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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SEPTEMBER 24, 1985
TABLE OF MINUTE
ACTIONS
SUBJECT
ACTION
PAGE NO.
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar
1
Minutes, Adj. Reg. Mtg., Sept. 10, 1985
Approved
1
Legal Claims for Rejection: Ref. #755, Trula
Tarver - Appl. for Late Claim
Rejected
1
Cash Contract #SS-363 (FAU), Clark Av. - Imperial
Hwy. to Lakewood Bl.: Change Orders #1, 2 & 3 &
accept improvements
Approved
1
General Warrants #8730 - 8952
Approved
1
Golf Course Joint Powers Auth.: Amended Conflict
of Interest Code
Approved
1
City/School Dist. Agmt.: Auth. C.M. to sign for
providing 900 hours extraordinary patrol service
Approved
1
Appropriation Adjustment: Carry forward of pre-
vious year encumbrances
Approved
1
Res. #4642, Proposing to Annex into Ltg. Dist.
(Annex. 85/30, Stewart & Gray bet. Rives/Horton
Adopted
2
Res. #4643, Apprvg. Engr's. Rpt. (Annex. 85/30)
Adopted
2
Res. #4644, Decl. Int, to Annex into Ltg. Maint.
Adopted; sets hearing
Dist. AD 121 (Annex. 85/30)
for 10/22/85
2
Res. #4645, Apprvg. Appl. for Grant Funds for
Furman Park Bldg. Renovation
Adopted
2
Minutes, Reg. Mtg., Sept. 10, 1985
Approved as corrected
2
Resolutions re Fees for Copies & Fees for
Research & Investigation
Cont'd. to 10/22/85
2
John Gonzalez re processing of building permit
copies
3
Susanna Parker re complaint on storing antique
cars in garage at NE corner Via Amorita & Susan
3
Richard Russell re stop sign at intersection of
Guatemala & Lubec
3
Ord. re Satellite Dish Antennas (urgency)
Held over to 10/1/85
3
CC #SS-396, Via Amorita Av./Susan Av.: Auth.
transfer of funds & award contract
Approved
3
Citywide Transportation Needs Assessment
Tabled
4
Downey Rose Float Assn. - Const. Loan Request
Cont'd, to 10/22/85
5
Unscheduled Equipment Purchase of Tractor &
auth. budget appropriation
Approved
5
Modification of Library Entrance doors:
Appropriation of funds
Approved
5
Mr. Ralph re comments of speakers on SS Proj.
#396, Via Amorita
5
Page 1 of 2
COUNCIL MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 24 1985
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
John Gonzalez re Resolutions on fees for copies &
for research & investigation 5
John Gonzalez re advertising of Ordinance on
Moratorium re Satellite Dish Antennas 5
Mayor Pro Tem Santangelo re AB 365 on Prosecu-
table Definition of Obscenity 5
Cn. Barb re letter from Eleanor Lindenfeld re her
water meter 5
Meeting adjourned to 5:00 p.m., Oct. 1, 1985, for
consideration of personnel 6
Page 2 of 2
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SEPTEMBER 24, 1985
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 8:18 p.m.,
September 24, 1985, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Pro
Tem James S. Santangelo presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
James S. Santangelo Mayor Pro Tem
Diane P. Boggs
Randall R. Barb
ABSENT: Bob Davila Mayor (excused)
Robert G. Cormack (excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Don Davis, City Manager Pro Tem
Carl K. Newton, City Attorney
James R. Cutts, Director of Community Development
William A. Ralph, Director of Public Works
Lee Powell, Director of Administrative Services
William F. Martin, Police Chief
James R. Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer
Clint Crosby, Acting Battalion Chief
Scot Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer
Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary
INVOCATION AND FLAG SALUTE
The Invocation was delivered by Reverend Joe Grana, First Christian
Church. The Flag Salute was led by Councilman Barb.
PRESENTATIONS - None
HEARINGS - None
REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Items VIII-G-1, Resolution regarding Fees for Copies of Documents;
and VIII-G-2, Resolution regarding Fees for Research and Investigation
Documents; were removed at the request of Councilwoman Boqqs.
Agenda Item VIII-A-2, Minutes of Regular Meeting, September 10, 1985, was
removed at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santangelo.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Councilman Barb, seconded by Councilwoman Boggs, and passed
by the following vote to approve the Remainder of the Consent Calendar:
Minutes: Adjourned Regular Meeting, September 10, 1985.
Legal Claims for Rejection: Ref. 1755, Trula Tarver - Application for
Late Claim.
Cash Contract #SS-363 (FAU), Clark Avenue - Imperial Highway to
Lakewood Boulevard: Approve Change Orders No. 1, 2, and 3 and accept
improvements constructed and maintenance responsibility.
General Warrants: #8730 - 8952 - $1,310,323.27.
Golf Course Joint Powers Authority: Adopt amended Conflict of Interest
Code.
City/School District Agreement: Authorize the City Manager to sign
agreement for providing 900 hours of extraordinary patrol service.
Appropriation Adjustment: Carry forward of previous year encumbrances.
Council Minutes 9/24/85 -1-
nK�n
RESOLUTION NO. 4642
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
PROPOSING TO ANNEX A CERTAIN AREA INTO THE LIGHTING
MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. A.D. 121 AND ORDERING THE
ENGINEER TO PREPARE AND FILE A REPORT PURSUANT TO THE
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972 (ANNEXATION 85/30
STEWART AND GRAY ROAD BETWEEN RIVES AVENUE AND HORTON AVENUE)
RESOLUTION NO. 4643
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR THE ADDITION TO
LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT A.D. 121 OF ANNEXATION
85/30 - STEWART AND GRAY ROAD BETWEEN RIVES AVENUE
AND HORTON AVENUE
RESOLUTION NO. 4644
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ANNEX A CERTAIN AREA INTO
THE LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT A.D. 121 AND TO
MAINTAIN AND FURNISH ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO STREET
LIGHTING FIXTURES ON THE STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES
(ANNEXATION 85/30 - STEWART AND GRAY ROAD BETWEEN
RIVES AVENUE AND HORTON AVENUE)
(sets the hearing for 7:30 p.m., October 22, 1985)
RESOLUTION NO. 4645
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS UNDER THE
REGIONAL COMPETITIVE PROGRAM OF THE CALIFORNIA PARK
AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ACT OF 1984 FOR FURMAN
PARK BUILDING RENOVATION
AYES: 3 Council Members: Boggs, Barb, Santangelo
ABSENT: 2 Council Members: Cormack, Davila
Minutes, Regular Meeting of September 10, 1985
Mayor Pro Tem Santangelo referred to Page 7 regarding Proposed Long Beach
Freeway offramp, wherein it states "Councilman Santangelo feels the Chamber (of
Commerce) should have consulted with the City prior to to conducting a debate,"
which he said was taken out of context. He wants the record clarified that he
under no circumstances feels the Chamber should have to check with the City in
conducting its business, and he asked that the Minutes be modified to reflect
that fact.
It was moved by Councilwoman Boggs, seconded by Councilman Barb, and passed
by the following vote to approve the Minutes as corrected.
AYES: 3 Council Members: Boggs, Barb, Santangelo
ABSENT: 2 Council Members: Cormack, Davila
Resolutions regarding Fees for Copies and Fees for Research and
Investigation
Councilwoman Boggs is concerned whether ten minutes for locating a document
is too short of a time. It was moved by Councilwoman Boggs and seconded by
Councilman Barb to change it to at least 15 minutes.
Councilwoman Boggs then suggested taking another look at this matter and to
bring back the resolutions at the meeting of October 22nd for a full Council.
It was so ordered to bring the Resolutions back on October 22nd.
Mr. John Gonzalez, 12350 Orizaba, indicated he would like to speak to the
resolutions and was told they were continued to October 22nd.
Mayor Pro Tem Santangelo declared a recess from 8:27 p.m. to 8:37 p.m. The
meeting resumed with Council Members Boggs, Barb, Santangelo present; Council
Members Cormack, Davila absent.
Council Minutes 9/24/85 -2-
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Items not on Agenda
Mr. John Gonzalez, 12350 Orizaba, spoke regarding processing of building
Permit copies, one of which is sent to the County Tax Assessor, and said Downey
is the only City that requests the Assessor to return the copy. He questioned
the amount of time and money spent in sending copies to the Tax Assessor to be
returned back to the City and suggested the Assessor's office be allowed to keep
the copy. He also questioned what the City does with the other copies.
Mrs. Susanna Parker, 7214 Via Amorita, complained about storing of antique
cars in a garage at the northeast corner of Via Amorita and Susan, which are
being renovated and hauled away for auction. She requested this be looked into.
Mayor Pro Tem Santangelo asked Mrs. Parker to see Mr. Cutts, who will keep
her advised on this matter.
Councilwoman Boggs is concerned about people illegally operating businesses
from their homes, and she hopes there can be stronger Code enforcement on this
problem.
Mr. Richard Russell, 9759 Guatemala Avenue, commented regarding the stop
sign installed at the intersection of Guatemala and Lubec, which he said is
located in his front yard and has made it impossible for he and his neighbor to
enter or exit their driveways. He mentioned the City's staff has recommended a
stop sign not be placed at this intersection, and he questioned why the Council
would disregard the recommendation of staff. Also no notification was given
that the Council intended to implement the stop sign.
Councilman Barb explained the Council has listened to people from the
Guatemala area during several meetings, and some of the people were in favor and
others were opposed to the stop sign. Petitions have been received on both
sides of the issue. Several weeks ago the Council did respond to a group of
residents requesting the stop sign, and at that time it was agreed to install
the sign on a trial basis to see if it would solve the problem. If it does not,
then the sign will have to be removed.
Councilwoman Boggs said the Council has received input from people opposed
and in favor of the stop sign, and people on the Island opposed were to "no
right turn signs" because it was felt they were blocking access to their
neighborhood. Also, she has visited the area because of complaints received
regarding location of the stop sign.
Mayor Pro Tem Santangelo stated the Council is comprised of five people in
the community trying to do the best it can for the City. After a report back on
what effect the stop sign has had on the area the Council will act accordingly.
ORDINANCES
There being no objection, it was so ordered to hold the Urgency Ordinance
on Satellite Dish Antennas over for one week (October 1, 1985).
RESOLUTIONS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
It was moved by Councilman Barb, seconded by Councilwoman Boggs, and passed
by the folowing vote to authorize transfer of funds in the amount of $13,000
from Account No. 26-16398 to 26-16396 for use on Cash Contract No. SS 396, Via
Amorita Avenue/Susan Avenue and award a unit price contract totaling $95,393,25
to Nobest Incorporated for construction of street improvements.
Mrs. Parker, 7214 Via Amorita, commented on receipt of a letter from the
City outlining an alternative of requiring adjacent property owners to acquire a
minimum of $500,000 liability insurance if trees are to be retained. She
insisted on concrete curbing, driveways and aprons to replace what they have
had for 38 years. Mrs. Parker agreed to having the trees removed.
Mr. Ralph said the intent of the letter was to explain the City's problem
with liability. He then discussed the proposed improvements and indicated staff
could not recommend concrete which costs substantially more than asphalt. He
also noted removal of the trees will allow the planting of good trees.
Mrs. Parker stated the four residents who will have their pine trees
removed do not want the pine trees the City intends to plant. She cited the
Council Minutes 9/24/85 -3-
necessity of trimming and topping trees and recommended taking the money slated
for this project and using it to improve the Firestone corridor.
Councilwoman Boggs responded to comments of Mrs. Parker regarding liability
insurance and the City's attempt to redevelop the Firestone corridor.
Miss Peggy Moyer, 7219 Via Amorita, said the tree in front of her home is
not lifting the pavement and sidewalk. She asked if the tree could be allowed
to remain until such time as it does cause damage.
Mr. Ralph stated there are two trees in the front yard at 7219 Via Amorita,
but only one is to be removed. All of the trees to be removed are causing
damage. Staff is recommending a slower growing pine for the narrow parkways.
Mrs. Peggy Moyer, 7219 Via Amorita, said the aleppo pine is not eroding the
sidewalk or curb but the damage was caused by a prior tree that was removed and
replaced. She has suggested putting metal cylinders around the trees to force
the roots down instead of into curbs and sidewalks and was told it would be
taken into consideration. Mrs. Moyer has agreed to remove her tree but she also
wants the City tree removed.
Mayor Pro Tem Santangelo explained Mr. Ralph has indicated he would be
willing to go out and talk to the residents.
AYES: 3 Council Members: Boggs, Barb, Santangelo
ABSENT: 2 Council Members: Cormack, Davila
Citywide Transportation Needs Assessment
It was moved by Councilwoman Boggs and seconded by Councilman Barb to
approve recommendation No. 1 only for authorizing transmittal of LACTC
Proposition A funding application in the amount of $50,000. (See motion to
table.)
Councilwoman Boggs indicated she will be watching the funds very closely
and had hoped staff would be able to conduct the study.
Councilman Barb cannot see spending money for the study and feels staff can
determine transportation needs for senior citizens and handicapped or groups
that will utilize it the most. He is not in favor of putting together a full-
scale bus program, and he would like to see staff conduct a limited study of the
needs discussed.
Councilwoman Boggs pointed out that Proposition A money is available, and
she would like staff to look into the type of bus service for moving citizens
within Downey to take care of their basic needs. She would prefer to see a
survey for less than $50,000.
Mr. Jarrett responded to questions regarding the Dial -a -Ride program.
Councilman Barb feels an expanded Dial -a -Ride service would meet the needs.
Mayor Pro Tem Santangelo does not want to authorize funds for study by a
consultant without having first received preliminary information from staff on
the Dial -a -Ride system and whether it is being utilized to full extent.
Mr. Roger Lawrence, 9627 Cheddar, mentioned the Council is hesitating on
spending $50,000 for a study but he has seen no long range plan on how the City
will spend the Prop A funds it continues to receive.
It was moved by Councilwoman Boggs, seconded by Councilman Barb, and so
ordered to table.
Mr. Jarrett explained the Council has received two reports, one of which
was a survey of other cities and what they are doing in developing their own
system, and the other was an analysis of the City's system including its
deficiencies. From staff's perspective it is felt there are four -to -five areas
that should be improved in expanding hours, more flexible scheduling, and same
day service.
Mayor Pro Tem Santangelo asked that any future report include a copy of
previous reports and what equipment the City has now.
It was noted the motion to table included all three recommendations.
Council Minutes 9/24/85 -4-
Councilman Barb said he is requesting an analysis of the transit system
from an efficiency standpoint, how many people are being transported, how a
regular route would be handled.
The Downey Rose Float Association - Construction Loan Request was continued
to the meeting of October 22, 1985.
It was moved by Councilman Barb, seconded by Councilwoman Boggs, and passed
by the following vote to approve an Unscheduled Equipment Purchase of a tractor
in the estimated amount of $6,652.50 and authorize a budget appropriation in a
like amount from the Golf Course Enterprise Fund unappropriated reserve.
AYES: 3 Council Members: Boggs, Barb, Santangelo
ABSENT: 2 Council Members: Cormack, Davila
It was moved by Councilwoman Boggs, seconded by Councilman Barb, and passed
by the following vote to approve Modification of Library Entrance Doors and
appropriation of funds in the amount of $15,000 from the General Fund Reserves.
Councilwoman Boggs would like the architect to take a look at the flaw in
design of locating the computer next to the doorway.
Councilman Barb suggested installing a barrier rather than two additional
doors if it will solve the problem.
AYES: 3 Council Members: Boggs, Barb, Santangelo
ABSENT: 2 Council Members: Cormack, Davila
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Staff Members
Mr. Ralph said the comments made by the speakers on Cash Contract No. SS
396, Via Amorita Avenue/Susan Avenue is an exaggeration of what has taken place
over the last several years.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Audience
Mr. John Gonzalez, 12350 Orizaba, spoke regarding the Resolutions on Fees
for Copies of Documents and Fees for Research and Investigation Documents and
questioned the proposed fees and mentioned there was a Judge's ruling on the
Downey CARES matter in which it was stated the City could not charge more than
10 cents a copy.
Mr. Newton advised there was a ruling of the Court in that the Judge
confirmed the structure of fees for documents the City was utilizing, and the
claim on this matter was denied by the Court.
Mr. Gonzalez said it should be up to the taxpayers as to whether they are
for or against this, and he commented on the difficulty he has had in obtaining
copies of documents necessary in the lawsuit the City has pending against him.
Mr. Newton explained that in litigation matters, if the City receives a
Motion to Produce or subpoena, no charge is made for those documents. Charges
imposed by the proposed resolutions would have no relation.
Mr. Gonzalez feels the proposed Ordinance establishing a Moratorium on
Satellite Dish Antennas should have been advertised in the newspaper.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - City Council
Mayor Pro Tem Santangelo commented on receipt of a letter regarding
Assembly Bill 365 concerning a Prosecutable Definition of Obscenity.
Councilwoman Boggs has requested the Council's secretary to obtain a copy
of the bill so that it can be reviewed prior to any decision by the Council.
Councilman Barb mentioned he received a letter from Eleanor Lindenfeld
regarding her water meter, and he requested a report for the Council with the
possibility of making this an agenda item at the next meeting.
Council Minutes 9/24/85 -5-
ADJOURNMENT: 9:55 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned to 5:00 p.m., October 1, 1985, for consideration
of personnel matters, confidential information, and open session to consider any
business that may come before the City Council.
Robert L. S & d', City Qlerk-Treasurer
—Jame5 S. Santang", Mayor Pro Tem
Council Minutes 9/24/85