HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 07-27-04 - Regular Meeting0148.12
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
JULY 27, 2004
The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an
Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:35 p.m., July 27, 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
James Makshanoff, Assistant to the 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 Trejo and unanimously carried to approve the Closed Session Minutes of
July 13, 2004.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor/Chairman Cartozian 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. SECTION 54956.8 – Conference with real property negotiator Darrell George re: property
at 8764 Firestone Boulevard; negotiating party: Citigroup Inc. Corporate Realty Services.;
under negotiation: price and terms of payment.
2. SECTION 54957 – Public Employee Performance Evaluation – City Clerk.
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj .) 07/27/04 -1-
014813
RECONVENED
The meeting reconvened in open session at 7:30 p.m. with all Council Members/-
Commissioners present. There were no Closed Session actions to report
The meeting recessed at 7:30 p.m.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The meeting reconvened for Oral Communications at 8:30 p.m., with all Council
Members/Commissioners present (see Oral Communications under Regular City Council Meeting)
and recessed at 8:44 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 10:10 p.m. with members present.
ADJOURNMENT: 10:10 p.m.
IM/„A#
KATHLEEN L. MnJSTOKKE, City Clerk/Secretary KIRK O. CARTOZIAN, Mayor/
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj .) 07/27/04 -2-
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 27, 2004
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT
Council Member Announcements
ACTION PAGE NO.
Presentations
Pub. Hrg. Underground Utility District #19, Lakewood Blvd.
2
2Adopted
Reso #6784
Oral Communications
Consent Calendar Items Removed
Council Minutes: Adj . Meeting 07/13/04
Council Minutes: Adj . & Reg. Meeting 07/13/04
Cash Contract #S.S. 565 – Residential Street Resurfacing
Warrants: # 196754 – 19709; Wire Nos. 223, 30000839-846
$7, 176,653.38
Contract w/Verizon for Police Mobile Data Services Approved
Amendment to Downey Municipal Code, Art. IX, Sects. 9104 & 9110, Set Hearing
Small & Large Family Day Care Homes in Residential Zones 8/10/2004
Annual Proj . Update for Expenditure of Prop A & C Funds Approved
Agreement with Downey Chamber of Commerce, FY 2004-05 Approved
Reso. #6785 Class Specs & Salary Range for Rec. & Social Srvcs. Mgr. Adopted
Reso. #6786 Approve Destruction of Finance Obsolete Records Adopted
Reso. #6788 Authorize Filing of App. For Local Law Enforcement Adopted
Block Grant Program
Reso. #6789 Authorize Police Dept. to File & Receive Juvenile
Accountability Block Grant Funds
Reso. #6790 Approve Final Sub. Map #60686 (8734-8738 Prichard St.) Adopted
3
3
4
4
4
4
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
Adopted
SUBJECT
Cable TV Franchise Assessment Needs
ACTION
Approved
Comm. Mtgs.
Continued
Approved
Approved
PAGE NO.
5
City Facility Naming Policy Additional Criteria
Extend Agrmt. w/Harden Carter for Professional Planning Services
Contract w/Zucker Systems for Comprehensive Examination of City’s
Development Permit Process
Reso. # 6787 MOU w/Downey City Employees Association-
Maintenance Unit
Council Member Requests for Future Agenda Items
Adjournment to 6:30 p.m., August 10, 2004
5
7
7
Adopted 8
8
9
014814
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 27, 2004
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:37 p.m., July 27, 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
James Makshanoff, Assistant to the City Manager
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
Linda Haines, Building Official
Anthony La, Deputy Director of Public Works
Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev./City Planner
Susan Domen, Executive Secretary
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council Member Bayer recognized Fay Campbell, Water Facilities Corporation member and
Gary DeRemer, candidate for City Council, District Five, in the audience.
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy recognized Planning Commissioner David Gafin and Hospital
Commissioner Mark Vasquez, both candidates for City Council, District One, in the audience. He
noted that he had attended a public meeting Saturday, at Sussman Middle School on the proposed
Underground Utility District and thanked staff for their presentation; and he requested staff to
research the cost of providing spam protection software on the City’s computers.
Council Member Perkins announced that Moonlight Express will be the featured band at
Concerts in the Park tomorrow night; and the Pro Shop and golf carts have moved into the new Rio
Hondo Golf Course Clubhouse and the food vendor is now operating the snack bar.
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C'ouncil Member Trejo announced that there will be a fundraiser Car Wash Saturday, July 3 1,
2004, at Warren High School from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the Friends of the Copeland Family, in
support of Josh Copeland who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia.
Mayor (_'artozian announced that he had attended a Unity in the Community event at Treasure
Island Park and thanked staff and residents for the pro-active measures they have taken; he also
mentioned that with the Clubhouse at the Rio Hondo Golf Course nearing completion, the public
Grand Opening has been set for August 28, 2004; and recognized former Mayors Bob Winningham
and Diane Boggs; Eddie Tafoya, Held representative for Congress Member Lucille Roybal-Allard;
and Jim Derry, past Chairman of the YMCA annual campaign, in the audience.
PRESENTATIONS :
Mayor Cartozian presented the Mayor’s Academic Excellence Award to Andrew Fuenmayor,
Downey High School 2004 Graduate.
Mayor Cartozian presented a proclamation declaring July as Parks and Recreation Month to
Community Services staff: Monica Ortiz, Kevin Ellis, Sheila Pautsch, Adolfo Estrada, Teri Akloff,
Heidi Lockwood, Thomas Henritze, Chantal Rodriguez, Kelly Barker, Gene Sposto and Adriana
Segura
Mayor Cartozian presented a proclamation declaring August 3, 2004 as National Night Out to
Fire Chief Sauter, Police Chief Finch and Public Education Specialist Emrick.
Mayor Cartozian presented a proclamation declaring Todd and Beth Comin, Mark and Danette
Hudkins9 Charles and Vera Johnson, and Johnny and Tina Venegas as 2004 Parents of the Year.
PUBLIC HEARINGS :
1.UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 19, LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD
ALONG THE LENGTH OF LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD FROM IMPERIAL
HIGHWAY TO THE 1-105 FREEWAY.
Mayor Cartozian opened the Public Hearing at 8:25 p.m. City Clerk Midstokke affirmed
receipt of Proof of Publication and Affidavit of Mailing of Notices. It was moved by Council
Member Perkins, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy and so ordered to receive and file.
A staff report was presented by Deputy Director of Public Works La explaining that two
Resolutions were adopted by the Council establishing Districts 18 and 19 for the undergrounding of
utilities along Lakewood Boulevard. Resolution No. 6750 intends to use Lakewood Boulevard fUnds
and work is to be done concurrently with the construction on Lakewood Boulevard. Resolution No.
6751 establishes that this portion of the work will be paid by Rule 20B funds. This Public Hearing is
required before the funds can be used.
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy clarified that the section from Imperial to the 1- 105 Freeway is
to be paid from the Rule 20B funds, which are provided by Edison and already set aside.
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0.14816
As no one came forward to speak, it was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy and so ordered to close the Public Hearing at 8:28 p.m.
City Clerk Midstokke read the title of the Resolution. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore
McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Bayer and unanimously carried to waive further reading
and adopt.
RESOLUTION NO. 6784
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ESTABLISHING AN UNDERGROUNDING UTILITY DISTRICT ALONG THE
LENGTH OF LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD FROM IMPERIAL HIGHWAY TO THE
1-105 FREEWAY AND CAUSING ALL SPECIFIED UTILITIES THEREIN TO BE
RELOCATED UNDERGROUND (DISTRICT NO. 19).
ORAI / COMMUNICATIONS
Robert Bryan, President Downey City Employee’s Association – Maintenance Unit, requested
to speak on Item number 14.
Maria Larkin, resident of Downey, expressed her support for City Manager Caton, the services
he provides to the City and that consideration should be given to forming a Committee including
CItIzens
Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, expressed his support for City Manager Caton; and
requested that the Mayor reimburse the City for the two months he was out of the country and
received City reimbursement for expenses.
Laura Wilson, City Code Enforcement Officer, thanked the City and staff for their support
during the recent passing away of her father.
CONSENT CALENDAR – ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
8.EXTEND AGREEMENT WITH HARDEN CARTER FOR PROFESSIONAL
PLANNING SERVICES FOR $60,000. This item was pulled at the request of Mayor
Cartozian and is listed under Other Business below.
9.CONTRACT WITH ZUCKER SYSTEMS FOR COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
OF THE CITY’S DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PROCESS FOR $28,240. This item was
pulled at the request of Mayor Cartozian and is listed under Other Business below.
14.A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY
OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION/
MAINTENANCE UNIT. This item was pulled at the request of Mayor Cartozian and is
listed under Other Business below.
City Council Minutes 07/27/04 -3-
014817
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy, 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:
2.COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING, JULY 13, 2004:
Approve.
3.
4.
COUNCIL MINUTES: REGULAR MEETING, JULY 13, 2004: Approve.
CASH CONTRACT #S.S. 565 – RESIDENTIAL STREET RESURFACING: ACCEPT
IMPROVEMENTS AND MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITY; AND APPROVE THE
FINAL CONSTRUCTION AMOUNT OF $305,453.17: Approve.
5.WARRANTS ISSUED: 196754 – 197079; WIRE NUMBERS 223. 30000839-846:
$7,176,653.38: Approve.
6.CONTRACT WITH VERIZON FOR POLICE MOBILE DATA SERVICES FOR
$55,000: Approve.
7.SET PUBLIC HEARING ON AUGUST 10, 2004 FOR AMENDMENT TO DOWNEY
MUNICIPAL CODE, ARTICLE IX, SECTIONS 9104 AND 9110 RELATING TO
SMALL AND LARGE FAMILY DAY CARE HOMES IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES:
Approve
10.ANNUAL PROJECT UPDATE FOR EXPENDITURE OF PROPOSITION A AND C
LOCAL RETURN FUNDS; AND AUTHORIZE TRANSMITTAL OF NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS TO L.A. COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY (MTA) : Approve.
11.AGREEMENT WITH DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 2004-2005 FISCAL
YEAR, FOR $24,500 TO PROMOTE WELFARE AND GROWTH OF CITY: Approve.
12.RESOLUTION NO. 6785 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING CLASS SPECIFICATION AND ESTABLISHING THE SALARY
RANGE FOR RECREATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES MANAGER AND
DESIGNATING THE RECREATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES MANAGER
CLASSIFICATION AS MIDDLE MANAGEMENT.
13.RESOLUTION NO. 6786 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN OBSOLETE RECORDS OF THE
FINANCE DEPARTMENT.
City Council Minutes 07/27/04 -4-
01 4818
15.RESOLUTION NO. 6788 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE LOCAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.
16.RESOLUTION NO. 6789 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUTHORIZING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO FILE AND RECEIVE
JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY BLOCK GRANT FUNDS.
17.RESOLUTION NO. 6790 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF PARCEL MAP NO. 60686
(8734 – 8738 PRICHARD STREET) BY APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE
SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A CASH DEPOSIT AS SURETY.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
18. CABLE TV FRANCHISE ASSESSMENT NEEDS.
Assistant to the City Manager Makshanoff presented a staff report requesting that the City
hold five public meetings to receive public input on Cable TV issues. There would be one meeting
held in each district and one Citywide. He explained that a professional survey might be considered
after the meetings are conducted, which would cost approximately $20,000 to $30,000.
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy mentioned that newspaper display ads should be used to
advertise these meetings as they tend to draw more attention than press releases. He also requested a
copy of the survey done in Bellflower.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Perkins and
unanimously carried to approve staff to conduct five town hall type meetings to discuss Cable TV
issues.
19.CITY FACILITY NAMING POLICY ADDITIONAL CRITERIA.
Assistant to the City Manager Makshanoff noted that a corrected Exhibit A to the staff report
had been distributed and available to the public. A survey was made to approximately 400 California
cities and 40 had responded. Two additional criteria are being suggested by Council Member Bayer:
1 ) that the person for which the facility is names after be deceased; and 2) that the facility being
named after the someone be within his or her district.
Dianne Boggs, resident of Downey, stated that while she felt the current policy is inadequate,
it should be reviewed and researched in depth before adjusting. She suggested having a community
group to review the criteria.
City Council Minutes 07/27/04 -5-
014819
Maria Larkin, resident of Downey, expressed concern over a facility naming that was
approved in June for former Council Member Ken Miller. City Manager Caton explained that a
change in the policy now would not affect any previous authorizations. She then submitted
suggested wording for the plaque at that facility.
Robert Goldstein, resident of Downey, noted his agreement with previous speaker Boggs that
the item should be thoroughly reviewed before any additions or changes were made and that the
recipient have had some significant impact for the community other than just serving on Council.
Council Member Bayer stated that the item had been brought forth to review the current
criteria in place and to see if there were any additional ones that should be added. She noted that
Assistant to the City Manager Makshanoff and herself had reviewed the items carefully and felt that
these needed to be added.
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy commented that this is a good discussion to have; but he does
not agree with restricting it to the district with which they live in. He suggested that a new
Commission be formed for the purpose of Historical Preservation as many other cities have done, and
they could address these types of issues.
Council Member Perkins noted his appreciation for the time and effort gone into researching
this item although he feels that the criteria should not be adjusted at this time.
Council Member Trejo stated that he could not support a policy that restricted the naming of a
facility to the person being deceased as they could not enjoy it with their friends and family.
Mayor Cartozian echoed his agreement with many of the statements already made by the other
speakers. He would like to add that the individual to be honored be completely removed from the
process of the nomination. He also stated that the formation of a Historical Preservation Commission
is worthy of consideration.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Bayer and
carried by the following vote to direct staff to survey other cities and bring back guidelines on
the establishment of a Historical Preservation Commission and to not take any action on the
recommendations presented at this time; and for staff to bring back consideration of a policy
that the person being honored be removed from the process and that it not be district specific.
AYES :
NOES :
Bayer, McCarthy, Mayor Cartozian
Perkins, Trejo
Prior to the vote, Mayor Cartozian requested an amendment to the motion to state that the
person who is being considered for an honor be removed from the process completely and that the
location does not need to be district specific. This amendment was accepted by Mayor Pro Tempore
McCarthy and Council Member Bayer.
City Council Minutes 07/27/04 -6-
48:23
OTHER BUSINESS – Consent Calendar – Items removed by Council Approval:
8. EXTEND AGREEMENT WITH HARDEN CARTER FOR PROFESSIONAL
PLANNING SERVICES FOR $60,000.
Mayor Cartozian mentioned that currently there is a shortage of personnel in the Planning
Department and this will help to fill in the gaps until staffing levels are back to normal.
It was moved by Mayor Cartozian, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy and
unanimously carried to extend the agreement with Harden Carter and appropriate funds from
the general fund in the amount of $60,000.
9.CONTRACT WITH ZUCKER SYSTEMS FOR COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
OF THE CITY’S DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PROCESS FOR $28,240.
Mayor Cartozian stated that this contractor would evaluate the City’s permit process and make
recommendations for improvement. He then introduced Mr. Zucker, from Zucker Systems, to answer
any Council questions.
Council Member Trejo inquired as to the length of the study and was told that for a City this
size, it would be between two and three months.
Council Member Bayer questioned what the hours would be of the visits and what they would
include. Mr. Zucker responded that it is generally around eight hours per day, however, there are
evening meetings to attend and some focus groups that might require longer time periods or extra
days
Mayor Cartozian asked what types of concerns they have run into in other cities from staff and
how they were received by staff. Mr. Zucker replied that staff is generally very receptive and helpful
in the evaluation process.
Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy asked what type of follow-up work they did and was told that
some city’s have requested them to come back in a year or so and do follow-up evaluation, but they
keep in touch with each of their clients and they provide an evaluation form to the client to evaluate
how they did at the end of the process.
Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, noted that the employees of the Building and
Planning Departments are very good employees and that he feels they will become nervous by
bringing in an outside evaluation company.
RECESS
The meeting was recessed at 9:46 p.m. and resumed at 9:52 p.m., with all Council Members
present.
Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, continued by stating that the Building and Planning
staff are very dedicated employees and he is concerned that bringing in an outside company will scare
them off. He then read a newspaper quoting the Mayor regarding 100 cases of dissatisfied customers
and requested their contact information.
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. 014821
Council Member Bayer noted she was impressed by the resume of this company but due to the
state of the budget, she is not able to support the item at this time.
Council Member Trejo agreed with concerns about the employees becoming worried about
their jobs and noted that he had supported keeping the Library open on Sundays and would rather see
the money go towards this cause that would serve the citizens.
Council Member Perkins stated that evaluations are a good thing if they are done fairly and
that they are just seeking ways to improve the process. He also mentioned that the staff in this
department is underpaid along with the City yard workers.
Mayor Cartozian explained that this was more an examination of a process than an evaluation
of the department that will also review compensation of the employees.
It was moved by Mayor Cartozian, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore McCarthy and carried by
the following vote to approve the contract with Zucker Systems in the amount of $28,240.00 for
consultant services related to the comprehensive examination of the City’s permit process.
AYES :
NOES :
McCarthy, Perkins, Mayor Cartozian
Bayer, Trejo
14.ADOPTION OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY
OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION/
MAINTENANCE UNIT.
Robert Bryan, President of the Downey City Employees Association/ Maintenance Unit,
expressed gratitude to the Council and to the City Manager, Assistant City Manager and Personnel
Director for their completed negotiations on the new employee contract.
City Clerk Midstokke read the title of the Resolution. It was move by Council Member
Perkins, seconded by Council Member Trejo and unanimously carried to waive further reading and
adopt.
RESOLUTION NO. 6787
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY
OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES’
ASSOCIATION/MAINTENANCE UNIT.
OTHER BUSINESS – Council Member Requests for Future Agenda Items
Council Member Bayer requested that staff bring back a report reviewing the concept of the
Design Review Board at the next Council meeting.
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! el:14822
ADJOURNMENT: 10:10 p.m.
The meeting adjourned in memory of Herb Hare, 52-year Downey resident and father of
Laura Wilson, Code Enforcement Officer; and Cheryl Epple, Board Member of the Cerritos
College District, to 6:30 p.m., August 10, 2004 in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall.
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