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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-15-85-Adjourned Regular Meeting/16 / 3 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING MARCH 15, 1985 The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 8:15 a.m., March 15, 1985, in the Banquet Room of the Hondo Country Club, Mayor Randall R. Barb presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Randall R. Barb Mayor Bob Davila Mayor Pro Tem James S. Santangelo Diane P. Boggs ABSENT: Robert G. Cormack (excused) ALSO PRESENT: Bud Ovrom, City Manager Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Assemblyman Wayne Grisham Jean Good, Administrative Representative Roger Fiola, District Representative The first item discussed was proposed Community Swim Center. The City of Downey does not have a municipal swim center. Assemblyman Grisham said Sacramento is working on a program. Also, Downey Unified School District is pursuing this project. He said this matter is currently in the Senate Budget Committee but has not gone across to the Assembly Committee. He suggested the matter remain in the status quo state while the Committee(s) have it under study. The pool, when constructed,is to be located closer to Brookshire Avenue, possibly on an existing baseball diamond, although some opposition has already been voiced by the baseball organizations. The pool would be available on weekdays from 2:30 p.m. until evening and all day on weekends. Various groups would have access to the pool. Mr. Ovrom cited the fact that Downey is the largest city in the region without a municipal pool. Assemblyman Grisham concluded the discussion by saying he will find out next week what the latest developments are on the swimming pool. A short discussion was held concerning mandatory seatbelts for automobiles. The principal problem will be enforcement of such a law preceded by a storm of emotional reactions and the air bag alternate. The next subject was liability insurance legislation. Assemblyman Grisham is opposed to the current "deep pocket" concept now being thrust upon several cities due to the outcome of liability cases. On the question of Party Popularity vs. Voting for the Candidate, Assemblyman Grisham said "the person himself" determines who will be the winner in an election. Discussion took place on status of Century I-105 Freeway. Assemblyman Grisham plans to call for a Caltrans staff meeting to update progress on the construction phase for the new Freeway. Councilwoman Boggs informed Assemblyman Grisham that certain constituents in her district who live near one of the proposed offramps are quite concerned regarding the anticipated close range for construction of the ramp and new Freeway section. Councilman Santangelo seriously questions whether all of the Freeway land has been acquired. Ms. Good said she will contact Caltrans on this matter. Council Minutes 3/15/85 (adj.) -1- The area in question is adjacent to Downey (in Hollydale district). Councilwoman Boggs cited the fact that her parents sold their South Gate home 29 years ago in view of the Freeway development. The Freeway corridor still remains in that unfinished state. Councilman Davila raised a question about the City of Downey providing security for the corridor. He asked Assemblyman Grisham what the City's chances are for obtaining reimbursement to cover security costs. Mayor Barb said construction work on the beginning phases of the new Freeway are not being fenced. Mr. Ovrom mentioned that the lack of fencing invites a greater security problem. Councilwoman Boggs mentioned that one of the homes slated for demolition still has an empty swimming pool in the yard without any barricade. Councilman Davila pointed out that motorcycles being used on the dirt tracks in the corridor create a severe dust nuisance. Assemblyman Grisham mentioned Norwalk property in the Freeway corridor appears to be more securly boarded than similar property in Downey. Mayor Barb and Mr. Ovrom voiced concern regarding the gradual increase of trucks. They said this problem will escalate over the next eight years. Mayor Barb proposes that City Hall start detailing telephone calls regarding the Freeway Corridor project. Councilman Davila said another problem related to freeways is reimburse- ment expenses for construction of sound wall barriers. He proposes that sound walls not be lowered in height. Mr. Ovrom indicated the City Engineer will check on this whole matter. Councilman Davila commented on noise pollution. Councilwoman Boggs commented on the need for steps to be developed in State legislation to protect elected officials from undue harassment. Some persons in the community persist in burdening staff members with endless information. These same people also descend upon Council Members for lengthy discussions. It is a known fact that one individual in the community is requesting all permit papers for improvement to Council Members' property. This requires considerable time on the part of staff and disrupts the normal workload for conducting the business at City Hall. Councilman Santangelo said part of the problem is the Fair Political Practices Commission. It appears that information emanating from the Los Angeles office contradicts similar data issued by the Sacramento office. Council Members agree that dollarwise it is highly unfair for so much time and money to be exerted in satisfying a small faction of people. At 9:15 a.m., Councilman Davila was excused from the meeting. Councilwoman Boggs then asked Assemblyman Grisham to give a rundown on the lobbying procedure in Sacramento. Assemblyman Grisham said he will confer and advise on this matter. He recommends spot legislature lobbying rather than retaining of a lobbyist on a full time basis in view of the cost factor. Mayor Barb suggested that Council Members endeavor to attend the League of California Cities legislative update seminars. Assemblyman Grisham is planning to keep the City Council fully updated on legislative matters, pending hearings, and status of hearings. Assemblyman Grisham and his party departed at 9:27 a.m. Council Minutes 3/15/85 (adj.) -2- Continuing as an Adjourned Regular Meeting, Mayor Barb asked for any Oral Communications. Councilman Santangelo is quite concerned because he has been informed by reliable sources that Rogers Cable is actively advertising in trade journals the sale of its Downey franchise. Mr. Ovrom will investigate. Discussion then centered on the Civic Light Opera. It appears that the function is in dire financial straits and will possibly approach the City Council for financial assistance. One of the inhibitors for larger audiences appears to be the parking problem. Councilman Santangelo inquired as to the availability of any possible grant request for the Civic Light Opera. Mayor Barb said possibly $5,000 could be allocated with the Cable Access money. Also, consideration could be given to a 20 minute advertising film for viewing on local Cable TV. Mayor Barb then called for directions regarding air and water facilities proposed for local gas stations. The concensus is that the public would not be too concerned if a fee was implemented for use of air and water facilities at gas stations. He stated the City of Downey is also in need of a specific ordinance regarding the problem of adequate public sanitation facilities. Mayor Barb announced the Council would be recessing to closed session for consideration of a personnel matter and pending litigation under Section 54956.9 - Government Code as follows: 1. Section 54956.9, Subdivision (a) matters as follows: Whittington vs. City of Downey, et al; Downey CARES vs. City of Downey, et al. 2. Section 54956.9, Subdivision (b) matter. Mayor Barb then recessed the meeting to closed session from 9:45 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. The meeting resumed with Council Members Santangelo, Boggs, Barb present; Council Members Davila, Cormack absent. No actions taken during closed session. The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 a.m. Robert L. Shand, ity Cler -Treasurer Randal R. B'f�b, Mayor Council Minutes 3/15/85 (adj.) -3-