HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-12-11-79-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DECE?'BER 11, 1979
T A B L E O F M I N U T
SUBJECT:
Award of recognition to Mr. Bob Bird -
Service Awards to Police Officers
15-yr. Service Award to Robert Shand
Resolution #3743, Finding public convenience
& necessity require Imprvmt. of Leeds St.
(AD 120)
Improvement of Leeds St.: Take remaining
Resolutions under submission
Minutes, Adj. Reg. Mtg, November 28, 1979
Rejection of Legal Claim: Ref. #450
S.S. Proj. #348, Gutter Const. on Otto St.
& Lester£ord Ave.: Plans & specs. & auth.
Dept. Comm. Dev. advertise for bids
A C T I O N S
ACTION: PAGE NO.
1
Adopted 2
Approved 2
Approved 2
Approved 2
Approved 2
General Warrants: #179404 - 179625
4206384 - 206434 Approved 2
Mrs. Maria D'Orazio requested use of Downey Mr. Neavill to check on commitment
Theatre rent-free for proposed children's of City -School days at Theatre;
theatre production as memorial to daughter suggested contacting Theatre Assn. 2
Ordinance #611, amending Sec. 4556 DMC re
Religious Solicitations Adopted 3
Ordinance #612, amending DMC adding Sec.
4509 re Charitable Solicitations Adopted
Resolution #3744, amending Management -
Supervision Pay Plan for 1979-80 (re
Traffic Engineer) Adopted
Actuarial study for possibility of joining
Independent Cities Risk Management Auth.:
Commitment of City to expend up to $2,000,
charged to Liability Insurance Fund Approved
Rental Rates & By -Law Changes as proposed
by Downey Theatre Assn.
Mrs. O'Orazio requested reasonable Theatre
rates for local groups
Paramount County Water Dist. Acquisition:
Transfer of funds
SCAG request for L.A. County cities to
adopt their forecasts of population
Housing Comm. for I-105 Freeway: Apptmt.
of Tom Tincher
Status of Downey Community Hospital
Electric car displayed by HUD at Nat'l.
League Convention
County Counsel reviewing allocation of
bail -out funds
Executive Session
Approved
Suggested she attend next meeting
of Ed.'. Dir. of Theatre Assn.
Approved
To be placed on next Agenda
Approved
Discussion
Cn. Greene suggested
investigating
Settlement of damage claim - Zumaris Authorized
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DECEMBER 11, 1979
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.,
December 11, 1979, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Kenneth J.
Miller presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Milton R. Mackaig -
Theodore H. Jackman Mayor Pro Tem
Lyell W. Swearingen
William L. Greene
Kenneth J. Miller Mayor
ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager
Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney
Howard Stup, Director of Community Development
William A. Ralph, Director of Public Works
Ronald W.:Leege, Director of Finance
John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation
William F. Martin, Police Chief
Don Davis,', Fire Chief
William A. Goggin, City Planner
Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer
John H. Saunders, Personnel Officer
Thomas Tincher, Housing & Redevelopment Coordinator
John Thomason, Risk Manager
Robert L. .Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer
Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary -
The Invocation was delivered by Councilman Jackman. The Flag Salute was led
by Councilman Greene.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Miller, assisted by Mr. Ned Young, presented an award of recognition to
Mr. Bob Bird for his service during the Downey Bicentennial as a member of the
Second Century Foundation.
Mr. Bird offered his continued service to the City in whatever capacity he
might serve.
Mayor Miller announced his priviledce, as Mayor, to present a ten-year service
award to his son, Michael, a Downey Police Officer He then introduced his wife,
Melba, Michael's wife, Diane, and Diane's daughter, Raeanne. With the assistance
of Police Chief Martin, Mayor Miller presented service awards to the following
Downey Police Officers:
Don Bray (20 years) Michael Miller (10 years)
David Wright (10 years) Ray Gutierrez (10 years)
With the assistance of Mayor Pro Tem Jackman, Mayor Miller presented a
15-year service award to City Clerk Robert Shand.
HEARINGS
Mayor Miller opened the hearing on the Improvement of Leeds Street, pursuant
to Division 7 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California (the
Improvement Act of 1911). He inquired if the City Clerk had the Affidavits, and
the response was affirmative.
It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and so
ordered to receive and file the Affidavits.
Mr. Henriksen gave a brief summation of the proposed work, citing the esti-
mated total cost of the district, including construction, engineering, utility
relocation for poles, and incidental fees, at $107,400. Of this, he said, the
Council previously approved the contribution of 85 percent from Block Grant Funds
with the remaining 15 percent being assessed to the property owners in proportion
to the benefits received.
Council Minutes 12/11/79 -1-
Mayor Miller inquired if the City Clerk had received any written protests or
objections, and the City Clerk replied he had not.
There being no one present to speak in behalf of the improvement of Leeds
Street, it was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Greene, and
passed by unanimous vote to close the hearing.
Mr. Sorensen advised it would now be appropriate for the Council to adopt
the Resolution finding that the public convenience and necessity require the
improvement of Leeds Street. When asked if this would be necessary even if the
Council desired to take this matter under submission, he replied yes, although
the other Resolutions could be held at this time.
RESOLUTION NO. 3743
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
FINDING THAT THE PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY RE-
QUIRE THE IMPROVEMENT OF LEEDS STREET IN THE CITY OF
DOW14EY (AD 120)
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 Greene, and
passed by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3743.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Greene, and
passed by unanimous vote to take the remaining Resolutions on the Improvement of
Leeds Street under submission.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed
by the following vote to approve the Consent Calendar:
Minutes, Adjourned Regular Meeting of November28, 1979.
Rejection of Legal Claim: Ref. #450, Ray R. Negrete.
S.S. Project #348, Gutter Construction on Otto Street and Lesterford Avenue:
Plans and specifications and authorize the Department of Community Develop-
ment to advertise for bids (Account #26-16220).
General Warrants: #179404 - 179625; #206384-'206434: $682,219.25.
AYES: 5 Council Members: Mackaig, Jackman, Swearingen, Greene, Miller
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Items not on Agenda)
Mrs. Maria D'Orazio, 9115 Gainford, addressed the Council regarding a pro-
posed children's theatre production at the Downey Community Theatre as a memorial
to her daughter, who passed away last summer. She said a memorial fund has been
deposited with the Downey Savings & Loan, and she and her husband have agreed to
match that amount in order to fund the production free of charge to school age
children. Mrs. D'Orazio requested that inasmuch as the production is to be free
of charge, would it be possible to use the Theatre, rent free, on one of the days_
the City has allotted for school use.
Mr. Neavill stated the agreement provides the City and School District have a
total of 45 free week days or week nights, and he would have to check to see if
those dates are committed, although to the best of his recollection he feels they
are. He suggested the Downey Theatre Association be contacted to see if there are
some particular weeknight dates that might not otherwise be sold, and to consider
allowing free use or reduced rate use of the Theatre for the children's production.
Mrs. D'Orazio explained it is hoped to have the production next spring, and
it is her understanding the last children's production prior to Proposition 13
was a large musical and cost about $10,000. She said since it is possible the
memorial fund may not amount to much more than $5,000, which is half the amount
needed for a large production, then a smaller play of lesser quality would have to
be chosen. She was asked to work with Mr. Neavill on this.
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ORDI17ANCES
ORDINANCE NO. 611
AN ORDINANCE OF THE'. CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 4556 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING
TO RELIGIOUS SOLICITATIONS
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 unanimous vote to adopt Ordinance No. 611.
ORDINANCE NO. 612
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE DOWNEY. MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTION
4509 RELATING TO CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
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 unanimous vote to adopt Ordinance No. 612.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 3744
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITYOFDOWNEY
AMENDING THE MANAGEMENT -SUPERVISION PAY PLAN FOR 1979-80
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 unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3744.
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIONS
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to approve commitment of the City to expend up to $2,000
for an actuarial study for the possibility of joining the Independent Cities Risk
Management Authority. The expenditure would be charged to the Liability Insurance
Fund.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to approve the recommendation of the Recreation & Commu-
nity Services Commission and staff for Rental Rates and By -Law Changes as proposed
by the Downey Theatre Association.
Mrs. Maria D'Orazio, 9115,Gainford, Vice President of the Downey Civic Light
Opera, commented on the success of the Civic Light Opera since it decided to
operate on its own without assistance from the City. She also discussed the
assistance the Civic Light Opera has given to the Downey Theatre Association in
the way of advancing funds and providing an employee to work in the box office.
Now, Mrs. D'Orazio said, the Association proposes raising the commercial rate from
$535 to $550, an increase of $15 per day, and the non-commercial rate for local
groups from $335 to $550, an increase of $215 per day. She questioned whether the
local groups would be able to continue, and she asked if allowances could be made
so that the local groups can continue at a reasonable rate, particularly by not
taxing them for overtime after four hours use of the Theatre.
Councilman Greene asked if the Downey Civic Light Opera has a member on the
board of directors of the Downey Theatre Association.
Mr. Neavill replied no, but they area member of the Downey Association of
Fine Arts.
Mrs. D'Orazio asked if any reference has been made to helping the local
groups overcome the tremendous rate increase.
Mr. Neavill replied he had approached the president of the Downey Theatre
Association and manager of the Theatre asking for clarification of this point, and
Council Minutes 12/11/79 -3-
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it is his understanding their intent is that local non-profit organizations plan-
ning to use the Theatre on a consistent basis with ',a number of performances would
approach the board of directors and ask for some special consideration. If
satisfaction is not reached, then he would assume the local groups could appeal to
the Council.
It was suggested that Mrs. D'Orazio attend the next meeting of the board of
directors of the Downey Theatre Association.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to transfer $9,000 from Fund 51 Fund Balance to Account
#51-1-8612 for Paramount County Water District Acquisition.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Thompson reported on receipt of a letter from SCAG requesting cities in
Los Angeles County to adopt their forecasts of population, which is in lieu of a
mandate for the State to set the forecasts. He indicated the forecasts are the
basis for establishing funding for certain sanitation grants, water reclamation
programs, etc. He said the forecast which SCAG has set for this area, including
Downey, is in line with the City's forecasts for the next decade. This will be
included on the next Council Agenda.
Mr. Thompson then requested an executive session on a legal claim.
Mr. Thompson commented on a call received from the office of the Executive
Director of the Housing Committee for the I-105 Freeway informing him that Downey
should appoint one additional member. He indicated he was also informed that an
agenda and supporting material would be sent for the committee's meeting of
December 19th, but to date nothing has been received. Councilman Jackman is the
SCAG appointee representing the corridor cities, and the City's appointee can be a
staff member to work with Councilman Jackman on this. He recommended Mr. Tom
Tincher as the staff member to fill this position.
Councilman Jackman concurred with the recommended appointment of Mr. Tincher
to work with him on this program. He noted that to date, he has received no
material for the forthcoming meeting.
It was moved by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, end
passed by the following vote to appoint Mr. Tom Tincher as theotherappointee to
the I-105 Freeway Committee.
AYES: 4 Council Members: Jackman, Swearingen, Greene, Miller
NOES: 1 Council Member: Mackaig
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilman Mackaig inquired about the status of the Downey Community Hospital.
Mr. Thompson replied he has contacted the Hospital, and it was indicated to
him the Hospital had a draft of the agreement from its attorney, which would be
delivered to him, but he did not receive. He subsequently contacted the Hospital
Administrator again about the agreement and was advised today the draft agreement
is being reviewed by Hospital staff and should be forwarded to the City tomorrow.
Mr. Thompson explained the draft agreement is the result of a meeting between him-
self, the City Attorney, the Hospital Administrator, and the Hospital attorney in
an effort to develop points of understanding on the lease as to how it would be
interpreted and to resolve this particular issue.
Pointing out that the Hospital is operating without an approved budget,
Councilman Jackman asked if the City is setting a precedent and whether the City
is ignoring the alternatives and its reponsibility to the Hospital operation.
He feels it should be brought out publicly that in the City's opinion, the Hospital
--- has violated the lease agreement.
Councilman Greene commented on the electric car displayed by HUD at the
National League Convention. He suggested it might be worth investigating.
Mr. Sorensen advised the County Counsel is reviewing the allocation of
bail -out funds.
Council Minutes 12/11/79 -4-
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At 8:31 p.m., Mayor Miller recessed the meeting to executive session to
discuss a legal claim and the ,Hospital agreement. The meeting resumed at 8:57
p.m. with all Council Members present.
It was noted that in executive session the Council authorized liability
settlement on the damage claim of Rebecca Marie 2umaris.
The meeting was then adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
:Z IX'I
Robert L. Shand, CiEy�-Treasurer Kenneth J. Mill , Mayor
Council Minutes 12/11/79 -5-