HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-12-26-78-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DECEMBER 26, 1978
T A B L E O F M I N U T E
A C T I O N S
SUBJECT:
ACTION:
PAGE NO.
Hearing on Zone Change Case #133, B/s
Tweedy In. bet. Lubec & Dinsdale
Continued to January 23, 1979
1
Ordinance amending DMC re Single Family
Residences
Introduced
2
Appeal, Zone Change Case-#137, 8509 Imperial
Hearing closed; action taken
under subm. to next meeting
3
Minutes: Regular Meeting December 12, 1978
Approved
3
General Warrants: #172161--172713
#205332 - 205366
Approved
3
Ordinance #567, adopting by reference the
1976 Uniform Building Code
Adopted
3
Ordinance #568, adopting by reference the
1976, Uniform Housing Code
Adopted
3
Ordinance #569, adopting by reference the
1976 Uniform Plumbing Code
Adopted
4
Ordinance #570, adopting by reference the
1976 Uniform Mechanical Code
Adopted
4
Ordinance #571, adopting by reference the
1976 Dangerous Buildings Code
Adopted
4
Ordinance #572, re Building & Property
Rehabilitation Adopted 4
Resolution apprvg. Fare Structure for Downey
Elderly & 1-way Handicapped Transit Service Failed 5
Resolution #3622, Apprvg. Appl. for Grant
Funds under State Litter Control, Recycling
&Re:source Recovery. Fund Adopted 5
Resolution #3623, Changing Regular Meeting
Date: of Water Bd. to 3rd Wednesday ea. month Adopted 5
Resolution #3624, Declaring Support &
Reaffirming Recognition of LA Regional
Criminal Justice Planning Board Adopted 6
Ordinance amending DMC re Traffic Regula-
tions (re Street Cleaning Signs) To be resubmitted next meeting 6
State Traffic Control Devices Inventory
(TCDI) Grant: Auth. request for 1-year ext. Approved 7
Hearing on amendment to DMC Re Firework Stands Set for January 9, 1979 7
Approp. of Funds to Construct Fencing at Failed; to be placed on next
Brookshire Park - Motion to deny Agenda 7
Req. for consideration of Ord. req. local
businesses to exclude minors from places
where marijuana devices, etc. are sold Chief Martin to submit report 7
Council to send letters re proposed reloca-
tion of Downey Municipal Court to Norwalk 7
Discussion re smoke detectors in residential 7
Letter re amendment to Religious Solicitatn. Referred to City Attorney for
Ordinance response 7
Page 1 of 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DECEMBER 26, 1978.
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7-,30 p.m;,
December 26, 1978, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Pro Tem
Kenneth J. Miller presiding.
PRESENT. Council. Members.,
Theodore H. Jackman
Milton R. Mackaig
Lyell W. Swearingen
Kenneth J. Miller Mayor: Pro Tem
ABSENT. William L. Greene Mayor 'excused)
ALSOPRESENT. CharlesW. Thompson, City Manager
Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney
Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development
Ronald Leege, Acting Director of Finance
William A. Goggin, City Planner
Howard Stup, Building Official
Earl F. Strom, Battalion Chief
Charles G. Eccleston, Traffic Engineer
Jim Child, Park Maintenance Superintendent
Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer
Judy McDonnell., Executive Secretary
The Invocation was delivered by Councilman Jackman. The Flag Salute was led
by Councilman Swearingen,
HEARINGS
Mayor Pro Tem Miller declared that this is the time and place for the public
hearing on Zone Change Case No. 133,.Both sides Tweedy Lane between Lubec Street
and Dinsdale Avenue, which was continued from the regular meeting of December 12,
1978„ He inquired if the Council or memberF of the audience, in lieu of Mayor
Green's absence, would like to have the hearing held at this time. The Council
stated no objections.
Mr. Richard Battenschlag, 9808 Tweedy Lane, preferred to have thehearingwhen
Mayor Greene is present.
Mr.. Jim Shull, 9834 Tweedy Lane, also preferred Mayor .Greene bepresent.
Mr. Frank Evola, 7857 Florence Avenue, representing the applicant, asked if
there will be an open hearing if it is continued again.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller replied yes, the hearing will be held on the continued
date„
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig and seconded by Councilman Jackman to con-
tinue the hearing on Zone Change Case No. 133 to 7e30 p.m., January 23, 1979, in.
the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller declared that this is the time and place for the public
hearing on Removal of Non -Conforming Status of Single Family Homes in the C-P
Eessional) Zones. He inquired if the City Clerk had the Affidavit of
, to which the City Clerk responded in the affirmative.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and so
ordered to receive and file the Affidavit.
Mr. Goggin stated at the conclusion of the hearing for rezoning on Florence
Avenue from R 1 to C-P, the residents facing Florence requested the Council to con-
sider changing the Zoning Ordinance and remove single family homes in that area
from the non -conforming status to C-P. He said the Council then instructed staff
to prepare an ordinance, a hearing was conducted by the Planning Commission, and
the Commission approved the proposed_ wording in the Ordinance.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence
on this matter, and the City Clerk replied he had not.
Council Minutes 12/26/78 -1-
Mayor Pro Tem Miller then inquired if there was anyone present who wished tbb
speak in protest to the removal of nonconforming status of single family homes in
the C®P (Professional) zones, and there was no response. He asked if there was
anyone present who wished to speak in favor,
Mr, Leslie Olsen, 8129 Florence Avenue, spoke in favor of the proposed
Ordinance because the residential uses on Florence are not compatible with the
commercial and professional uses and would relieve the properties of the 20myear
amortization which could cause a hardship on the property owners.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and so
ordered to close the hearing,
ORDINANCE NO,
AN. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL. OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTION
9154.14 AND ADDING SUBSECTION (4) (a) WHICH RELATES TO
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES
The Ordinance was read by title only, It was moved by Councilman Jackman and
seconded by Councilman Mackaig to waive further reading,
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by the following vote to introduce the Ordinance.
AYESa 4 Council Members° Jackman, Mackaig, Swearingen, Miller
ABSENT; 1 Council Member8 Greene
Mayor Pro Tem Miller declared that this is the time and place for the public
hearing on Appeal to Zone Change Case No, 137, 8509 Impartial Highway, He inquired
if the City Clerk had the Affidavit of Publication, to which the City Clerk
responded in the affirmative,
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and so
ordered to receive and file the Affidavit,
Mr, Goggin commented on a previous acticn to approve a zone exception at the
subject location for a grocery store business conducting the sale of liquor. The
approval set forth conditions concerning hours, signs, limited amount of floor
space for the sale of alcoholic beverages, etc., and the applicant proposes to
change the zone to C®l, to be out from under the conditions of the zone exception.
The applicant's request has been denied by the Planning Commission,
Mayor Pro Tem Miller inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence
on this matter, and the City Clerk replied he had not,
Mayor Pro Tem Miller then inquired if there was anyone present who wished to
speak in favor of the Appeal.
Mr, Michael Betor, 8346 Gainford, the applicant, requested a zone change to C®1
for his business at 8509 Imperial Highway because of the restricting conditions. He
referred to other businesses in the area that do not have the conditions placed on
their operation, He responded to questions regarding the imposed conditions and
stated in the future he hopes to be able to give the business to his sons,
Mr. Thompson explained Mr. Betor's original request was for a grocery store
business, yet the signs he installed were in violation of the approval because they
indicated "liquor" over p0grocery." He discussed the problems encountered when Mr.
Betor installed his sign,
Councilman Jackman requested the Council be given the history on this matter
and a copy of the conditions imposed,
Mr. Goggin explained the conditions were imposed because it is R 1 property
surrounded on the east, west, and north by apartment houses and on the south by
single family homes,
Councilman Jackman stated concern that the applicant is not operating the same
as other people who might be considered as competition.
There being no one else wishing to speak in favor, nor anyone to speak in
opposition, it was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and
so ordered to close the hearing,
Council Minutes 12/26/78 -2-
Midi^J�
Councilman Jackman said he does not know whether the zone change should be'*
granted, but feels there should be some relief as far as the conditions are
concerned.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to
grant the Zone Change to C-1.
Mayor Pro Ten Miller stated he cannot vote for the Zone Change because, in his
opinion, that would be granting a special privilege to someone who went into busi-
ness with full knowledge as to how he could operate,
Mr. Sorensen advised the action to approve the Zone Change would require the
preparation of an ordinance.
Councilman Jackman requested a continuance on this matter for obtaining further
information regarding the history of this matter. He also noted that if the Zone
Change is granted to C-1, it would.be difficult to tell what might end up at the
sub-ject location in the future.
Councilman Mackaig feels the Zone Change is compatible with developments along
Imperial.
The motion and second were withdrawn.
The Appeal to Zone Change Case No. 137, was taken under submission to the next
meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and passed
by the following vote to approve the Consent Calendar:
Minutes: Regular Meeting of December 12 1978.
General Warrants: 4172161 - 172713, 4205332 - 205366: $798,955.28.
AYES: 4 Council Members. Jackman, Mackaig, Swearingen, Miller
ABSENT. 1 Council Member. Greene
ORDINANCE N0. 567
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADDING SECTIONS 8226.1, 8230,1, 8231.1, 8239.05, 8239.1,
8239.2, 8241.2, 8246, AND 8247.1; AMENDING SECTIONS 8200,
8206, 8207, 8208, 8209, 8213, 8214, 8217, 8219, 8221.1,
8221.2, 8222.1, 6223, 8224, 8228, 8229, 8230, 8231, 8232,
8233, 8234, 8235, 8236, 8236.1, 8237, 8238, 8239, 8241,
8242, 8243, 8245, AND 8247; REPEALING SECTIONS 8101, 8102,
8103, 8105, 8105.1, 8105.2, 8201, 8202, 8204, 8205, 8212,
8214,2, 8215, 8216, 8217.1, 8217.2, 8218, 8221, 8225,
8243.1, 8250, AND 8251; AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE
1976 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and
seconded by Councilman Swearingen to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by the following vote to adopt Ordinance No. 567.
Mr. Leslie Olsen, 8129 East Florence Avenue, Chairman of Governmental Affairs
for the Building Industry Association, supported adoption of the Uniform Building
Code "in toto.°t
AYES. 4 Council Members: Jackman, Mackaig, Swearingen, Miller
ABSENT. 1 Council Member. Greene
ORDINANCE NO. 568
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 8300 AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 1976
UNIFORM HOUSING CODE
Council Minutes 12/26/78 -3-
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and
seconded by Councilman Mackaig to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and passed
by 'the following vote to adopt Ordinance No. 568.
AYES, 4 Council Members. Jackman, Mackaig, Swearingen, Miller
ABSENT, 1 Council Member, Greene
ORDINANCE NO. 569
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 8500, 8503,.AND REPEALING SECTIONS
8501, 8504, 8505, 8506 AND 8507 AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE
THE 1976 UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and
seconded by Councilman Mackaig to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and passed
by the following vote to adopt Ordinance No. 569.
AYES.- 4 Council Members. Jackman, Mackaig, Swearingen, Miller
ABSENT.- 1 Council Member- Greene
ORDINANCE NO. 570
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 8700 AND 8706 AND REPEALING SECTION
8701 AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 1976 UNIFORM
MECHANICAL CODE
The Ordinance was read by title only. it was moved by Councilman Mackaig and
seconded by Councilman Swearingen to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by the following vote to adopt Ordinance No. 570.
AYES, 4 Council Members. Jackman, Mackaig, Swearingen, Miller
ABSENT, 1 Council Member. Greene
ORDINANCE NO. 571
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 8800 AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE
1976 DANGEROUS BUILDINGS CODE
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig and
seconded by Councilman Jackman to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed
by the following vote to adopt Ordinance No. 571.
AYES, 4 Council Members- Jackman, Mackaig, Swearingen, Miller
ABSENT, 1 Council Member- Greene
ORDINANCE NO. 572
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTIONS 8901 AND 8907 OF BUILDING AND
PROPERTY REHABILITATION
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig and
seconded by Councilman Swearingen to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by the following vote to adopt Ordinance No. 572.
AYES. 4 Council Members- Jackman, Mackaig, Swearingen, Miller
ABSENT, 1 Council Member- Greene
Council Minutes 12/26/78 -4-
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION N0,
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE FARE STRUCTURE FOR THE DOWNEY ELDERLY AND
ONE-WAY HANDICAPPED TRANSIT SERVICE
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Swearingen
and seconded by Councilman Mackaig to waive further reading,
it was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to
adopt the Resolution,
Councilman Jackman said during budget hearings the Council was informed there
was grant money to pay the cost for the senior citizen bus, and he questioned the
need for the fare,
Mr. Thompson responded the grant expires the end of this fiscal year and the
drivers are CETA employees, At the end of the fiscal year there would be a ques-
tion of whether or not there would be sufficient funds to continue the program,
Mr. Eccleston explained SCAG and the County Transportation Commission have
requested the City demonstrate to what extent fare box revenues can contribute to
the cost, and staff feels at this point there is an inequity.in not charging senior
citizen passengers when charging the handicapped passengers.
Responding to further questions, Mr. Thompson outlined SCAG°s involvement as
the area -wide clearing house for all transportation programs within Los Angeles and
several adjoining counties,
AYES- 0 Council Members. None
NOES. 4 Council Members. Jackman, Mackaig, Swearingen, Miller
ABSENT- 1 Council Members Greene
Failed,
RESOLUTION N0, 3622
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS UNDER THE
STATE LITTER CONTROL, RECYCLING AND RESOURCE RECOVERY
FUND
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Miller
and seconded by Councilman Mackaig to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and
passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No, 3622;
Mr, Spindel commented on the grants available for litter cleanup, education
and public awareness, enforcement, and litter receptacles. He said this is a pre-
liminary application, and further detail will be brought back to the Council for
final submission, Mr. Spindel commented on the types of receptacles that will be
required with covers. Private businesses are also required to install litter
containers. He responded to questions regarding the proposed amount for the Keep
Downey Beautiful Committee, outlining that the grant does allow funds to be distri-
buted to citizen groups to assist them in this program.
Further discussion followed.
AYES. 4 Council Members. Jackman; Mackaig, Swearingen, Miller
ABSENT. 1 Council Members Greene
RESOLUTION N0, 3623
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
CHANGING THE REGULAR MEETING DATE OF THE WATER BOARD
TO THE THIRD WEDNESDAY OF. EACH MONTH
The Resolution wasread by title only. It was 'moved by Councilman Mackaig and
seconded by Councilman Jackman to waive further reading,
it was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and passed
by the following vote to adopt Resolution No, 3623
Council Minutes 12/26/78 -5-
AYES. 4 Council Members. Jackman, Mackaig, Swearingen, Miller
ABSENT; 1 Council Members Greene
RESOLUTION N0, 3624
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY TO DECLARE ITS SUPPORT OF, AND
REAFFIRM ITS RECOGNITION OF, THE LOS ANGELES REGIONAL
CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLANNING BOARD AS THE COUNTY REGIONAL
CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLANNING AND COORDINATING BODY FOR
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and
seconded by Councilman, Swearingen to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No, 3624,
AYES. 4 Council Members; Jackman, Mackaig, Swearingen, Miller
ABSENT. 1 Council Member. Greene
MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL ACTIONS
Citywide Park, Restriction Report on Street Cleaning
ORDINANCE N0,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING PART 12,CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE III OF THE DOWNEY
MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
The Ordinance was read by title only,
Mr. Spindel commented on the cost to post 400.curb miles in the City with an
estimated 9750 signs,
Mr. Eccleston pointed out that a poll of the Police Department indicates most
cities are cutting back on these programs because of the costs and objections of
citizens regarding the parking citations that are issued
Mr. Thompson suggested a possibility would be to post those streets which the
street sweeper operator indicates he has continual problems with, or streets on
which the City receives habitual citizen complaints. He said the current policy
has been the Council does not want to post any signs unless there is a petition res
ceived from the majority of the people on the street. He also pointed out there is
no current budget for posting "no parking" signs.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to
take the Ordinance under submission for resubmittal next meeting,
State Traffic Control Devices Inventory (TCDI) Grant
Mr, Eccleston advised the Grant was approved for the calendar 1978, and it
would be necessary to file a letter requesting an extension of the funding for the
1979 year if the Council would like to pursue more information or continue to study
the issue, In the event a request for extension on the funding is not sent to the
State, then Downey�s funds for the 1979 year would lapse and not be available, Mr.
Eccleston outlined the importance of inventorying the City°s traffic control de-
vices, particularly because it involves public safety. The inventory would make
possible an accurate identification of every device in the City --where it is, when
it was first placed, and the type of device, The City would then be able to
provide scheduled budgeting and maintenance and lessen the City's liability in
terms of Court actions,
During discussion, Mr. Sorensen explained that an inventory and maintenance
program on the traffic control devices can lessen the City°s liability in the event
of an accident.
It was further explained that if the inventory is set up on a computer pro-
gram, it would provide the City with a tool by which it could have a systematic
maintenance program of the traffic devices; also, if the system is maintained, it
would be incorporated with the regular procedures of the City°s operation,
Further discussion ensued.
Council Minutes 12/26/78 -6-
Councilman Jackman indicated he would be willing to grant staff the -abilit¢ - '
to request the one year grant but not to accept the grantor apply for it. He
would like to discuss this more fully with staff.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Miller, and
passed by the following vote to authorize a request for a one-year Grant extension,
AYES. 3 Council Members; Jackman, Swearingen, Miller
NOES-. 1 Council Members Mackaig
ABSENT. 1 Council Members Greene
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and so
ordered to set a hearing on amendment to Downey Municipal Code Section 9122.04,
regulating Fireworks Stands, for 7.30 p.m., January 9, 1979, in the Council Chamber
of. the Downey City Hall. _
Appropriation of Funds to Construct Fencing at Brookshire Park
Councilman Mackaig inquired why this has been placed on the Agenda again this
meeting,
Mr. Thompson indicated he asked the Mayor if this should be brought back and
the Mayor replied yes.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to
deny the $1,000 supplemental appropriation.
AYES. 2 Council Memberss Mackaig, Swearingen
NOES. 2 Council Members. Jackman, Miller
ABSENT. 1 Council Members Greene
Failed.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller stated for the record this matter will be brought before
the Council at the next meeting.
Discussion followed.
REPORTS. None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
At the request of Councilman Mackaig, a letter from the Downey Chamber of
Commerce asking the Council to consider adopting an ordinance requiring local ]
nesses to exclude minors from anv room or ,lace where davices.. etc— for the
sale,
to
offered for
Mr. Thompson said the Chief of Police has been reviewing this and will be
submitting a report.
Councilman Mackaig also requested the Council Members, City Manager, and Police
Chief to send letters to the Board of Supervisors concerning the proposed relocation
of the Downey Municipal Court to Norwalk.
Councilman Mackaig suggested consideration be given to passing an ordinance
reealiring smoke detectors in all new residential and commercial construction.
Mr. Soup advised that the City has been requiring smoke detectors on all new
construction, and the Fire Department in its Uniform Fire Code amendments is
requiring that anytime a permit is issued on a lot, a smoke detector will be in-
stalled in the house.
The City Attorney was requested to respond to a letter concerning amendment
to the City of Downey Religious Solicitation Ordinance,
There being no further business to come before the City Council, at 9;45 p.m.,
it was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and so
ordered to adjourn the meeting.
RokSert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer
/,W Zo / ' ,
Kenneth J. Per,, Mayor Pro Tem
Council Minutes 12/26/78 -7-