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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-20-79-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING MARCH 20, 1979 The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 4:30 p.m., March 20, 1979, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor/Chairman William L. Greene presiding, PRESENT: ALSO PRESENT: CITY COUNCIL City Council/Commissioners: Theodore H. Jackman Kenneth J. Miller Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chairman Milton R. Mackaig Lyell W. Swearingen William L. Greene Mayor/Chairman Char es W Thompson City Manager Royal M. Sorensen; dity Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development Ron Leege, Director of Finance Howard Stup, Building Official Thomas Tincher, Housing & Redevelopment Coordinator Robert L. Shandy, City Clerk -Treasurer Mayor Greene opened hearing on the Citizen eral Housing and Community Development Block Grant Program. He inquired the City Clerk had the Proof of Publication, and the City Clerk replied yes. By unanimous vote the Council received and filed the Proof of Publication. Mr. Tincher reviewed performance of the Downey Community Development Program. Mayor Greene inquired if there was anyone present to speak, and there was no response. Councilman Miller said he knows of one person who would like to com- ment on the Block Grant Program and requested this meeting be carried over to the regular meeting time for further discussion. Mr. Tincher indicated next Tuesday would be agreeable for additional input on the Block Grant Program at a second separate hearing. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and passed by unanimous vote to close the hearing. (The next hearing will be held on March 27th.) Mayor Greene opened the hearing on Zone Change Case No. 141, 12830-48 Paramount Blvd., which was continued from the regular Council Meeting of March 13, 1979. Councilman Jackman thinks the hearing should be continued because of no input on developments of possible commercial use of the property on Paramount Blvd. Mr. Tincher requested continuation of the hearing to next week. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller and passed by unanimous vote to continue the hearing to 7:30 p.m. March 27, 1979, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. It was moved by Mayor Greene, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and passed by the following vote to nominate Councilman Jackman to be I-105 Task Force Appointee by Downey City Council. AYES: 4 Council Members: Miller, Mackaig, Swearingen, Greene ABSTAIN: 1 Council Member: Jackman Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes 3/20/79 (Adj.) -1 6291 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Chairman Greene called for a report on the staff analysis and recom dations concerning the Medical Office and Other Developments in the Hospital Area, Mr. Tincher presented a report on the needs for and the prospects for the development of additional office space in the hospital area, and various alternatives that could lead to important decisions regarding the development. One report is by the owners of the Brookshire Medical Office Building for expansion of space, and a second report is by Mr. Stanley Diller on a pro- posal to construct a 55,000 square foot new building at the corner of Davis ( and Brookshire. Chairman Greene asked if the representative for the doctors' project received the report, Mr. Tincher replied yes, all involved principles invited to attend this meeting received a copy of the report yesterday (March 19, 1979). He continued with his report. Commissioner Jackman referred to page 6 of Mr. Tincher's report regard- ing unlikely immediate demand for additional office space at a level for carrying out both proposals. Expansion of the existing building would not meet the total need --it would preclude construction of a building by Mr. Diller. He asked if a building permit would not be issued to expand the existing building if the OPA was approved and whether the reason would be for lack of parking space? Mr. Tincher replied one alternative would be to build their own park- ing space on site or the second would be to look at the possibility of a cooperative parking space which would serve their facility and other facili- ties to be developed in the area, Mr. Thompson explained that statement is meant to point out the exist- ing need. If parking requirements are met, a building permit would not be denied. Mr. Frank Gasdia approached the City Council as the attorney represent- ing the Brookshire Medical Building. Chairman Greene inquired if Mr. Gasdia received a letter from Mr. Diller concerning the proposed joint medical building and development at the corner of Brookshire and Davis Street, and Mr. Gasdia replied yes, he received the letter yesterday. Mr. Gasdia then proceeded to comment on the letter. He said there is no competition because when the doctors constructed the Brookshire building nine years ago, it was in anticipation of expansion. The doctors are now ready to proceed with the project. The only possible competition would be the one-third block area bordering on Dolan Street where the doctors would like to utilize part of the area for service parking. A question exists as to whether or not Mr. Diller would proceed if the doctors started to imple- ment their expansion program. Mr. Gasdia said he has been in touch with Mr. Thompson to suggest to Mr. Diller to go along with his medical building if the doctors with theirs. Mr. Gasdia again mentioned he received Mr. Diller's letter yesterday, and he also received a written proposal from Mr, Diller. He commented on the proposed construction program for the senior citizens home. He said more time is needed for the doctors to review Mr. Diller's proposal. Mr. Gasdia would like time to prepare written reports for the doctors to consider. Chairman Greene asked Mr. Gasdia if he has had time to study Mr. Diller's proposal, to which Mr. Gasdia replied, yes. Discussion followed wherein Mr. Gasdia outlined his plan for contacting the principles involved in the development project. He said no definite con- clusions can be rendered regarding expansion of the existing medical build- ing until all of the concerned doctors have been contacted. Commissioner Mackaig favors granting adequate time for studying the project. Commissioner Jackman inquired whether any date has been decided upon for Mr. Diller to build his proposed facility. Mr. Tincher said the draft OPA now focuses on Senior Citizens Building. Council/Community Dev. Comm. 3/20/79 (Adj.) -2- ®62�2 Mr. Gasdia pointed out sewer construction costs will have to be satis- fied when construction of the project begins. Mr. Thompson reviewed history of the Diller/Doctor , project. He con- curred more time is needed for study of proposals. Mr. Gasdia stated that Mr. Hanes, architect for the Brookshire Medical Building, started discussions with Mr. Tincher in 1978 regarding the doctors' desire to expand their building. Mr. Stanley Diller, owner of the land under discussion, does not want to create any friction on the proposed project. He is holding the land until the City, the doctors, and the hospital arrive at a decision on the build- ings and beautification of the area. His plans take into consideration the doctors' plans to expand 30,000 square feet. Questions have been raised as to whether or not the area can support two buildings. He is also concerned about distances between buildings and the parking area. Mr. Diller indicated he cannot build 50,000 square feet of floor space if the doctors construct their building. He would most likely build 25,000 or,30,000 square feet. Mr. Diller said he is willing to meet with the doctors to discuss the building program. Commissioner Jackman asked Mr. Diller what assurance the City would have as to when the building would be constructed and an OPA be signed. Mr. Diller responded he is ready at any time to proceed with construction of the medical building and to go ahead with Phase 1 and Phase 2 at any time. He will have to know how many buildings are to be designed. " Commissioner Jackman said if Phase I is approved, there is no assurance Phase 2 will be built. Mr. Gasdia stated it is premature to make a decision on this project. Mr. Diller's project should first be presented to the doctors. Then, present the expansion project to the doctors so as to arrive at an answer as to whether or not the doctors are ready to proceed either with Mr. Diller's pro- posal or to go ahead with their own plans so as to determine the financing of the program. Probably about a month will be needed to arrive at any answers. Chairman Greene asked if anyone from the hospital desired to be heard at this time. Mr. Donald Wilson, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Downey Com- munity Hospital, said the hospital'is supportive of having a medical build- ing or buildings adjacent to the hospital. He thinks the owners of the Brookshire Medical Building and Mr. Diller have to decide independently or together whether or not they can make an economically feasible project either by themselves or in some cooperative venture. The hospital takes no position whether they support Mr. Diller's building or the Brookshire Medical expansion. Mr. Wilson said the hospital would be willing to sit in and be part of the discussion. He thinks Mr. Diller's offer to go ahead simultaneously with Plans 1 and 2 warrants consideration. The development of the extended care facility on the back side of the property is not of particular significance to the hospital. It doesn't generate anything for the hospital. Commissioner Swearingen inquired if the hospital could handle the in- creased amount of doctors who would come into the area if both building Plans 1 and 2 were done together. Mr. Wilson replied the hospital might have a scheduling problem if several of the doctors occupying the new buildings become affiliated with the hospital staff. A priority scheduling system might be necessary. Mr. Hall Sealey, attorney representing the Robert Harper Trust, owner of West Coast Lock Washer property located on Dolan Street, stated the Harper trustee is currently facing a dilemma by reason of delays on development of the Diller project. Mr. Rollo, the Harper trustee, has made arrangements for relocating the lock washer business during the last week of April. Mr. Seeley's client would like to have a commitment from the City of Downey, plus moving expense reimbursement and money from the sale of the Downey property to pay for the substitute property. Commissioner Mackaig asked what would happen if the development did not materialize and who will pay the Robert Harper Trust? Council/Community Dev. Comm. 3/20/79 (Adj.) -3 'A 2� Mr. Tincher said the commitment and obligation is there. Discussion followed and Commission actions of November 4, 1978, were reviewed, where- in the Community Development Commission adopted the specific plan and negotiations were explained regarding Mr. Diller and property owners. Commissioner Mackaig explained he voted on the project area, and the Commission never voted on a project for Mr. Dille._ ! Mr. Tincher suggested incorporting into the existing OPA pertaining strictly to the.Senior Citizens Building some language which would guarantee Mr. Diller's willingness to pursue the hospital development immediately with some contingency to allow for flexibility of negotiations with the doctors. He asked if the Commission would be willing to consider that at its next meeting? If the doctors were not to proceed with the office space, Mr. Diller would commit immediately to the hospital development. Commissioner Jackman would be willing to look at it, but his main concern is that the cost of the Senior Citizen facility would not support the cost of the sewer. The commission will not guarantee the development of the whole property in order to cover the costs --The Commission could be placing itself in jeopardy. Commissioner Jackman asked where the money would come from? Mr. Tincher said Revenue Sharing would be the source. Mr. Dick Hill of Municipal Services, Inc., stated in answer to Mr. Seeley's question, the offer to acquire his property was made by Mr. Diller. It was not made by the Commission. However, it was made under the auspices of negotiation. There are areas in the State guidelines providing for re- location benefits to be paid at the option of the Commission to someone who does relocate with the understanding that a project is pending. Therefore, it may or may not be an obligation for the Commission to pay for the re- location benefits. Mr. Diller commented the part of the project he would have to acquire is the dog kennel because it would be necessary to use this area and the Ro110 property for construction of the boarding care facility. The acqui- sition of the dog kennel will require additional cash outlay. Mr. Diller said he is willing to proceed with Phase 1 or Phase 2. Mr. Thompson reviewed the original proposal, wherein the entire project was to be built including Phase 1 and Phase 2 consisting of the parking structure, senior citizen facility and the office building. This was turned down by the Commission. Commissioner Swearingen explained it was turned down because the Com- mission did not have all of the input. Discussion followed regarding "piecemeal" approval to the program and intentions of the doctors to extend their building. This, in turn, raised a question of building the senior citizen facility as a separate project. Commissioner Miller asked if the doctors would be precluded from erect- ing an addition to their building. Commissioner Mackaig wants to eliminate such a possibility. Commissioner Miller gave a project review from September 26, 1978, on Downey Redevelopment Work Program and Budget. fDiscussion followed. j Chairman Greene set next meeting date tentatively for 4:30 p.m., April 23rd. Mr. Gasdia and Mr. Diller will attend. Action on the Specific Plan for portions of Subarea C of the Downey Redevelopment Project was deferred. Commissioner Miller inquired if the doctors construct an addition to the existing building, would holding tanks be required? Mr. Thompson replied, yes. Council/Community Dev. Commission 3/20/79 (Adj.) -4- 6294 Commissioner Miller asked if Mr. Diller installed holding tanks in senior citizens building, would it be a temporary solution to the sewer. Mr. Tincher said Mr. Diller did have a building permit issued with holding tanks specified for the senior citizen facility. Commissioner Mackaig left the meeting at 6:14 p.m. and returned at 6:17 p.m. Discussion was held regarding the need for a sewer to serve the new development. CITY COUNCIL S.S. Project #340, Century Blvd., Rosecrans/Lakewood. Mr. Spindel gave an overview of the project. The City of Paramount was contacted regarding contributing more to the project. Paramount sees no benefit at this time and would probably be willing to change the boundary. He then reviewed the estimated costs: $45,000 has been budgeted for the project. Staff will try to negotiate with the property owner that if he dedicates his right-of-way, the City of Downey will install the improvements at no cost to the theatre company. Negotiations would also be attempted with the property owner at the east end of the right-of-way. Mr. Sorensen informed the Council that certain findings would have to be made. The proposed street requires improvement that would be done in conjunction with the theatre project; the development work in Paramount can be done without the consent of Downey; the roadway centerline would have to be raised two feet; and there is no way the work can be performed by two separate contractors unless the road was closed entirely during the total phase of construction. If the street is closed it will prohibit the only vehicular access that is available to businesses on the north side of the street. Councilman Jackman pointed out that the theatre is willing to obtain competitive bids for the improvement project. It was moved by Councilman Jackman to approve the project with find- ings per the City Attorney. The motion died for lack of a second. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to appoint Mayor Greene as alternate to the I-105 Freeway Task Force. Mabel Solar, Member of Senior Citizens Club, asked how many senior citizens are being helped on the Housing Assistance. Mr. Thompson said a report is being prepared. A representative of H.U.D. has been contacted and will meet with him on March 22nd to review various assistance programs. No additional money is being put into programs for senior citizen housing under Section 8. Councilman Miller pointed out the City permitted the County to handle the Section 8 program. Mr. Tincher explained the City could have spent the money if it established the categories of need. The cutting -off of senior citizen Section 8 money is determined by Washington. Discussion followed, wherein it was pointed out that all applicants must travel to East Los Angeles to fill out applications, whereas such applications were formerly processed at the Apollo Park Neighborhood Center. Ella Mae Fallon, President of Downey Senior Citizens Association,said she would like to see the senior citizen housing assistance program adminis- trative function moved back to Downey. Councilman Jackman commented on the Mingura-McAlister project and wants to see the plan that was presented wherein the development was listed as Residential, and why it would take eight months to change it over to Commercial. Mr. Thompson gave a progress report on the Cardono project and steps being taken to enter into any eminant domain proceedings pursuant to legal requirements. The hearing is set for March 27th. Council/Community Dev. Comm. 3/20/79 (Adj.) -5- Mr. Sorensen advised a religious organization was charged with making charitable solicitations without a license. Their attorneys have filed a demurrer to the City's complaint charging Downey's solicitation section is unconstitutional. Ordinarily, the District Attorney would handle this case, but does not have time. Mr. Sorensen will handle if the Council approves. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and passed by unanimous vote to authorize the City Attorney to proceed with defense pending report from the City Manager on how big a problem this is in Downey. At 6:52 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to 7:00 p.m., March 27, 1979, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer William L. Greene, Mayor Council/Community Dev. Comm. 3/20/79 (Adj.) -6-