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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-07-27-81-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JULY 27, 1981 T A B L E O F M I N U T.E A C T I O N S cnv=r M. Introduction of new City Manager, John W. Donlevy (apptmt. effective 8/10/81) Architect presentation of Civic Center Plan including Library - Ord. amending Zoning Map adopted by Sec. 9106.06 DMC (Zone Change Case #177) (12709-19 Lakewood B1.) Lot Cleaning Assessments Minutes: Reg. Mtg., July 14, 1981; & Adj. Reg. Mtg., July 21, 1981 Corres. from PUC re Appl. #60713, So. Cal. Edison Co. to revise energy rates ACTION: PAGE NO. 1 Staff to prepare feasibility & financial study re costs to include Library or adding onto existing bldg.; also possible use for vacated Library bldg. 1 Introduced Affirmed Approved Filed Rejection of Legal Claims: Ref. #522 & 526 Approved General Warrants: #192174 - 192366 #208374 - 208414 Approved Lease of Well Site #24, N/s Washburn Rd. E/o Woodruff; Declare portion excess ppty.; auth. Mayor to sign option to lease: & enter into Pease agmt. when all conditns. of option are met Approved Gail Merrick: Discusses Library Mr. Ray Grimes: Complaint re motorcycle riders in Rio Hondo Channel Ord. #664, amending Zoning Map adopted by Sec. 9106.06 DMC (Zone Change Case #176) (12415 Woodruff Av.) Adopted CC #SS-349 & SS-355, Conversion of Traffic Signal Safety Lights - Citywide: Award to CT & F, Inc. subject to apprvl. of State & Fed. Hwy. Administration Approved CC #476, Misc. Repairs - Citywide: Accept improvements constructed Approved Modifications of Downey Swimming Pool Ord. Removed from Agenda Citizen appeal to decision of Building Rehabilitation Bd. - Calmcrest Dr. Suppl.appropriation for addl. part-time employees for street median maintenance Zone Change Case #177, 8450 Firestone Bl Cn. Swearingen inquired re status of firing range I-105 Freeway: Motion that Council's official position be for eight lanes Hearing set for August 11, 1981 Removed from Agenda & ref. to new CM for review as to necessity Hearing set for August 25, 1981 Referred to new City Manager Approved; also no replacement housing in City 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 Page 1 of 2 COUNCIL MINUTES, JULY 27, 1981 (ADJOURNED) TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT: Cn. Swearingen requested City Engr. set up meeting w/residents on Bergman Lane to get full participation re street improvements Cn. Swearingen requested study & report re possibility of addl. parking at Furman Park Cn. Cormack inquired re status of study on Ord. re parking alongside homes - Staff study still being conducted Presentation of plaque for City's contri- butions to SE Center for Independent Living Closed session re litigation ACTION: PAGE NO. 5 5 5 5 5 Page 2 of 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JULY 27, 1981 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., July 27, 1981, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Milton R. Mackaig presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Lyell W. Swearingen Mayor Pro Tem James T. Quinn Robert G. Cormack Theodore H. Jackman Milton R. Mackaig Mayor ALSO PRESENT: Loren D. Morgan, Acting City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney William A. Ralph, Director of Public Works Ronald W. Leege, Director of Finance John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation Don Davis, Fire Chief J. R. Guthrie, Police Captain William A. Goggin, City Planner Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer Harry Rayson, Building Official Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary INVOCATION AND FLAG SALUTE The Invocation was delivered by Councilman Cormack. The Flag Salute was led by Councilman Jackman. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Mackaig outlined the procedure that was taken in reviewing applications and subsequently selecting a new City Manager. He announced the City Council has unanimously approved the Appointment of Mr. John W. Donlevy as City Manager, and he introduced Mr. Donlevy at this time. Mayor Mackaig stated Mr. Donlevy has accepted the City Manager position effective August 10, 1981. Mayor Mackaig then expressed the Council's appreciation to Mr. Loren Morgan for his dedication and help in serving as the Acting City Manager. Mr. Don Gibbs, Architect for the new Civic Center, displayed a plan outlining proposed inclusion of the Library in the Civic Center -City Hall Project design. The plan shows the Library in the area designated in the previous plan as employee parking. The proposed Library would have 39,000 square feet at 1§ level, with an atrium in the center and gardens around it. The proposed plan has been reviewed with the Librarian, and a few adjustments have been made. There would be a park- ing level on the roof of the building. Mr. Bill King verified adequate parking would be provided, which is critical for the City Hall, Police Department, Library, hotel, and Theatre. Mr. Gibbs pointed out it will be a handsome facility with the City Hall still having the major role. He did mention, however, that adding the Library will in- crease the bond indebtedness, but noted they are in a position to proceed with the Library at the same schedule as the City Hall. Mayor Mackaig requested staff to report back on the feasibility and financial aspects of including the Library. Councilman Jackman asked that the report include the possibility and cost of adding to the present Library. Also, if the present Library is not expanded, what would be the proposed use for that building? Councilman Cormack said any addition should not be to increase ground use but to double space by building an additional story and what the cost would be. Mr. Morgan indicated the study will be made but he advised that an additional study will be charged to the City by the architect because it is not part of the original contract. Council Minutes 7/27/81 (adj.) -1- 0_ Mayor Mackaig opened the hearing on Zone Change Case No. 177, 12709-19 Lakewood Boulevard. He inquired if the City Clerk had the Proof of Publication, and the response was yes. It was moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Quinn, and so ordered to receive and file the Proof. Mr. Goggin reported on the current zoning of the subject property as R-1 and R-3 and the request to re -zone the entire parcel to R-3 with a PUD to allow for condominium development. Mayor Mackaig inquiredk,if the City Clerk had received any correspondence on this matter, and the response was no. Mayor Mackaig then asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of the zone change. Mr. Frank Evola, 7857 Florence Avenue, commented on the zoning of surrounding properties and stated that because of multiple zoning on the subject property and due to mixture of present uses of some of the other properties, he believes he is in complete accord with the requested zone change. He said in the basic design of the development all necessary steps will be taken to establish as much privacy as possible for the surrounding R-1 properties. Mr. Evola pointed out the subject property is of an irregular shape and difficult to work with as far as design, and if the zone change is granted they would be able to develop a design which would be acceptable to the owner and surrounding neighborhood. The proposed project would be a small condominium development between 19-to-21 units, which at the pre- sent time is at 19, and would be in harmony with the General Plan. He indicated he has personally talked to a few of the surrounding property owners to rectify any misleading information. There being no one else wishing to speak in favor and no one to speak in opposition, it was moved, by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Quinn, and so ordered to close the hearing. Mr. Goggin mentioned wording pertaining to the current zoning of the property was inadvertently omitted from Section 1 of the Ordinance for introduction. The _ wording beginning on the third line in Section 1 should read, "changing the follow- ing described property from an R1-5000 (Single Family Residential) zone and R-3 (Medium Density Multiple Family Residential) zone to an R-3 PUD zone (Medium Density Multiple Family Residential -Planned Unit Development)." ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ADOPTED BY SECTION 9106.06 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (PLANNING RESOLUTION NO. 463, ZONE CHANGE CASE NO. 177) The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Swearingen and seconded by Councilman Jackman to waive further reading and to introduce the Ordinance. The vote was unanimous. Mayor Mackaig opened the hearing on Lot Cleaning Assessments. He inquired if the City Clerk had the Proof of Publication, and the response was yes. It was moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Quinn, and so ordered to receive and file the Proof. Mayor Mackaig inquired if the City Clerk had received any written protests, and the response was no. There being no one present wishing to speak in protest to the assessments, it was moved by Councilman Swearingen and seconded by Councilman Jackman to close the hearing. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and passed by unanimous vote to affirm the Lot Cleaning Assessments. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Quinn, and so ordered to approve the Consent Calendar: Council Minutes 7/27/81 (adj.) -2- 14. 1981: and of Correspondence from Public Utilities Commission regarding Application #60713, Southern California Edison Co., to revise energy cost adjustment clause rates. Rejection of -Legal Claims: Ref. #522 Village Apartment Co.; and Ref. #526, Carolyn Driver. General Warrants: #192174 - 192366; #208374 - 203414: $1,942,882.98. Lease of Well Site #24 - North side of Washburn Road east of Woodruff Avenue: Declare a portion of Well Site #24 excess property; authorize the Mayor to sign the option to Tease; and enter into a lease agreement when all of the conditions of the option are met. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Items not on Agenda Gail Merrick, 10346 LaReina Avenue, mentioned she was present at the Council meeting when the plans for the Civic Center and Police Department were presented, and she asked if any Council Members have toured the Library since that time. Councilmen Quinn, Swearingen, and Mackaig each said they took a tour before but not since. Ms. Merrick referred to a survey taken in 1975 which indicates the Library is approximately one-third the size it should be according to standards of the American Library Association. She cited some of the inadequacies of the Library and re- quested inflation be taken into consideration because costs to build will be higher down the road than they are now. Mr. Ray Grimes, 7714 Alderdale, commented on the constant problem of motor- cycle riders in the Rio Hondo Channel, and he requested action be taken to repair the fences in order to keep motorcycles out of the Channel. He was advised to contact the City Engineer and notify the Police Department when incidents occur. Captain Guthrie explained that starting last week there were two police offi- cers on dirt bikes in the river channel, who issued four citations the first day. It is planned to have officers in the channel on different days during the week. ORDINANCES ORDINANCE NO. 664 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ADOPTED BY SECTION 9106.06 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (PLANNING RESOLUTION NO. 459, ZONE CHANGE CASE NO. 176) (12415 WOODRUFF AVENUE) The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Swearingen and seconded by Councilman Quinn to waive further reading and to adopt Ordinance No. 664. The vote was unanimous. RESOLUTIONS: None CASH CONTRACTS It was moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Quinn, and passed by unanimous vote to award Cash Contract Nos. #SS-349 and #SS-355, Conver- sion of Traffic Signal Safety Lights - Citywide, to C.T. & F., Inc., subject to approval of State and Federal Highway Administration (A/C #26-16221 and 26-16231). It was moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and passed by unanimous vote to accept the improvements constructed under Cash Contract #476, Miscellaneous Repairs, Citywide (A/C #26-16235). MISCELLANEOUS ACTIONS Modifications of Downey Swimming Pool Ordinance was removed from the Agenda. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Quinn, and so ordered to set a hearing on Citizen Appeal to decision of Building Rehabilitation Board - Calmcrest Drive, for 7:30 p.m., August 11, 1981, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. Council Minutes 7/27/81 (adj.) -3- 6 9//7 Supplemental Appropriation for Additional Part-time Employees for Street Median Maintenance Mayor Mackaig requested the supplemental appropriation be removed from the Agenda and that the new City Manager look into this to see if it is necessary. So ordered. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and so ordered to set a hearing on Appeal, Zone Variance #177, 8450 Firestone Boulevard, for 7:30 p.m., August 25, 1981, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: None STAFF REPORTS: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - City Council Councilman Swearingen inquired regarding the status of the Firing Range. Referred to the new City Manager. Councilman Jackman said the City Council should clarify its position on the I-105 Freeway. Mayor Mackaig said Mr. Barnhart presented a negotiable proposal of what the Federal Government was interested in, and he understands the State will be coming back with a counter proposal. Councilman Jackman stated at the State -called meeting he attended in Hawthorne, every city was ready to capitulate and go along with the six -lane freeway until Assemblyman Young informed them it was a point of negotiation. At the last meeting of the corridor cities they agreed to ask for an eight -lane freeway. Also, he said, a decision has to be made by the Council on replacement housing because Caltrans is threatening condemnation proceedings against people in North Downey to take vacant lots for the replacement housing. A decision should be made by the Council and transmitted to the Housing Advisory Committee. Mr. Sorensen indicated he has attempted to get a concensus as to what the corridor cities want. He has relayed information to the court that the cities want to get rid of the problem created by the vacant homes, uncompleted freeway, and "general mess" that has occurred. He has been unsuccessful in getting blanket approval for removal of the homes. Mr. Sorensen commented on the question that ex- ists as to what constitutes a home or building capable of being rehabilitated, and most corridor cities have taken the position that considering the amount of rehabilitation that needs to be done it would not be economically feasible. However, the plaintiff counsel has taken the position that most of the buildings are capable of rehabilitation and the court has been inclined to agree, which has slowed down the removal program. Mr. Sorensen said the corridor cities are primarily in favor of the freeway and others seem to be in favor of housing. He added that when the Consent Decree was entered into several years ago one of the corridor cities authorized him to sign on its behalf, but none of the others authorized it. He has, however, recommended against signing it. The court has stated that when they start negotiating, the cities are to be involved in discus- sions and consultations with the State and other counsel. During discussion Councilman Jackman said a meeting was supposed to have been scheduled for this week, and according to Mr. Barnhart the deadline is August 14th to make a decision and settlement. It was moved by Councilman Cormack, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and passed by the following vote that the City Council's official position be eight lanes. Further discussion ensued. When asked if they want replacement housing, the Council Members unanimously replied no. AYES: 5 Council Members. Swearingen, Quinn, Cormack, Jackman, Mackaig Councilman Swearingen referred to a memo from the Acting City Manager advising that condemnation action for HUD money on Bergman Lane would be out of the question if there is not full participation. He asked if the City Engineer could set up a meeting with the residents in order to get full participation. Council Minutes 7/27/81 (adj.) -4- 61� Mr. Henriksen explained it was intended to set up another meeting with the people as soon as word had been received from HUD, to discuss the situation and alternatives to any improvements on that street. Councilman Swearingen requested a study and report back concerning the possi- bility of additional parking at Furman Park. Councilman Cormack inquired regarding the status of the study on ordinances pertaining to parking alongside homes. He was told the study is being conducted and a report is forthcoming. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Audience: None i.• Carol Knight, Vice President of Disabilities Unlimited, introduced the Director and Assistant Director, who assisted her in presenting to Mayor Mackaig, on behalf of the City Council, a plaque in recognition of the City's outstanding contributions to the Southeast Center for Independent Living. CLOSED SESSION At 8:34 p.m., Mayor Mackaig recessed the meeting to closed session to discuss litigation. The meeting resumed at 8:42 with all Council Members present. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. i , Lza �� I �_ �_L / - Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Milton R. Mackaig, Mayor Council Minutes 7/27/81 (adj.) -5-