HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-12-14-82-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DECEMBER 14, 1982
T A B L E O F M I N U T E A CT I O N S
SUBJECT: ACTION-
Proclamation declaring Bill of Rights Week To be presented to Coast
'-as Dec. 12-18, 1982 1Federal Savings
Ord. amending Zoning Map adopted by Sec.
9106.06 DMC (Zone Change Case #186)
(11725 Coldbrook Av.) Introduced
Appeal, Zone Variance #238, 13630 Verdura Denied
Minutes: Reg. Mtg., November 23, 1982; &
Adj. Reg. Mtg., November 30, 1982 Approved
Res. #4184, Apprvg. Program Suppl. #12 to
Downey/State Agmt. #07-5334 for const. of
Street Improvmts. pursuant to Federal Aid
for Urban Systems Act Adopted
S.S. Proj. #354, Traffic Signal Mod. -
Downey Av. & Alameda St.: Plans & specs &
grant auth. to advertise for bids Approved
SS Proj. #366/CC #494, Citywide Chip &
Slurry Seal FY 1982-83. Accept chip seal-
ing & slurry seal work Approved
General Warrants: #209541 - 209581
#307074 - 307742 Approved
Res. #4185, Apprvg. Final Subdiv. Map of
Parcel Map #15263 Apprvg. Agmt, with
Subdivider & Acceptance of Cash Deposit in
Lieu of Surety Bonds (11445 Lakewood Bl.) Adopted
Res. #4186, Reciting Fact of Special Mun.
Election held in City 11/2/82, Declaring
the Result Thereof (Charter Amndmt. #5)
Mr.. Rich Chappel opposed Downey's req. for
bids on towing & storage services
Mr. Gene Moore req. Council revise going to
bid on towing & storage service contract
Mr. Bill Stubblefield concurs with bid
package re towing contract
Ord. amending DMC re Garage Sale Permits
Adopted
Introduced; hearing set for
December 28, 1982
CC #505, Security & Communications Systems -
Downey Civic Center: Approve amended recom-
mendation of staff to reject all bids on
Part A & advertise for new bids; & on Part B
to award contract to low bidder, Cibola
Systems Corp. Approved
CC #497 - Lakewood Bl., Telegraph to
Firestone; Modify Median Islands &
Landscaping: Rely on Traffic Comm. &
Traffic Engineer's recommendation to remove
median islands in front of business areas &
depend on them to do study; but not remove
median islands near residential streets
Budget Suppl. f/CATV Const. & Monitoring
Contract Agmt, as modified
Approved
Approved
PAGE NO.
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
5
5
Page 1 of 2
COUNCIL MINUTES, DECEMBER.14, 1982
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT.
Olympic Swimming Pool Project
Workers' Compensation Claims Adm. Service
with Colen & Lee, Inc.
Paramount Bl./Lubec St. Bus Stop Report
Oral staff report re use of motorized
blowers for removing dust from pavement
Noise from Helipad in South Gate
Closed session re personnel & possible
litigation
Adjournment in memory of Josefa Perez,
mother of Councilman Davila
ACTION: PAGE NO.
Hearing set for January 11, 1983 5
Approved 5
Received and filed 5
No action 5
Staff to provide Council with
any available input 5
0
0
Page 2 of 2
% yy
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DECEMBER 14, 1982
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.,
December 14, 1982, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor James T.
Quinn presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
James. T. Quinn Mayor
Robert G. Cormack Mayor Pro'Tem
Theodore H. Jackman
Randall R. Barb
Bob Davila
ALSO PRESENT: William F. Martin, City Manager Pro Tem
Carl K. Newton, Assistant City Attorney
William A. Ralph, Director of Public Works
Don Davis, Fire Chief
Joseph Guthrie, Director of Police
Francis E. Carter, City Planner
Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineerneer
Harry Rayson, Building Official
Gordon Davis, Purchasing Manager/Insurance Risk Manager
Ronald E. Cano, Assistant to City Manager
Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer
Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary
INVOCATION AND FLAG SALUTE
The Invocation was delivered by Councilman Jackman. The Flag Salute was led
Councilman Barb.
PRESENTATIONS
Mr. Shand read a Proclamation declaring Bill of Rights Week as December 12-18,
1982, which will be presented to Coast Federal Savings.
HEARINGS
Mayor Quinn opened the hearing on Zone Change 'Case No. 186, 11725 Coldbrook
Avenue. He inquired if the City Clerk had the Proof of Publication, and the
response was yes.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Davila to re-
ceive and file the Proof.
Mr. Carter reported on the request to change the zone from RI-5000 to R3
medium density multiple family residential. He said the applicant intends to
develop the property in accordance with the surrounding properties.
Mayor Quinn inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence on this
matter, and the City Clerk replied no.
Mayor Quinn then asked if there was anyone present to speak in favor of the
proposed Zone Change.
Vera Koelker, 11725 Coldbrook Avenue, requested the zone change to R-3 to be
consistent with the adjoining properties.
There being no one present to speak in opposition, it was moved by Councilman
Jackman, seconded by Councilman Barb, and passed by unanimous vote to close the
hearing.
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. 592),
ZONE CHANGE CASE NO. 186
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman,
seconded by Councilman Davila, and passed by unanimous vote to waive further read-
ing and to introduce the Ordinance.
Council Minutes 12/14/82 -1-
7o9-5,
Mayor Quinn opened the hearing on Appeal to Zone Variance No. 238 13630
Verdura Avenue. He inquired if the City Clerk had the Proof of Publication, and
the response was yes.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Davila to re-
ceive and file the Proof.'
Mr. Carter reported on the applicant's request to retain excessive paving
within the required front yard setback of an existing single family dwelling which
presently has a detached two -car garage. He said the driveway does not provide
vehicular ingress or egress to a required parking area but is used to keep the
applicant's vehicles off the street. According to permit records, said driveway
and approach were required to be removed with the establishment of the new detached
two -car garage. The permit to construct a new two -car garage was issued in 1976,
it was amended in 1979 to show the garage location with a 15 foot driveway width,
but the driveway is now approximately 25 feet in width.
Mayor Quinn inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence on
this matter, and the response was no.
Mayor Quinn then asked if there was anyone present to speak in favor of the
appeal.
Mr. Andy Perez, 2232 Terrace Heights, Los Angeles, representing Bob Pacheco,
the applicant, explained the appeal is requested to allow the driveway, which would
permit the parking of vehicles.
Wanda Farmer, 13639 Verdura, said the driveway has been an improvement and
helps with the parking in that the Pachecos are a large family.
There being no one else to speak in favor and no one to speak in opposition,
it was moved by Councilman, Jackman, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and so ordered
to close the hearing.
Councilman Davila said he has looked at the property, and it is an inprovement.
The Pachecos have six children, and each have their own vehicle. He favored grant-
ing the appeal so long as the title of the property remains with the Pachecos.
Mayor Quinn indicated', it is a unique piece of property and probably one of the
most attractive on the street. He also favored the appeal.
Councilman Cormack indicated it is his understanding the permit was granted for
a maximum 15-foot drivewaywidth, but that the driveway is 25 feet wide. Also, one
of the conditions of the new driveway and garage was that the old slab be removed.
He cannot go along with approving a violation.
Councilman Jackman indicated this may beautify the property, but it is in vio-
lation of the building code. He concurs with keeping cars off the street but does
not recommend making parking lots of homes in order to accomplish this. He pointed
out the Council recently passed an ordinance prohibiting parking in landscape areas.
Councilman Barb said Mr. Pacheco has improved his property, but when he signed
the permit, he agreed to do certain things which he should be obligated to do.
Councilman Davila feels the area and neighborhood should be considered, point-
ing out this is an older neighborhood. He said at the time Mr. Pacheco obtained
the permit he did not need the extra parking.
It was moved by Councilman Commack, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed
by the following vote to deny the appeal to Zone Variance No. 238.
AYES: 3 Council Members: Commack, Jackman, Barb
NOES: 2 Council Members: Davila, Quinn
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Councilman Cormack, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed
by the following vote to approve the Consent Calendar:
of November
82.
23. 1982
Council Minutes 12/14/82 -2-
RESOLUTION NO. 4184
70 no
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT NO. 12 TO THE CITY OF
DOWNEY/STATE AGREEMENT NO. 07-5334 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION
OF STREET IMPROVEMENTS PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL AID FOR
URBAN SYSTEMS ACT
S.S. Project #354, Traffic Signal Modification - Downey Avenue and
Street: Plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise
S.S. Project #366/Cash Contract #494 Citywide Chip and Slurry Seal
Year 1982-83: Accept chip sealing and slurry ''seal work (A/C #26-16.
#21-13980).
for bids.
General Warrants: #209541 - 209581; #307074 - 307742: $2,601,060.00.
RESOLUTION NO. 4185
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF PARCEL MAP
NUMBER 15263 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER
AND ACCEPTANCE OF A CASH DEPOSIT IN LIEU OF SURETY BONDS
(11445 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD)
RESOLUTION NO. 4186
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
RECITING THE FACT OF THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
HELD IN SAID CITY ON NOVEMBER 2, 1982, DECLARING THE
RESULT THEREOF (CHARTER AMENDMENT NO. 5)
AYES: 5 Council Members: Cormack, Jackman, Barb, Davila, Quinn
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Items not on Agenda
Mr. Rich Chappel, 16255 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, Executive Director of
California Tow Truck Association, spoke in opposition to Downey's request for bid
for towing and storage services of Police generated calls. He feels towing service
should be selected on professionalism and qualifications and not opened up to com-
petitive bidding. He cited incidents in the cities of Culver City and Long Beach
where the bid system did not work.
Councilman Jackman asked Mr. Martin in his position as Police Chief, what the
City's experience has been concerning towing service for the last few years.
Mr. Martin replied the City has been satisfied with the arrangement for many
years of having two towing companies working well together and providing quick
response time.
Councilman Cormack inquired what protection the City would have if the service
is awarded to a single contractor.
Mr. Davis replied the contractor would be responsible for providing backup in
the event his equipment was in use elsewhere. Response time is built into the bid,
and the company's performance would be monitored by the Police Department.
Discussion followed.
When asked how many cities in Southern California go out to bid for towing
service, Mr. Chappel replied he did not know of any. He said there are basically
two types of service: The franchise system with two operators, and rotation. He
feels the best system is the franchise method, which he said is similar to the City
of Los Angeles, who has what he considers to be the best in the United States.
During further discussion, Mr. Martin pointed out the towing rates are set by
a commission and are fairly standard throughout the County. -
Mr. Gene Moore, 12516 Downey Avenue, said his business is United Towing,
11530 Ryerson. He concurred with Mr. Chappel and indicated he feels United Towing
and Doug's Tug have done a good job for the City. He requested the Council give
this matter further consideration and revise it.
Mr. Bill Stubblefield, 8561 llth Street, said he operates tow trucks in the
City, specializing mostly with automobile dealers.He sees nothing wrong with a
contract for this service and agrees with the way the bid package is written.
Council Minutes 12/14/82 -3-
10
ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 9110.08 (i) OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL
CODE, SUCH SECTION RELATES TO GARAGE SALE PERMITS
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman,
seconded by Councilman Cormack, and passed by unanimous vote to waive further read-
ing; introduce the Ordinance; and set a hearing for 7:30 p.m., December 28, 1982,
in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall.
RESOLUTIONS: None
CASH CONTRACTS
Cash Contract #505, Security and Communications Systems - Downey Civic Center
Mr. Henriksen explained staff has been in contact with the City Attorney and
the attorney for the Civic Center Corporation, and it is recommended the Council
reject all bids in Part A authorize readvertising for that portion of the contract,
and award Part B to the low bidder, Cibola Systems Corp.
Councilman Cormack questioned whether the electronic voting equipment for the
Council Chamber is needed.
Mr. Robert Weilage, executive architect with Gibbs & Gibbs, replied it is a
"state of the art" sophisticated system, which he believes suits the City's needs.
He pointed out that almost all new city halls have these new systems, and he feels
to not have one would be in error. Mr. Weilage explained he also feels the City
has received a good bid on Part B and concurs with rejecting Part A, which when
rebid should bring in about one-half the prices of the bids received. He said now
that construction is moving ahead, an attempt should be made to see if this can be
awarded early.
Mr. Martin stated a vast majority of Part A, which is to be rejected, concerns
the Police building.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and passed
by unanimous vote to approve the amended recommendation of staff to reject all bids
on Part A and to advertise for new bids; and on Part B to award the contract to the
low bidder, Cibola Systems Corp.
Cash Contract #497 - Lakewood
Councilman Barb referred to the proposed median removal on Lakewood at Lubec,
an area which he considersto be one of the more expensive housing developments in
the City with restricted traffic. He opposed the removal at this location but said
he is not opposed to its removal at the section further north on Lakewood which
would give better access to the businesses. Councilman Barb also opposed removing
the median on Lakewood at Sixth Street but has no objection to its removal further
north near the shopping area at Lakewood and Florence.
Councilman Davila feels it is a mistake to remove any of the medians because
of the impact on traffic during the peak hours.
Mr. Henriksen explained he and the Traffic Engineer reviewed the median islands
that have been there for a'number of years and how to make the access points safer
than they are now. He mentioned there have been a number of accidents along
Lakewood at the business district south of Florence. Mr. Henriksen said staff is
flexible to keeping the island closed at Lubec. However, he feels removing the
island at Sixth Street would provide the capability of turning east on Sixth from
Lakewood, plus allowing the residents on Sixth to exit northbound on Lakewood.
This is not meant to create Sixth Street into a thoroughfare. Responding to ques-
tions, he said where the medians are removed there will be a double left turn
lane painted on the pavement.
Councilman Davila recommended a further study on this, including the cost.
During discussion, Mayor Quinn suggested the residents on Sixth Street be
contacted as to their response on the proposal.
It was moved by Councilman Barb, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and passed
by the following vote to rely on the Traffic Committee and the Traffic Engineer's
Council Minutes 12/14/82 -4-
YY
recommendation to remove the median islands in front of the business areas; depend
on them to do the study and do what is best for those areas; but in the case of the
residential streets, to not approve removing the median islands.
AYES: 4 Council Members: Cormack, Jackman, Barb, Quinn
NOES: 1 Council Member: Davila
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIONS
Budget Supplemental for CATV Construction and Monitorina Contract Agreement
-- Mr. Newton made the following changes to the agreement: Page 2, at the end of
the first paragraph, change the period to a comma and add "pursuant to the letter
dated October 12, 1982, from Carl Pilnick to the City." In paragraph No. 3, second
line after the word "day" insert "or $75.00 per hour." On Page 3, at the end of
the first paragraph, add a period after the word "recoverable" and strike the
the balance of the sentence.
It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and passed
by unanimous vote to approve the Monitoring Contract Agreement as modified and
authorize the Mayor to execute; to approve a budget supplemental appropriation from
the General Fund unappropriated fund balance in the amount of $3,000; and that the
appropriation be accounted for in the Non -Departmental Budget, Account #1400-700.
Olympic Swimming Pool Project
Mr. Martin requested this be referred to the Recreation & Community Services
Commission for its review and input.
Councilman Davila mentioned this will involve as lot of money, and it is his
understanding next year the City will be reduced in revenue from the State.
It was so ordered to set a public hearing on the Olympic Swimming Pool Project
for 7:30 p.m., January 11, 1983, at which time public input can be solicited on the
project and the City Council can ascertain whether or not to proceed in submitting
a proposal to the School District, and refer this to the Recreation & Community
Services Commission for review and input.
It was moved by Councilman Cormack, seconded by Councilman Davila, and passed
by the following vote to approve contracting for Workers' Compensation Claims
Administration Service with Colen and Lee, Inc.
Councilman Barb expressed his feeling that it would be better to avoid either
company involved in the dispute, even though he concurs that Colen and Lee is the
best firm.
AYES: 4 Council Members: Cormack, Jackman, Davila, Quinn
NOES: 1 Council Member: Barb
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: None
STAFF REPORTS
The Paramount Boulevard/Lubec Street Bus Stop Report was received and filed.
Mr. Ralph explained staff conducted a telephone survey with surrounding cities
concerning restrictions for use of motorized blowers for removing dust from pavement
and while the other cities are experiencing the same problems with complaints, they
have no actual restrictions and are handling it on an individual basis.
Councilman Davila asked if this can be controlled through the permit procedure.
Mr. Ralph replied staff has handled this on individual complaint basis. In the
past, on the reminder notice for business license renewal, a statement has been in-
cluded informing people that blowing debri is illegal.
Councilman Cormack feels this is a serious health hazard.
Discussion followed. There was no Council action.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Audience: None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - City Council
Councilman Davila indicated he understands there have been complaints concern-
ing noise from a helipad in the City of South Gate. He asked if there has been any
contact with South Gate and whether there is any report or study concerning the noise.
Council Minutes 12/14/82 -5-
70 99
Mr. Martin said staff was invited to a briefing in South Gate on what they
intend to build. He will; provide the Council with any reports that are available
from South Gate.
Mr. Henriksen explained the helipad is next to the Rio Hondo Channel on the
east side of Garfield north of Firestone. He said they anticipate a number of
business oriented trips.
CLOSED SESSION
The meetjng was recessed to closed session from 9:26 p.m, to 10:30 p.m. to
discuss personnel and possible litigation. The meeting resumed with all Council
Members present.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. in memory of Josefa Perez mother of
Councilman Bob Davila.
/
Robert L. Shan , City Clerk -Treasurer Names T. Quinn, Mayor
Council Minutes 12/14/82 -6-