HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 02-24-04 - Regular Meeting074689
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 2004
The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an
Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:34 p.m., February 24, 2004, in the Council Chamber of the Downey
City Hall, Mayor/Chairman Kirk Cartozian presiding.
PRESENT:Council Members/Commissioners:
Kirk O. Cartozian
Keith McCarthy
Anne M. Bayer
Meredith H. Perkins
Rick Trejo
Mayor/Chairman
Mayor Pro Tempore/Vice-Chairman
ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager/Executive Director
Charles Vose, City Attorney
Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk/Secretary
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Bonnie Kehoe, Director of Community Services
APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Council Member/Commissioner Perkins, seconded by Council
Member/Commissioner Trejo and unanimously carried to approve the Closed Session Minutes of
February 10, 2004.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor/Chairman Cartozian announced the Council/Commission is recessing to Closed
Session (6:34 p.m.) to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the
Government Code:
1.SECTION 54956.9 Subdivision (a) – Conference with legal counsel – existing
litigation: Meridian Pacific Construction vs. City of Downey., Los Angeles Superior
Court Case #BC:308812.
2.SECTION 54956.8 – Conference with real property negotiator Bonnie Kehoe re:
property located at 10627 Old River School Road; negotiating party: Mark Shelton;
under negotiation: price and terms of payment.
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The meeting reconvened in open session at 7:37 p.m. with all Council Members/-
Commissioners present. There were no Closed Session actions to report.
The meeting recessed at 7:37 p.m.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The meeting reconvened for Oral Communications at 9:44 p.m. with all Council
Members/Commissioners present (see Oral Communications under Regular City Council Meeting)
and recessed at 9:44 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 10:17 p.m. with all Council Members/Commissioner present.
ADJOURNMENT: 10:18 p.m.
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aKATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk/Secretary
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj .) 02/24/04 -2-
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MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 2004
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Council Member Announcements
Presentation of Mayor’s Academic Excellence Award to Danielle Port
Public Hearing 2004-05 Comm. Dev. Block Grant & Home Investment
Partnership Program
Public Hearing Appeal Revocation of Zone Variance for Johnie’s Broiler
Oral Communications
Council Minutes: Adj . & Reg. Meetings 02/10/04
Warrants: # 192644 - 193007; Wire Nos. 199, 30000751-758;
$2,758,760.40
Agreements to Purchase right-of-way for Lakewood Blvd. Project
Agreement with Creative Collections for inventory of artifacts at
former NASA site
Agreement to Purchase right-of-way for Firestone Blvd. traffic
signal synchronization Project
Reso # 6735 – Summary Vacation of portion ofCabe11 Avenue
Reso # 6736 – Development of a Hazardous Mitigation Plan
Ord # 1159 – Amend DMC re: Wireless Communication Facilities
Lakewood Blvd. Underground Utility District Report
Kaiser Bond application to CA Statewide Communities Dev. Auth.
2
2Rec. & Filed
Granted Appeal 3
8
8
8
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
9
9
Approved 9
9
9
9
10
10
Adopted
Adopted
Adopted
Rec. & File
Set Hearing
03/09/04
Council Member Requests for Future Agenda Items
Staff Comments
Adjournment to 6:30 p.m., March 9, 2004
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MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 2004
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:44 p.m., February 24,
2004, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Kirk Cartozian presiding.
PRESENT:Council Members:
Kirk O. Cartozian
Keith McCarthy
Anne M. Bayer
Meredith H. Perkins
Rick Trejo
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tempore
ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Charles S. Vose, City Attorney
Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works
John Finch, Chief of Police
Darrell George, Director of Community & Economic Development
Bonnie Kehoe, Director of Community Services
John Michicoff, Director of Finance
Mark Sauter, Fire Chief
Loren Behr, Executive Director Space Learning Center
Mark Sellheim, Principal Planner
Ed Velasco, Housing Manager
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev./City Planner
Susan Domen, Executive Secretary
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member Perkins announced that he attended the installation of officers for the
Downey Rose Float Association and recognized newly elected Treasurer Susan Domen and Board
Member Lee Ann Sears who are in attendance at tonight’s City Council Meeting; and announced that
the Rio Hondo Golf Course Clubhouse project is coming along on schedule and within budget.
Council Member Trejo expressed that he had the pleasure of supporting our High Schools this
weekend by attending the Downey High School Boys Basketball game where they won their 1 st
round in CIF playoffs and Warren High School Girls Basketball team who lost in double overtime;
and announced that the groundbreaking for the new Kaiser Hospital will be this Friday, February 27
at 10:00 a.m.
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Council Member Bayer announced that she attended the California Highway Patrol open
house Saturday in Santa Fe Springs and had the pleasure of meeting the 1 st female CHP motor
officer; reminded everyone to attend the Downey Historical Society meeting this Thursday, February
26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara Riley Community Center; recognized her appointee to the Emergency
Preparedness Committee, Lee Ann Sears and appointee to the Water Facilities Corp., Fay Campbell
who were in attendance tonight; and reminded everyone to vote next Tuesday, March 2 in the
Statewide Primary election.
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy announced that the report on the Rio Hondo Clubhouse
construction is available on the Internet; attended the joint meeting of the General Plan Review
Committee and the Planning Commission and stated there will be a series of public meetings
upcoming this spring and summer and urged everyone to participate; congratulated Coach
Weisenburger and the Downey High School Wrestling Team for winning the league and CIF
championships; and referenced a letter received from Pastor Jeff Kurkoff of Lord’s Grace Church
commending our Police Department for their support at a town hall meeting in early February.
Mayor Cartozian announced that he still has a vacancy on the Library Advisory Board and is
willing to interview anyone who contacts him; announced that there will be a meeting of the 1-5
Freeway Consortium Committee this Thursday, February 26 and if one of the other Council Members
could attend that they are all alternates to this committee; attended the grand reopening of Enterprise
Rent a Car last Friday; announced that Downey Basketball is playing tonight against Santa Monica
High School and congratulated Coach Larry Shelton and also Downey High School Wrestling Coach
Gordon Weisenburger; spoke yesterday to the Oasis Club, which is the senior group through the
Downey Adult School and presented a Power Point on the development at the NASA property;
recognized his appointees in attendance tonight: Guy Sterner of the Parking Place Commission, Maria
Larkin of the Emergency Preparedness Committee and George Redfox of the General Plan Update
Committee; and indicated that the next City Council meeting will be adjourned in memory ofMerl
Doty, husband of Downey Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Wendy Doty.
PRESENTATIONS
The Mayor’s Academic Excellence Award was presented to Danielle Port, a Senior at
Warren High School. She has a 4.18 GPA, is enrolled in multiple Advanced Placement classes and
involved in numerous school and community activities.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.2004-05 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME
INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP GRANT PROGRAM.
Mayor Cartozian opened the Public Hearing at 7:58 p.m. City Clerk Midstokke affirmed
receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council
Member Trejo and so ordered to receive and file.
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A staff report was presented by Housing Manager Ed Velasco who explained that the report
presented tonight provides the community an opportunity to provide feedback on the Community
Development Block Grant and the Home Investment Partnership Program. The City will be receiving
over $2.6 Million in combined funds next year. Staff has held three community meetings to provide
information to the residents and allow them to discuss the programs that are eligible for these funds.
There have been requests for funding from nine non-profit agencies. A second Public Hearing
will be held in May and recommendations will be made.
Kevin McDonald, Executive Director of Arc of southeast Los Angeles County and located in
Downey, extended his appreciation that Are continues to be part of the process of the Community
Development Block Grant program which includes the employment of individuals with severe
disabilities. He announced the annual Arc Walk for Independence coming up on March 27.
There being no further speakers, it was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy and so ordered to close the Public Hearing at 8:04 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy requested that when the next report is prepared that it include a
comparison of prior years funding. He inquired whether Spanish translation services were provided
and Manager Velasco indicated that none had been requested. He suggested that Spanish be available
as a way to encourage additional participation.
In response to Mayor Cartozian, Manager Velasco indicated that there is a five year plan in
effect that sets priorities due to the limited funding sources.
It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Trej o and so
ordered to receive and file the report.
2.APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION REVOCATION OF ZONE
VARIANCE # 660 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7447 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD
(JOHNIE'S BROILER RESTAURANT SIGNS). APPELLANTS L.A.
CONSERVANCY, DOWNEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND FRIENDS OF
JOHNIE'S BROILER; OWNER CHRISTOS SMYRNIOTIS.
Mayor Cartozian opened the Public Hearing at 8:08 p.m. City Clerk Midstokke affirmed
receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Mayor
Pro Tempore McCarthy and so ordered to receive and file. City Clerk Midstokke announced that
supplemental correspondence had been received from approximately one hundred forty-four people,
all supporting the appeal. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Mayor Pro
Tempore McCarthy and so ordered to receive and file.
A staff report was given by Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development/City
Planner Ron Yoshiki which included a Power Point presentation with a location map, a zoning map,
an aerial photograph and a photograph of the subject property. He explained that this item is an
appeal of the Planning Commission’s action for the revocation of a signing variance involving
Johnie’s Broiler, which was a 1950s style drive-in restaurant. The variance is both for signing area
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and number of signs. This property has been used as a used car lot for several years now.
Assistant Director Yoshiki expressed that Section 9168 of the Municipal Code sets forth the
provisions to revoke or modify a variance with required findings. The Planning Commission
believed that three findings are present in this case which include: 1) the use for which the variance
was granted is not being exercised; 2) the use is being conducted in violation of the terms and
conditions of the variance; and 3) the use for which the variance was granted has ceased or has been
suspended for one year or more. Subsequent to that, the operators of the used car business were cited
for additional violations on the property which in part has brought this action before City Council.
Coming forward to speak in the favor of the appeal were:
Ken Bernstein, Director of Preservation Issues, Los Angeles Conservancy, indicating that the
appeal was filed largely because the proposed remedy before the Council, revocation of the sign
variance which has been in place since 1990, does not fit the transgression which was the illegal
refacing of one of the signs. In 2002 the State Historical Resources Commission declared the
Johnie’s Broiler site as eligible for the California Register of Historical Resources. Under the
California Environment Quality Act (“CEQA“), this eligibility has the same effect as actually being
listed as a historical resource. The Conservancy would like to see an active and vital reuse of this
property and offers to work with the current used car dealer or bring forward potential operators of a
restaurant.
Council Member Perkins expressed that Mr. Bernstein should not assume the City has not met
with the property and business owners to try to work things out when in fact they have.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy, Mr. Bernstein indicated that they have met with
the tenant, but have not had an opportunity to meet with the property owner.
Council Member Perkins stated that Item # 6 in the appellants’ letter states: “The appellants
have also long sought to bring interested coffee shop and restaurant owners to this site – either as
buyers or tenants – but have been rebuffed by the property owner”. This would indicate that someone
has had some communications with the property owner.
Mr. Bernstein indicated that he meant that the Conservancy has not met with the property
owner, but one of the other appellants might have.
Mayor Cartozian asked the appellant what three things are being requested. Mr. Bernstein
responded they were: 1) to grant the appeal and not revoke the variance; 2) for the Council to play a
leadership role in getting all the parties together to try to find a more consensus oriented solution to
this site; and 3) to work together to explore the possibility of using the historic preservation financial
incentives as a component to insure the economic revitalization of this site.
Adriene Biondo, Commercial Architecture Chair for Los Angels Conservancy’s Modern
Committee, presented a letter of interest on behalf of Doug Cavanaugh, CEO and Founder of the
Ruby Restaurant Group, dated February 23, 2004. She read the letter which indicated that Ruby’s
would like to explore the possibility of operating a Ruby’s at the location of the former Harvey’s
Broiler/Johnie’s Broiler restaurant.
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Diane Whatam, Downey resident, submitted twenty one additional letters dated February 17,
2004 supporting the appeal. She also read and submitted an email from Alan Hess dated February 23,
2004, who is the author of“Googie, Ultramodern Roadside Architecture” and five pages from his
new book that reference Johnie’s Broiler.
Analisa Hungerford, Downey resident, submitted and read a letter from John Vincent,
President, Downey Historical Society dated January 29, 2004 indicating the Historical Society is in
support of the efforts of the Friends ofJohnie’s Broiler to save the sign. She referenced the thousands
of letters and communications that have been received over the past two years from people concerned
with the historical status of the subject building.
Carol Holiday, Downey resident, recollected going to Harvey’s Broiler as a child and
teenager. She feels that Harvey’s/Johnie’s Broiler signs and building are hanging in the delicate
balance of here today and gone tomorrow.
George Redfox, Downey resident and teacher at Warren High School, submitted petitions to
“Help Save Johnie’s Broiler sign and diner” signed by 573 students and indicated that the student
body is very interested in this historical location.
Bill Harrison, Downey resident, indicated that he graduated from Warren High School when
this location was a popular place for high school students to have a good time.
Glen Hungerford, Downey resident, enjoys living in Los Angeles County because of all of the
distinctive architectural buildings and homes. Johnie’s is one of those unique buildings and has a
special place in the history of car culture.
Bill Brining, Downey resident, indicated that it is not in the best interest of the City of
Downey to remove the signs and that they do not hurt the current used car business.
Alan Lieb, Chairman for the Modern Committee, Los Angeles Conservancy, indicated that he
has worked for the last several years to landmark the site, which also includes the signage. He
believes there are design solutions that allow for the signage to be maintained and avoid the negative
impacts of sign removal.
Eric Linkswiller stated that Johnie’s building and signs are architecturally, culturally and
historically significant and there should not be a possibility of losing it. He indicated that he works
with various signage museums across the nation which encourage and teach the importance of the
American sign history.
Robert Maya, Bellflower resident and employee of Speedy McDonald’s expressed that a lot of
customers indicate that they are disappointed with the condition of the Johnie’s site. He feels that
Speedy McDonald’s, Johnie’s Broiler and the Rockwell plant have brought Downey its identity.
Coming forward to speak in opposition to the appeal were:
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Christos Smyrniotis. Downey resident and owner ofJohnie’s Broiler property, indicated that
he has been a merchant in the property business for fifty years. He referenced prior meetings with the
City in regards to code compliance issues. He indicated that this is the first time he has heard of
Ruby’s restaurant interest and both he and his tenant are open to any discussions regarding purchase
of the property. He referenced the State of California’s decision as: “even though the property
qualified to be registered, it is up to the owner’s final decision to accept our decision“. He has been
trying to rent or sell the property for the last fifteen years. He made the contract with Car Outlet
about two years ago. The property is still for sale subject to the tenant’s 1 st option of refusal.
Council Member Perkins inquired regarding the sign variance application of fourteen years
ago and Mr. Smymiotis referenced his request to continue with his restaurant business at that time.
Council Member Perkins recollected that the architect indicated that the sign was on a bearing wall
and Mr. Smyrniotis responded that this is still true.
Mayor Cartozian inquired whether Mr. Smyrniotis had been approached by other groups in the
past about potential purchase of the property and he responded no.
City Manager Caton asked if it was eight or ten years ago that they talked to Ruby’s about
moving onto his site. Mr. Smyrniotis responded that he does not recall Ruby’s ever approaching him.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy, Mr. Smyrniotis indicated that food was last
sold at the restaurant two years ago on December 3 1, 2001.
There being no further speakers, it was moved by Council Member Trejo, seconded by
Council Member Perkins and so ordered to close the Public Hearing at 9:15 p.m.
The meeting recessed at 9:15 p.m. and reconvened at 9:20 p.m. with all Council Members
present.
At this time, Mayor Cartozian announced that Downey High School had won the CIF
Basketball game and will be advancing to the quarterfinals.
Mayor Cartozian indicated that he does not agree with the Planning Commission’s decision of
revocation and feels it is not necessary at this time. He will be making a motion to grant the appeal
but at some point in the future when there is a potential for change, altering or any development on
the site as a whole, to have that brought back to the Council for approval.
It was moved by Mayor Cartozian to grant the appeal. The motion did not receive a second
at this time and is restated below for clarity.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy, Assistant Director Yoshiki indicated that the
sign variance does include all signs on the property and any lettering such as “drive-in“ and “coffee
shop“. Mr. Yoshiki also indicated that the property is in the Firestone Project Redevelopment Area.
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy mentioned that the property used to be “Sally’s Fryers“ a long
time ago, which was a chicken farm and retail store. He clarified that although the State historical
designation has been voted by the Board, it can not be officially listed unless the owner approves.
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City Manager Caton clarified, based upon the experience with Speedy McDonald’s, that the
structure meets all the criteria to be listed and therefore is eligible to be listed although it does not
actually go on the list because of the property owner’s objection.
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy mentioned the challenges the Council faces in arriving at a
decision including that the property owner and business wish to eliminate the sign; the sign does not
match the current use of the property; its has been at least two and one-half years since food service
has been conducted; the sign is in disrepair physically and electrically; and the City does not currently
have a Preservation Ordinance. It would probably be less expensive to create a reproduction of the
sign than the cost of preservation. His opinion was originally to approve staffs recommendation, but
based upon the testimony, he would be willing to postpone the revocation to make one last ditch
effort to see if something could be worked out before the sign comes down.
Council Member Trejo mentioned that it was a priority of the City to preserve the history of
the NASA-Boeing property by establishing a museum. It is important to preserve, provide and
protect our link to the history of the past to provide a foundation for our family in the future. He
believes a compromise can be reached for both parties.
Council Member Perkins indicated that both sides have something to offer on this item. He
recalls a time when the property owner was fighting to save the sign and it was said that the sign is
part of a bearing wall. This was considered by the Planning Commission when they granted the sign
variance. He would support a reworded motion to grant the appeal, deny the revocation without
prejudice and at the time of any demolition permit application, a final decision can be made by the
City Council.
Mayor Cartozian requested clarification from the City Attorney on the contemplated action.
City Attorney Vose responded that the contemplated action would require a Resolution
coming back to the City Council. The motion should be to direct staff to bring back a Resolution at
the next meeting approving the appeal and denying the revocation of the variance. That Resolution
will include the issues that have been raised.
Mayor Cartozian restated his motion to grant the appeal that presently stands and deny
the revocation of the earlier decision of Zone Variance No. 660. The motion was seconded by
Council Member Perkins. This motion was restated and is listed below for clarity.
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy offered an amendment to put in a time frame in an attempt to
bring all parties to the table to reach an agreement and suggested sixty days.
City Attorney Vose clarified that in order to do anything with that sign, that they have to come
forward with a demolition permit and because of the designation that requires certain other review
processes such as CEQA.
City Attorney Vose indicated he understands that one Council Member is looking at this from
the standpoint to give time for there to be some discussions between the groups and that can be
accomplished by just continuing the matter for a period of time. The second issue is granting the
appeal and denying the revocation of the variance. That would result in this being in total abeyance
until something else happens with the property such as a demolition or Conditional Use Permit.
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Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy offered a substitute motion to continue this matter for sixty
days. The substitute motion died for lack of a second.
Mayor Cartozian requested the City Clerk to read the motion now on the floor which was read
to be to direct staff to bring back a Resolution approving the appeal and denying the revocation
of the variance (previously moved by Mayor Cartozian and seconded by Council Member Perkins).
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bayer, Perkins, Trejo, Mayor Cartozian
NOES: McCarthy
ORAL COMIWUNICATIONS – no one came forward to speak.
CONSENT CALENDAR – ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
9.SPEED LIMITS FOR IMPERIAL HIGHWAY: APPROVE THE ENGINEERING
AND TRAFFIC SURVEYS WHICH REAFFIRM THE SPEED LIMIT ON IMPERIAL
HIGHWAY, FROM THE WEST CITY LIMIT TO THE EAST CITY LIMIT: was
withdrawn at the request of staff.
10.SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR MARCH 9, 2004 FOR KAISER PERMANENTE
APPLICATION TO CA STATEWIDE COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY FOR TAX EXEMPT BOND FINANCING FOR ACQUISITION,
IMPROVEMENT AND EQUIPPING OF THE HOSPITALS’ FACILITY AT THE
DOWNEY NASA SITE: was removed at the request of Council Member Perkins and is
listed under Other Business below.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Trejo, seconded by Council Member Perkins and
unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder of
the Consent Calendar items as recommended:
3.COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 10, 2004:
Approve.
4.
5.
COUNCIL MINUTES: REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 10, 2004: Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: 192644 – 193007; WIRE NUMBERS 199, 30000751-758:
$2,758,760.40: Approve.
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6.AGREEMENTS TO PURCHASE RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR LAKEWOOD
BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: AGREEMENT WITH OKURA
FAMILY TRUST TO ACQUIRE A PORTION OF THE SUN TRAILER PARK
PROPERTY AT 12532 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD FOR AN AMOUNT NOT BE
EXCEED $91,080; AND AGREEMENT WITH MICCOSUKEE LAND COMPANY,
LLC AND ALAMITOS ENTERPRISES, LLC TO OBTAIN A PERMANENT
ROADWAY EASEMENT FROM THE JIFFY LUBE PROPERTY AT 12556
LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD, IN EXCHANGE FOR A PORTION OF THE
PROPERTY ACQUIRED FROM THE OKURA FAMILY TRUST, AT NO COST:
Approve
7.PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CREATIVE COLLECTIONS
MANAGEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,000 (PLUS $2,750 1N REIMBURS ABLE
COSTS) TO PROVIDE INVENTORY AND CLASSIFICATION OF ARTIFACTS AT
THE FORMER NASA SITE IN SUPPORT OF THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL
SPACE SCIENCE LEARNING CENTER EDUCATION INITIATIVES: Approve.
8.FIRESTONE BOULEVARD TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT
RIGHT OF WAY EASEMENT: AGREEMENT WITH JESUS AND DELORES
FLORES FOR PURCHASING EASEMENT AT 7407 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD
FOR $52,600: Approve.
11.RESOLUTION NO. 6735 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SETTING
FORTH ITS FINDINGS OF FACT FOR THE SUMMARY VACATION OF A
CERTAIN PORTION OF CABELL AVENUE NORTH OF FOSTER ROAD
(ADJOINING THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS 13244 CABELL AVENUE).
12.RESOLUTION NO. 6736 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN FOR
THE CITY; AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AGREEMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR PAYMENT AS NECESSARY TO
COMPLETE THE PLAN; AND APPROPRIATE $10,000 TO COVER THE COST TO
COMPLETE THE PLAN.
13.ORDINANCE NO. 1159 (ADOPT)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING A DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE IX,
CHAPTER 1, SECTION 9114 (MEDIUM DENSITY MULTIPLE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL) RELATING TO WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
14.LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT.
A staff report was presented by Public Works Director Desi Alvarez who explained that this is
an informational item regarding the Lakewood Boulevard Improvement Project and the opportunities
for the formation of an Underground Utility District, specifically for that segment adjacent to the
NASA property site which will be undergoing redevelopment in the near future. The overall
improvements include a widening of Lakewood Boulevard and as a consequence the utility lines will
need to be relocated. There is an opportunity to underground those lines and improve the overall
appearance of Lakewood Boulevard.
Director Alvarez then reviewed the preliminary cost estimates for this segment and funding
under Rule 20A where Southern California Edison pays or Rule 20B where the City pays.
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy commended Director Alvarez and Deputy Director Anthony
La for their work on this matter. He also thanked Edison for their work on Imperial Highway.
It was moved by Council Member Trejo, seconded by Council Member Perkins and
unanimously carried to receive and file the report.
OTHER BUSINESS
15.CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTING STAFF TO STUDY AMENDING ORDINANCE
NO. 1146 SELF-STORAGE/MINI-WAREHOUSE TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL
AREAS SUCH AS ALONG RIVERBEDS AND FREEWAYS – requested by Mayor Pro
Tempore McCarthy.
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy explained that the Ordinance for Self-Storage was adopted
about six months ago when a moratorium was about to expire and the area was limited to M-1.
During that discussion, he suggested that consideration be given to areas along freeways and
riverbeds. He referenced an area in Bellflower along the Rio San Gabriel River that has been
developed as self-storage and is working well in the area.
The Mayor directed staff to prepare a report to City Council within 60 days addressing
amending Ordinance No. 1146, Self-Storage/Mini-Warehouse, to include additional areas such
as along freeways and riverbeds.
OTHER BUSINESS – Consent Calendar – Items removed by Council Approval:
10.SET A PUBLIC HEARING FOR MARCH 9, 2004 FOR KAISER PERNIANENTE
APPLICATION TO CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY FOR TAX EXEMPT BOND FINANCING FOR FINANCING THE
ACQUISITION, IMPROVEMENT AND EQUIPPING OF THE HOSPITALS,
FACILITY AT THE DOWNEY NASA SITE.
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Council Member Perkins asked the City Attorney if he had received any information on this
item and his response was no. Council Member Perkins expressed that the City should have more
information from Kaiser to review prior to the Public Hearing. He also requested that a letter be
written to Kaiser requesting a circulation plan for the new hospital.
It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Trejo and
unanimously carried to schedule a Public Hearing on March 9, 2004, to received public comment
and approve the issuance of bonds by the California Statewide Communities Development
Authority, for financing the acquisition, improvement and equipping of the Kaiser Foundation
Hospitals’ facility at the Downey NASA site.
OTHER BUSINESS – Council Member Requests for Future Agenda Items
Mayor Cartozian requested a report on the status of the update of the General Plan; requested
Engineering, and Traffic in particular, to look at the possibility of doing a traffic study of the Wiley
Burke corridor north of Firestone, south of 7th Street; acknowledged receiving a letter from the
Downey City Hospital Commission requesting that the City Council monitor the hospital’s financial
situation and requested that staff review this matter and prepare a response letter to the Commission.
Council Member Perkins stated that he had attended a meeting regarding the hospital this
morning and their bond rating has been moved up to a B+.
OTHER BUSINESS – Staff Comments
City Manager Caton announced that he will be returning to Council with a plan on how to
handle the construction at the former NASA site, which will be the largest in the City’s history. He
also mentioned that the City has done a lot for historical preservation including winning a National
award with the Los Angeles Conservancy on the historical McDonalds and that for the last eight years
has worked on maintaining the historical buildings at the former NASA site.
ADJOURNMENT: 10:18 p.m.
The meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., March 9, 2004, in the Council Chamber of Downey City
Hall
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KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKF,, City Clerk mK o. CARTO.Mayor
City Council Minutes 02/24/04 -11-