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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-07-24-78-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JULY 24, 1978 The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 7:00 p.m., July 24, 1978, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor/Chairman William L. Greene presiding. PRESENT: Council Members/Commissioners: Theodore H. Jackman Kenneth J. Miller Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chairman Milton R. Mackaig Lyell W. Swearingen William L. Greene Mayor/Chairman ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Mark C. Allen, Jr., Acting City Attorney Martin F. Wynne, Director of Finance Thomas Tincher, Housing & Redevelopment Coordinator Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Mayor Greene opened the joint hearing of the City Council and Community Development Commission on the proposed Downey Redevelopment Plan, which was con- tinued from the adjourned regular meeting of July 18, 1978. Mr. Thompson said discussions were held last meeting concerning removal of certain areas within the Redevelopment Project areas with respect to eminent domain. He said this was reviewed by the City Attorney, who submitted a provision which could be inserted into the Redevelopment Plan and cites the power of eminent domain shall not be utilized to acquire property for redevelopment purposes, if such pro- perty is used as a single family residence and is owner -occupied at the time of adoption of the Redevelopment Plan. Mr. Thompson stated this provision would require Planning Commission review and recommendation back to Council. As to eminent domain on commercial properties, he said it is staff's recommendation that the Council, as a matter of policy, adopt a statement indicating it would not use eminent domain on any commercial property until such time as the City Council has set before it a specific site plan for the development of any given area, at which time the question of eminent domain could be addressed. Councilman Jackman stated with regard to the Davis -Texas Street area, there may be some properties he would like to remove from the Redevelopment Area alto- gether and believes there should be full disclosure to the public on whatever has been proposed by any developer on any planned project. He feels the record should be made clear so that the public will know the Council Members receive no remuneration for their services either on the Council or the Commission. Councilman Miller also feels the Davis -Texas area does need attention, but to delete it from the Redevelopment Plan would be defeating the purpose of what the Council has been studying over a great number of months. Councilman Mackaig is not opposed to redevelopment but is not in favor of the plan presented at this time. Councilman Swearingen spoke for redevelopment but indicated he wants the people to understand what is involved. Mr. Thompson commented on the proposed Redevelopment Plan, including the re- quirements and rules for participation. Mayor Greene inquired if there was anyone present to speak to this matter Deenie Stauffer, 8525 Boyne, said she and her sister, Mrs. Bacile, own property in the Redevelopment Area. She is not opposed to redevelopment but objects to the confidential manner in which plans have been made to develop certain properties which could affect other properties in the same area. She raised questions regarding the Cordon project in the downtown area. Mr. Andrew Clure, 12841 South Dolan, asked what is proposed for the property at 9822 Downey -Norwalk Road containing the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, and what is planned for relocation. Council/Comm. Dev. Comm. Minutes 7/24/78 (adj.) -1- Mr. Thompson replied there is no specific plan for that property, and he dis- cussed the relocation requirements which would be covered in the plan. Mr. Manny DeDios of Municipal services, Inc., explained the Owner Participa- tion Agreements and the protest procedure. Joan Whitman, 8125 Devenir, feels people are not receiving answers to their questions and that the Council should review all government subsidies. Myrtle Grisley, 7938 Phlox Street, wants full disclosure regarding any City staff participation in the Redevelopment Program. Mr. Allen cited sections of State law and the City°s Charter and said no staff member would be permitted to participate in a contract if he has a part in recommending an action. Discussion followed. Mrs. Katherine Dimmick, 9365 Otto Street, objected to the rules that have been established in the Redevelopment Program. Mr. Ivar Vedstead, 7906 Sixth Street, complained the Redevelopment Program will disrupt people who receive incomes from their property. Mr. Payne, representing the northeast corner or Dolan and Iowa Street and Dr. Wilkins, favors medically -related improvements. Mrs. Verna Taylor questioned who would be paying the bill for redevelopment. Mary Brown, 7937 Borson, raised questions regarding the inception of the program. Mr. Jack Robinson, 8555 Gainford, discussed his views of the Redevelopment Pro- gram and how it has worked in other cities. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Mackaig to close the hearing. Mr. Tony Vedstead, 7906 Si th Street, is not against redevelopment. Mr. Sam Tyras, 9217 Stamps Avenue, said both he and Mr. Dan Levy do business in the City and favor redevelopment plans in Subarea B. Councilman Jackman would like to present the plans to the people, including the Cordono project, and obtain their views. The motion and second to close the hearing were withdrawn. It was then moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and passed by unanimous vote to continue the hearing to 7:00 p.m., August 1, 1978, in the Downey Community Theatre, and notice be given to property owners involved. Mayor Greene declared a recess from 8:42 p.m, to 8:55 p.m. The meeting resumed with all Council Members/Commissioners present. Mayor Greene asked that the notices to property owners be mailed as soon as possible. Councilman Jackman indicated he would like to delete from the Redevelopment Plan condemnation proceedings against any residence. Mr. Allen explained any amendments made to the plan must be either during the hearing or after it is closed. It was then moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and so ordered to reconsider the motion for continuing the hearing. At this time, the public hearing resumed on the Redevelopment Plan. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by unanimous vote to amend the proposed Redevelopment Plan as set forth in the report from the City Attorney dated July 20, 1978 (concerning eminent domain), and refer the amended plan back to the Planning Commission for report and comment on that change. Council/Comm. Dev. Comm. Minutes 7/24/78 (adj.) -2- By unanimous consent of the Council, the hearing was continued to 7:00 p.m., August 1, 1978, in the Downey Community Theatre. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so ordered to approve the Minutes of the Community Development Commission Meeting of July 11, 1978. Mr. John Dimmick, 11263 Regentview, requested clarification of the Council's action to amend the plan and approve the Minutes. At 9:08 p.m., the meeting was adjourned. Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer • h William L. Greene, Mayor/Chairman Council/Comm. Dev. Comm. Minutes 7/24/78 (adj.) -3-