HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 08-26-03 - Regular Meeting0145 LIS
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 26, 2003
The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an
Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:36 p.m., August 16, 2003, in the Council Chamber of the Downey
City Hall, Mayor/Chairman Rick Trejo presiding.
PRESENT:Council Members/Commissioners:
Rick Trejo
Kirk O. Cartozian
Anne M. Bayer
Keith McCarthy
Meredith H. Perkins
Mayor/Chairman
Mayor Pro Tempore/Vice-Chairman
(arrived 6:41 p.m.)
ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager/Executive Director
Charles Vose, City Attorney
Joyce Doyle, Chief Deputy City Clerk/Secretary
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
James Makshanoff, Assistant to City Manager
Darrell George, Director of Community & Economic Development
APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Council Member/Commissioner Perkins, seconded by Council Member/
Commissioner Bayer, and unanimously carried (4/0) to approve the Closed Session Minutes of
August 12, 2003.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor/Chairman Trejo announced the Council/Commission is recessing to Closed Session
(6:37 p.m.) to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
2.SECTION 54956.8 – Conference with real property negotiators Gerald Caton and
Darrell George re: Parcels 1 – 6 of the Downey NASA site generally bounded by
Stewart & Gray Road, Imperial Highway and Lakewood Blvd.; negotiating parties:
Downey Landing LLC, Industrial Realty Group, Kaiser Permanente; under
negotiation: price and terms of payment.
The meeting reconvened in open session at 7:30 p.m., noting the absence of Mayor Pro
Tempore Cartozian. There were no Closed Session actions to report.
The meeting recessed at 7:31 p.m.
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj .) 08/26/03 -1-
01451) ;
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The meeting reconvened for Oral Communications at 8:30 p.m., (see Oral Communications
in the Regular City Council Meeting Minutes) and recessed at 8:35 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 10:43 p.m., with all members present.
ADJOURNMENT: 10:44 p.m.
a
mTrejo, Mayo7dMhanKathleen L. 'Micfstokke, City Clerk/Secretary
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj .) 08/26/03 -2-
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MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 26, 2003
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
1
1
2
3
3
4
4
Presented Mayor’s Athletic Excellence Award to Kdstine Ross
Presentation by MTA on Gateway Cities Sector Route 460
Public Hearing and Urgency Ord. # 1151 for Used Car Sales
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar
Adopted
Council Minutes: Adj . & Reg. Mtgs. 08122/03
Cash Contract # 626 HVAC Duct Cleaning & Refurbishing
Cash Contract # 639 Hall Road Water Improvements
Warrants Issued: # 188254-188537; Wire Nos. 193,
30000633-640; $4,333,293.86
Appropriate $5,860 of Prop A Funds for membership in
Orange Line Joint Powers Authority Approved
Approve various Community Development Block Grant Agmts. Approved
8th Cycle Used Oil Block Grant Annual Report Rec’d. & filed
Agmt. with KJ Services for 9th Cycle Used Oil Recycling
Block Grant
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved 4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
OnHp-nb
Approved
Agmt. with DMR Team for on-call construction inspection Approved
Agmt. with Coory Engineering for on-call land surveying Approved
Set Public Hearing for Appeal 8335-41 and 8349 Fontana St. Set Hrg. 09/09/03
Res. # 6692 supporting re-instatement of MTA Route 460 Adopted
Res. # 6693 approving final map # 26698 – 9816 Tweedy Lane Adopted
Res. # 6695 approving final map # 53841 – 12531 Paramount Bl. Adopted
PAGE 1 OF 2
COUNCIL MINUTES, AUGUST 26, 2003
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT
Res. # 6696 appointing Raul Lopez to Parking Place Comm. &
Louise Ugliano to Cable TV Committee for District 4
Res. # 6697 appointing Thomas Lucas to Recreation &
Community Services Comm.- for District 1
Res. # 6698 reappointing Tracy Riley to the Cable TV
Committee for Disrict 2
Ordinance prohibiting loitering by criminal street gangs
Oral Communications
Ordinance relating to speed limits on Rosecrans Avenue
Downtown Plan Area Expansion Study
ACTION PAGE NO.
Adopted 5
5
5
6
6
7
Adopted
Adopted
Introduced
Introduced
Referred to
Planning Comm.9
10
10
10
11
11
12
Budget Adjustment
CDBG Agmt. with School District for at-risk youths
Res. # 6694 Tract Map # 53878 – 12641-12647 Lakewood Blvd.
Salary Adjustments for Fire and Police Chiefs
Council Member Comments
Adjournment to 6:30 p.m., September 9, 2003
Approved
Adopoted
Cont. to 09/23
PAGE 2 OF 2
0143o6
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 26, 2003
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:35 p.m., August 26,
2003, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Rick Trejo presiding.
PRESENT:Council Members:
Rick Trejo
Kirk O. Cartozian
Anne M. Bayer
Keith McCarthy
Meredith H. Perkins
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tempore
ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Charles Vose, City Attorney
Joyce E. Doyle, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manger
James Makshanoff, Assistant to City Manager
Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works
John Finch, Chief of Police
Mark Sauter, Fire Chief
Darrell George, Director of Community & Economic Development
Bonnie Kehoe, Director of Community Services
Sung Hyun, Finance Manager
William Davis, Business Development Manager
Steven Yee, Economic Development Coordinator
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev./City Planner
Susan Domen, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Trejo presented the Mayor’s Athletic Excellence Award Certificate to Kristine Ross,
who has participated in the Downey High School Swim and Water Polo Teams, Jr. Olympics,
Downey Dolphins, Viking Club Water Polo and Long Beach Community College Water Polo; and is
currently employed by the City of Downey as a lifeguard/swim instructor.
Dan Wynn from the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) made a Power Point presentation
on the Gateway Cities Sector Route 460. He explained the reasons the MTA chose to change this
route through the City of Downey and alternative routes to connect into Los Angeles. He stated the
changes benefit the majority of riders and have received positive feedback. This route serves
approximately 4,000 riders a day with approximately 300 of them from Downey. Travel times were
improved by 15 – 20 minutes a day for more than 3,000 riders. MTA is proposing 4 changes
including increasing frequency and extending hours on certain routes to establish more connections
with Route 1 1 1 in order to enhance service for Downey residents.
City Council Minutes 08/26/03 -1-
Council Member McCarthy thanked the MTA for their presentation and indicated that
although he realizes MTA must serve their entire constituency, he does not feel their has been any
significant time savings.
Council Member Cartozian asked Mr. Wynn whether Route 460 was rerouted or completely
gone from the City of Downey. Mr. Wynn responded that Route 460 was rerouted and travels
through the City of Downey on the 1- 105 Freeway but does not make any stops in the City.
Phillip Capo, resident of Downey, distributed packets to the City Council disagreeing with the
information presented by MTA. He stated that the travel time is substantially longer than presented
and Downey residents don’t have alternatives that are available in other cities.
Maria Hariza (sp.?), resident of Downey and a rider of Route 460, has tried every route
available and has found none to be able to provide the same service as before, with travelling time
increased by over 40 minutes. Other routes are extremely inconvenient and crowded.
Stephanie Hacker, resident of Hawthorne, stated she travels to Downey quite frequently, there
is no longer any satisfactory service into Downey and that no time was saved in the rerouting.
HEARINGS
1.AN INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, TO EXTEND, FOR A PERIOD OF SIX (6) MONTHS,
A MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE, PROCESSING OR THE APPROVAL
OF DEVELOPMENT, BUILDING OR USE PERMITS, LICENSES, AND TAX
CERTIFICATES FOR USED CAR SALES RETAIL DISPLAY LOTS AND SALES
OFFICES WITHIN THE CITY OF DOWNEY WITHOUT OBTAINING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT.
Mayor Trejo opened the Public Hearing at 8:15 p.m. Chief Deputy City Clerk Doyle
affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded
by Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian and so ordered to receive and file. There was no correspondence
received on this item.
A staff report was given by Ron Yoshiki, Assistant Director of Community Development/City
Planner who explained that this Public Hearing is to continue the moratorium for another 6 months
from September 10, 2003 through March, 2004. During the lst Public Hearing before the Planning
Commission there were a number of clarifications requested of some of the standards including
minimum size parcel for a used car lot; size of lot and minimum frontage requirements; ability of
existing used car lots and what would trigger the grandfather provisions. This extension is being
requested to allow staff to respond to the Planning Commission clarification requests.
Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian requested that staff and the Planning Commission work
diligently to provide recommendations to City Council so that it doesn’t have to be extended again.
There being no speakers, it was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Mayor Pro
Tempore Cartozian and so ordered to close the Public Hearing at 8:20 p.m.
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ORDINANCE NO. 1151
AN INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, TO EXTEND, FOR A PERIOD OF SIX (6) MONTHS,
A MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE, PROCESSING OR THE APPROVAL
OF DEVELOPMENT, BUILDING OR USE PERMITS, LICENSES, AND TAX
CERTIFICATES FOR USED CAR SALES RETAIL DISPLAY LOTS AND SALES
OFFICES WITHIN THE CITY OF DOWNEY WITHOUT OBTAINING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Doyle read the title of the Ordinance. It was moved by Council
Member Perkins and seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian, and unanimously carried to waive
full reading and adopt the Ordinance.
Council Member McCarthy stated that it is important that this receive due diligence. Used car
lot managers and owners are concerned about being treated fairly and from the community’s point of
view about how the future of our community looks and works.
Mayor Trejo noted that this moratorium is related to used car lots and sales offices and not
new car lots and sales offices.
CONSENT CALENDAR – ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
10.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SUB-RECIPIENT AGREEMENT
WITH DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, was removed at the request of Mayor
Trejo and is listed under Other Business below.
22.TRACT MAP #535878. 12641 – 12647 LAKEWOOD BLVD.: APPROVE FINAL
SUBDIVISION MAP, was pulled at the request of Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian and is
listed under Other Business below.
26.SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR FIRE CHIEF AND POLICE CHIEF, was pulled at the
request of Council Member Perkins and is listed under Other Business below.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian and
unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder of
the Consent Calendar items as recommended:
2.COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 12. 2003 :
Approve.
3.COUNCIL MINUTES: REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 12, 2003: Approve.
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4.CASH CONTRACT #626 – HVAC DUCT CLEANING AND SYSTEM
REFURBISHING: ACCEPT WORK COMPLETED: Approve.
5.CASH CONTRACT #639 – HALL RD. WATER IMPROVEMENTS: AWARD
CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,988 TO R & L SEWERS, INC.: Approve.
6.WARRANTS ISSUED: 188254 – 188537; WIRE NUMBERS 193, 30000633-640;
$4,333,293.86: Approve.
7.APPROPRIATE $5,860 OF PROPOSITION A TRANSIT FUNDS FOR CITY’S
MEMBERSHIP IN THE ORANGE LINE JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY: Approve.
8.CONTRACT WITH THE FAIR HOUSING FOUNDATION OF LONG BEACH TO
PROVIDE FAIR HOUSING SERVICES FOR 2003-04 FOR $14,775: Approve.
9.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SUB-RECIPIENT AGREEMENT
WITH THE CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH CLINIC FOR $5,500: Approve.
11.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SUB-RECIPIENT AGREEMENT
WITH RIO HONDO TEMPORARY HOME FOR $17,000: Approve.
12.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SUB-RECIPIENT AGREEMENT
WITH ARC OF SOUTHEAST L. A. COUNTY FOR 511,000: Approve.
13.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SUB-RECIPIENT AGREEMENT
WITH THE SALVATION ARMY – SOUTHEAST COMMUNITIES CORP. FOR
$3,000: Approve.
14.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SUB-RECIPIENT AGREEMENT
WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REHABILITATION SERVICES. INC. FOR
580,000: Approve.
15.
16.
8th CYCLE USED OIL BLOCK GRANT ANNUAL REPORT: Receive and file.
CONSULTING AGREEMENT WITH KJ SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSULTING TO IMPLEMENT THE CITY’S 9th CYCLE USED OIL RECYCLING
BLOCK GRANT: Approve.
17.AGREEMENT WITH DMR TEAM, INC. FOR ON-CALL CONSTRUCTION
INSPECTION SERVICES (PUBLIC WORKS): Approve.
18.AGREEMENT WITH COORY ENGINEERING FOR ON-CALL LAND SURVEYING
SERVICES (PUBLIC WORKS): Approve.
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19.SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR SEPTEMBER 9, 2003 FOR APPEAL, TENTATIVE
TRACT MAP #03-60035/ZONE VARIANCE #03-43 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT
8335-41 AND 8349 FONTANA STREET (APPLICANT/APPELLANT: DONALD
JERVIS)-REQUEST TO DEVELOP A ONE-LOT SUBDIVISION FOR A 16-UNIT
DETACHED CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX; AND A ZONE VARIANCE TO REDUCE
BUILDING SEPARATION AND COMMON OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS:
Approve
20.RESOLUTION NO. 6692 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY IN
SUPPORT OF THE RE-INSTATEMENT OF MTA BUSLINE ROUTE 460.
21.RESOLUTION NO. 6693 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF PARCEL MAP NO. 26698 (9816
TWEEDY LANE), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER AND
ACCEPTING A SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE
BOND AS SURETY.
23.RESOLUTION NO. 6695 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT MAP NO. 53841 (12531
PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE
SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT FAITHFUL
PERFORMANCE BOND AS SURETY.
24.RESOLUTION NO. 6696 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES FOR
COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 (RAUL LOPEZ TO PARKING PLACE COMMISSION; LOUISE
“LOU“ UGLLANO TO CABLE TV CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE).
25.RESOLUTION NO. 6697 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF THOMAS LUCAS TO THE RECREATION
AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION, COUNCIL DISTRICT 1.
27.RESOLUTION NO. 6698 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE REAPPOINTMENT OF TRACY RILEY TO THE CABLE TV
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, COUNCIL DISTRICT 2.
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ORDINANCES
28.ORDINANCE PROHIBITING LOITERING BY CRIMINAL STREET GANGS.
Police Chief Finch presented a staff report. In coordination with other Los Angeles County
law enforcement agencies, the Police Department is proposing an Ordinance that would make it a
crime for identified criminal street gang members to loiter in a public place. Similar Ordinances have
been adopted in other Los Angeles County jurisdictions as part of a County wide goal to have
applicable throughout the County. This Ordinance has two goals, (1) to protect community members
from criminal gang activities and (2) to protect gang members from being targets of other gang
violence from other gangs. Before a gang member could be cited for this offense, the gang would
have to have been formally recognized as a criminal street gang by the Courts; the officer would have
to have reasonable cause to believe that the subject was a gang member involved with that gang; and
the officer involved would have to be a designated gang expert. Police Chief Finch stated that this is
to be used as another tool for officers to curb criminal gang activities. He then responded to
questions from the City Council.
Council Member McCarthy wanted clarification from the City Attorney that this is a new
Ordinance and not an amendment to an existing Ordinance. Mr. Vose responded that this updates our
Municipal Code to provide for this type of regulation and is a new addition.
Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, supports the new Ordinance.
Mayor Trejo questioned how the percentage of homicides in the City being committed by a
street gang was gathered. Police Chief stated that the homicides that have occurred since 2000 were
reviewed to see if there was a gang link and in 64% of the cases it involved a gang crime.
ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTION 4107.6
THERETO RELATING TO LOITERING BY CRIMINAL STREET GANGS.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Doyle read the title of the Ordinance. It was moved by Council
Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Perkins and unanimously carried to waive further
reading and introduce the Ordinance.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS :
Gary DeRemer, President of the Downey Rose Float thanked the Council and staff for the
monetary support they have given to the organization in the past. He stated that the $5,000 is used to
rent the Downey Theater twice during the year for $5,600.
Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, thinks the previously introduced Ordinance will
possibly be of help in his neighborhood; and praised City employee Lisa Fox for her excellent work.
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ORDINANCES (Cont.) :
29.DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS
FOR ROSECRANS AVENUE.
A staff report was given by Public Works Director, Desi Alvarez stating that a speed survey
was conducted on a nine hundred foot section of Rosecrans Avenue. The study determined that the 40
mph posted is appropriate.
ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING
TO SPEED LIMITS FOR ROSECRANS AVENUE.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Doyle read the title of the Ordinance. It was moved by Council
Member Perkins, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian, and unanimously carried to waive
further reading and introduce the Ordinance.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
30. DOWNTOWN PLAN AREA EXPANSION STUDY.
A staff report was presented by William Davis, Business Development Manager which
included a Power Point presentation. As a result of a Downtown Plan Amendment on March 25,
2003, Council directed staff to look at enlarging the boundaries of the Downtown Plan Area to
include all properties in the vicinity zoned C-1, C-2 and C-3. Staff conducted field surveys of the
properties within the areas of Fifth Street, Brookshire Avenue, the Southern Pacific Railroad, and
Paramount Boulevard; and evaluated nearly 300 properties, including 160 businesses within the
Downtown Plan Area and 134 businesses and properties outside the area. He explained that at the
time the area was created, residential areas were not to be included and also uses that could become
transitional uses were to be avoided.
Staff and the downtown subcommittee identified ten potential sites to expand the Downtown
Plan Area as noted in the staff report. Manager Davis reviewed the potential sites and economic
development strategies for the downtown area including expanding existing programs, acquiring
property and financial incentives.
It was mentioned that parking is one of the main issues in attracting businesses to the
downtown area and parking options were suggested including establishing a parking credit fee;
waiving the parking fee requirements for restaurants, retail stores and other highly desirable uses; and
allowing the Agency to waive or lower the parking credit fees through an Owner Participation
Agreement.
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In summary, Manager Davis stated that it was the recommendation of the staff and the
downtown subcommittee to approve the following schemes: 1 ) Expand the Downtown Plan Area
(Downtown Overlay Zone) to include all properties identified in the study area; 2) Waive the parking
fee requirement for restaurants and retail stores in the Downtown Plan Area; 3) Make the Fagade
Improvement Program available to all businesses in the Downtown Plan Area; 4) Offer a greater
percentage of the fagade improvement project costs – contribute up to 80% of the cost for a fagade
improvement project and a maximum contribution of $50,000; 5) Provide financing for interior
improvements and equipment; 6) Acquire property in the downtown area for lease or sale to
developers; 7) Use low interest loans, grants and other financial incentives to attract businesses and
development to the downtown area.
Council Member Perkins stated that this study was triggered by City Council’s recent
approval of the inclusion of six pieces of property into the Downtown Plan Area (Overlay Zone).
Manager Davis reviewed the benefits received to those properties including increased lot coverage for
buildings, relaxed off-street parking standards including being able to use public parking to meet their
parking requirements; and eligibility for facade improvement funds.
Council Member Perkins questioned the mission of the Downtown Plan Area and Manager
Davis responded that the primary goal was to bring new businesses to the downtown area.
Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian indicated that the downtown subcommittee, consisting of the
Mayor and himself, has been working diligently with the staff on this study. He commended staff for
being innovative in working with and trying to expand the downtown for a number of reasons
including creating the downtown area as the center of economic activity and commerce; and also
adding properties to include those that were felt to be part of the downtown.
It was moved by Council Member Perkins to send this item to the Planning Commission.
The motion died for lack of a second.
City Attorney Vose indicated that under the conclusions in the staff report, Item 1: Expand the
Downtown Plan Area - would be appropriate to send to the Planning Commission at this time. For
Items 2 through 7, staff was requesting direction from the City Council.
Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian indicated that he supports all of the items and suggestions in
the Conclusion (1-7) to help expand the area; develop commerce in the downtown area; and expand
the programs as a whole.
Council Member McCarthy commented that he likes the idea of using Third Street as part of a
major pedestrian pathway in the future that would go all they way from the Rives Mansion to City
Hall, with the possible elimination of cars. He also noted that some other downtown schemes do
incorporate multi-tenant housing. He indicated that he needed more information on several of the
items recommended.
Maria Larkin, resident of Downey, thanked Economic Development for their presentation
tonight and stated that she supports expanding the area.
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Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, stated that he agrees with Council Member
McCarthy’s statement that the City should not be buying any property; and that businesses have had
to pay for parking spaces in the past and those businesses could sue the City if they started waiving
requirements for new businesses.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian, seconded by Council Member
Perkins and unanimously carried to consider the Conclusion in its entirety to include all 7 items
and to allow the Planning Commission to review.
31. BUDGET ADJUSTMENT.
Assistant City Manager Lee Powell presented a staff report indicating that due to the State’s
budget the City will have a $1.2 million shortfall in their budget for Fiscal Year 2003-2004 which
was adopted in June. Approximately 52 budget options, totaling $2.3 million, were originally
proposed. Of those, staff is recommending that City Council approve 38 of the ideas, which total
$ 1.2 million in reductions.
Council Member McCarthy questioned the necessity of the Library Computer Server
replacement. Mr. Powell responded that it was the first step in the conversion of the Library’s Dynix
software system that will take place in the future due to the company going out of business.
City Manager Caton explained that the process included asking each of the department heads
to prepare a list of possible cuts. He indicated that this may have to be reviewed again in January due
to the remaining State budget crisis.
Mike Prokop, resident of Downey, spoke in regards to the Downey Rose Float and the history
of how the monies received from the City have been used. He stated that he appreciates everything
the City has given to the Rose Float and requested that they revisit the cuts.
Colin Clark, resident of Downey and President of the Downey Symphony, thanked the City
for the support over the past several years. He commented on how difficult it is becoming to raise
funds and how much the cut would hurt the symphony and the music in the schools program.
Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, mentioned that the PTA Helps feeds the poor people
and to cut this budget would not be a wise choice. He also stated he support the ambulance
subscription program but would like it investigated as to why it is being run at a loss.
Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian indicated that he would like a larger list to choose from for
cuts and that a percentage for each department be considered. He also requested that staff prepare a
report on City cell phones and usage by departments and that cell phones be considered for reduction.
Council Member McCarthy stated that he had sent a note to Erik Sund, Purchasing Manager,
to check into using voice over internet protocol for cost savings to the City.
City Manager Caton made the suggestion to retain the social services grants at $21,300; retain
Independence Park snack bar at $8,400; retain Library Sunday services at $35,000; totaling $64,700,
still cutting the budget over $1.1 Million; retain the money for the Fire Ladder Truck; and staff will
City Council Minutes 08/26/03 -9-
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come back with some of the items mentioned by City Council.
Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, questioned the $40,000 reduction to the street
sweeping contract. City Manager Caton responded that this was due to a lower contract amount than
anticipated.
It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Perkins and
unanimously carried to (approve staff recommendation with the exceptions of:) retain the social
services grants at $21,300; retain Independence Park snack bar at $8,400; retain LibrarY
Sunday services at $35,000; deducting $65,000 from the down payment for the Fire Ladder
Truck; and staff to come back with some of the items mentioned by City Council.
OTHER BUSINESS – Consent Calendar – Items removed by Council Approval:
10.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SUB-RECIPIENT AGREEMENT
WITH THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT: Adopt.
Mayor Trejo indicated that he pulled this item to comment that this is a $31,000 Community
Development Block Grant sub-recipient agreement with the School District which provides funds for
a counseling program supporting “at-risk“ youth and that this is a good venue to enhance the
relationship with the School District. He questioned how long this program has been in existence.
Mark Morris, member of the Downey Unified School District Board, responded that the
program has been in existence approximately 3 – 4 years. The budget for this program is
approximately $68,000 and that the School District makes up the remaining amount.
It was moved by Mayor Trejo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian and unanimously
carried to approve Agreement with Downey Unified School District providing $31,000
Community Development Block Grant funds for counseling program supporting “at-risk”
youth .
22.TRACT MAP NO. 53878; 12641-12647 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD.
Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian indicated that he had spoken to the City Attorney on this item
and was advised that there is no conflict of interest due to having a family member involved with this
project, although he still chooses to abstain from this vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 6694 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNY
APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT MAP NO. 53878 (12641-
12647 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE
SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A SET ASIDE AGREEMENT AS SURETY.
The title of the Resolution was read by Chief Deputy Doyle. It was moved by Council
Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Perkins and carried by the following vote to waive
further reading and adopt the Resolution.
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';a+is L; S
AYES: Bayer, McCarthy, Perkins, Mayor Trejo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Cartozian
26.SALARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE FIRE CHIEF AND POLICE CHIEF.
This item was removed by Council Member Perkins who stated that although this item is for
two very deserving people that this comes at an unfortunate time since they have already voted on
cutbacks tonight and are facing more cutbacks in January. He requested that these items be tabled to
a time in the future that the City Council could approve the raises.
Council Member McCarthy requested a staff report. City Manager Caton responded that staff
is requesting that City Council adjust the salary for the Fire Chief and Police Chief. It is the policy of
this City, under City Council Resolution No. 5290, that they receive the same cost of living increases
granted to rank and file employees. Therefore, they were due a raise a year ago. He stated that
employees below the Chiefs working overtime make more than the Chiefs and it was at the City
Manager’s request that this item came before the City Council.
Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian stated that he felt very highly of both Chiefs and would,
however, like more information and also feels that this comes at a bad time He would like it tabled to
get more information and bring it back at a fbture date.
Mayor Trejo stated that this adjustment has a fiscal impact of only for $27,800 for the current
fiscal year and he feels that the Council should go ahead and approve the raises and not table the
issue. Mayor Trejo moved staff recommendation and adoption of the Resolution. The motion
died for lack of a second.
Council Member McCarthy suggested that a subcommittee have a one time meeting with the
City Manager to review the item and bring it back to the City Council for reconsideration. He
suggested Mayor Trejo and Council Member Bayer be on the temporary subcommittee.
It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member McCarthy and
unanimously carried, to continue this item until the 2nd meeting in September and have the
temporary subcommittee of Mayor Trejo and Council Member Bayer meet and formulate a
recommendation .
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members Comments
Council Member Perkins invited the public to the “Open House” at the former NASA site this
Thursday, Sept. 28 and looks forward to new revenue for the City from the retail portion of the new
development; noted that many important issues were discussed this evening and that Council leaves
their differences behind at the end of the meeting.
Council Member McCarthy commented on the earlier presentation by the MTA and felt that
the people who live in Downey and ride the bus had a right to express their concerns tonight;
complimented former Mayor/Council Member Ken Miller and the Downey Patriot for the recent
historical article; mentioned receiving a copy of a letter from Downey Police Officer Jaime Pelayo
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• 014 SG-3
who is serving in Iraq and asked that we keep him in our thoughts and prayers; received a compliment
from a citizen about the excellent work of Lisa Fox on graffiti removal; read a letter from a citizen
regarding the large amount of trash in the streets from fast food wrappers, etc.; commented on
receiving the Friends of the Downey Library newsletter which wrote about the history of the Library
and the Women’s Club; mentioned reading an excellent article in the Los Angeles Times regarding
Mayor Trejo and the former NASA site.
Mayor Pro Tempore Cartozian requested that staff report back on cellular telephone use by
City employees; would like to discuss with Finance Director Michicoff City sales tax revenue in
comparison with that of other cities; wants to review the monies spent on the NASA project including
contract employees; thanked everyone for welcoming him back from his trip to Armenia where he
learned a lot about the country’s history and culture.
Mayor Trejo announced he had presented a proclamation to Speedee McDonalds for their 50th
year anniversary celebration; complimented Public Works Director Alvarez for his work on the
Bellflower Boulevard project; also invited the public to the NASA transition ceremony Thursday
from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the former NASA property.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Member Comments
City Manager Caton thanked Chief Deputy City Clerk Joyce Doyle for filling in for the City
Clerk this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: 10:44 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., September 9, 2003, in the Council Chamber of
Downey City Hall.
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tek Trej&&layorKathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk
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