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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 09-26-00 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:46 p.m., September 26, 2000, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Keith McCarthy presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Keith McCarthy Mayor Robert C. Winningham Mayor Pro Tem Meredith H. Perkins Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. Barbara J. Riley ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Charles Vose, City Attorney Joyce Doyle, Deputy City Clerk Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works John Finch, Police Chief James Jarrett, Director of Community Services Mark Sauter, Fire Chief Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev./City Planner John Michicoff, Assistant Finance Director June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS Mayor McCarthy noted the City participates in the Southern California Association of Governments, who coordinate ridesharing throughout the region, and read a Proclamation declaring the week of October 2 - 6, 2000, as Rideshare Week. HEARINGS Mayor McCarthy opened the public hearing on APPEAL TO ZONE VARIANCE NO. 00-63 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9311 GALLATIN ROAD. Ms. Doyle affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and so ordered to receive and file. Mr. Yoshiki explained this appeal involves a variance to the Downey Municipal Code with respect to the establishment of a circular driveway on property with less than the required width of 70 feet. He narrated a visual presentation illustrating the property, noting properties on the north side of Gallatin Road are generally R1-7500, and those on the south side are generally R1-10,000, with a minimum frontage of 75 feet. In this case, the applicant retained a contractor under the assumption the contractor had obtained the necessary permits to perform the work, but has now learned he did Council Minutes 9/26/00 - I - o~ssq not. The City's inspection of the driveway disclosed corrections were needed and it was determined at that time that the necessary permits had not been obtained. The applicant at that point filed a variance. The Planning Commission's review took into consideration the number of properties in this area that could be affected in terms of granting a variance and promoting circular driveways in that area and the request for a variance was denied. There was no correspondence received regarding this matter. Janet Kim, 9311 Gallatin Road, representing the Kim family, explained how this situation came -- about, noting the contractor was referred by another City resident who had a similar circular driveway built. The contract required the contractor to obtain official permits from the City and the project was completed on September 21, 1999. In May 2000, a notice was received from the City advising that proper permits had not been obtained for the circular driveway and the Planning Division was contacted. At that time the 70 foot minimum width was explained and the contractor was contacted, who advised that the company he worked for at the time the project took place no longer existed and felt he was no longer responsible for the job. She referred to the Planning Commission hearing on August 16th and stated her family's own investigation disclosed that a property on Lubec Street was given a permit with a lot size smaller than their property and she requested the same consideration. Mayor McCarthy asked if there was anyone present wishing to speak in favor of the appeal to zone variance No. 00-63. David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, spoke in favor of the applicant, noting the required lot size is only two and a half feet short of the required 70-foot lot width. He mentioned safety concerns and pointed out homes on the south side of Gallatin Road, with slightly larger lots, have driveways that are close together. He referred to the Planning Commission Minutes where it states granting this variance will set a precedence and did not agree, stating he felt the only concerns for the City were that the driveway have the property alignment and drainage requirements. There being no one else to speak in favor and no one to speak in opposition, it was moved by <,.~ Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and so ordered to close the hearing. (See motion below to continue the hearing.) RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DENYING THE APPEAL AND DENYING ZONE VARIANCE 00-63 (APPELLANT/PROPERTY OWNER: JEONG KIM) RELATING TO SECTION 9150 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, TO PERMIT A CIRCULAR DRIVEWAY IN A 67.57 FOOT WIDE LOT ON PROPERTY AT 9311 GALLATIN ROAD, ZONED R-1-10,000 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) The Resolution was read by title only. (See motion below to continue the hearing.) Council Minutes 9/26/00 -2- ._ ~~ Council Member Winningham inquired if staff was aware of the property mentioned on Lubec Street and was informed there may have been testimony at the Planning Commission Meeting. He asked if information was gathered on the Lubec Street property or could be accessed this evening and the response was no. He questioned the expansion line on the driveway shown on the slides and was advised by the applicant that the turn into the driveway was found to be too narrow and the contractor was requested to enlarge it. He noted 10 feet is a condition of the secondary drive approach according to the Downey Municipal Code. Council Member Perkins felt the Lubec Street property has a definite bearing on this application and when he suggested postponing the matter to give staff time to research this information, he was informed it could be brought back at the next Council Meeting. It was moved Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and carried by the following vote to continue the hearing to 7:30 p.m., October 10, 2000, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Aall. AYES 4 Council Members: Perkins, Winningham, Riley, McCarthy NOES 1 Council Members: McCaughan Prior to the vote, Council Member McCaughan stated allowing this variance would be a precedent-setting situation. He noted there are problems with the driveway and felt the reasons found for the Lubec Street property, if it was issued a permit, will be different than those applicable to this property. He felt the Council cannot justify this job, it must be up to Code, and cannot be allowed as the standard. Council Member Winningham felt the driveway could be modified to bring it into compliance with the Code and wanted to review the information on Lubec Street. Mayor McCarthy opened the public hearing on APPEAL TO ZONE VARIANCE NO. 00-36 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9515 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD. Ms. Doyle affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and so ordered to receive and file. Mr. Yoshiki explained this appeal relates to signing for one of the City's auto dealerships. He narrated slides of the Downey Lincoln-Mercury site on the southwest corner of Gallatin Road and Lakewood Boulevard, noting the existing sign is anon-conforming freestanding pole sign, is 43 feet high, and 159 square feet in area. A prior variance was issued relating to this sign to reduce the height from 44 feet to 26 feet and overall area from 159 to 72 square feet but the previous applicant failed to exercise the variance and it expired. During the interim period, the Downey Municipal Code Sign Ordinance was changed relating to corner sign areas, where a business with two street frontages is allowed two free standing pole signs and may consolidate this to one free standing pole sign 24 feet in height and 80 square feet overall area. The applicant is proposing to retain the present sign and would like to increase the height from 43 to 44 feet. The Planning Commission reviewed this request and the decision was to deny the application for a variance. Mayor McCarthy asked the applicant to come forward and present their case. Council Minutes 9/26/00 -3- Michael Arkin, owner of Downey Lincoln-Mercury, explained he bought the agency on December 1, 1998, with a condition in the franchise agreement to update the signs. He noted Lincoln-Mercury is trying to tie into a total image program nationally and Lincoln-Mercury and Ford are celebrating their 100th anniversary in the year 2001 and have required all dealers to update signage. He noted he submitted an outline to the Planning Commission showing he would be at a 2 percent pricing disadvantage to other dealerships that do conform to this request. He felt his business generates a good image for Downey and mentioned improvements made since he purchased the franchise. He stated sales are up 142 percent and the dealership is Number 9 out of 37Lincoln-Mercury dealerships in Los Angeles County. Ford Motor Company has offered to accommodate the City by molding panels to fit into the existing sign. Mayor McCarthy asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of the appeal to Zone Variance No. 00-36. David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, noted he drove by this location and felt, while it is outside the zoning rules and sign regulations, it is an existing sign and is on a corner near other businesses. He was pleased that Downey has car dealerships that are doing well, which creates tax dollars for the City and hoped the City could see their way to assist this business. There being no one else to speak in favor and no one to speak in opposition, it was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and so ordered to close the hearing. (See motion below to continue the hearing.) RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DENYING THE APPEAL AND DENYING ZONE VARIANCE NO. 00-36 FOR A VARIANCE FROM SECTION 9148 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO SIGN REGULATIONS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SIGN HEIGHT AND SIGN AREA, FOR AN EXISTING AUTO DEALERSHIP, ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9515 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AND ZONED GENERAL COMMERCIAL (C-2) AND PARKING BUFFER (P-B) The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan and seconded by Council Member Riley, to waive further reading and adopt. Council Member McCaughan read the last bullet of the Planning Commission's discussion on Page 2 of the staff report, noting every other car dealership has complied with the signage regulations and there must be a reason as to why this dealership cannot also comply. Council Member Riley mentioned the sign would not only be higher than what the City Code allows but would also be more than double the square footage allowed, which is 71 square feet and they are proposing 159 square feet. She asked when the original sign was supposed to have been replaced and was informed it was 1993 but a variance was granted to the prior owner, which gave them until 1995 to comply. Council Minutes 9/26/00 -4- 0~~~~ .;. Council Member Perkins inquired if the sign could be lowered a foot and a half to keep it the same height. He did not want to see the dealership lose two and a half percent but noted the Ford dealership across the street has come into compliance. He suggested sending this back to staff for review whether they would consider wrapping the new sign around the existing sign framework and keeping it the same height. Council Member Winningham had no problem with the existing sign and felt it would have no impact on the surrounding neighborhood. He supported leaving the existing pole and changing the existing marquis. Mayor McCarthy requested the applicant explain the cost factor to replace the sign and was informed it is about $18,000 and to move the sign back would cost about $45,000, which would not include the sign. He inquired what the process would be if the Council did not adopt staff's recommendation. Mr. Yoshiki noted there are two options: To sustain the height and area of the current sign it would have to be set back; or the sign could be reduced in height and size. Staff would suggest if the appeal were sustained, that the issue be continued for staffto bring back approval with stafFs findings. Mayor McCarthy was willing to support the applicant's position on maintaining the sign since he currently has to promote his business. Council Member McCaughan asked if any other car dealership has been granted this same request and was advised that Paramount Chevrolet and Simpson Buick were sustained, but this was during a time period when the sign code was in flux for consideration of amendments. The Buick sign is still there under variance. He felt there was an argument for fairness and the purpose of the Code is to concur with the rules. He was for a workable agreement but noted other companies had to come into conformance. Mr. Caton referred to the Honda Dealership sign where a variance was approved on the height of that sign and also the former Paramount Chevrolet sign. He felt the problem with the sign was the fact it is being raised. He stated the owner has now advised he could install the new sign without raising the pole. Council Member McCaughan noted the Honda Dealership's sign is such that it can be seen from the freeway, whereas in this case the sign cannot placed high enough to come into view from the freeway and the dealership across the street had to come into compliance. Mr. Caton suggested holding this issue over two weeks to research the Downey Ford sign at the truck dealership, where the sign seems much bigger than the current Code to see if this really would be unfair. The motion and second to adopt the Resolution were withdrawn. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to keep the hearing open and continue this matter to 7:30 p.m., October 10, 2000, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. Council Minutes 9/26/00 -5- 0.~'.~ 93 Council Member Perkins asked if Council Member McCaughan was in favor of keeping the sign in the same framework and same height. Council Member McCaughan suggested letting the applicant go back to his engineer to see if he can keep the height and size as is and to see if the applicant's proposal is up to Code. Council Member Winningham requested staff draft a Resolution for approval and was advised that it will be brought back in two weeks with draft Resolutions for either approval or denial. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Yolanda McNair, 9005 Suva Street, complained of bright lights and loud telephone ringing from the Ryder Truck business on Lakewood Boulevard south of Gallatin Road that affects her residence. She was referred to Planning staff. Zenaida Guerra, 7975 Second Street, mentioned ongoing problems with the ARCO Gas Station at 11025 Paramount Boulevard next to her residence and requested a solution to her previous complaints. She noted the gas station installed 12 new lights on December 30, 1999, which reflect on the side of her house all night. She stated she felt Code Enforcement might be waiting for an order from the City Council and submitted letters she has received from various State officials contacted regarding this situation. She felt a fence on the gas station property is the solution to these problems. Mayor McCarthy advised he does not have a solution but will meet with ARCO personnel within the next two weeks to discuss this matter. HEARINGS (Cont.) Mayor McCarthy opened the public hearing on STREET VACATION NO. 174 - VACATION OF MARGARET STREET (ALLEY) BETWEEN BROOKSHIRE AVENUE AND PATTON ROAD. Ms. Doyle affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and so ordered to receive and file. Mayor McCarthy advised staff has recommended the hearing be continued to 7:30 p.m., October 24, 2000, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Riley, and so ordered to continue the hearing to 7:30 p.m., October 24, 2000. Council Minutes 9/26/00 -6- ~~~~~ CONSENT CALENDAR -ITEMS FOR REMOVAL Agenda Items VI-C-I, CASH CONTRACT NO. 620, DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE PROJECT, DOWNEY AVENUE --UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD TO FIFTH STREET, and VI-E-3, CONTRACT WITH ROBERT BEIN, WILLIAM FROST & ASSOCIATES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REGARDING THE PROPOSED NUEVA AZALEA POWER PLANT FACILITY, were removed at the request of Council Member Winningham. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended: COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, SEPTEMBER 12, 2000: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 159648 - 160040, $7,321,623.07: Approve. DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT - A REQUEST TO PERMIT WIRELESS CELLULAR ANTENNAS, EXCLUDING TOWERS AND POLES, IN THE CP (PROFESSIONAL OFFICE) AND HM (HOSPITAL MEDICAL ARTS) ZONES (APPLICANT: PACIFIC BELL WIRELESS; REPRESENTATIVE: DING PUTRINO, O'NEAL COMMUNICATIONS GROUP): Set hearing for 7:30 p.m., October 10, 2000, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall: Approve. APPOINTMENT OF BETTIE SKELTON TO THE METROPOLITAN COOPERATIVE LIBRARY SYSTEM ADVISORY BOARD: Approve. RESOLUTION NO. 6397 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE DOWNEY POLICE DEPARTMENT AS THE AGENCY TO REQUEST THE IMPOSITION OF CONDITIONS TO BE PLACED UPON AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE AT THE TIME OF TRANSFER, PURSUANT TO AB1092, WHICH AMENDS SECTIONS 23800 AND 23805 OF THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE RESOLUTION NO. 6398 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING NEW SALARY RANGES FOR LIBRARIAN AND SENIOR LIBRARIAN Council Minutes 9/26/00 -7- ~±_ .~= ORDINANCES ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS FOR CHEROKEE DRIVE Mr. Alvarez explained this item to set a speed limit for radar enforcement on Cherokee ..-. Drive. An engineering and traffic study was performed on the two segments of this street, between Downey Avenue and Brookshire Avenue and between Brookshire Avenue and Lakewood Boulevard, where the current posted speed is 25 miles per hour. The 85th percentile travel speed was found to be 34 and 33 miles per hour respectively and staff recommends the speed limit be set at 30 miles per hour. David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, understood the change in speed needed for radar enforcement, but felt Cherokee Drive is a narrow street without a double yellow line and requested this be taken into consideration. He noted most people in the study were travelling at 30 miles per hour and felt if 30 is the posted speed, they will tend to travel at 35 miles per hour. He suggested if accidents increase that this change be considered for mitigation again. The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Council Member McCaughan, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and introduce. RESOLUTIONS: None ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS EQUIPPING POLICE MOTORCYCLES WITH SHOTGUNS Chief Finch explained the request by the Police Department to equip their eight motorcycles with shotguns. He stated public safety in Downey at this time is in excellent condition, with a 25 year low in total crime; however, to be prepared for serious incidents and worse case scenarios, it is felt providing the motor officers with these weapons will level the playing field when dealing with serious situations. This change has been studied for many months by the Police Department's Force Training Group, and is felt to be both prudent and appropriate. Every other sworn member of the department, with the exception of the motor officers, has the ability to carry a departmentally approved shotgun while they perform their duties. As the motorcycle officers are in the field, many times they are the first to arrive. The deployment of shotguns on police motorcycles has become an industry standard. He narrated a visual program listing agencies presently carrying these weapons and pointed out the motor group is a seasoned group of officers, with the rookie having over ten years of experience, and is up to this challenge. He responded to comments from the Council, noting the associated cost of the weapons and racks, which will be appropriated from Asset Forfeiture Funds, and explained the security system on the racks securing the weapons, passing around a photocopy of the equipment to the Council, noting the officers are trained to inspect their weapons and all other equipment every time they come back to a vehicle that has been out of their care. If the trigger is pulled, the weapon will Council Minutes 9/26/00 -8- ~- ~~'~~~ r ~~ -w+r -~: not deploy, as there is no ammunition in the chamber. It is felt to be extremely secure, with no cases known where these weapons have been breached. It was moved by Council Member Perkins, seconded by Council Member Winningham, and unanimously carried to approve the unscheduled purchase of safety racks and departmentally approved shotguns to equip the Police Department's eight police motorcycles, and that $6,793.84 of Asset Forfeiture Funds be appropriated for this purpose. DONATION OF SURPLUS VEHICLE NO.3616, A FORD F-350 TRUCK, TO THE DOWNEY ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION Mr. Alvarez pointed out the Downey Rose Float Association is one of a limited number of organizations that still construct their floats for participation in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. They operate with a very limited budget and have a 1955 Ford pickup truck that has transported the float to and from the parade. This year the truck cannot be made operable and the City has been approached to see if it had a vehicle that could be made available. They must demonstrate to the Tournament of Roses by September 30th that they will have a vehicle, otherwise they will be disqualified from participating in the Rose Parade this year. The Public Works Department has a Ford F-350 that was going to be put to surplus and auctioned off, with a value of $3,500. The Rose Float Association looked at the truck and felt they could use it. It needs some work and staffis recommending authorization to donate this surplus vehicle to the Rose Float Association. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and unanimously carried to authorize the donation of a surplus 1989 Ford F-350 truck (Unit No. 3616) to the Downey Rose Float Association and authorize repairs in an amount not to exceed $700. Mayor McCarthy applauded City staff for responding to this request and shows the good will of the City. He also mentioned that the Downey Rose Float Association is putting together a "haunted house" this year to raise funds. .~ OTHER BUSINESS -Consent Calendar -Items removed by Council Approval CASH CONTRACT NO. 620, DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE PROJECT, DOWNEY AVENUE -UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD TO FIFTH STREET (ACCOUNT NO.26- 16600 Council Member Winningham requested a brief staff report for the public's awareness. Mr. Alvarez noted the Downey Avenue beautification project has been discussed for over a year now and on August 22nd plans and specifications were approved for the project. This involves widening the sidewalks between Fifth Street and Firestone Boulevard, landscaping, additional diagonal parking, enhanced pedestrian lighting, and decorative stamped concrete. Bids were received and the low bid was for $1,070,000 from Los Angeles Engineering. The bids also called for alternate bid items in the amount of $68, 400 and it is recommended this amount be issued as a change order to the contract, with the appropriation of $650,000 from the Gas Tax Revenue Account for the project. This would be complimented by the $650,000 appropriated earlier from the Redevelop Agency for a total Council Minutes 9/26/00 -9- U13~' project budget of $1,300,000, which includes sufficient funds for a contingency and for inspection services during construction. Council Member Winningham inquired if there was an option on the street trees selected and was informed there is flexibility. It was recommended that any change be made relatively soon, as the contractor will order the trees as soon as contract documents are executed. It was also recommended that the Council Downtown Subcommittee would probably be the most expeditious method to arrive at a final decision. Council Member McCaughan asked if the contract takes into consideration the concerns expressed by the business owners regarding the driveways and felt the decision on the street trees should remain with the Council. Mr. Alvarez explained the driveway on the westerly side of Downey Avenue, north of Firestone Boulevard will remain, with a right turn in and right turn out only. The driveway on the westerly side of Downey Avenue to the south of Third Street will remain but will be right turn out only and will not be an entryway. With this accommodation, three parking spaces will be eliminated. It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member Perkins, and so ordered to bring back suggested street trees for the Downtown Streetscape Project at the Council Meeting on October 10, 2000. Council Member Winningham advised that the Council Downtown Subcommittee will bring a slide show back to Council at its next meeting for a decision. David Bowers, 10620 Dolan Avenue, referred to the Third Street Senior Housing Project and asked if the same company was the low bidder for this project and was informed it was not. CONTRACT WITH ROBERT BEIN, WILLIAM FROST & ASSOCIATES (RBF) FOR ,,..~ ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REGARDING THE PROPOSED NUEVA AZALEA POWER PLANT FACILITY Council Member Winningham referred to the proposed power plant presentation by the California Energy Commission at the Special Called Meeting earlier this evening, explaining the purpose was for the Energy Commission to explain the Nueva Azalea Power Plant proposed for the City of South Gate, which is less than a mile over the border from Downey into that City. He noted the Council's concern about that plant, a 550-megawatt facility to generate electricity, where 85 percent of the contaminants, if any, from this plant will spread out over Downey brought by prevailing winds. He noted there are none of these facilities in other densely populated areas of Los Angeles and Orange Counties. They are built in the middle of nowhere. He noted the City has extended their contract with RBF to look into the environmental aspects of this project. He mentioned South Gate City Council Member Bob DeWitt was in attendance and advised that the South Gate City Council did not vote to support this, as they are concerned about the ramifications. Harold Tseklenis questioned whether the City would be an intervener and noted there are people in the City with expertise in this area that could advise the City Council. He was informed the City will pursue the possibility of becoming an intervener. Council Minutes 9/26/00 -10- ~~9 Mayor McCarthy mentioned an information hearing and site visit will be held in the City of South Gate Municipal Auditorium on October 2nd. Council Member McCaughan noted Mr. Tseklenis has knowledge in the area of energy power plants and suggested staff contact him. He mentioned the tower being 145 feet high and noted the noxious chemicals that will be emitted. The Fire Department can get involved in terms of explosive possibilities, as this could be a major catastrophe right in the City's backyard, and it will be a challenging issue. It was moved by Council Member Winningham, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, --- and unanimously carried to approve an appropriation, not to exceed, $39,300 for consultant services and authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with the firm of Robert Bein, William Frost and Associates, to provide technical assistance as it pertains to the establishment of a Power Plant Facility in the City of South Gate. OTHER BUSINESS -Council Members Council Member Winningham referred to a note received from Doris Patterson to James Jarrett commending the Furman Park concert series and Alta Duke for her role in this program. Council Member Winningham requested a segment on the Downey Rose Float Association be incorporated in the winter edition of The Community Services Guide (The Communicator). Council Member Winningham commended City Librarian Vicki Jenkins for the Teen Summer Reading Program 2000, noting a 58 percent increase over last year, and complimented Library and Community Services staff for their efforts. Council Member Perkins noted the new Library hours have been posted and thanked staff. Council Member Perkins mentioned meeting with Mr. Alvarez this morning at 6:00 a.m. and visiting areas of the City in need of attention. He mentioned the landscaping along Paramount -.~ Boulevard, noting a watering system was not budgeted, and requested a breakdown of costs to install such a system. Council Member Perkins referred to the City entrance at Gardendale Street and Paramount Boulevard, requesting a cost breakdown to install a median and a sign welcoming people to Downey. Council Member Perkins noted staff is making progress with the underground lighting project on Imperial Highway and he hoped lost time would be made up in Phase II. He advised there will be 206 new lights along Imperial Highway for the safety of the Downey residents. Council Member McCaughan thanked the Police Department for the program in place to secure the downtown parking structure, stating it has been effective. He also encouraged having marked Police cars drive through the structure. Council Minutes 9/26/00 -11- ^~- o~~~~~q Council Member McCaughan requested information from Community Services on the system for issuing parking citations at Wilderness Park, referring letters received from his constituents to Mr. Jarrett. Council Member McCaughan referred to a memo from Chief Sauter regarding firework statistics, noting his opinion was that the City should work toward bringing back the public display. He noted the City of Orange has an old-time festival where 15 or 16 items are sold and the various groups rotate the sale of these items. He thought this was worthy of discussion and suggested a moratorium be issued to the current groups to inform them there will no firework stands in the City in ~-°- four or five years, which should give them plenty of time to generate another activity. Council Member McCaughan noted the Front Yard and Canopy Ordinance passed the Planning Commission and hoped to see it on the Council Agenda soon. Council Member McCaughan commended the brochure mailed to residents on the subject of caring for your home and neighborhood. He felt the City should strictly enforce several items and complimented the departments involved with the brochure. Council Member Riley mentioned receiving calls from residents regarding the curb painting business in the City, noting they were informed the paint used would glow in the dark, which was found to be untrue. She requested staffls review. Council Member Riley commented on a note received from Carl Bloom, who is retiring from his position as Public Works Director for Los Angeles County, that was very complimentary to City staff and especially to the City Manager for his time spent on the flood control project. Council Member Riley indicated she has not seen any police vehicles at the Apollo Park substation. Mayor McCarthy mentioned his appreciation at receiving the neighborhood preservation flyer in the mail. Mayor McCarthy commented on having the opportunity to see the Police Department mounted patrol horses, Cody and Ditto, which provide great public relations for the City and Police Department. Mayor McCarthy mentioned attending Frances Saurenmann's 80th Birthday party on Sunday, noting she is active with the League of Women Voters and the Downey Museum of Art. Mayor McCarthy mentioned attending a program at the Downey Unified School District on Monday regarding the Safe Kids Program, which is a cooperative effort between the City's Community Services Department and the School District, to be conducted at Ward and Carpenter Elementary Schools and South and West Middle Schools, providing health programs for the children and education for their parents. Council Minutes 9/26/00 -12- 1 OTHER BUSINESS -Staff Members ~i~~~~~ Mr. Caton commented on Carl Bloom, a member of the Los Angeles County Public Works Department, advising that it was very difficult to obtain approval for a flood control project in Los Angeles County with opposition from the Los Angeles Times, the environmental community, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Tom Hayden, Friends of the Los Angeles River, and people in the White House. Mr. Bloom took it upon himself to take on this project and met with the various cities every month for 10 years in the Downey City Hall. He also headed up the effort in Washington, D.C. to obtain funding and was nothing short of phenomenal. Without the flood control project, 60 percent of Downey residents would have permanent flood insurance. He advised that Mr. Bloom is now retired and felt it would be appropriate to rename the recreational bridge over the Rio Hondo River in his honor. He will research this issue and get back to the Council if he is successful. ADJOURNMENT: ~~~~~ ~- oyce .Doyle, Deputy City Clerk eith McCarthy, Mayor H: \CCLERK\S CONTE \MINUTE S\ccmn0926 Council Minutes 9/26/00 -13-