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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03. Minutes - 01-12-10 Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 12, 2010 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:33 p.m., January 12, 2010, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Anne M. Bayer presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Anne M. Bayer Mayor Luis H. Marquez Mayor Pro Tem Roger C. Brossmer David R. Gafin Mario A. Guerra ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Edward W. Lee, City Attorney Gilbert Livas, Assistant City Manager Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk Desi Alvarez, Deputy City Manager/Special Projects Mark Sauter, Deputy City Manager/Emergency Services Scott K. Pomrehn, Assistant Deputy City Manager Rick Esteves, Police Chief Thad Phillips, Community Services Director Brian Ragland, Public Works Director Brian Saeki, Community Development Director Jeff Turner, Fire Chief Susan Domen, Deputy City Clerk Other City Staff COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: Council Member Guerra announced that he just returned from Sacramento where he met with members of the Legislature on behalf of Contract Cities and with Deputy City Manager Alvarez regarding proposed legislation on water surcharges and he thanked Mr. Alvarez for his continued work on this important issue; noted he received a booklet on John Gately Downey from his birthplace in Ireland and would like the bust being commissioned to be the same as theirs; stated he is leaving for China tomorrow; requested that moving the Farmers Market to Downey Avenue be looked into; requested an update on the traffic calming project; and requested an update on the Council set priorities. Council Member Gafin recognized Alex Zaab and David Yamos, directors from the Chamber of Commerce and Mike Hollan, Field Representative for Assembly Member de La Torre in the audience. Council Member Brossmer mentioned that he spoke to the evening Kiwanis group and the Project Area Committee (PAC) last week; attended a Downtown Subcommittee, a Theatre Subcommittee and a Neighborhood Watch meeting; announced the Governor will be at Warren High School tomorrow to dedicate the new physical fitness facility; that after tonight’s meeting he will be -1- City Council Minutes 01/12/10 taking a field trip with Director Ragland to the Treasure Island Park to review the lighting situation; and requested staff to make suggestions regarding separating the vote on the Mayor rotation from the transition ceremony so that it runs more smoothly. Mayor Pro Tem Marquez wished everyone a Happy New Year and noted he is looking forward to an exciting year; mentioned he attended the PAC meeting; and requested that an in- depth analysis of all of the City parks be done and a master plan developed. Mayor Bayer announced that Citizens for Downey will be meeting at Rio Hondo Event Center tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. and that the Police Department’s Citizens Academy will be starting on th Wednesday, February 17 for 12 weeks. PRESENTATIONS: Mayor Bayer and Police Chief Esteves recognized newly promoted Police Department employees: Captain Carl Charles, Lieutenant Kathleen Mendoza, and Sergeant Raul Salazar. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT ON BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD FROM THE I-105 FREEWAY TO APPROXIMATELY 900 FEET NORTH OF IMPERIAL HIGHWAY (DISTRICT NO. 22): Public Works. A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 10-7171, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING AN UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT ALONG THE LENGTH OF BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD FROM THE I-105 FREEWAY TO APPROXIMATELY 900 FEET NORTH OF IMPERIAL HIGHWAY AND CAUSING ALL SPECIFIED UTILITIES THEREIN TO BE RELOCATED UNDERGROUND (DIST. NO. 22). opened the Public Hearing Mayor Bayer at 7:58 p.m. City Clerk Midstokke affirmed receipt of Proof of Publication and Affidavit of Noticing. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, receive and file seconded by Council Member Gafin and so ordered to . Public Works Director Ragland presented a Power Point presentation explaining that the Underground Utility Districts (UUD’s) are established to facilitate the undergrounding of overhead utilities. There are three types of districts: Rule 20A – in areas of a community that are used most by the general public, paid for by customer electric rates; Rule 20B – majority of costs paid by developer or applicant; Rule 20C – smaller projects funded by property owners. This project is to allow the improvement project on Bellflower Boulevard and Imperial Highway to continue and falls under Rule 20B. The existing poles will be removed along the west side of Bellflower Boulevard and there are 15 properties within the district. The utility companies involved in the project are: Southern California Edison, Verizon, Time Warner Communications, Southern California Gas and XO Communications. He concluded that the City will be responsible for the majority of the $1.3 million cost of the project. Council Member Brossmer asked where the funding comes from and was told the Gas Tax fund and Proposition R monies. There being no public speakers, it was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by close the Public Hearing, the time being 8:05 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Marquez and so ordered to It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and adopt the Resolution. unanimously carried to -2- City Council Minutes 01/12/10 2. SANITARY SEWER MASTER PLAN AND RATE STUDY: Public Works. A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 10-7172, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CITY’S SANITARY SEWER MASTER PLAN AND SUBPARTS THEREOF INCLUDING THE CITY’S SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN ; and B. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 10-7173, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SETTING THE TIME AND PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING (MARCH 23, 2010) ON ESTABLISHING RATES FOR SANITARY SEWER SERVICE AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO NOTIFY PROPERTY OWNERS AND RATE PAYERS. opened the Public Hearing Mayor Bayer at 8:06 p.m. City Clerk Midstokke affirmed receipt of Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member receive and file Gafin and so ordered to . Public Works Director Ragland presented a Power Point presentation explaining that the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted the General Waste Discharge Requirements (GWDR) in May of 2006. As a result, the City must develop and adopt a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). He explained that currently our system is 193 miles of clay pipe ranging from 6” to 21”. There are over 4,000 manholes in the City, the Blandwood Road and True Avenue lift stations, and County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (CSDLAC) trunks and treatment. Most of the sewers are over 50 years old. He noted that our system is comparable in overflows with other local agencies; however, one major spill can trigger fines and regulatory actions from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) rd and 3 parties. He explained that being in compliance with statewide requirements protects us from these types of actions. He continued by explaining that 5% of the system was inspected and 7% of the pipes require repair/rehabilitation or replacement. The goal is to inspect the entire system within 5 years and re- inspect in 5 -30 years. The sewer lift stations will also need replacement. The consultant is recommending the implementation of a system-wide cleaning program (3yr cycle); expand “hot spot” cleaning program; the expansion of the chemical root control program from spot locations to 4.5 miles/year; purchasing a computer software system for sewer maintenance and management; purchasing a trailer-mounted video inspection unit, jetting, and spill-response equipment (pump, piping); replace truck-mounted cleaning unit in 5 yrs; and provide additional management, technical, and safety training to increase dedicated sewer staff. He mentioned that the projected budget cannot be sustained through the current sewer revenue and that the rates have not been raised since 1997 and only twice in last 25 years. The creation of a self-sustaining Sewer fund would eliminate current transfers from the General and Water funds and the new rate structure will pay for the ongoing operational and maintenance costs as well as provide a reserve funding for capital improvements and unscheduled expenses. He concluded by noting that the rate increase must follow the Proposition 218 process. Reid Schmidt, Bartle Wells Associates consultant, explained the financial aspects of the plan and noted that the increased rates would fund the plan for the next 10 years. Director Ragland explained that the City must mail property owner/ratepayers a notice of proposed rate increase; conduct a Public Hearing no sooner than 45 days after notices are mailed and the rate increases cannot be imposed if a majority of property owners/ratepayers submit written protests. He concluded by noting that staff is proposing to have the notices mailed out by February thrd 6 and a Public Hearing will be held on March 23. -3- City Council Minutes 01/12/10 Council Member Guerra questioned why there is such a large increase all at once instead of a gradual increase over time. It was explained that the rates have not increased in so long and that the costs are being subsidized from other funds. He then asked how the rate increase was going to be explained to the citizens and was shown a copy of the draft notice. There being no further discussion, it was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by close the Public Hearing, the time being 8:45 p.m. Council Member Gafin and so ordered to It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and adopt the Resolutions. unanimously carried to NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: William Parker, resident of Downey, stated the condition of Firestone Boulevard is horrible and needs repair. CONSENT CALENDAR: It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Guerra and approve the Consent Calendar unanimously carried to items as recommended: 3. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:: Adjourned Meetings December 15, 2009 City Clerk. 4. APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 246144 – 246686; Wire Nos. 534 – 542 : and 30002051 – 30002068; in the total amount of $6,581,820.01 Finance. 5. APPROVED BUDGET CALENDAR FOR THE 2010-11 BUDGET: Finance. 6. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 10-1256, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9920-9990 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD FROM C-1 (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL) AND C-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) TO BE ENTIRELY WITHIN THE C-2 ZONE (No. 09-52): Community Development. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None. OTHER BUSINESS: 7. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2010: Mayor Bayer. Mayor Bayer explained that this is the annual Mayor’s Committee Assignments and that the changes to reflect the new Mayor have been made. Council Member Brossmer thanked Mayor Bayer for keeping the assignments the same. It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and approve. unanimously carried to -4- City Council Minutes 01/12/10 8. APPROVED DISPLAYING THE SIX CHARACTER COUNTS PROGRAM PILLARS IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER: Council Member Guerra. Council Member Guerra noted that the Council had previously approved pictures being installed in the chamber that haven’t been installed and would like to request to have the pillars of Character Counts installed instead. He noted he trusted staff’s ability to choose something appropriate for the chamber and that the words were the important thing. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and approve displaying the six Character Counts program pillars in the unanimously carried to Council Chamber, subject to final design approval by Council. Prior to the vote, Council Member Gafin suggested they be installed in the atrium where they would be more visible on a daily basis. Council Member Brossmer questioned if the banners the schools use would be appropriate and Council Member Guerra responded that he did not like those and wanted something nicer. Council Member Gafin asked if the Council would have final approval of the display and was told yes. STAFF COMMENTS: City Manager Caton thanked the Council for having the study session on the Sewer Master Plan and noted that staff will come back with the Character Counts suggestions soon. Assistant City Manager Livas introduced the newly appointed Community Development Director, Brian Saeki. ADJOURNMENT: in memory of Raymond The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., January 26, 2010 Bryan, Sr., Jasmin Amezaga, father of Robert Bryan, Maintenance Lead Worker – City Hall; Downey resident, part-time Downey Theatre House Manager and Senior Instructional Assistant in Mike Monaco the Downey Unified School District’s Career Vocational Education program; and , longtime Downey resident, former Cable TV Committee member, Rotary member and former YMCA Board member. ___________________________________ ____________________________ KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk ANNE M. BAYER, Mayor -5- City Council Minutes 01/12/10