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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01. Minutes - 04-26-11 Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING APRIL 26, 2011 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:36 p.m., April 26, 2011, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Luis H. Marquez presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Luis H. Marquez Mayor Roger C. Brossmer Mayor Pro Tem David R. Gafin Mario A. Guerra Fernando Vasquez ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Gilbert Livas, Assistant City Manager Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney Joyce E. Doyle, Interim City Clerk Desi Alvarez, Deputy City Manager/Special Projects Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager Rick Esteves, Police Chief John Michicoff, Finance Director John Oskoui, Public Works Director Thad Phillips, Community Services Director Brian Saeki, Community Development Director Lonnie Croom, Fire Chief Shirley Conte, Secretary to the City Council Other City Staff COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: Council Member Vasquez announced he travelled to Atlanta last week for the National Association of Latino Elected Official’s (NALEO) conference where discussions centered around obesity and health care; noted the True Lasting Connections’ (TLC) annual soft ball tournament will take place on Saturday at Downey Adult School; mentioned the Kiwanis Club’s Youth and Government Day was held today at City Hall with students from East Middle School and Gauldin Elementary School and thanked staff for their assistance; and requested staff look at incorporating an Art walk component for local talent in the next Dine in Downey event. Council Member Gafin mentioned attending the Gangs Out Of Downey luncheon; said Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer will report on yesterday’s Theatre Subcommittee meeting, noting the national theatre management group hired to run the Downey Civic Theatre will run its first 6 to 8 event season this Fall; noted tomorrow night the annual Kids Day Hall of Fame ceremony will be held at the Downey Civic Theatre; mentioned the upcoming TLC softball game; and the annual Chamber of Commerce Street Faire. Council Member Guerra recognized Mike Hollon, Deputy for Assemblyman Charles Calderon, Mr. Hollon’s brother Dave, his own daughter Haley and Warren High School’s championship Water Polo team in the audience. He congratulated Deputy City Manager/Special -1- City Council Minutes (adj.) 04/26/11 Projects Alvarez who is leaving the City for another opportunity and said he will be missed; mentioned the Youth in Government event held today with students from Warren, Downey and Columbus High Schools; noted he and Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer attended a conference last year where graffiti was a topic and requested staff consider a“stomp out graffiti day” or “take our City back day” where everyone gets involved and reports graffiti locations to the City; mentioned the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Inc. and Southern California Edison Company would like to host some of the new Green Task Force (GTF) meetings at their facilities; and requested last year’s GTF volunteers be notified of upcoming GTF meetings. He mentioned he was appointed to a subcommittee while attending a California Contract Cities conference to review collecting more unpaid parking tickets and asked staff for a report on how technology can assist in collecting unpaid th parking tickets. He requested an update on the fireworks show for the 4 of July, noting the last two years were a huge success and were funded by donations. He introduced his Emergency Preparedness Commission appointee Ruben Salgado. Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer introduced Willie Gutierrez, Downey Unified School District Board Member; noted there is a Neighborhood Watch/Keep Downey Beautiful cleanup on Saturday at Crawford Park from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and thanked Carol Rowland and Public Works for doing a great job of addressing the concerns of these neighbors; mentioned the Theatre Subcommittee meeting and said he feels VenueTech Management Group is doing a great job. Mayor Marquez welcomed everyone and referred to the youth in attendance, stating we are a City of champions. He mentioned attending the Soroptimist Club’s Casino Night and Youth in Government Day. He commended Deputy City Manager/Special Projects Alvarez for 13 years of service and for moving the City forward on policy issues regarding water legislation in both Sacramento and Washington and said he will be missed. He read a thank you note from Nini Horn, wife of former Congressman Stephen Horn, thanking the Council for adjourning the February 22 meeting in his memory. PRESENTATIONS: Mayor Marquez presented a Proclamation to Kids Day spokespersons Nicole Nelson and Jazer Torres declaring May 14, 2011 as Kids Day in Downey. The spokespersons advised Kids Day this year will have a carnival, camping area, fire demonstrations, an environmental fare, a dunk tank, a college career fair, and a kids art and achievement exposition. Mayor Marquez presented a Proclamation to Dave Hollon, organ donor recipient, declaring April 2011 as Donate Life Month. Mr. Hollon urged everyone to consider registering as an organ donor and introduced his brother Mike Hollon, Field Deputy for Assemblyman Charles Calderon, who donated one of his kidneys to him. Mayor Marquez and Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer presented Certificates of Recognition to CIF League Champion teams from Downey and Warren High Schools and called upon Principals Tom Houts and John Harris from Downey and Warren High Schools to share the history of CIF championships in Downey. Downey High School Principal Houts introduced Coach Miguel Soto and Assistant Coach Roger Rios, who introduced Downey High School’s CIF Southern Section Division VI Wrestling Championship players. Principal Houts also introduced volleyball Coach Andrea Sims, who introduced Downey High School’s CIF Southern Section Division 2A 2010 Girls Volleyball Championship players. Warren High School Principal John Harris introduced Coach Josie Cordero, who introduced Warren High School’s CIF Southern Section Division 6 2011 Girls Water Polo Championship -2- City Council Minutes (adj.) 04/26/11 players. Mayor Marquez called uponDirector of Community Development Saeki to present Certificates of Recognition to the Downey Specific Plan Project Team. Mr. Saeki provided background on the Specific Plan and advised the City has received two awards for the plan, one from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) for excellence in livability and one from the Orange County Chapter of the American Planning Association for excellence in planning. He presented certificates to City Planner William Davis, Principal Planner Mark Sellheim, Economic Development Manager Steven Yee, Deputy Public Works Director Ed Norris and Senior Planner Dave Blumenthal. He also mentioned two people not in attendance, Assistant Director of Community Development John Perfitt and Deputy Public Works Director Louis Atwell. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: Lee Cole, President of the Downey Public Safety Auxiliary Association (DPSAA) spoke about concerns with on-going negotiations and urged the Council to reconsider its initial proposal. Harold Tseklenis, resident, said he felt the benefit package is comprehensive and requested a report be placed on an upcoming Agenda showing the liabilities in the long term generated by each benefit and how the City proposes to cover them. CONSENT ITEMS REMOVED: 3. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 625 – LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AT COLUMBIA WAY INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND GRANT AUTHORITY TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS : Public Works. This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Guerra and is listed under Other Business below. 4. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 626 – SLURRY SEAL PROJECT: APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND GRANT AUTHORITY TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS: Public Works. This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Guerra and is listed under Other Business below. 8. APPROVE FORMATION OF A YOUTH TASK FORCE TO SERVE FOR A ONE YEAR PERIOD AND AUTHORIZE SOLICITATION OF APPLICATIONS: Administration. This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Guerra and is listed under Other Business below. 9. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 11-_________, 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 – MISCELLANEOUS UNIT (November 1, 2010 – March 31, 2012): Administration. This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Guerra and is listed under Other Business below. 10. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 11-_________, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING THE BENEFITS PAYABLE TO EMPLOYEES IN CLASSIFICATIONS DESIGNATED AS EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT, MIDDLE MANAGEMENT, AND CONFIDENTIAL/EXEMPT; AND REPEALING PRIOR RESOLUTIONS: Administration. This Item was removed by City Manager Caton and will be brought back at another date. -3- City Council Minutes (adj.) 04/26/11 CONSENT CALENDAR: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended, unanimously carried to noting the abstentions of Council Members Guerra and Vasquez on Item 11. 1. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meetings April 12, 2011: City Clerk. 2. APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 258120 - 258479; Wire Nos. 30002375 – : 30002384 and 722 – 725; in the total amount of $4,585,393.83 Finance. 5. APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES GRANT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR THE 2010 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT: Fire Department. 6. APPROVED AND APPROPRIATED $18,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF EDEN PARCEL MANAGER SOFTWARE FOR THE CITY’S UTILITY BILLING SYSTEM: Public Works. 7. APPROVED DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT USE OF SHOW MOBILE FOR THTH RELAY FOR LIFE COMMUNITY EVENT ON JUNE 4 AND 5 AT COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL: Administration. 11. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 11-1282, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE AND ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS AND ALL EXHIBITS AND FORMS ATTACHED THERETO INCLUDING AN OPERATING COVENANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND CHAMPION AUTOMOTIVE PROPERTIES, LLC FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9715 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD: Community Development. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None OTHER BUSINESS: CONSENT ITEMS REMOVED: 3. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 625 – LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AT COLUMBIA WAY INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND GRANTED AUTHORITY TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS: Public Works. Council Member Guerra requested the timeframe when putting this project out to bid and was advised by Public Works Director Oskoui that he estimated it would be within 6 to 9 months. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer and approve plans and specifications and authorize solicitation for bids for unanimously carried to Cash Contract No. S.S. 625 – Lakewood Boulevard at Columbia Way Intersection Improvement Project. -4- City Council Minutes (adj.) 04/26/11 4. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 626 – SLURRY SEAL PROJECT: APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND GRANTED AUTHORITY TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS: Public Works. Council Member Guerra asked if slurry seal is different from asphalt aggregate and if it can be used twice as long. Public Works Director Oskoui advised that rubberized asphalt is widely used and adds to the value of pavements because it is a more comfortable ride, is more flexible but generally costs 15 to 20 percent more than conventional asphalt. He noted the City uses rubberized asphalt at major arterials only as it is trying to maximize investment and cover as many streets as possible. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer and approve plans and specifications and authorize solicitation for bids for unanimously carried to Cash Contract No. S.S. 626 – Slurry Seal Project . 8. APPROVE FORMATION OF A YOUTH TASK FORCE TO SERVE FOR A ONE YEAR PERIOD AND AUTHORIZE SOLICITATION OF APPLICATIONS: Administration. Council Member Guerra stated he wanted to incorporate more experts such as representatives from the Downey Unified School District and other youth organizations in the City and would like each Council Member to appoint 2 members along with the 5 experts. He said he would like to be involved along with Council Member Vasquez. Assistant to the City Manager De Long clarified that the 5 at large members would be selected from various organizations throughout the City. She said the Council’s original intent was to have a dedicated group of individuals invite subject matter experts to come in and provide in- depth education on various programs and organizations available for the youth throughout the City. The core group would then provide specific direction for what the youth commission should undertake. After further discussions between the Council and staff, which included current staff reductions, the suggested age group, the feeling that the youth should be the voice directly to the Council and the feeling that adult supervision was needed, Mayor Marquez stated it did not appear the Council was ready to move forward with approval. It was moved by Council Member Vasquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer and continue the item for 30 days and return to Council with a formal unanimously carried to recommendation for a youth commission. 9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 11-7263, 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 – MISCELLANEOUS UNIT (November 1, 2010 – March 31, 2012): Administration. Council Member Guerra stated he feels the plans presented are premature and felt the City needs to look at the budget and explore other options and avenues and said he will not consider approving this until he reviews the costs, where the funds are coming from, whether it is affordable and what the City’s liability is for future benefits. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and -5- City Council Minutes (adj.) 04/26/11 adopt the Resolution approving the carried 4-1, with Council Member Guerra voting no, to Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Downey and the Downey City Employees’ Association – Miscellaneous Unit (November 1, 2010 – March 31, 2012) . Mayor Marquez thanked the City Employee Association - Miscellaneous Unit for working with staff during the negotiation process and said the Council took it upon themselves to begin implementing pension reforms and commended the Miscellaneous Unit for stepping up and being a partner with the City as the starting point in a fair process to achieve the City’s goals. STAFF COMMENTS: City Manager Caton thanked Deputy City Manager/Special Projects Desi Alvarez for his service to Downey and for his defense of the City in water issues, stating it is not often we get to work with a legend. The Council Members stated they were sorry to see Mr. Alvarez go and admired his calm head and direction during the City’s boil water crisis a few years ago, stating he is the guy you want on your team, is the ultimate negotiator, and is an expert in water issues both locally and statewide. He is also a strong supporter of Downey. The Council wished him all the best in his new endeavor. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., May 10, 2011, in memory of James W. McClain, father-in-law of Council Member Mario A. Guerra. _________________________________ ____________________________ JOYCE E. DOYLE, Interim City Clerk LUIS H. MARQUEZ, Mayor -6- City Council Minutes (adj.) 04/26/11