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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-22-83-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 22, 1983 T A B L E O F M_I N U T E A C T I O N S SUBJECT ACTION Ord. amending Zoning Map (Zone Change #187) (9228 Elm Vista Dr.) Introduced 7200 Quill Dr.: Certify E.I.R. 83-1 Approved Res. #4208, Gen Plan Amendment 83-1, 7200 Quill Dr., former Meadow Park Elementary School Adopted Ord. amending Zoning Map (Zone Change #188) (7200 Quill Dr.) Introduced Minutes: Regular Meeting, March 8, 1983 Approved Corres. from So. Calif. Gas Co. & Pacific Ltg. Gas Co. re PUC Appl. to increase rates Filed General Warrants: #210771 - 210796 #309597 - 309849 Approved Recognition of City of Downey Public Safety Auxiliary Employee Unit Appeal, Zone Variance #249, 7440 Firestone: Cancel hearing set for April 12, 1983 Res. #4209, to support & assist Downey Police Dept. in all out effort to reduce Drunk Driving within City Res. #4211, endorsing Donald Wilson for apptmt. as Judge, Downey Municipal Court Sign Ord.: Suggested clarifications by Downey Chamber of Commerce Cn. Davila inq. re status of three missing City Council Tape Recorders - He will have use of recorder in CM office Cn. Davila moved to have Boxing Program placed under supervision of Recreation Cn. Davila will contact City Manager for daily activity report Cn. Davila inq. re 5% education incentive pay for City Mgr. Pro Tem Cn. Davila questions use of City vehicles for personal use Hospital Lease: Hearing to allow public to have questions answered (questions to be submitted on a card) Ken Miller re Hospital Lease, missing Council tape recorders & calculator pur- chased for his use while on Council David Ray comments re Hospital Lease Ord. #713, amending DMC re Permitted Uses in C-P (Professional Office) Zone Ord. #714, amending DMC re Automobile Turning Radius (Chptr. 1, Art. IX) Approved Approved Adopted Adopted Referred to Planning Div. for review & report back Died for lack of a second PAGE NO. 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 Set for 7:00 p.m., April 14, 1983, in Downey Commun ity Theatre 4, 7 Adopted 4 4 4 4 Page 1 of 2 COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 22, 1983 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED) SUBJECT ACTION Ord. #715, amending DMC re Prohibited Parking Areas (Chptr. 1, Sec. IX) Adopted Res. decl. Intent to Vacate N1y. 2' of 20' Wide Alley approx. 96' Sly. from & Parallel w/Stewart & Gray Rd. & Running Ely. & Wly. from Pernell Av. Failed SS Proj. #364, Bellflower B1., Imperial to Lakewood (FAU): Award to Excel Paving & auth. staff issue change order for misc. repairs on Bellflower B1. Approved CC #475, Water & Sewer Relocations in connection w/Santa Ana Freeway Widening: Accept improvements constructed Approved Imperialwood Drain: Profile, plans & specs & that County Flood Control Dist. not be held accountable for expense of relocatn., etc. of this proj. necessitated by future street imprvmts., etc., in accord with County Flood Control Act Approved Joint Powers Health Benefit Program: Join program sponsored by Independent Cities Risk Management Auth. for minimum 3-yr. Approved Appeal, C.U.P. #157, 8009 Imperial Hwy.: Delete conditions 5, 6 & 7 & approve conditions 1, 2, 3, 4 & 8 Approved Res. #4210, req. Const. site for Downey Mun. Court w/first choice @ Downey Civic Center & 2nd choice @ current site Adopted Joel Lubin comments re Hospital Lease David Ray comments re 30-day requirement for verification of signatures on referendum petition re Hospital Lease & for Council to make decision Gary McCaughan req. consideration to having Courthouse in Civic Center near Library patronized by children Cn. Cormack comments re slow construction of Civic Center Include Downey Art League w/organizations receiving free rent at Apollo Center for remainder of Fiscal Year Closed session re litigation & personnel In closed session Council identified five top candidates for City Manager position; interviews to commence lst week in April consisting of 3-person panel headed by City Manager Pro Tem; & Council to conduct interviews 2nd week in April Approved PAGE NO. 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 0 Page 2 of 2 7/50 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY MARCH 22, 1983 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., March 22, 1983, 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,'City Attorney Dudley Lang, Assistant City Manager Don Davis, Fire Chief Joseph Guthrie, Director of Police Francis E. Carter, City Planner Harry Payson, Building Official Ronald E. Cano, Assistant to City Manager Frank Stan, Real Estate Officer Robert Brace, Civil Engineer Gordon Davis, Purchasing/Insurance Risk 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 by Councilman Davila. PRESENTATIONS: None HEARINGS Mayor Quinn opened the hearing on Zone Change Case No. 187, 9228 Elm Vista Drive. He inquired if the City Clerk had the Proof of Publication, and the response was yes. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and so ordered to receive and file the Proof. Mr. Carter reported on the location of the property and the request to change the zone from R-3 (Medium Density Multiple Family Residential) to R3-PUD (Medium Density Multiple Family Residential - Planned Unit Development). Mayor Quinn inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence, and the response was no. There being no one present to speak in favor or in opposition, it was moved by Councilman Jackman and so ordered 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. 624, ZONE CHANGE CASE NO. 187) 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 and to introduce the Ordinance. Mayor Quinn opened a consolidated hearing for property located at 7200 Quill Drive on Environmental Impact Report 83-1, General Plan Amendment 83-1 and Zone Change Case No. 188. He inquired if the City Clerk had the Proofs of Publication, and the response was yes. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and so ordered to receive and file the Proofs. Council Minutes 3/22/83 -1- Tj 151 Mr. Carter reported on location of the property and the request to amend the City's adopted General Plan designation from Elementary School to Medium Density Residential; change the zone from R1-5000 (single family residential) to R3-PUD (Medium Density Residential - Planned Unit Development) in order to develop the pro- perty under a zone variance, a conditional use permit, and a tentative tract map with a 228-unit, two-story condominium with off-street parking and open space/ recreational areas; and further to examine the potential environmental impacts that may be realized from said development as presented in the final E.I.R. Mayor Quinn inquired if the City Clerk had received any correspondence, and the response was no. Mayor Quinn then asked if anyone wished to speak in favor of the Environmental Impact Report, General Plan Amendment, and Zone Change. Mr. Randy Driscoll, Vice President for Downey Savings & Loan, the applicant, 3200 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, requested Council approval of this matter. Councilman Davila inquired what has been done to relocate the Downey Little League to a new location. Mr. Driscoll replied they are presently working with the School District and Little League and have made a commitment of $5,000 for this purpose. He said over the years Downey Savings & Loan has continually contributed to the Downey Little League. Also, they would like to lend as much support as possible to the Little League, as well as make themselves available to help when the time comes to relocate. The Little League will not have to relocate until next season. There being no one present to speak in opposition, it was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and so ordered to close the hearing. It was moved by Councilman Cormack, seconded by Councilman Barb, and passed by unanimous vote to certify Environmental Impact Report 83-1 as being in conform- ance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the City's guidelines. RESOLUTION NO. 4208 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING A PORTION OF THE GENERAL PLAN OF LAND USE MAP GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT $83-1, 7200 QUILL DRIVE FORMER MEADOW PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Barb, and passed by unanimous vote to waive further reading and to adopt Resolution No. 4208. 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. 618, ZONE CHANGE NO. 188) The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Barb, and passed by unanimous vote to waive further reading and to introduce the Ordinance. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and passed by the following vote to approve the Consent Calendar: Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 8 1983. regarding Application No. 83-0 nd Pacific Li Utilities Con General Warrants: #210771 - 210796; #309597 - 309849: $803,584 33. Recognition of City of Downey Public Safety Auxiliary Employee Unit. Appeal, Zone Variance #249, 7440 Firestone Boulevard: Cancellation of hearing set for 7:30 p.m., April 12, 1983. Council Minutes 3/22/83 -2- RESOLUTION NO. 4209 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY TO SUPPORT AND ASSIST THE DOWNEY POLICE DEPARTMENT IN AN ALL OUT EFFORT TO REDUCE DRUNK DRIVING WITHIN THE CITY AYES: 5 Council Members: Cormack, Jackman, Barb, Davila, Quinn ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Items not on Agenda It was moved by Councilman Cormack, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to instruct staff to prepare a Resolution requesting Supervisor Peter Schabarum staff the Fifth Judgeship of the Downey Municipal Court Downey Judicial District, fund it; and to prepare a Resolution requesting Governor Deukmejian appoint Commissioner Don Wilson as the fifth Judge. Resolution No. 4211 was prepared and sent to Governor Deukmejian and Supervisor Schabarum under the following title: RESOLUTION NO. 4211 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ENDORSING DONALD WILSON FOR APPOINTMENT AS JUDGE IN THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL COURT OF THE DOWNEY JUDICIAL DISTRICT Councilman Barb acknowledged receipt of a letter from Mr. Bill Cole, General Manager of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, regarding suggested clarifications to the City's Sign Ordinance. He submitted the letter to the City Clerk for distribu- tion to the Council and Planning Division. He then requested the Planning Division to review the suggestions and report back to the Council. It was so ordered. Councilman Davila inquired regarding status of the three missing City Council Tape Recorders. Mr. Martin replied he submitted a report to the Council which mentions that in 1976 three recorders were purchased, one for the City Manager's office and two for the City Council. One was issued to Councilman Jennings and the other to Councilman Miller, At a later date, the one in the City Manager's office was stolen, and a Police report was filed. Councilman Jennings returned his recorder, which is now in the City Manager's office and available for anyone's use. Councilman Miller has a receipt showing he returned his recorder, but that recorder cannot be located. Councilman Davila requested a loss or stolen report be prepared so that the recorder can be replaced, and made a motion that the Council purchase two new recorders. It was noted only one recorder would need to be purchased, in that several of the Council Members indicated they have no need for a recorder Councilman Davila was informed the recorder in the City Manager's office is available for his use. Councilman Davila asked under which department is supervision for the Boxing Program. He mentioned when the program was recently reinstated, the Council was informed it would be under Recreation. Mr. Martin said money for the program is in the Police Budget under Crime Prevention, and the Recreation Department will be responsible for overseeing the moneys taken in by the boxing program. He indicated it is a recreation program, but it is also a crime prevention program. It was moved by Councilman Davila to have the boxing program placed under the supervision of the Recreation Department. The motion died for lack of a second. Councilman Davila commented on the lack of information he receives from the City Manager's office and mentioned that because he cannot receive telephone calls at work, he would request daily activity reports from the City Manager. He said he comes to City Hall everyday after work hours. Following discussion, Councilman Davila said he will telephone the City Manager every day at 4:00 p.m., or he can be contacted at his home. Councilman Davila indicated he has been informed that Mr. Martin has received a five percent educational incentive pay increase without approval of the Council and said this is not in the current budget. Council Minutes 3/22/83 -3- �153 Mayor Quinn stated this can be discussed in closed session. Councilman Davila referred to the administrative regulation concerning use of City Vehicles, noting they should be used for City business and not for personal use. Mayor Quinn said the Council did vote to allow department heads to use their vehicles for personal use. Mr. Martin indicated this was approved during mid -year salary adjustments, and all five Council Members were present. He has sent a memo to the affected depart- ment heads amending the administrative regulation so that the proper regulations are in force. Councilman Davila requested a copy of the memo. It was moved by Councilman Cormack, seconded by Mayor Quinn, and passed by the following vote to set a public hearing for the purpose of allowing the general public or anyone with questions regarding the Hospital or Hospital Lease to present them on a card so that each question will be answered. Councilman Davila made an amended motion to rescind Ordinance No. 711 and to renegotiate. The motion died for lack of a second. During discussion, Councilman Cormack indicated he would like the questions to be read by the City Clerk and answered by the City Attorney. Mr. Newton suggested in view of the fact that the Council may have a decision to make concerning the referendum proceedings on April 12th, it might want to hold a hearing either on the 12th or at some date shortly before that. It was suggested the hearing could be held on April llth at 7.00 p.m. Mr. Martin indicated he will check with the Theatre for available dates. (The date was later set for Thursday, April 14, 1983, at 7:00 p.m. See page 7.) AYES: 5 Council Members: Cormack, Jackman, Barb, Davila, Quinn Mr. Ken Miller, 7336 Cleargrove Drive, said it is his understanding that all questions will be answered pertaining to interpretation of the Hospital Lease. Mr. Newton replied they will be answered to the extent possible, without re- vealing any priviledged information. Mr. Ken Miller referred to the missing Council tape recorders and said a calculator was purchased by the City for his use when he was on the Council, but he returned the calculator and has a receipt for it, which he can produce if needed. Mr. David Ray, 7338 Nada, raised questions concerning the Council's intent to conduct a hearing regarding the Hospital Lease, pointing out it still is not known whether there will be sufficient signatures on the referendum petition. He was informed the hearing would be held to answer questions, regardless of whether there are the required number of valid signatures on the referendum petition. ORDINANCES ORDINANCE NO. 713 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTION 9120.04 WHICH RELATES TO PERMITTED USES IN THE C-P (PROFESSIONAL OFFICE) ZONE 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 and to adopt Ordinance No. 713. ORDINANCE NO. 714 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTION 9150.18 (a) (2) WHICH RELATES TO AUTOMOBILE TURNING RADIUS (CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE IX) Council Minutes 3/22/83 -4- The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Mayor Quinn, and passed by unanimous vote to waive further reading and to adopt Ordinance No. 714. ORDINANCE NO. 715 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTION 9150.20 WHICH RELATES TO PROHIBITED PARKING AREAS (CHAPTER 1, SECTION IX) The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Mayor Quinn, and passed by the following vote to waive further reading and to adopt Ordinance No. 715. AYES: 4 Council Members: Cormack, Jackman, Barb, Quinn NOES: 1 Council Member: Davila RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO VACATE THE NORTHERLY TWO FEET OF THE 20.00 FOOT WIDE ALLEY LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 96 FEET SOUTHERLY FROM AND PARALLEL WITH STEWART & GRAY ROAD AND RUNNING EASTERLY AND WESTERLY FROM PERNELL AVENUE The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Davila and seconded by Mayor Quinn to waive further reading and to adopt the Resolution. Councilman Cormack questioned giving away property that would restrict the width of an alley and encourage people to park in the alley rather than in their garages. Councilman Jackman can see no reason to give up public right-of-way when the purpose of an alley is for access to people's garages and not for parking. Mr. Carter explained staff strongly recommends against the vacation, pointing out a recommendation was made at the request of the Planning Commission. Also, he said, vacating the two feet would create questions as to who would be responsible to pay for repairs of damages to the alley, etc., and also the vacated portion would go to the adjoining owners, who could then park their vehicles there if they wished, or move their fences back. The Council cannot impose conditions to a vacation. Mr. Carter stated the vacation would further encourage use of garages for other purposes. Councilman Davila indicated the front of the homes on Stewart & Gray have been posted for no parking. Mayor Quinn said the apartment houses across the street use the street parking. Mr. Carter mentioned there may be no parking during peak hours and on sweeping days, but after 6:00 p.m. it would not be restricted. Discussion followed. AYES: 2 Council Members: Davila, Quinn NOES: 3 Council Members: Cormack, Jackman, Barb Failed. CASH CONTRACTS It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Barb, and passed by unanimous vote to award a unit price contract totaling $153,369 to Excel Paving Company for construction of improvements under S.S. Project #364, Bellflower Boule- vard, Imperial Highway to Lakewood Boulevard (FAU), and authorize staff to issue a change order in the amount of $2,200 for miscellaneous repairs on Bellflower Boulevard (A/C #26-16246). It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Barb, and passed by unanimous vote to accept the improvements constructed under Cash Contract #475, Water and Sewer Relocations in connection with Santa Ana Freeway Widening, and accept maintenance responsibility for the improvements constructed (A/C #26-16234). Council Minutes 3/22/83 -5- T55 MISCELLANEOUS ACTIONS It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Barb, and passed by unanimous vote to approve the profile and plans and specifications of the Imperialwood Drain, and that the Los Angeles County Flood Control District shall not be held accountable for the expense of relocation, alteration, or modification of this project, once installed, necessitated by future street improvements, realignments, alteration, or reconstruction, in accordance with the Los Angeles County Flood Control Act. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Barb, and passed by unanimous vote to approve joining a Joint Powers Health Benefit Program sponsored by the Independent Cities Risk Management Authority for a minimum three- year period. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Jackman to approve the Appeal to Conditional Use Permit #157, 8009 Imperial Highway, with conditions 1 through 9 as enumerated. Councilman Davila made an amended motion that conditions 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9 be exempt, and numbers 1 and 8 be approved. There was no second. Mr. Mario Altamirano, 8009 Imperial Highway, said he has reviewed the conditions and discussed them at great length with the Bank of America, trust administrators of the property. He then spoke individually to each of the conditions as follows; No. 1: He requested that on Friday and Saturday nights, he be allowed to close the kitchen at 11:00, one hour behind the bar time. No. 2 and 3 are OK. No. 4 - 7: He has discussed these with the Bank of America, and the Bank is not going to build a three-foot wide planter or install new signs. He cannot afford to install a planter clear through the parking lot. No. 8: He or his employees have attempted to keep the tree wells maintained. No. 9: He requested consideration of this condition in that if he were to do something wrong the City has the option to pull his permit and he would have to cease operation. Also, if he decides in the future to sell the restaurant, he would have to tear down the lounge portion of the business. He feels any new owner should be able to purchase the business and continue with the permit on a year-to-year basis. Mr. Carter referred to condition 9 and said if Mr. Altamirano wishes to sell his business, the new owner can file for a new case with conditions, and that would not be a problem as far as staff is concerned. He also mentioned condition 4 does not require a new sign, but that a sign plan be developed. Mr. Carter commented regarding condition for a three-foot landscaped planter. Mayor Quinn asked Mr. Altamirano if he can live with conditions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8. Mr. Altamirano replied yes, but that he would still request the kitchen be allowed to close one hour ahead of the lounge on Friday and Saturday. Councilman Cormack mentioned the Council also has a commitment to the surround- ing neighborhood and that if the restaurant serves beverages with meals, then meals should be served at all times. Mr. Altamirano was again asked if he could live with conditions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8, and he replied yes. It was moved by Mayor Quinn, seconded by Councilman Davila, and passed by the following vote to amend the motion by deleting conditions 5, 6, and 7, and to approve conditions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8. Councilman Cormack suggested Bank of America be contacted to improve the out- side appearance of the property. Councilman Barb asked if the Bank would submit plans for future development of the property. Council Minutes 3/22/83 -6- do Mr. Altamirano replied the property owners have architectural prints for the property, who he has approached them for considering a new face lift for the shop- ping center. He will ,request a copy of the architectural plans from the property owners. Councilman Jackman asked why this property was not included for redevelopment. Mr. Lang indicated he will look into this matter. Roll call vote on the amendment: AYES: 5 Council Members: Cormack, Jackman, Barb, Davila, Quinn Roll call vote on the original motion as amended: AYES: 5 Council Members: Cormack, Jackman, Barb, Davila, Quinn Mayor Quinn requested Mr. Altamirano to notify the City of the property owners' answers regarding submittal of plans to improve the property. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Martin commented on receipt of correspondence from the Clerk/Administrative Officer for the County of Los Angeles, as well as a request from Supervisor Schabarum concerning proposed location of Rancho Los Amigos Hospital as site for the new Downey Municipal Court. He said it has been requested that the City Council submit a list of locations in the manner of priority, as well as a statement that the Council finds the Rancho Los Amigos site acceptable. Councilman Jackman feels the preferable location for the courthouse would be at the Downey Civic Center. Also, he would like a commitment from the Supervisors in writing that they will not make the location of Rancho Los Amigos a regional facility. Mr. Martin mentioned in discussions with Supervisor Schabarum's staff, it was indicated that the recent remodeling in South Gate shows their intention to stay there, and meetings are being held on the feasibility of adding a second story to their building. - RESOLUTION NO. 4210 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REQUESTING CONSTRUCTION SITE FOR THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL COURT The Resolution was presented by Mayor Quinn and read in its entirety. It was moved by Councilman Cormack, seconded by Councilman Barb, and passed by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 4210 and add to the Resolution that the first choice for the Court's location is at the Downey Civic Center, and the second choice is the current site. Referring to the motion to set a hearing for public input on the Hospital or Hospital Lease, Mr. Martin informed the Council of available dates at the Theatre. Mr. Newton indicated it is his understanding the Council intends to hold a study session on the proposed Hospital Lease for the purpose of imparting informa- tion to the public as to what the Lease provides. He said it should be made clear that it is possible all questions which may be asked, including hypothetical questions, could not be answered at the meeting, in that it could require an administrative study. Councilman Cormack said it is his intent the questions should pertain to what the Lease says, and not hypothetical questions. The public meeting was set for 7:00 p.m., April 14, 1983, in the Downey Community Theatre. ORAL, COMMUNICATIONS - Audience Mr. Joel Lubin, 7820 Allengrove Street, suggested that the meeting concerning the Hospital Lease be organized so that the questions can be answered. Mr. David Ray, 7338 Nada, referred to the Elections Code and inquired regard- ing the 30-day requirement for verification of signatures on the referendum petition concerning the Hospital Lease, and for the Council to make a decision. Council Minutes 3/22/83 -7- 01 5 r1 Mr. Newton said it is his understanding the Council does not plan to defer its decision, with respect to the certification, to April 14th. The City Council has a duty to take action after certification by the Clerk, and the 30-day period in the code refers to the time given to the Clerk. There is no time period specified for the Council, but he believes it would be at the first meeting following certifica- tion as the time for the Council to consider the action it is required to take. If the Clerk certifies the petition is sufficient and a valid referendum, then the Council is put to the option at its next regular meeting of either repealing the Ordinance or setting an election. David Ray referred to the intent to have people list their questions on a card and asked whether there would be any public questioningon the Hospital Lease. It was stated by Councilman Cormack that considering the population of Downey, the cards would be the best way to have all questions answered. — Mr. Martin suggested people could submit their questions ahead of time, which would give the City Attorney an opportunity to organize them. Mayor Quinn indicated it is possible there could be two or three meetings on this issue. Mr. Ray said as spokesperson of Concerned Citizens to Save Downey Community Hospital, he would request their group be allowed to provide input. Also, the group is not politically motivated. Mr. Joel Lubin said he is not an opponent of the Hospital but is concerned about the way the Lease is written. Mr. Gary McCaughan, 9215 LaReina, spoke regarding the Resolution recommending location of the Downey Courthouse at the Civic Center. He said he is involved with the Civic Center Corporation and construction of the new City Hall and Library addition. He mentioned that an addition to the children's library could attract and he requested consideration be given to having a court near the Library, noting the type of people that could be coming in and out of the Courthouse. Councilman Cormack asked who is overseeing construction of the Civic Center and why it is moving so slowly. Mr. McCaughan replied there was a problem with a masonry contractor, the City has to follow many State codes, and the weather has been a factor. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - City Council It was moved by Mayor Quinn, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and passed by unanimous vote to include the Downey Art League with the organizations receiving free rent at the Apollo Neighborhood Center, for the remainder of the fiscal year. CLOSED SESSION Mayor Quinn recessed the meeting to closed session from 9:23 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. to discuss possible litigation and personnel. The meeting resumed with all Council Members present. It was announced that the only action taken in closed session was to identify five top candidates for the City Manager position. Interviews will commence the first week in April consisting of a three person panel headed by the City Manager Pro Tem. The City Council plans to conduct its interviews the second week in April. ADJOURNMENT: 10:31 p.m. Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer / ames T. Quinn, Mayor Council Minutes 3/22/83 -8-