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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 03-14-06 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING MARCH 14, 2006 The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:32 p.m., Mbrch 14, 2006, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor/Chairman Meredith H. Perkins presiding. PRESENT: Council Members/Commissioners: Meredith H. Perkins Rick Trejo Mayor/Chairman Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chairman (arrived 6:45 p. m,.) David R. Gafin Kirk O. Cartozian Anne M. Bayer ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager/Executive Director Charles S. Vose, City Attorney/Economic Development Director Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk/Secretary NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: No one came forward to speak. APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES It was moved by Council Member/Commissioner GaIn, seconded by Council Member/Commissioner Bayer and unanimously carried (4/0) to approve the Closed Session Minutes of February 28, 2006. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION Mayor/Chairman Perkins announced the Council/Commission is recessing to Closed Session (6:33 p.m.) to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code: 1.Government Code Section 54956.8 – Conference with real property negotiator Charles Vose re: property located at the southwest corner of Stewart & Gray Road and Bellflower Boulevard (the leased portion of the Downey Landing development); negotiating party: Downey Landing, LLC; under negotiations: price and terms of payment. 2 Government Code Section 54957.6 – Conference with labor negotiator Lee Powell re: direction for labor negotiations with Middle Management. City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 03/14/06 -1 - RECONVENED The meeting reconvened in Open Session at 7:29 p.m. ®th all Council Members/ Commissioners present. There were no Closed Session actions to report. The meeting recessed at 7:29 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:22 p.m. Wth all Council Members/Commissioners present. ADJOURNMENT: 10:22 p.rn k#\\R'##/I/haiM. KATHLEEN L. MIBm<e MEREDITH H. PERKINS, Mayor/Chairman City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 03/14/06 -2- MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING MARCH 14, 2006 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. 1 1 Presentations DMC Amendment # 0541 re: bulk and mass of single-family Dwellings Non-Agenda Public Comment Council Member Announcements/Request for Future Agenda Items Consent Calendar Items for Removal Introduced 3 3 4 4 4 4 Council Minutes: Reg. & Adj. Mtg. 02/28/06 Warrants: # 211357-211691 ; Wire Nos.284-285; 30001183- 30001190; $3,022,668.21 CC #656, Phase 2: 9255 Impenal Hwy. Underground Storage Approved Tanks Removal: Agrmt w/JEM Ind., Inc. $41,921 ;App. Gas Tax Funds, $60,000 Agreement w/Siemens Energy, Traffic Mgmt. System Approved SELACO, 4th Amendment to Joint Powers Agreement Approved Refer to PC Code Amendment, one car garages/driveways Approved Purchase radios for Fire Dept. Ambulance Approved Chamber of Commerce Street Faire Permit-May 6th Approved Reso. #06-6908 Health & Environmental Sanitation Comm. Appt. Adopted Introduced Approved Approved 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 Amendment to Ground Lease w/Downey Landing, LLC DMC amendment, Section 3186, Regentqew & Washburn Rancho Los Amigos future Development Plans Introduced Received/Filed Adjournment MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING MARCH 14, 2006 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:32 p.m., March 14, 2006, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Meredith H. Perkins presiding. PRESENT:Council Members: Meredith H. Perkins Rick Trejo David R. Gafin Kirk O. Cartozian Anne M. Bayer Mayor Mayor Pro Tem ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Charles S. Vose, City Attorney/Economic Development Director Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works Roy Campos, Police Chief Linda Haines, Director of Development Services John Michicoff, Director of Finance Thad Phillips, Acting Community Services Director Mark Sauter, Fire Chief John Godlewski, City Planner Susan Domen, Secretary to the City Clerk PRESENTATIONS: Mayor Perkins presented a Proclamation declaring the month of March as Mental Retardation Awareness Month. Certificates of Appointment were presented to the newly formed Art in Public Places Advisory Committee members: Vivian Durkee – District One; Katherine Bode – District Two; Harold Tseklenis - District Three; and George Redfox – District Five Council Member Gafin presented a Certificate of Appointment to Luis Marquez, Cable TV Advisory Committee, District One. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1 DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT RELATING TO THE BULK AND MASS OF SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS IN THE SINGLE-FAMILY AND TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES: Development Services. (Continued from February 14, 2006) City Council Minutes 03/14/06 -1- A. INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REVISING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS RELATING TO BUILDING BULK AND MASSING OF DETACHED SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS IN THE R-1 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) AND R-2 (TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) ZONES AND ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION (CODE AMENDMENT NO. 05-01). •n +=HUn Mayor Perkins re-opened the Public Hearing at 7:49 p.m. City Clerk Midstokke affirmed receipt of a petition with approximately 1 11 signatures from homeowners and real estate professionals requesting changes to the proposed Ordinance. It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Trejo and so ordered to receive and file. City Planner Godlewski presented a staff report noting the nine items requested by City Council at the February 14th meeting. He then outlined the sections of the Code that would be affected. He noted three additional clerical changes as follows: Section 6, subsection (1 ) should include the wording “R-1 10,000” after the R-1 8,500 zones; Section 9, Table 1, under 15,000+ square foot lot/front/side/rear setbacks (2-story) should read “25’/10’/20’”; and Section 1 1, subsection (a)(1 ) the word “garage” should be inserted after “shall provide an additional one-half. ..”. Council Member Cartozian asked if a .60 FAR on a single story home is achievable and City Planner Godlewski responded yes. He inquired as to driveway space being considered for parking spaces and was told that it is already assumed those spaces are used for that purpose. Mayor Perkins inquired if Section 4 took into account the line of sight and was told that the prevailing line of sight is already addressed in another area of the Code. He then asked for the wording in Section 16 to be changed The following persons spoke in regards to the Ordinance: Lennie Whittington Paul Winslow Debra Wright Harold Tsklenis Mario Guerra Salvadore Munoz Albertus Hoogeven Lorraine Colly Elsa Van Lueven Art Abarca Greg Caldwell Jim Roberts Donald Johnston George Redfox Maria Larkin Carl Chavez Richer LaPorte It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Council Member Gafin and so ordered by the Mayor to close the Public Hearing, the time being 9:10 p.m. Council Member Gafin asked if tandem garages are allowable in the current Code and was told no. He also asked for the difference between net lot size and gross lot size and was told that the net lot is the property less any easements and dedications. Council Member Trejo inquired if this included sidewalks and was informed that no, the sidewalks belong to the City and the property line starts behind them. Mayor Perkins asked for the reasoning why tandem parking spaces aren’t allowed and was told that traditionally they have not been allowed in residential areas. He then inquired how long it would take a person to get through the process of being able to rebuild and the suggested that the time to rebuild be extended to 24 months instead of the recommended 18 months. Council Member Gafin stated that he feels rooms that potentially could be used as bedrooms need to be counted towards parking requirements because you have to consider future uses. He also thinks tandem parking should be considered after two or three spaces. City Council Minutes 03/14/06 -2- City Attorney Vose explained that since tandem parking had not been a part of the original discussions for this Ordinance, it would have to be referred back to the Planning Commission for study and recommendation. Mayor Pro Tem Trejo stated he is satisfied with the staff recommendations; however, he is concerned whether City resources will be available if the City becomes completely built out. He noted that the big homes are nice, but the issue of privacy for neighbors should take precedence Council Member Bayer mentioned that she is in favor of changing the 18 months to 24 months. She thanked City Planner Godlewski for a excellent job on his first report and presentation to City Council. Council Member Cartozian thanked Development Services Director Haines for her efforts on this project. He noted the great change in the level of respect for parties on both sides of this issue and thinks the proposal is a reasonable compromise. He agrees that including other rooms for parking requirements is sound as it is too late afterwards. Design Review Guidelines are important and he hopes they are done in a well organized fashion that won't restrict the process. Mayor Perkins inquired if City Planner Godlewski had come up with new wording for Section 16 and he suggested the following changes: “...all proposed developments in plan check with the Building Department prior to the effective date of this Ordinance shall be considered under the rules in effect at the time of submittal”. He clarified that merely submitting a title sheet will not be adequate, it must be a complete set of drawings. city Clerk Midstokke clarified the amendments to the Ordinance for introduction; 18 month reconstruction period be changed to “24 months”; the wording for Section 16 be changed to delete all wording after the word “submittal”; Section 6 subsection (1 ) adding “R-1 10,000"; Section 9 Table 1, third column, change last entry from 20 to “25" feet; and, Section 1 1 subsection (a)(1 ) add the word “garage”. It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Council Member Bayer and unanimously carried to introduce the Ordinance with the amendments. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: None OTHER BUSINESS – Council Member Announcements or Requests for Future Agenda Items: Council Member Gafin requested the initiation of a Code amendment to study allowing tandem garage parking after the required parking has been met. There was concurrence from the Council that this matter be sent to the Planning Commission. He recognized Chamber of Commerce new Executive Director Susan Nordin in the audience tonight; expressed that he had a wonderful experience reading to the 2-d grade students at Ward Elementary; and thanked Council Member Cartozian for serving on the residential building study subcommittee with him. Mayor Pro Tem Trejo announced that he enjoyed attending the North West Downey Little League opening ceremony, noting they have been in existence for fifty years. Council Member Bayer announced that she will be participating in a Read-In at Gallatin Elementary this Friday; and that she attended the grand opening of an Action Faith Ministries preschool along with Mayor Perkins and Council Member Gafin. City Council Minutes 03/14/06 -3- Council Member Cartozian expressed that he had a sense of relief and satisfaction that the residential building study had been concluded utilizing compromise, noting that it was a great team effort; and requested that staff review the heating and cooling system in City Hall which was installed with the original building construction in 1984. Mayor Perkins congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Trejo on the celebration of his birthday last Saturday; announced that he had attended two hours of ethics training given by the League of California Cities; and requested that the City Manager schedule a study session for the Space Science Learning Center/Museum/Park, preferably on April 1 1 th CONSENT CALENDAR – ITEMS FOR REMOVAL: 7.REFER TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION INITIATION OF A CODE AMENDMENT TO ALLOW RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES WITHIN THE SINGLE-FAMILY AND TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES THAT HAVE AN EXISTING ONE CAR GARAGE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL OFF-STREET PARKING BY INCREASING THE ALLOWABLE DRIVEWAY WIDTH: Development Services. This item was removed at the request of Council Member Gafin and is listed under Other Business below. 12.INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS FOR REGENTVIEW AVENUE AND WASHBURN ROAD: public Works. This item was removed at the request of Council Member Gafin and is listed under Other Business below CONSENT CALENDAR: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Trejo, seconded by Council Member Bayer and unanimously carried to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar items as recommended: 2.APPROVED COUNCIL MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meetings February 28, 2006: City Clerk. 3.APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Nos. 211357-211691 : Wire Nos. 30001183-30001190; in the total amount of $3,022,668.21: Finance. 4.CASH CONTRACT NO. 656, PHASE 2: 9255 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS REMOVAL: Public Works. A. AWARDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,921 TO JEM INDUSTRIES, INC.; B. APPROPRIATED $60,000 1N GAS TAX FUNDS. 5.APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH SIEMENS ENERGY AND AUTOMATION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AN ADVANCED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM; AND A SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT: Public Works. 6.APPROVED FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT – SOUTHEAST LOS ANGELES COUNTY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD: Administration. 8.APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF NEW RADIOS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AMBULANCE AND APPROPRIATED $8,700: Fire. City Council Minutes 03/14/06 -4- 9.APPROVED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STREET FAIRE PERMIT FOR MAY 6, 2006: Administration. 10.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 06-6908, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF RICHARD MOLINARO TO THE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION COMM11-FEE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT THREE: Administration. 11.INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE GROUND LEASE BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND DOWNEY LANDING, LLC (DOWNEY LANDING PROJECT): City Attorney OTHER BUSINESS: 13.DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION RE: FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE RANCHO LOS AMIGOS BUSINESS CENTER PROPERTY-SOUTH CAMPUS, REQUESTED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CARTOZIAN: City Attorney. City Attorney Vose presented a staff report outlining the three recommendations: to receive and file the report; to submit the matter to the Rancho Los Amigos Council Subcommittee for further recommendation; or, to submit the matter to the Planning Commission for Public Hearings to reconsider the Specific Plan and General Plan designations for this site. He noted that the County is the owner of this property and may utilize it for any form of County government purposes without the City’s consent. Currently the County has stated they have long term plans to consolidate various County offices on this South Campus site. Council Member Cartozian stressed that he felt there is a fourth option to do a feasibility study and prepare some ideas of what the City wants there if private development is proposed City Attorney Vose stated that the only way to do this would be to hold Public Hearings with the Planning Commission and the City Council to amend the Specific Plan for this site and the General Plan that have been adopted previously. Council Member Gafin noted that the Specific Plan put in place by the preceding Councils addresses this concern. Since the County has stated their intentions to use the property, it is premature to expend the funds and staff time at this time. Mayor Pro Tem Trejo echoed agreement with Council Member Gafin’s comments and noted that the County Board of Supervisors has been previously approached about the development of this property. Council Member Bayer stated she felt the same, that it is a bit premature. Mayor Perkins noted his agreement in that it is better to be proactive, however since the County has made their intentions clear and there is currently a vision in place for the property if it should become available, that a study is not necessary at this time. It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Council Member Bayer and unanimously carried to receive and file the report. City Council Minutes 03/14/06 -5- CONSENT CALENDER – ITEMS REMOVED BY COUNCIL APPROVAL: 7.REFERRED TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION INITIATION OF A CODE AMENDMENT TO ALLOW RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES WITHIN THE SINGLE-FAMILY AND TWO- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES THAT HAVE AN EXISTING ONE CAR GARAGE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL OFF-STREET PARKING BY INCREASING THE ALLOWABLE DRIVEWAY WIDTH: Development Services. Council Member Gafin inquired if this item has parody with lots that have two car garages and was informed that it does. It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and unanimously carried to refer the item to the Planning Commission. 12.INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS FOR REGENTVIEW AVENUE AND WASHBURN ROAD: Public Works. Council Member Gafin inquired why the speed limit would be changed on the section of Washburn Road between Woodruff Avenue and Bellflower Boulevard as it is a highly condensed residential area with apartment buildings and children outside all the time. Public Works Director Alvarez explained that this is a valid concern, but with the procedure set-up by the State to allow radar enforcement, the speed limit needs to be adjusted upward based upon the traffic surveys. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Trejo, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and carried by the following vote to introduce the Ordinance. AYES: NOES: Cartozian, Trejo, Mayor Perkins Bayer, Gafin STAFF COMMENTS: City Manager Caton indicated that he will be meeting with the new Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susan Nordin in the near future. ADJOURNMENT: 10:22 p.m. The meeting adjourned in memory of Bill Turner, longtime Downey resident and professional entertainer; and Frankie Pedulla, longtime friend of Council Member Cartozian, to 6:30 p.m., March 28, 2006. NwlMMWML KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk MEREDITH H. PERKINS, Mayor City Council Minutes 03/14/06 -6-