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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-12-06-83-Adjourned Regular Meeting7333 m = OF ME CITY COUNCIT � .F T.E ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING .i CE i. 1983 The City Council of the City of Downejq held an adjourned regular meeting at 6:30 p.m., December 6, 1983, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Robert G. Cormack presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Robert G. Cormack Mayor Ted H. Jackman Mayor Pro Tem Bob Davila James T. Quinn ABSENT: Randall R. Barb (excused) ALSO PRESENT: Bud Ovrom, City Manager Will A. Ralph, Director of Public Works James R. Cutts, Director of Ccmmmunity Development Francis E. Carter, City Planner Charles G. Eccleston, Traffic Engineer Ronald Yoshiki, Assistant City Planner Greg Shaffer, Principal Planner Barbara Hayden, Chairman - Planning Commission Frank Beckner, Member - Planning Commission Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Councilman Quinn led the Flag Salute. Mr. Ovrom explained the purpose of this meeting is to discuss transit proposals. He noted that with the passage of Proposition A, money is available for transit, and studies are being completed. He mentioned the original Agenda contained a presenta- tion concerning the bullet train, but it will not be discussed at this time. Mr. Richard Stanger, Transit Development Manager - Los Angeles County Transportation Commission, commented on the availability of Prop A Funds for transit, most of which will be used for bus subsidy. He said after 1985, at least 35 percent must be used for rail construction. He discussed the selection of the Santa Ana Freeway Corridor as a high priority corridor based on future capacity deficiency of the highways due to congestion. Also considered was the number of alternate rail routes and modes that would best suit the Corridor. A cost estimate and compati- bility study was conducted on the Santa Ana Corridor, and the commission decided the best way of serving the needs in the Corridor would be to extend the Wilshire metro line through downtown to the Santa Ana Freeway and east toward Orange County. He referred to a map displayed showing the system of rail routes the Commission would like to build as soon as possible, depending on the cost and availability of funds. A phase of the work important to Downey is whether a railway or busway should be placed in the median of the Century Freeway. It is anticipated a recommendation will be submitted to the Commission in February toward developing system. Mr. Stanger responded to questions regarding, the effect of the proposed transit system, as well as anticipated revenue generated from the one-half cent on Sales Tax. Councilman Quinn favors a busway for the Century Freeway because it could be immediate, whereas a light rail system would be built 20 years after the Freeway. Mr. Stanger mentioned a railway could be built at the same time as the Century -- Freeway is built. Proposition A in 1980 listed the Century Freeway as one of the railway corridors. Councilman Jackman asked if any consideration has been given to a monorail system or double -decking the freeways. Mr. Stanger replied yes and said an aerial rail line has been considered for the Santa Ana Freeway. If a rail system is built during construction of the Century Freeway, it will be on the ground, which is much less expensive. Ms. Susan Brown, Transit Branch Chief - Caltrans, mentioned the Century Free- way is one of the first priorities, and Caltrans is putting a major effort into constructing that freeway. Approximately $30 million in contracts are in progress and it is anticipated another $60 million in contracts will be under way next year. An estimated completion date for the freeway and transitway is 1992. Ms. Brown Council Minutes 12/6/83 (adj.) -1- J33q canmented on the Consent Decree for the Century Freeway, which called for a transit - way in the median, ten transit stations along the corridor, and park -and -ride facilities in conjunction with transit stations. Also, the Consent Decree indicated the Federal Highway Administration would pay for the cost of building the transitway up to the cost of a bus -carpool facility. Any added costs to build a rail transit - way would have to cane from other sources. Caltrans is proceeding with design of the transitway and will make a determination next year as to whether it will be a bus, carpool, or rail facility. A transitway in the Century Freeway corridor does have excellent potential for connecting with other transit systems in the region. A transit system has been proposed for the Harbor Freeway. Ms. Brown c=re ted on the methods of transferring from one transit system to another. She then discussed the Santa Ana Freeway corridor and said Caltrans has prepared a draft environmental impact statement addressing transit alternatives in the corridor. Caltrans also studied two routes for a rail transit system using the Santa Ana Freeway corridor. A decision of a preferred project in the corridor will be made after receiving results of the LACIC study, as well as a study currently under way in Orange County. She responded to questions regarding the two routes considered for the Santa Ana Freeway corridor. Mr. Ovrom asked how an elevated rail system would inpact Downey, since sound barriers have been constructed along the Santa Ana Freeway. Ms. Brown explained the subject of noise was addressed in the environmental studies, and in the final environn-ental docimient, litigation measures would be identified to deal with the impacts. Mr. Stanger said an elevated transitway would have to be at least bridge height. Ms. Brown responded to questions regarding the proposed transitways and stations. It was indicated there are approximately 15 cities affected by the proposed transitways. Mr. Stanger mentioned cities may be approached to assist in allocating some of their Prop A money to the project. Diane Boggs questioned the Santa Ana Freeway corridor having an overhead transit system while the Wilshire area will be underground. Mr. Gene Gothier, 9028 Meldar, questioned whether he can sell his property at this time since it has been indicated the park -and -ride facility on Lakewood will require the taking of hones. Luane Gibson, 9033 Meldar, spoke regarding a proposed park -and -ride facility on Lakewood Boulevard near her hone. Eleanor Lindenfelt, 8846 Manzanar, said she attended a meeting in September and was shown a map where it was planned to make a parking lot from Lakewood through to Meldar, removing 21 houses. She raised questions concerning the affect of an elevated transitway on residential properties and traffic along the freeway. Luana Gibson questioned whether a park -and -ride facility would bring any revenue to the City. Keith Jacobs, 8517 Vista Del Rosa, expressed interest in the engineering aspect of the transitway because it is a narrow median. Diane Boggs, 8629 Meadow Foad, raised questions concerning the formation of the Los Angeles County Transportation Con¢nission. The meeting %was adjourned at 7:56 p.m. Robert L. Shand,, Ci� Treasurer ert G. Co � ,Mayor Council Minutes 12/6/83 (adj.) -2-