R. Jenkins of Long Beach, the lowest and best bidder (Account #10-4-5428 and #26-16190). Mayor Greene inquired regarding the streets proposed for slurry seal. Council Minutes 4/25/78 -3- Mr. Spindel stated the 13 miles of slurry seal on residential streets is pri- marily in the northern section of the City, whereas last year it was done primarily in the southern portion. He said each year some Gas Tax funds are budgeted for slurry seal on some of the City°s major streets, and this year the streets involved are Second Street, Third Street, Stewart & Gray Road, Studebaker Road, and Seventh Street, He responded to questions concerning the various types of street improve- ments, such as chip sealing, and said he will submit a report on this to the new Council Members, Mayor Greene suggested the new Council Members consider taking a tour of the City with Mr. Spindel to see the different types of street improvements used. Mr. Spindel pointed out that every year an inspection is made of every street in the City; a point rating is given on each street, and then the type of treatment is determined by that point rating. He commented on the cost for the different types of street improvements. AYES: 5 Council Members. Jackman, Miller, Swearingen, Mackaig, Greene MISCELLENOUS COUNCIL ACTIONS Downey Energy Conservation Program Mr. Thompson outlined the program, which would provide a forum for a number of citizens to discuss conservation efforts, and it would also allow the City to gain more expertise in this matter. He said a numher of other cities were contacted in preparation of the report, all departments were involved in the discussions, and it is believed there would be some advantage gained in the community becoming more conscious of the energy and conservation efforts. Councilman Jackman questioned what a panel of 14 citizens could accomplish. He said although conservation of energy is a worthwhile effort, it should be done on a Federal level rather than a local level. Councilman Miller agreed. Councilman Swearingen also does not see the value of this program on a local level and feels it could possibly cost the City some money. Mayor Greene suggested that beginning at a local level might be the way to start, but he would question having 14 people serve on the committee. Mr. Thompson pointed out that the City does not have research facilities or the type of staff necessary to conduct research and experimentation. He said what is involved is conservation effort and community awareness of the problem that is grow- ing in the Country. Mr. Thompson commented on the energy cuts made by the City, and he noted that there would be no additional staff required on this program but would be a citizen conservation committee to discuss and utilize ideas that could be utilized Citywide. Discussion followed. Councilman Miller suggested contacting the various groups to see if they are interested and would be willing to appoint someone willing to serve. Councilman Jackman concurred. Staff was requested to make inquiries and report back to the Council. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and passed by the following vote to authorize payment to property owners for acquisi- tion of real property on S.S. Project #328, Fifth Street Widening, Downey to Brookshire (Account #26-16191). Responding to questions, Mr. Spindel explained that more property owners are being contacted by the City's Real Estate Officer, and hopefully by the next Council Meeting most of them will have been contacted. He commented briefly on condemnation proceedings the City can initiate if the property owners do not agree to the right- of-way acquisition. He also stated this project will probably include an underground utility district similar to the other section on Fifth Street. AYES. 5 Council Members. Jackman, Miller, Swearingen, Mackaig, Greene It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to approve the Extension of the Agreement on the DART Program until June 2, 1978. Council Minutes 4/25/78 -4- Mr, Raymond Breaux, representing the Health & Environmental Sanitation Committee, said the Committee has been unanimous in hoping the program would be perpetuated on a permanent basis, He commented on the trial pick-up area of every other week and said that arrangement seems to have worked best for his family. Mr. Breaux stated the rubbish contractor is also in favor of the every other week pick-up and will be present at the next Committee meeting to substantiate this. He said the dates for pick-up can be printed on the labels to be placed on the cans. Responding to questions, Mr. Spindel explained the extension period will allow staff to further evaluate the program. He further explained the four -month trial period of every other week pickup expires the end of this month, and the results of the trial period will be submitted to the Council. Councilman Jackman requested information concerning the sta£f's evaluations and also whether or not CETA employees are being used, Mr. Thompson said the Council could make the decision as to whether CETA employees are used in the program. He pointed out the test results show that al- though -the percentage of people in the test areas have increased, the amount of recyclable materials people are setting out does not pay for a stop. He commented on the scarcity of areas for land fills and the costs for transportation to the land fill sites, which he said are factors to be considered, Mr. Breaux stated the Committee may be making recommendations to the Council for temporary uses of CETA employees in the future with regard to the DART Program, AYES. 5 Council Members. Jackman, Miller, Swearingen, Mackaig, Greene Lease Agreement between City of Downey and Family Service of Los Angeles Mr. Neavill stated the Recreation & Community Services Commission has requested the Council to defer action on this until the Commission has had an opportunity to review it, The Commission has also requested this matter be deferred to the Council Meeting of May 9th, Councilman Miller inquired if any of the Family Service offices are located in a public facility, Ms, Josephine Gumbiner, District Director of Southeast District, stated none of the Family Service offices are located in City or County -owned buildings. She commented on the function of the Family Service Agency and the territory it services. Councilman Jackman said he would not consider the remodeling work to be an improvement to the facility, and other agencies could also request similar work to be done, Councilman Miller questioned the City spending money for improvements, in view of the outcome of the Jarvis Amendment in the June Primary, Mayor Greene indicated he has had at least 15 telephone calls from people ex- pressing opposition to the City going into the real estate business. He said approval of this request could be setting a precedent, Councilman Miller suggested the Agency consider soliciting donations to pay for the remodeling needed. It was moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to deny the request of the Family Service Agency, It 'was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to authorize submittal of a Handicapped Transit Claim to the --- Los Angeles County Transportation Commission for 1978-79 Article 4,5 Transportation Development Act (TDA) in the amount of $33,000. Mr, Thompson explained that in lieu of tonight's meeting, the deadline date of April 24th for submitting the claim for funding was waived. He commented that under the program the City operates three vans. Two are for handicapped and the other is for senior citizens. He mentioned there is one CETA employee acting as dispatcher, and the drivers are also CETA employees. AYES. 5 Council Members: Jackman, Miller, Swearingen, Mackaig, Greene CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Thompson, with the aid of an aerial map, outlined proposed City Boundary Modifications with the City of Bell Gardens, which involves two properties. One is Council Minutes 4/25/78 -5- "I property beginning at the curve line on Scout Avenue to the present City boundary, which would be de -annexed by the City of Bell Gardens and annexed to the City of Downey; the other property is south of Suva Street lying east of the City boundary and would be de -annexed by the City of Downey and annexed to the City of Bell Gardens. He explained the reason for the proposed transfers is that if both pro- perties decided to develop they would have to satisfy requirements of both cities with regard to building and zoning regulations. Mr. Thompson commented on the size of the properties involved and noted Bell Gardens has agreed to a buffer zone on the property immediately to the west of the apartment buildings in the City of Downey to provide protection against any industrial development, Councilman Miller inquired regarding the possibility of the owner of the property proposed for annexation by Bell Gardens signing a document restricting use of that property. Mr. Sorensen advised that the City has recorded covenants affecting land within the City of Downey, but he is concerned as to the binding effect of a covenant on land within a different city. Responding to questions, Mr. Spindel mentioned there is a different assessed valuation for each of the properties involved; however, it is believed that once the City of Downey acquires the one parcel the frontage of that property will become more valuable for development. Commenting on the maintenance of Scout Avenue, he explained the City of Downey would maintain the sidewalk area and any street lights or trees, but the City of Bell Gardens would maintain the entire street. Mayor Greene inquired about further traffic problems that could be created on Suva Street. Mr. Thompson said he does not feel the annexation or de -annexation would have any bearing, but it is possible the opening of Scout Avenue could have. Discussion followed. Mr. Thompson pointed out if Council agrees, surveys would have to be made to see that the boundaries are accurate; then, each City Council would have to pass a resolution to be sent to IAFCO; and public hearings will have to be held before final approval. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and passed by unanimous vote to authorize staff to proceed, STAFF REPORTS Mr. Tincher said there have been two resignations on the Redevelopment Project Area Committee, and the law requires there be representation from throughout the project areas in order to meet certain criteria. He submitted the name of Michelle Bains for consideration by the Council and noted Ms. Bains is a residential owner - occupant residing in the Gardendale-Paramount area. In the meantime, attempts will be made to appoint someone from the Hospital area, It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and passed by unanimous vote to approve the appointment of Michelle Bains to the Redevelopment Project Area Committee. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Jackman questioned the need for Mr. Oberndorf, coordinator of the Clean Community System in the City of Downey, to drive a City vehicle. He pointed out the City is self -insured, and he raised the question as to whether or not Mr. Oberndorf should be driving in view of his past cardiac history. Mr. Thompson mentioned Mr. Oberndorf does set up meetings with businessmen in the community to discuss their involvement in the program, and Mr. Oberndorf has used a pool car for this purpose. Mr. Spindel explained this is a unique program in that there are no other full- time volunteers, and in Mr. Oberndorf°s case, he does not have a vehicle of his own. Councilman Jackman suggested evaluating the need for Mr. Oberndorf to drive a City vehicle and also consider the possibility of assigning someone to the program that has his own automobile. Councilmen Jackman and Miller indicated they would like to see some alternatives. Councilman Mackaig feels Mr. Oberndorf should be kept on the program, but he questioned whether Mr. Oberndorf should use a City vehicle. Council Minutes 4/25/78 -6- Councilman Miller said he would like to see a statement from a physician that Mr. Oberndorf is able to drive, Mr. Sorensen advised that someone driving a City vehicle and performing in a City committee function, whether he has a heart attack, is negligent or whatever, the City would have liability, Mr. Thompson indicated staff will look at this matter carefully to see what the alternate possibilities might be, including a doctor°s statement, and then will come back with suggestions, Councilman Jackman inquired regarding the status of a Hotline Telephone Number for the 105 Freeway. Mr. Spindel said telephone number 773-1383 is the number to dial and then ask for extension 263 during working hours, Monday through Friday; during the weekend and evenings the "77311 number will ring directly through. Mr, Thompson pointed out that Mr. Huggins had indicated he could supply a re - recorder to record all of the calls received. Councilman Jackman stated the School District will print stickers of the telephone number for students to take home to their parents. Mr. Thompson mentioned letters have been prepared which will be utilized for circulating through the schools and explaining the Hotline number. Councilman Jackman stated he would like to be informed of every call received on the Hotline, and after several weeks of monitoring, if there are no calls received, then the monitoring should be discontinued during off -hours. Councilman Miller requested the Council to set a study session for discussing Proposition 13, as well as Proposition 8 and SB-1, so that the Council will under- stand the ramifications and effect these Propositions will have on local government. Mr. Thompson mentioned he asked the City Council for authorization to speak to the public regarding Proposition 13, because he had several requests to speak regarding its impact on City Government, and that was approved by the Council at its meeting of March 28th. Councilmen Jackman and Swearingen agreed to the study session. Councilman Mackaig also agreed but feels the new Council should vote as to whether the City Manager should speak for or against the Propositions on behalf of the City Council. Mr. Thompson explained he has never represenxed the City of Downey in any other way other than to represent the majority views of the City Council. He said that is why he asked the Council whether he should respond to public invitations he has re- ceived, and the Council instructed him to proceed. The presentation he made to the Lions Club was in essence exactly the same report he made to the Council, which is in writing, and he did not express any personal views. Discussion followed. Mayor Greene questioned whether the study session would achieve anything. The study session was set for 4:30 p.m., May 2, 1978. Councilman Swearingen requested approval of the Council to have staff bring to the Council information concerning a Neighborhood Watch Program, which would help to prevent crimes. Chief Martin advised a Neighborhood Watch Program is already being undertaken which is a concept to encourage people to help one another by watching their homes. He said literature is being assembled by his staff, and he was planning to proceed with a Community Involvement Anti -crime Program as a departmental project, Mr. Thompson requested Chief Martin to make a presentation of the program for the Council. Councilman Swearingen concurred and asked to be informed of all the activities. Mayor Greene inquired regarding the status of the 25_year Employee Award Survey. Mr. Thompson explained the report is now being prepared in its final form. Council Minutes 4/25/78 -7- Ms. Vartanian, 8603 Lubec, asked if the garage at 9612 Birchdale has been con- verted to living quarters. Mr. Spindel explained he has only heard the garage was converted for use by an invalid, but he has not actually checked it out. Ms. Vartanian said the Zoning Ordinance requires all residences to have a garage or carport, and she questioned whether acquiring the front portion of the property on Birchdale might be creating a violation of the Zoning Ordinance. Mr,. Spindel indicated there would still be a place for two vehicles to park on the property. Councilman Miller requested the Council receive a report back as to whether there is legal conversion of the garage. Ms. Vartanian also favored allowing Mr. Oberndorf to drive City vehicles in the performance of his volunteer work for the City. Mrs. Margaret Fillet, 9904 Birchdale, concurred with Ms. Vartanian regarding Mr. Oberndorf and feels he should be allowed to continue the work he is doing. She then raised questions regarding the City's acquisition of property for right-of-way at 9612 Birchdale and the costs for improvements to be made. She commented on the non -permanent employment status of CETA employees and raised further questions re- garding the CETA program in the City of Downey, Mr. Thompson explained the type of work that is being done by CETA employees in the City and the Federal requirement for the number of CETA employees to be hired by the City. He also responded to questions of Councilman Mackaig concerning employee training under the CETA program and the filling of vacant CETA positions. Discussion followed. Mr. Spindel pointed out that Mr. Lake is retiring May 2nd after 20 years with the City of Downey. Mr. Lake extended his appreciation to the people who have worked with him during the past 20 years. Mr. Thompson indicated he has enjoyed working with Mr. Lake for the past eight years. Mr. Raymond Breaux, 7802 Adoree, President of the Pony Colt Baseball League in the City, commended City staff of the Parks & Recreation for their assistance in making their opening day a success. At 10:32 p.m., the meeting was adjourned to 4:30 p.m., May 2, 1978, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer William L. Greene, Mayor Council Minutes 4/25/78 -8-