HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 04-23-02 - Regular Meeting014123
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 23, 2002
The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an
adjourned regular meeting at 6:30 p.m., April 23, 2002, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City
Hall, Mayor/Chairman Meredith H. Perkins presiding.
PRESENT:Council Members/Commissioners:
Meredith H. Perkins
Rick Tmjo
Kirk O. Cartozian
Keith McCarthy
Robert C. Wirtningham
Mayor/Chairman
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chairman
ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager/Executive Director
Charles Vose, City Attorney
Kathleen Midstokke, City Clerk/Secretary
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Darrell George, Director of Community & Economic Development/
Assistant Executive Director
William Davis, Business Development Manager
APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES – APRIL 9, 2002
It was moved by Council Member/Commissioner Cartozian, seconded by Council Member/-
Commissioner Trejo, and unanimously carried to approve the Closed Session Minutes of April 9,
2002
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor/Chairman Perkins announced the Council/Commission is recessing to Closed Session
(6:31 p.m.) to discuss matters under the authority of the following Sections of the Government Code:
A. SECTION 54956.8 – Conference with real property negotiator Darrell George re property:
11018 Downey Avenue; negotiating parties: Mambo Grill; under negotiation: price and
terms of payment.
B. SECTION 54956.9 - Subdivision (b) – Conference with legal counsel – anticipated
litigation – exposure to litigation (two potential cases).
The meeting reconvened in open session at 7:38 p.m. with all Council Members/-
Commissioners present. There were no Closed Session actions to report.
The meeting recessed at 7:39 p.m.
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj .) 4/23/02 -1-
01412 't
onLL COMMUNICATIONS: None
The meeting reconvened for Oral Communications at 8:30 p.m. with all Council Members/-
Commissioners present (see Oral Communications under the Regular City Council Meeting) and
recessed at 9:20 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 9:59 p.m. with all Council Members/Commissioners present.
ADJOURNMENT: 10:00 p.m.
i4id3tokke, City–Ciert/Se=Mayor/Chairman
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City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj .) 4/23/02
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APRIL 23, 2002
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
rH-\Proclamation re KTDSDAY, 5/11/02
Certificate of Appointment to Connie Rodriguez, Citizens’
Health & Environmental Sanitation Comm., Dist. 5
Proclamation re Keep Downey Beautiful Month, April 2002
Proclamation re Water Awareness Month, May 2002
Proclamation re TV-Turnoff Week, 4/22-4/28/02
Certificate of Appointment to Tracey Riley, Cable TV
Citizens’ Advisory Comm., Dist. 2
Mayor’s Soaring Eagle Award for April to Jose Llamas,
Community Services Dept. Recreation Coordinator for Apollo
Gymnasium
Certificate of Recognition to Tod Comin acknowledging his
30 years of service to the Downey YMCA
Res. #6562, approv. a shared-use parking agreement between
properties at 8206, 8222 and 8224 Firestone Boulevard
Speakers regarding the recent Police pursuit and shooting of
Gonzalo Martinez; April 20 march by Friends of Gonzalo; &
recent hit and run incident causing the death of a 10-year
old boy
Richard B. Pridham re street lights not working in the City;
posting of building permits; and people selling roses without
a pemrrt
Speakers supporting the preservation of Johnie’s Broiler on
Firestone Bl.
PAGE 1 OF 4
COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 23, 2002
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Lennie Whittington re amending the rules for organizations
selling fireworks; and moving the handicapped parking spaces
at the City parking structure 4
4
5
5
5
5
5
Mark Gaswell re fireworks stands and non-profit organizations
raising funds for youth activities
Removal of Items from Consent Calendar
Council Minutes: Adj. & Reg. Mtgs. 4/9/02 Approved
Cash Contract #627 – Columbus High School Youth Field
Improvements: Grant authority to advertise for bids Approved
Cash Contract #629 – Bellflower Blvd. Improvement
Project: Approve plans & specs. & authorize bids Approved
Warrants Issued: #175239 – 175695; Wire Nos. 300003 12-323;
$2,506,546.47 Approved
Jail Operations & Management Agreement: Renew agreement
between the City & Correctional Systems. Inc. to 5/10/03 &
appropriate $ 14,435 Approved 5
5
6
6
6
Zone Change #02-15 for a portion of property at 1 1948
Paramount Bl. & 8021 Cole St.
Set hrg. 7:30 p.m.
5/14/02
Appropriate $42,000 for architectural fees for the remodel of
fire station number one Approved
Res. #6563, authorizing examination of sales & use tax records Adopted
Res. #6564, support of SB 1342 (Morrow) to define
the maximum extent practicable standard in the State Water Code Adopted
Res. #6565, supporting AB 2185 (Chavez), amending the
State Water Code to require the governor to appoint 6 persons
to the Regional Water Quality Control Board, L. A. Region, &
allowing the appointment of 3 local public officials Adopted 6
6
Res. #6566, approving Tract Map #53263. 12651 Paramount
Bl Adopted
PAGE 2 OF 4
COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 23, 2002
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Res. #6567, approving submittal of “Downey Ave. School
Route Improvement Program“ application for safe routes to
school funding Adopted 6
Cash Contract #623 – Independence Skate Park & Tennis
Center: Appropriate $458,400 from State & L. A. County
Grant Funds & award Cash Contract #623, totaling
$893,931.50 to 4-Con Engineering, Inc. for construction Approved 7
7Cn. Cartozian re East Middle School’s Career Day event
Cn. Cartozian announced the opening of the first Healthy
Start facility for the Downey Unified School District, which
is located at Pace Elementary School in Bellflower 7
Cn. Cartozian advised his student, Katie Fisch, will attend
his alma mater, the University of California at Berkeley
Cn. Trej o requested a Park & Recreation component be
included in the budget for the NASA site
Cn. Trejo requested staff pick up artifacts being scrapped
from the former NASA site
Cn. Trejo thanked Mayor Perkins for allowing him to be
the keynote speaker at the Washington Mutual open house
Cn. Trejo thanked Darrell George & Christina Vogel for
accompanying him to Washington, D.C., to meet with the
City’s various elected representatives
Cn. Wirmingham referred to a comment he made at the
last Council Mtg. regarding a group selling fireworks with
a questionable address
Cn. Wirmingham referred to the City’s involvement in
the Sister Cities Program wherein it has donated used
fire equipment to Guadalajara, Mexico, & requested staff
review AB 1821, which allows donations of used fire
equipment to organizations in the United States without
potential liability
PAGE 3 OF 4
COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 23, 2002
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO.
Cn. Winningham requested the Municipal Code be
reviewed re filing reports related to fireworks sales 8
Cn. Winningham commented on a requested from the Sister
Cities Assoc. to add the City of Ensenada as a Downey
Sister City 8
8
Cn. Winningham responded to earlier comments re the
request for street closures for the march for Gonzalo Martinez
Cn. McCarthy mentioned attending the opening of the
Alameda Corridor on 4/12/02, which eliminated over 200
grade crossings 9
Cn. McCarthy referred to the Johnie’s Broiler issue &
suggested a solution would be to buy the facility
Mayor Perkins pointed out the Alameda Corridor was
completed on time and under budget
Mayor Perkins noted over 2,000 people attended the
ARC Walk event last Saturday 9
9
Mayor Perkins mentioned attending the Library’s brunch
for its volunteers
Mayor Perkins announced he would be travelling to
Seattle, Washington, with Darrell George, to attenlpt to
secure grant funds for the former NASA property 9
9
9
Mayor Perkins announced the new SE ACCA (Southeast
Area Animal Control Authority) facility will be opening soon
Mayor Perkins mentioned the recent tragic event where a
10-year old boy was killed by a hit and run driver
Meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m., May 14, 2002
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PAGE 4 OF 4
01412 D
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APRIL 23, 2002
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:42 p.m.) April 23> 2002)
in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Meredith H. Perkins presiding.
PRESENT:Council Members :
Meredith H. Perkins
Rick Tmjo
Kirk O. Cartozian
Keith McCarthy
Robert C. Winningham
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Charles Vose, City Attorney
Kathleen Midstokke, City Clerk
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works
Darrell George, Director of Community/Economic Development
James Jarrett, Director of Community Services
John Michicoff, Director of Finance
Mark Sauter, Fire Chief
William Davis, Business Development Manager
Mark Dryer, Police Captain
Vicki Jenkins, City Librarian
Bonnie Kehoe, Manager Recreation Division
Carol Rowland, Administrative Asst. Keep Downey Beautiful
Christina Vogel, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary
PRESENTATIONS
Council Member Cartozian presented to Sara Adeyinka and Steve Goodwin, Community
Services’ Recreation Division leaders and Downey High School Seniors, a Proclamation declaring
May 11, 2002, KIDSDAY.
Council Member Canozian presented a Certificate of Appointment to Connie Rodriguez
on her appointment to the Citizens’ Health and Environmental Sanitation Committee,
District 5.
Council Member Trejo presented to Boy Scout Troop No. 394, Scoutmaster Jim Williams, a
Proclamation declaring the month of April 2002, Keep Downey Beautiful Month.
Mr. Williams thanked the Council for allowing Troop No. 394 to take part in the community
of Downey.
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Council Member Trejo presented to Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works, a Proclamation
declaring May 2002, Water Awareness Month.
Council Member McCarthy presented to Dr. Edward Mongan, Chairman of the Library
Advisory Board, and Carol Gibson. President of Friends of the Downey Library9 a Proclamation
declaring the week of April 22 – 28, 2002, T\’-Turnoff Week.
Dr. Mongan noted the Library is not advocating that people turn off their TV’s permanently
but pointed out people must learn to read in order to perform the majority of jobs.
Mayor Perkins presented to Tracey Riley, a Certificate of Appointment on his appointment
to the Cable TV Citizens’ Advisory Committee, District 2.
Mayor Perkins presented the Mayor's Soaring Eagle Award for April to Jose Llamas,
Community Services Department Recreation Coordinator for the Apollo Gym. He noted
Mr. Llamas started with the City in 1999 and is attending college to obtain his Bachelor of Arts
Degree in Business Administration. He mentioned a project proposed by Mr. Llamas in association
with his degree and asked him to explain it.
Mr. Llamas explained his proposal to install an identification (1.D.) system at the Apollo
Gymnasium that would be security efficient by identifying everyone utilizing the facility.
Council Member Winningham presented to Tod Comin, a Certificate of Recognition for his
30 years of service to the Downey YMCA (Young Mens’ Christian Association). He advised
Mr. Comin was the founder of the YMCA’s Easter Caravan Camp, which has now been in existence
for 30 years, where children spend a u-eek at Lake Moha\''e in Nevada and are taught water sports,
mountain biking, to ride dune buggies, hiking. fishing, etc. He advised Mr. Corrin and his family also
run the YMCA’s Christmas Tree lot each year. He also noted Mr. Comin is a past president of Little
League Baseball, where he was also a coach and congratulated him on his commitment to the City’s
youth
Mr. Corrin commended the wonderful staff at the YMCA’s Easter Caravan, noting he gets
more enjoyment out of the camp each year than the kids. His introduced his family members, who
along with members of the Downey Board of Managers came forward to join him for a picture.
HEARINGS
Mayor Perkins opened the public hearing on PROPOSED SHARED-USE PARKING
AGREEMENT BETWEEN PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 8206, 8222 AND 8224 FIRESTONE
BOULEVARD, which was continued from the Council Meeting of April 9, 2002.
There was no correspondence received regarding this matter.
Mr. Sellheim narrated a Power Point program regarding the proposed shared-use parking
agreement between Downey’s Billiard at 8206 Firestone Boulevard, Redzone at 8222 Firestone
Boulevard and Net Electronics at 8224 Firestone Boulevard, who share a common parking lot. He
explained the agreement u’ould allow’ Don-ney's Billiard the use of six parking spaces from Net
Electronics and Redzone for the purpose of installing three additional pool tables in the billiard
Council Minutes 4/23/02 l
01412 l
I
parlor. He reviewed the location of the three extra tables, which will be cordoned off and can only be
utilized in the evenings after 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and on Sunday when the other two
businesses are closed. He noted these businesses are zoned C-3, Central Business District zone,
which does allow shared parking. He responded to comments from the Council.
Mayor Perkins asked if anyone present wished to speak in favor of the proposed shared-use
parking agreement.
Hayk Gevorkyan, owner of Downey’s Billiard at 8206 Firestone Boulevard, stated his
customers requested he make more pool tables available and advised he asked his business neighbors
to allow him to share their parking spaces to fulfill this request.
Council Member Cartozian noted his concern that the other two businesses must maintain
their current hours of operation to enable the agreement to remain valid. He also inquired if these
businesses are ever open on Sundays.
Since the owners of these businesses were not present, Mr. Gevorkyan advised that their hours
of operation are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the shared-use parking agreement takes effect after
6:00 p.m. He also noted they are never open on Sundays.
Mayor Perkins asked if anyone present wished to speak in opposition of the proposed shared-
use parking agreement.
There being no one else to speak, it was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by
Council Member Cartozian, and so ordered to close the public hearing.
RESOLUTION NO. 6562
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING A SHARED-USE PARKING AGREEMENT BETWEEN
PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 8206 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD (DOWNEY’S
BILLIARD), 8222 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD (REDZONE), AND 8224
FIRESTONE BOULEVARD (NET ELECTRONICS) IN THE C3-DP
(CENTRAI, BUSINESS DISTRICT – DOWNTOWN PLAN) ZONE (SHARED
USE PARKING AGREEMENT NO. 01-67)
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCarthy,
seconded by Council Member Wirmingham and unanimously carried to waive further reading
and adopt.
Council Member Winningham requested clarification as to whether tenants cannot enter
into this type of agreement without the consent of the property owner and was informed this is
correct
Council Member Trejo asked how the three additional tables will be regulated and was
informed they would be cordoned off
Council Minutes 4/23/02 -3-
O 1 4 1 2 '<
Mr. Vose advised that the business applying for the shared-use parking is relying upon the
other businesses closing. He noted if the other businesses change their hours and days of
operation, the Resolution would be revocable and the three additional pool tables would be shut
down permanently.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The following people commented on the recent Downey Police Department vehicle pursuit
involving (Jonzalo Martinez, the march held by the Friends of Gonzalo Committee on April 20, 2002,
and the recent incident where a ten year old boy was killed by a hit and run driver driving a stolen
vehicle
Augustin Cevada, Atzlan, Altacalifa (sp. ?)
Omar Salcido, 10729 Little Lake Road, Downey
Norma Martinez. 9525 Ardine Street, Downey, mother ofGonzalo Martinez
Robert Hernandez, 1 1811 Pioneer Boulevard, Norw4lk
Cheno Romero, 6668 Loveland Street, Bell Gardens
Michael Lakey, 11706 Coldbrook Avenue, Downey
Norberto Martinez, 9525 Ardine Street, Downey, brother ofGonzalo Martinez
Diana Quinteros, 1 1644 Brookshire Avenue, Downey
Joanna Quinteros, 11644 Brookshire Avenue. Downey
Susan Quinteros, 11644 Brookshire Avenue, Downey
Jorge Perez, 9530 Ar(line Street, Downey
Miguel Mouchess, 8533 Via Amodta, Downey
Richard B. Pridham, 10402 Bellman, mentioned street lights not working; suggested property
owners post their building permit in public vie\\’; and mentioned locations where people are selling
roses without a permit.
The following people spoke regarding the preservation of the Johnie’s Broiler restaurant on
Firestone Boulevard, which has closed and is now a used car dealership.
Bill Harrison, 9022 3/, Cecilia
Kathleen Perez, 12264 Caladre Avenue, submitted 250 signatures from Downey residents and
residents from surrounding areas who want to keep this building intact.
Christy Wohls, 7103 De Palma Street
Raul Garcia, 4622 East 15th Street. Long Beach
Analisa Hungeford, 12648 Glenshire Road
Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, referred to fireworks and late financial reporting;
suggested a lottery for fireworks sales permits; and not allowing organizations who sell to minors to
sell again. He also referred to the City parking lot at the Krikorian Theatre where City employees
caught someone breaking into a car and he commended them. He referred to the location of
handicapped spaces in this parking lot and felt they should be moved.
Mark (;aswell, 12057 Morning Avenue, noted he volunteers at the West Downey Little
League fireworks stand and that non-profit organizations have a burden to raise funds for youth
actrvrtres.
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014129
The meeting recessed at 9:20 p.m. and reconvened at 9:28 p.m. with all Council Members
present.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL
Agenda Item VI-E- 1, AGREEMENT WITH LEHMAN ENGLISH AND ASSOCIATES
FOR GENERAL ADVOCACY SERVICES IN SACRAMENTO, was pulled at the request of
Mr. Caton to be brought back at a later date.
Mr. Caton also noted clerical corrections to Agenda Items VI-F-2 and VI-F-3, advising
VI-F-2, SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 1342, should read (MORROW) and not (Chavez) and
VI-F-3, SUPPORT FOR ASSEMBLY BILL 2185, should read (CHAVEZ) and not (MORROW),
and requested this be corrected in the Minutes.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Cartozian, and
unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions, with the corrections to Items
VI-F-2 and VI-F-3 as noted, and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar, as
recommended:
COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, APRIL 9, 2002:
Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. 627 – COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH FIELD
IMPROVEMENTS (ACCOUNT NO. 27-17551): Grant authority to advertise for bids:
Approve.
CASH CONTRACT NO. 629 – BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT: Approve the plans and specifications and grant authority to advertise for bids:
Approve.
WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 175239 – 175695; WIRE NUMBERS 30000312-321 ;
$2,506,546.47: Approve.
JAIL OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT: Renew the City Jail
Operations and Management Agreement between the City of Downey and Correctional
Systems, Inc. (CSD for an additional one-year period, commencing May 11, 2002 to May 10,
2003, and approve an appropriation of $14,435 from the City’s General Fund: Approve.
ZONE CHANGE NO. 02-15 – A REQUEST TO CHANGE THE ZONING
DESIGNATION FOR A PORTION OF PROPERTY AT 11948 PARAMOUNT
BOULEVARD AND 8021 COLE STREET, FROM C-1 (NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMERCIAL) TO RI-5000 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) AND TO ADOPT
A NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS (ASSESSOR
PARCEL NO. 6259-002-046 AND 047) (APPLICANT: THOMAS AND MARGARET
PERINA; REPRESENTATIVE: PAUL DE TILLA ASSOCIATES): Set the public
hearing for 7:30 p.m., May 14, 2002, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall: Approve.
Council Minutes 4/23/02 -5-
01413\\
ARCHITECTURAL FEES FOR FIRE HEADQUARTERS RENOVATION:
Appropriate $42,000 for architectural fees (construction drawings) for the remodel of fire
station number one: Approve.
RESOLUTION NO. 6563 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AUTHORIZING EXAMINATION OF SALES AND USE TAX RECORDS
RESOLUTION NO. 6564 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY IN
SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 1342 (MORROW) TO DEFINE THE
MAXIMUM EXTENT PRACTICABLE STANDARD IN THE STATE WATER
CODE
RESOLUTION NO. 6565 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY IN
SUPPORT OF ASSEMBLY BILL 2185 (CHAVEZ) WHICH WOULD AMEND
THE STATE WATER CODE TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT
SIX PERSONS TO THE REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD,
LOS ANGELES REGION, WHO MEET PRESCRIBED REQUIREMENTS
AND WOULD PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF THREE LOCAL
PUBLIC OFFICIALS TO THE BOARD
RESOLUTION NO. 6566 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT MAP NO. 53263
(12651 PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD), APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH
THE SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENTS
PERFORMANCE BOND (BOND NO. 86241'tS) AS SURETY
RESOLUTION NO. 6567 (ADOPT)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF THE “DOWNEY AVENUE SCHOOL
ROUTE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM” APPLICATION FOR SAFE ROUTES
TO SCHOOL FUNDING
ORDINANCES: None
RESOLUTIONS: None
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014131
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
CASH CONTRACT NO. 623 – INDEPENDENCE SKATE PARK AND TENNIS
CENTER (ACCOUNT NO. 27-13972)
Mr. Jarrett advised on March 26, 2002, the Council approved plans and specifications and
authorized bids for the Independence Park skate park. He advised two bids were received and opened
on April 15th. Staff is recommending the Council award the basic bid to 4-Con Engineering of
Fontana, who was the low bidder with a bid of $893,931.50. He noted 4-Con Engineering has
completed similar skate park projects for the cities of Irvine, Corona and Diamond Bar and is
currently finishing projects in the cities ofMontebello and Azusa. He reviewed improvements, which
include an 11,000 square foot skate park, new 1,200 square foot tennis and skate center pro shop,
restrooms, paved patio plaza and walkways, shade structures, lighting and landscaping. Construction
is commencing in June with completion in early October. The Council appropriated funds for the
engineering and architectural services and appropriated $600,000 during the 2001-2002 capital
projects budget for the construction. He noted additional funds are available from the State Park Bond
Fund, in the amount of $279,667, and Los Angeles County Proposition A Safe Neighborhood Park
Bond Act Fund in the amount of $178,733. He advised the appropriation requested tonight is
$458,400
Council Member McCarthy inquired if the architect who designed the skate park will be
coming back to inspect the results of the construction and was informed they will conduct site visits
to make sure what is constructed and laid out is built according to the design plan.
Mayor Perkins noted this project was approved about a year ago and now it has been noted
there is not enough funding to complete the job. He inquired if the parking lot will only be partly
completed and was informed the remedial work will be done, which will include slurry sealing and
restriping, but it will not be completely reconstructed.
Mayor Perkins mentioned his disappointment in getting this project underway and requested
an explanation in the future when bid amounts for certain items seem out of line.
It was moved by Council Member McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and
unanimously carried to appropriate $458,400 from State and Los Angeles County Grant Funds
and award Cash Contract No. 623, totaling $893,931.50 to 4-Con Engineering, Inc. for
construction of the Independence Skate Park and Tennis Center.
OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval
OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members
Council Member Cartozian mentioned he had the opportunity to attend East Middle School’s
Career Day event, which drew a large group of participants.
Council Member C'artozian announced the opening of the first Healthy Start facility for the
Downey Unified School District, which is located at Pace Elementary School in Bellflower. He
commended First Head Nurse Rose Bowland, who was instrumental in initiating this project.
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01413 )
Council Member Cartozian advised that one of his Downey High School students, Katie
Fisch, will attend his alma mater, the University of California at Berkeley.
Council Member Trejo requested a Park and Recreation component be included in the budget
for the NASA site.
Council Member Trejo requested staff contact Boeing to pick up artifacts being scrapped
from the NASA site that they are willing to relinquish to the City.
Council Member Trejo thanked Mayor Perkins for allowing him to be the keynote speaker at
the Washington Mutual open house and advised they might be willing to help the City as a source
of private funding for the NASA museum.
Council Member Trej o thanked Darrell George and ChrIstina Vogel for accompanying him to
Washington, D.C., for meetings with the City’s various elected representatives. He thanked
Senators Feinstein and Boxer and noted Congresswoman LuQi11e Roybal-Allard’s staff was very
helpful. He also mentioned his respect for Congressman Steven Horn who has done a fine job for the
City of Downey.
Council Member Wirmingham referred to his comment at the last Council meeting regarding a
group selling fireworks with a questionable address. He advised he was informed there are two
churches with the same name and the one with the fireworks permit is located in Downey.
Council Member Winningham referred to the City’s involvement in the Sister (-'ities Program
with the City of Guadalajara, Mexico, wherein the City has donated used fire equipment and has
taught paramedic services. He pointed out this equipment was sent to Mexico instead of volunteer
fire departments in the United States due to liability issues. He requested staff review Assembly Bill
1821, which concerns immunity from liability for the donation of surplus fire equipment and might
allow the City to donate used equipment to other organizations in the United States.
Council Member Winningham requested the Municipal Code be reviewed regarding the
requirement for filing reports related to fireworks sales. He noted there are no repercussions and
suggested the Ordinance be changed to include a penalty for non-compliance.
Council Member Winningham commented on a request from Downey’s Sister Cities
Association that the City consider adding the City ofEnsenada, Mexico, as a Sister City. He noted
the Sister Cities Association is experiencing problems with the Mexican Government when moving
items to orphanages in Downey’s Sister City, San Quintin. They met with the Mayor ofEnsenada
who offered to assist, but also requested Downey be a Sister City to Ensenada. He requested staff
review the costs expended on the City’s current three Sister City relationships and what would be
involved to add Ensenada.
Council Member Winningham responded to earlier comments from Miguel Mouchess
regarding the request for street closures for the recent march held in memory of Gonzalo Martinez.
He pointed out the communications requesting the closing of Firestone Boulevard and the response
that the City does not close this street or other major thoroughfares. He noted the Chamber of
Commerce Street Faire and Chamber of Commerce Holiday Lane Parade have been held yearly for 14
and 40 years respectively and are community events, neither of which close major thoroughfares.
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01413 J
Council Member McCarthy mentioned attending the opening of the Alameda Corridor,
April 12, one of the biggest public works’ projects in the State, which eliminated over 200 grade
crossings where cars had to stop and wait for trains. He noted this is a major achievement and urged
everyone to take a look.
Council Member McCarthy referred to the Johnie’s Broiler issue and suggested the solution
would be to buy the facility, as was the case with the old McDonald’s. He requested staff research
the issue of codes for historical preservation but did not want to reclaim Johnie’s Broiler with an
Ordinance. He noted he did not consider media attention a valid judgement on the importance of an
issue and pointed out the greatest media event since his tenure on the Council revolved around a
citizen who had an Emu in their back yard.
Mayor Perkins pointed out the Alameda Corridor was completed on time and under budget
and one of the last times this happened was for the Hoover Dam project.
Mayor Perkins noted over 2,000 people attended the ARC Walk last Saturday.
Mayor Perkins mentioned the Council attended the Library’s brunch for its volunteers,
which was an outstanding event to recognize those who volunteer their time and efforts to the City.
Mayor Perkins announced he would be travelling to Seattle, Washington, with Darrell George
to attempt to secure grant funds for the former NASA property.
Mayor Perkins announced the new SE AAC A (Southeast Area Animal Control Authority)
facility will be opening soon.
Mayor Perkins mentioned the recent tragic event where a 10-year old boy was struck and
killed by a hit and run driver in a stolen automobile. He urged all individuals to pull over when
requested to do so by law enforcement.
OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members: None
ADJOURNMENT: 10:00 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., May 14, 2002, in the Council Chamber of Downey
City Hall.
MII 2@
Midstokke, City Clerk
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Council Minutes 4/23/02 -9-