HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-10-04-88-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 1988
The City Council of the City of Downey held an Adjourned Regular Meeting at
4:00 p.m., October 4, 1988, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall,
Mayor/Chairman Robert G. Cormack presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members/Commissioners:
Robert G. Cormack Mayor/Chairman
Randall R. Barb Mayor Pro Tem (arrived 4:10 p.m.)
Roy L. Paul
Barbara J. Hayden
Diane P. Boggs
ALSO PRESENT: Don Davis, City Manager
Jenny Young, City Clerk/Secretary
Peter Thorson, City Attorney
James R. Jarrett, Director of Community Services
Lee Powell, Director of Administrative Services
William A. Ralph, Director of Public Works
Vernita Anderson, City Traffic Engineer
Chris Birch, Director of Personnel
Robert Brace, Civil Engineer
William Makshanoff, Building Official
Richard Redmayne, City Engineer
Jake Wager, Redevelopment Manager
City Clerk/Secretary Young delivered the Invocation and the Flag Salute.
Council discussed moving the After -School Child Care Agenda Item to this
point in the meeting due to those in the audience wishing to address this
matter.
Council Member Barb stated that according to the Agenda (with closed
session usually taking over 3/4 hour), he advised callers that the subject
Agenda item would be heard at approximately 5:00 p.m.
It was determined that the Agenda would be followed.
Mayor/Chairman Cormack announced the Council/Commission is recessing to
closed session to discuss personnel matters; proposed property acquisition under
the provisions of Government Code Section 54956.8, as follows:
8628 Firestone Boulevard - Nissan of Downey
Property Owner: Richard M. Lehn, Trust; and
pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9, one Subdivision
(a) matter, as follows:
Stratford vs. City of Downey - Claim #642.
The meeting recessed at 4:10 p.m, and reconvened at 4:58 p.m. with all
Council/Commission Members present.
AFTER -SCHOOL CHILD CARE (Council Item only)
Director of Community Services Jarrett summarized the Agenda Memo from the
City -School Coordinating Committee dated September 23, 1988, entitled "After -
School Child Care."
The report was preliminary in nature and recommended that Council consider
the recommendation of the City -School Coordinating Committee to authorize the
implementation of a pilot program of After -School Child Care at Imperial School
as outlined (in the report).
Mayor Cormack called for those in the audience who wished to address the
Council on this matter.
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Mr. Walt Temple, 12345 Glynn Ave., felt this is a no -lose situation for the
community and urged Council approval.
Mr. Roger Lawrence, 9627 Cheddar St., stated that this is a need going
unfulfilled.
Ms. Doris Patterson, 10524 Lesterford Ave., asked Council to give this full
consideration and lead the way.
Mr. Bob Verderber, 12828 Verdura Ave., stated that he is the President of
the Chamber of Commerce and that the Chamber is supportive of low-cost child
care. He suggested this type of program would provide employment to our teens.
Ms. Paula Amadio, current PTA President of East Middle School, 9467 Haledon
Ave., spoke in favor of this pilot program. She stated that there are children
who cannot afford other programs offered.
Ms. Frances Saurenmann, President of the League of Women Voters, 7621
Shadyoak Dr., shared a County study which determined quality child care is the
less expensive when compared to funding juvenile justice.
Mrs. Joyce Lawrence, 9467 Cheddar St., felt this is an excellent use of
public funds since the buildings are there in this proposed joint project.
Ms. Cleo Latimer, President of the American Association of University
Women, 12280 Caladre, spoke in support of the proposed pilot program. She
teaches part-time in Downey and sees the need.
Mr. Ron Kolar, Chairman of the Board of the Downey Family YMCA, 9063 E.
Florence Ave., shared that the YMCA has the "Sunshine Company" after school
program. Transportation and lack of site have been their problem. He would
like to see the YMCA working jointly with the schools as opposed to City
government becoming involved.
Mr. Robert Golay, Ex -Director of the Downey Family YMCA, 7522 Buell St.,
asked if we are using resources to their fullest by implementing this proposed
program.
Mrs. Neva Byram, 9813 Guatemala Ave., questioned the liability and cost
factors, and pointed out that many children would be included who are not Downey
ciizens but whose parents work in Downey.
Mr. Walt Temple, 12345 Glynn Ave., responded to Mrs. Byram stating that, the
State policy is to accept children of parents who work in the City if there is
room.
Council Member Paul spoke in support but had questions for staff regarding
indemnification of liability, staff, the length before review of the pilot
program, and whether there is an unmet need at Imperial School. He noted the
hours of study already given.
Council Member Barb asked if the YMCA program was at its capacity; what the
YMCA does if someone cannot pay; and whether the YMCA would have the capability
of providing additional services if they had a site. He stated an interest in
concentrating on a quality child care program and provide scholarships for those
who cannot it, speaking against a bare -bones program.
Maryanne Fitzpatrick, YMCA, 11531 Downey Ave., responded that the YMCA
program could be expanded with an additional site; that there are provisions for
those who cannot pay; that the average cost is with a maximum of $53.00 per
week; and that if no transportation was required, it would reduce the cost
approximately $10.00 per week. She added that the YMCA offers after -school
field trips and swimming; and stated that she could have a report with numbers
prepared within a few days.
Council Member Hayden asked if the YMCA and the School District had
exchanged dialogue. Ms. Fitzpatrick responded that the YMCA has expressed
interest in sites.
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Council Member Boggs thanked the School District for putting together the
program restating that it is a pilot program. She referred to La Mirada who has
child care in their elementary facilities and felt this is a practical use of
Downey's facilities.
Council Member Hayden did not feel she has enough information for a good
fiscal decision for the City. She asked for further staff input and encouraged
the YMCA and School District to talk.
Mayor Cormack stated that if the YMCA could handle this type of program on
a voluntary basis with costs about the same, he would favor the voluntary
organization administering the program as opposed to government involvement.
It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Paul, and
defeated 1-4 (Council Member Boggs voting yes) to enter into the pilot program
and that a agreement be prepared setting forth the cost, eligibility, and
liabilities involved.
The following amendment was approved but died with defeat of the original
motion as follows:
It was moved by Council Member Paul, seconded by Council Member Hayden, and
carried 4-1, but later defeated with original motion (Council Member Boggs
voting no - see clarification below) to amend the motion that we agree in
concept with this pilot program and bring back a proposal within thirty days for
a one-year program which outlines costs, liability, and eligibility questions.
Council Member Boggs stated for the record that her no vote was not against
the program but that she preferred approval of the proposal as recommended.
It was clarified by the City Attorney that since the second motion was
stated as an amendment to the first motion and since the first motion was
defeated, the amendment was also defeated.
Council Member Boggs offered a motion, which did not receive a second, to
proceed as recommended, entering into a program with the Downey Unified School
District with information submitted to Council regarding fees and liability.
It was moved by Council Member Hayden, seconded by Council Member Paul, and
carried 4-1 (Council Member Barb voting no) to direct staff to bring back a full
report at the first meeting in November relative to the cost, liability, and
eligibility questions related to proceeding with an agreement between the City
and the Downey Unified School District for After -School Child Care.
Council Member Barb asked if it was the desire of the City to be involved
if the YMCA wishes to be involved. At least two other Council Members urged the
YCMA to work with the School District to see if they can come up with a better
program prior to this coming back to Council.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET - FISCAL YEAR 1988-1989 (Council Item only)
Director of Public Works Ralph asked for brief consideration of three items
on the amended Capital Projects Listing and Status Report to give approval for
Engineering costs only at an approximate cost of $15,000.
It was moved by Council Member Boggs, seconded by Council Member Hayden,
and unanimously carried to approve funds for Engineering as follows:
#26-16417 Sidewalk Reports - Citywide
#26-16418 Curb and Gutters
#25-13918 Pedestrian Improvements
Council Member Barb clarified prior to the vote that staff would return
with specific requests to go to bid.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: There were none.
The meeting recessed at 6:20 p.m. and reconvened at 6:28 p.m. with all
Council/Commission Members present.
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ZZA 3
ADJOURNMENT: 6:30 p.m.
The joint meeting was adjourned to
Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall to
to the closed session item.
Jenn u y G1 rk- r� er/
Sec ry to Co on
7:00 a.m., October 6, 1988, in the
continue this meeting as it relates
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