HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 05-09-06 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
MAY 9, 2006
The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an
Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:33 p.m., Why 9, 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 6:37 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
Scott Pomrehn, Assistant to the City Manager
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT:
John Drayer, resident of Bellflower, requested a traffic signal at Lakewood Boulevard,
Paramount Boulevard and Deming Avenue and submitted petitions containing 244 signatures,
pictures, a letter and a CD.
APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MNUTES
It was moved by Council Member/Commissioner Cartozian, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner GaIn and unanimously carried (4/0) to approve the Closed Session
Minutes of April 25, 2006.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor/Chairman Perkins announced the Council/Commission is recessing to Closed
Session (6:36 p.m.) to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the
Government Code:
1.
2.
Government Code Section 54956.9(a) – Conference with legal counsel – existing litigation.
Central Basin Municipal Water District v. City of Downey, LASC Case # BS100034.
Government Code Section 54956.8 – Conference with real property negotiator Charles Vose
re: 9066 Firestone Boulevard; negotiating party: Primestor Development; under negotiations:
price and terms of payment.
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 05/09/06 -1 -
RECONVENED
The meeting reconvened in Open Session at 7:30 p.m. dth all Council Members/
Commissioners present. City Attorney Vose announced that the City Council unanimously approved
two settlement agreements regarding the existing litigation with the Central Basin Municipal Water
District and that the documents WII be available for public review tomorrow at the City Clerk’s
Department.
The meeting recessed at 7:31 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 9:21p.m. Wth all Council Members/Commissioners present.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:21 p.m.
V{@44„.JW #gnhhMKATHLEEN L. MiDSTOKKE, City Clerk/Secretary
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 05/09/06 -2-
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 9, 2006
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Presentations
CDBG & Home Programs 2006-07 Action Plan
Non-Agenda Public Comment
Council Member Announcements/Request for Future Agenda Items
Approved 2
2
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
6
6
Consent Calendar Items for Removal
Council Minutes: Reg. & Adj. Mg. 04/25/06
Warrants: # 212802-213177: Wire Nos. 287. 30001215-22:
$3,653,595.20
CC #632A-1 B Lakewood Blvd. Improvements
Police Car Mobile Radios Purchase, $55,622
21 st Century Comm. Lrg. Center Grant Funds
Appeal of Denial, ZV05-147, 7753 Hondo St.
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Set Hearing
05/23/06
Ord. #06-1 190, Amend DMC 3186, Speed Limits Brookshire Ave Adopted
50th Anniversary Special Event
Reso. #06-6916, Pedestrian Funds Application, 05/06 Adopted
Adjournment
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 9, 2006
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:33 p.m., May 9, 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, Public Works Director
Roy Campos, Police Chief
Linda Haines, Development Services Director
John Michicoff. Finance Director
Thad Phillips, Community Services Director
Scott Pomrehn, Assistant to the City Manager
Mark Sauter. Fire Chief
John Godlewski, City Planner
Ron LeVar, Building Official
Ed Velasco, Housing Manager
Susan Domen, Secretary to the City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Perkins presented a Proclamation declaring the month of May as Older American's
Month to Dorothy Wilson.
Mayor Perkins presented a Proclamation declaring the week of May 7-13 as California
Building Safety Week to Ron LeVar, Building Official.
Mayor Perkins presented a Proclamation declaring the month of May as National Foster
Parent Recognition Month to Martha Sodetani and family, Downey Unified School District Board
Trustee of Education and resident.
Mayor Perkins presented Certificates of Appreciation to Downey High School’s Associated
Student Body and Mrs. Durkee’s Art Class as the top fund raising school for the
Leukemia/Lymphoma Society’s “Pennies for Patients" program.
City Council Minutes 05/09/06 -1-
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1.APPROVED 2006-07 ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
(CDBG) AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS: Development Services.
Mayor Perkins opened the Public Hearing at 7:50 p.m. City Clerk Midstokke affirmed
receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Trejo, seconded by Council
Member Gafin and so ordered to receive and file.
Housing Manager Velasco presented a staff report outlining the breakdown of the available
monies and how they are proposed to be distributed. Next fiscal year, the City will receive federal
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds in the amount of $1,550,819 in CDBG and $742,443
in HOME funds. Additionally, staff estimates that the City would receive $190,000 in grant program
income noting that the funding is a 10% decrease from last year. These Grants are restricted funds
and must be used for activities that are consistent with HUD’s national objectives and the City’s
approved Consolidated Plan. Staff is recommending that the CDBG and HOME funds are allocated
for the same activities and programs approved in the previous fiscal year, with adjustments in public
service grants to reflect the reduced Grant allocations.
Council Member Cartozian asked if it is known what the Federal government is planning for
the future of these programs and was told that they are proposing another 25% cut for next year;
however, many cities are writing letters and requesting for this not to occur or not be more than 15%.
He then inquired as to how flexible the use of funds for fagade improvement was and if it could be
used for graffiti abatement and was informed that it is pretty specific and the graffiti funding comes
from another source in the City budget.
There being no public speakers, it was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Trejo and so ordered to close the Public Hearing at 8:03 p.m.
Council Member Gafin stated that he felt the distribution of the cuts had been done equitably.
Council Member Bayer mentioned her concerns over the current and possible future
decreases in funding to the program.
Council Member Cartozian requested that information come back regarding the flexibility of
some of the monies to allocate towards other uses.
It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Trejo and
unanimously carried to approve the 2006-2007 Action Plan, and authorize the City Manager to
submit the Action Plan and Grantee Certifications to the Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT:
Paul Granata, owner of Granata’s restaurant in downtown Downey, thanked the Council for
their prior efforts regarding the revitalization of downtown and requested continued efforts to improve
economic viability for the businesses.
Paul Ambrose, resident of Yorba Linda and owner of a sports bar, asserted that there was a
fight with resulting damages last Saturday on the premises and alleged that off-duty employees of
the Downey Fire Department were involved.
City Council Minutes 05/09/06 -2-
Maria Larkin, resident of Downey, thanked the Council for supporting the downtown work
committee in 1997 and requested a permanent banner or sign on Firestone Boulevard identifying
downtown.
Robert Rubio, resident and member of the Emergency Preparedness Committee, thanked
the Fire Department for a job well done on the Fire Expo last Saturday.
Patty Medina, owner of Pinata’s Taco House in downtown Downey, requested that the City
support the downtown area and suggested that the Street Faire be moved back to Downey Avenue
and a Farmers Market be considered.
Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, indicated that although he agrees with helping the
businesses on Downey Avenue, the businesses on Firestone Boulevard need assistance too.
David Llamas (sp.?), owner of Mambo Grill in downtown Downey, expressed that he
supported the request that the City assists the downtown businesses.
Adele Alexander, resident of Downey and member of the Assistance League, spoke
regarding the Second Time Around Thrift Store on Downey Avenue and indicated they would benefit
from more customers in the downtown area.
City Clerk Midstokke referenced that John Drayer, resident of Bellflower, had spoke at the
earlier Adjourned Joint Meeting regarding a request for a traffic signal at Lakewood Boulevard ,
Paramount Boulevard and Deming Avenue and submitted petitions containing 244 signatures,
pictures, a letter and a CD.
OTHER BUSINESS – Council Member Announcements or Requests for Future Agenda Items:
Mayor Pro Tem Trejo thanked Mayor Perkins for attending a Saturday morning meeting of
the Men’s Club of the First Presbyterian Church; announced that he had attended the Kids Day Hall
of Fame Awards which were enjoyed by all; commended the Chamber of Commerce for an excellent
Street Faire which he and his family enjoyed; and indicated what a positive development the
Downey Landing has become with the stores and food court where his family especially enjoys Cold
Stone Creamery.
Council Member Gafin also congratulated the Community Services Department on the Kids
Day Hall of Fame Awards and was amazed by all of the activities the recipients are involved with;
congratulated the Chamber of Commerce for an excellent Street Faire with beautiful weather and all
of the various activities; announced that he had attended the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of
Arc who has made tremendous progress serving hundreds of clients, the Emergency Preparedness
Expo which was well done and well attended, the annual Southern California Association of
Governments meeting representing Downey and South Gate with guest speaker U.S. Secretary of
Transportation Mineta; and announced that Saturday is the annual Kids Day event at Furman Park.
Council Member Cartozian announced that he had also attended the Street Faire where he
helped promote Gangs Out of Downey (GOOD) with Council Member Gafin; requested that the
issue of having the Street Faire back on Downey Avenue be looked into; expressed that he supports
an archway entrance and vision for downtown Downey along with development that will create more
pedestrian traffic; indicated he was contacted by Council Member Gene Daniels of the City of
Paramount regarding the southwest corner of Lakewood and Paramount Boulevards which appears
neglected and requested the staff contact the City of Paramount; announced that he had attended
the grand opening of the new office of Washington Mutual which is the top grossing office in
residential loan origination in the U.S.
City Council Minutes 05/09/06 -3-
Council Member Bayer announced that she had once again chaperoned the Pathfinders
Camp supported by St. John Bosco, St. Josephs, Downey and Warren High Schools; and
announced that Citizens for Downey will be meeting tomorrow morning at Rio Hondo Event Center
and discussing State Propositions 81 and 82 on the June ballot.
Mayor Perkins recognized his oldest son Jeff and Emergency Preparedness Committee
appointee Robert Rubio in the audience; indicated that he has met the Southern California Gas
Company’s new Vice-President Eugene Mitchell who will be working on public relations; announced
that he had attended the annual Amistad GaIa for Rancho Los Amigos Foundation which raised over
$100,000, the Washington Mutual grand opening which had over 1 ,500 persons in attendance;
requested that updates on the NASA Park/Learning Center and also Downey Studios be on a future
Council agenda.
City Manager Caton announced that due to the recent trip to Washington, D.C. by the Mayor
and City staff regardinq funding for the NASA Park and Learning Center, other projects are being
considered and that our representatives are working very hard on behalf of the City.
CONSENT CALENDAR – ITEMS FOR REMOVAL:
8.ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR PEDESTRIAN FUNDS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2005-06; AUTHORIZED UNDER TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT
ACT ARTICLE III (SB 821): 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 Cartozian and
unanimously carried to approve the remaining Consent Calendar items as recommended:
2.APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meetings April 25, 2006:
City Clerk.
3.APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Nos. 212802-213177; Wire Nos. 287. 30001215-
30001222; in the total amount of $3,653,595.20: Finance.
4.CASH CONTRACT NO. 632A–IB: LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENTS – FIFTH
STREET TO UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD: Public Works.
A.
B.
ACCEPTED IMPROVEMENTS AND MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITY; AND
APPROVED FINAL CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,524,073.16.
5.APPROVED PURCHASE OF POLICE CAR MOBILE RADIOS FOR $55,622 TO BE
REIMBURSED BY THE 2005 FEDERAL HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT: Police.
6.APPROPRIATED $89,440 SUPPLEMENTAL 21ST CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING
CENTERS GRANT FUNDS AND $69,227 1N CARRY-FORWARD APPROPRIATIONS:
Community Services.
7.SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR MAY 23, 2006, FOR APPEAL OF DENIAL OF ZONE
VARIANCE 05-147, REQUEST TO CONVERT AN UNPERMii-rED STRUCTURE INTO A
GUEST HOUSE AT 7753 HONDO STREET, MIGUEL MARQUEZ, APPELLANT:
Development Services.
City Council Minutes 05/09/06 -4-
9.ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 06-1190, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS FOR BROOKSHIRE AVENUE; Public Works
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
10.CONSIDER SPECIAL EVENT FOR DOWNEY’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION:
Administration.
Assistant to the City Manager Pomrehn presented a staff report outlining the types of events
with estimates on costs and pros and cons for each. He asked the Council for direction in how they
wanted to handle the celebration: whether for a year long period, or for one large event, such as was
suggested by a local group.
Council Member Bayer stated that she feels some type of special event should be planned,
however, she did not feel that more than $5,000 should be spent on it. She would like more detail
on events and costs.
Council Member Cartozian noted that having line items would help and that he thought we
approved $50,000 a few meetings ago for an event. He was informed that the money approved was
for a PR marketing campaign.
Council Member Gafin stated he was comfortable with items 2, 4 and 5 that were presented.
He said he would like it kept community oriented and perhaps Downey Avenue would be a location;
however, with an outdoor event weather might be an issue.
Mayor Pro Tem Trejo concurred that line items are needed to r,take an informed decision
and he feels that we owe it to the community to hold more than one event; howe t.'er we should have
one large event to celebrate this monumental occasion. He also stated that the historical landmarks
throughout the City should be included in the celebration.
Assistant to the City Manager Pomrehn stated that all City events currently planned would be
part of the celebration.
Mayor Perkins explained that he thinks $100,000 should be spent on events for the
celebration; however, it should not be one event, but a year long celebration concluding with the
grand opening at the new NASA park. He feels that the Federal and State elected representatives
who assisted with the funding should be invited, as well as community groups.
The following persons spoke on this item:
Maria Larkin
Lennie Whittington
Harold Tsklenis
Lois Buchanon
Robert Rubio
Mayor Perkins polled of the Council to provide direction and there was consensus that a year
long celebration with the possibility of a large event at the new NASA park be considered. Council
asked that a list of possible events and costs be brought back and City Manager Caton responded
that it would be provided during the annual budget review.
City Council Minutes 05/09/06 -5-
OTHER BUSINESS:
CONSENT CALENDER – ITEMS REMOVED BY COUNCIL APPROVAL:
8.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 06-6916, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR PEDESTRIAN FUNDS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2005-06; AUTHORIZED UNDER TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT
ACT ARTICLE III (SB 821): Public Works.
Council Member Gafin indicated he is abstaining on this item because of a potential conflict
of interest caused by having a financial interest in real estate within 500 feet of one of the
improvements.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Trejo, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and carried
by the following vote to adopt the Resolution:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN :
Bayer, Cartozian, Trejo, Mayor Perkins
None
Gafin
ADJOURNMENT: 9:21 p.m.
The meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m. May 23, 2006.
@add,ILK.Rf\\MJ
MEREDITH H PERKINS MayorKATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk
City Council Minutes 05/09/06