HomeMy WebLinkAbout01. Minutes - 06-28-11 Regular Meeting
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 28, 2011
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:41 p.m., June 28, 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:
Gilbert Livas, Assistant City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
Joyce E. Doyle, Interim City Clerk
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 attended and spoke at a California Redistricting
Commission meeting last week to make it clear the City wants to be in one Congressional District;
attended a South East Area Animal Control Authority meeting; and attended the National
Association of Latino Elected Officials conference with Mayor Marquez in San Antonio, Texas where
health and wellness were discussed. He said he hoped the City would consider a health exposition
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for the community. He announced the gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for the 4
of July fireworks show
at Downey High School; requested staff look into development impact fees for new construction; and
asked staff to consider a smoking Ordinance for outdoor places where smoking impacts the facilities
nearby.
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Council Member Gafin announced the timeframe for the 4 of July fireworks show. He
congratulated Mayor Marquez, Council Member Guerra, staff and the other participants for putting
their best foot forward at the All America City competition. He recognized Patti Kotze, Vice-
President of the Chamber of Commerce, in the audience and noted the Chamber’s annual
installation of new officers will take place tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. at the Rio Hondo Event Center
where Jan Scott will be installed as the new President.
Council Member Guerra welcomed the All America City team, Team Downey, in the
audience and congratulated the 10 cities who won awards; thanked his wife Ann and son Ryan for
being participants on the team; pointed out he paid for his family’s airfare and meals with his
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personal
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check; advised he would be attending the Chamber installation tomorrow night; wished past
Chamber President Rick Rodriguez well after his recent surgery; recognized Lars Clutterham, his
Green Task Force appointee, and Ruben Salgada, his Emergency Preparedness Committee
Member, in the audience; recognized students from Warren High School; noted he attended the Arc
awards last week where his brother-in-law Raul Lopez was honored for serving as President for two
years and noted the incoming President is Ray Brown; mentioned that Senator Alan Lowenthal
received the Arc’s Advocacy Award; and noted he attended two Neighborhood Watch meetings.
Council Member Brossmer mentioned attending a Theatre Subcommittee meeting last week
and is happy with the direction the Theatre is going; advised the City is looking into approving air
conditioning renovations at the Theatre and the Library; noted attending a couple of Neighborhood
Watch meetings and noted at the one held at Furman Park, Emergency Services Manager Mark
Sauter gave an emergency preparedness talk and commended staff for their work on this program.
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Mayor Marquez recognized everyone in the audience and wished them a happy 4 of July;
mentioned the fireworks celebration at Downey High; and also mentioned a recent newspaper article
on pool safety from the Downey Fire Department. He mentioned attending the National Association
of Latino Elected Officials conference in San Antonio, Texas, with elected officials from throughout
the country, stating the conference centered on healthy communities and what other cities and
school districts are doing in this regard. He referred to the redistricting process, stating the goal is to
have “One Downey,” one voice, one community.He said the independent commission drawing the
districts did keep Downey in one Assembly and one Senate district but not in one Congressional
district and he urged citizens to submit comments to the commission letting them know we want
Downey also in one Congressional district. He noted the new maps will be released on July 12 with
another opportunity for comments and final maps will be released on August 15 with the new
districts taking effect in June of 2012.
PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Marquez presented Certificates of Recognition to Warren High School’s winning 2011
Solar Cup Team.
Mayor Marquez, Council Member Guerra and Community Development Director Saeki
presented Certificates of Recognition to participants in the City’s All America City delegation, noting
the City was a finalist out of hundreds of cities in the nation. They commended the City delegation
for representing Downey at the Kansas City, Missouri, competition.
recessedreconvened
The meeting at 8:16 p.m. and at 8:23 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 2011-12 FISCAL YEAR:
Finance.
A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 11-7273, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2011-12 BUDGET WITH
IMPLEMENTING DOCUMENTS.
opened the Public
Mayor Marquez Hearing at 8:23 p.m. Interim City Clerk Doyle affirmed
receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council
receive and file.
Member Gafin, and so ordered by Mayor Marquez to There was no
correspondence received.
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Council Member Vasquez noted he will abstain from voting on the portion of the budget on
capital improvement projects because his previous employer may be obtaining funding from this
portion of the budget.
Finance Director Michicoff presented a PowerPoint program explaining, pursuant to Article
12, Sections 1203 and 1204 of the City Charter, the Council must hold a public hearing on the
proposed budget and at the conclusion review any changes and adopt the budget for the ensuing
fiscal year. He noted the Council and Community Development Commission held a study session
on June 7 for an overview of the budget and presentation by each department. The public was also
given the opportunity to comment. He noted the proposed budget is approximately $144 million in
total spending and advised the final document includes a Police Sergeant position to be funded with
asset forfeiture funds; the restoration of a frozen firefighter position; the transfer of the Neighborhood
Watch program to the Police Department; the reclassification of the Emergency Services Manager
position to an Emergency Services Coordinator and the transfer of this position to the Fire
Department; the slight expansion of the Fire communications center; the reorganization of the Public
Works Department for increased operational efficiencies; and the first full year of the theatre
management company. He also noted the budget does not propose any decreases to existing
service or program levels. He advised projected revenue is $62.1 million which is a $2 million
increase from the prior year. He also referred to the approximate $2 million deficit for next year,
explaining in prior years the City has been sound with revenues exceeding expenditures and those
funds were put into the savings account that the City is now drawing on. He noted available
reserves at the end of 2012 will be approximately $28 million. He advised the budget eliminates 34
positions and freezes an additional 8; noted staff has been aggressive in obtaining almost $17
million in grants primarily used for capital projects; noted the current condition of the water fund
presents an encroachment on the general fund; and advised the Chamber of Commerce contribution
was increased to $33,500.
Staff recommends approval of the Resolution adopting the annual budget for 2011-2012.
Mr. Michicoff noted, pursuant to City Charter Section 1205, the Council can modify the expenditures
in the budget by adopting Resolutions.
Speaker, (no name given) asked for clarification that the water fund budget for 2011-2012 is
$16,551,455 and staff confirmed that was correct.
There being no further discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer, seconded by
close the Public Hearing, the time being 8:36
Council Member Gafin and unanimously carried to
p.m.
Council Member Guerra felt it is a good budget with no cutbacks in public safety. He said he
is not happy with the $1.7 million deficit but thanked staff for doing more with less. He challenged
the Police and Fire Departments to reduce the amount of overtime and thanked the Police
Department for deferring $1 million in raises.
Council Member Gafin agreed with Council Member Guerra that it was a difficult process and
noted Council had directed staff not to cut services to the public.
Council Member Vasquez said these are not easy times but staff prepared the City to be in
the best position and to make sure public safety is intact. He mentioned retirement benefits and said
the Council has had numerous discussions on this and will continue to review it.
Mayor Marquez noted staff was directed to provide quality services to our residents and
commended them for doing so. He referred to the new two-tiered retirement plan in the works, the
balanced budget and the small deficit, noting it was all done with a shortage in staff. He also
recognized past Councils for building a reserve for this type of economic downturn.
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It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council member Gafin, and
unanimously carried, noting the abstention of Council Member Vasquez from the capital
adopt the Resolution approving the fiscal year 2011-12
improvement portion of budget, to
budget with implementing documents
.
2. CITY FEE RESOLUTION:
Finance.
A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 11-7274, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING A UNIFORM SCHEDULE OF FEES.
opened the Public
Mayor Marquez Hearing at 8:43 p.m. Interim City Clerk Doyle affirmed
receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Mayor Pro
receive and file
Tem Brossmer, and so ordered by the Mayor to . There was no correspondence
received.
Finance Director Michicoff noted the voters approved Proposition 26 on November 2, 2010,
which established the definition between taxes and fees and said the items presented tonight are
fees and are exempt from the requirements of Proposition 26. He said the fees included either
reimburse the City for a benefit or privilege conferred to the payer for a specific service or product
provided directly to the payer or for a responsible or reasonable regulatory cost for issuing licenses
and permits, performing investigations, inspections and other administrative enforcement of
regulatory services. He advised the proposed fee schedule for 2011-2012 is formatted to indicate
proposed changes from the prior year and covers 662 City fees. Of the modifications and changes,
two sections modified are the Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center, dealing with
renting out different aspects of the facility, and the other is for the Downey Civic Theatre where
many fees align the services now being provided by the theatre in conjunction with the City as well
as with the new contractor and are referenced on pages 31 and 32. He noted there are no changes
for established Downey organizations with 5 years of continuous theatre rental. The changes
proposed will increase revenues for all related funds by only $257,000.
Council Member Guerra referred to the new medical facility response use fee noted on page
3 and Fire Chief Croom explained this is for responses to medical facilities that are prepared to
handle the types of emergencies that walk into their offices but instead they call the Fire Department
which burdens its services. He said these facilities have contracts with private ambulance services
but chose not to use them due to the 35-40 minute response time and instead call the Fire
Department because of its quicker response time. He noted we will be charging those facilities who
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call us more than 3 times a month $395 for the 4 call.
Council Member Guerra mentioned 442 increases and the Columbia Learning Center’s 38
asking if they have been vetted out and the response was yes. He also referred to the fee for travel
teams and Community Services Director Phillips advised the $150 is based on additional staff time
to coordinate with the various departments and for additional trash pickups. In addition, he stated
the teams will be asked to pay the hourly field rental.
Council Member Guerra said the only fee he will challenge is the solar fee, noting the Green
Task Force recommended this fee be reduced last year to $200 and said he does not have a
problem incentivizing it to go even lower and asked staff to continue to look at it.
Andrew Davis, resident, asked how much it cost to build the Learning Center and Assistant
City Manager Livas advised the fees referred to are for rental of the current facility
There being no further speakers, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer, seconded by
close the Public Hearing, the time being 8:54 p.m.
Council Member Gafin and so ordered to
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It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Gafin, and
adopt the Resolution establishing a uniform schedule of fees.
unanimously carried to
3. PROPOSED WATER RATE INCREASE:
Public Works.
A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 11-7275, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING RATES FOR WATER SERVICE AND
REPEALING SECTIONS 2 AND 3 OF RESOLUTION NO. 05-6861.
opened the Public Hearing
Mayor Marquez at 8:54 p.m. Interim City Clerk Doyle affirmed
receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer, seconded by Council
receive and file.
Member Gafin, and so ordered to
Interim City Clerk Doyle advised 18 protests were received.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Vasquez, and
receive and file
unanimously carried to .
Public Works Director Oskoui presented a PowerPoint program of the results of the water
rates study and proposed water rate structure. He noted rates, taxes and fees are a tremendous
responsibility and were compounded by the current economy. He noted staff wanted to make sure
the outcome would be the fairest assessment of the City’s water system, its needs, the enterprise as
a whole, the cost of running it and economically sustaining it, and proposing a rate structure and a
cost sharing mechanism and formula that was fair and equitable. He gave a brief overview of the
water system, noting 18 of the 20 active ground wells are 50 years old or older. He advised the City
has a reservoir with a capacity of 5 million gallons but has not been able to utilize this facility
because of shortcomings in the structural integrity. He referred to the findings of the master plan,
such as the need for a robust preventative maintenance regimen, a valve exercising program, the
replacement of broken valves and meters, and the installation of 3 new wells with the abandonment
of non active wells. He pointed out rates have not been increased in 16 years and are not sufficient
to support cost and maintenance, stating the City needs to rehabilitate and replace the aging
portions of our infrastructure. If the increase is approved and adopted, the funds will be used for
safe operation of the water system, capital improvement projects, unscheduled expenses and
emergency repairs. He noted the water rates will not fund any non water related costs and will stay
in the water fund. He reviewed the current rate structure of 3 tiers and said a phased approach was
prepared to minimize the impact. He noted the rate structure proposes to create most equitable way
of promoting conservation and will reward prudent users. He showed comparison water costs and
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noted Downey is paying the lowest rate in the region. He said by end of the 5 year residents will be
in the 50 percentile when compared to other cities, noting the incentive is to conserve water and is
key to lowering bills. He advised the fees follow the guidelines of Proposition 218, which allows the
rates to be set for no longer than 5 years.
Council Member Vasquez left the dais at 9:21 p.m. and returned at 9:24 p.m.
Mr. Oskoui responded to comments from the Council regarding any possible impact on the
fees from the lawsuit in favor of the City against the Water Replenishment District, stating the
litigation will take time and that rates can be reconsidered and readjusted if there is ever an
extraordinary surplus or reserve. He also noted the master plan has a 15 year horizon, stating fees
will be reviewed again after five years.
Mayor Marquez stated the City will not accept any oral protest and advised protests must be
in writing and submitted prior to the close of the hearing.
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The following people spoke in favor of the water rate increase:
Kathryn Panel Waters, Jim Rodriguez, Patti Kotze, Lars Clutterham
The following people spoke in opposition to the water rate increase:
Andrew Davis, John Tovar, Martin Susnir
It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and so
close the Public Hearing
ordered to , the time being 9:58 p.m.
Prior to the vote, Mayor Marquez asked people to submit any letters of protest or support to
the City Clerk.
recessedreconvened
The meeting at 9:58 p.m. and at 10:06 p.m.
Interim City Clerk Doyle corrected the total number of protests reported earlier, noting she
received 18 prior to tonight’s meeting with an additional 4 received during the meeting for a total of
22 protests received.
City Attorney Abich Garcia advised the 22 objections received does not meet the threshold of
50 percent plus 1 to defeat the proposed rates.
After further comments by the Council, it was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by
adopt the Resolution establishing rates for
Council Member Guerra and unanimously carried to
water service and repealing sections 2 and 3 of Resolution No. 05-6861
.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT:
,
Bob Goldstein, residentrepresenting the Downey Symphony, requested that the Downey
Symphonic Society be allowed to sell the food at the summer park concert where they perform as a
fundraiser for the organization. He noted the concert performance costs them $15,000 each year
and requested this be placed on an upcoming agenda.
Council Member Gafin felt the Symphony’s request was worthy of consideration and
requested staff review the policy for concessions at the concerts in the park on a future Agenda for
non-profits groups who expend monies to put on a performance there.
Frank Sanchez, resident, congratulated the Council on passing the Budget and on its
dedication to public safety. He commended the quality of life in Downey but wanted to report an
issue of homes and cars being vandalized in his area.
Don Quinto, resident, mentioned Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer has attended several
Neighborhood Watch meetings in the area of Pellet Street, Pernell Avenue and Ryerson Avenue and
said there is quite a bit of crime in this area. He also mentioned an issue with speeders and
suggested the possibility of a stop sign at Ryerson Avenue and Pellet Street. He also noted speed
bumps were mentioned as a possible solution but said he is not in favor of them.
CONSENT ITEMS REMOVED:
10. APPROVE RENEWAL OF TOWING AGREEMENTS WITH UNITED TOWING SERVICE,
INC. AND TITAN TRANSPORTATION, INC. EXTENDING THE TOWING SERVICES FOR
A THREE-YEAR PERIOD ENDING JUNE 30, 2014:
Police Department. This item was
pulled by staff and continued to a future Council Meeting.
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18. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 11-______, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY REQUESTING THE CALIFORNIA CITIZEN'S REDISTRICTING
COMMISSION TO RECONSIDER PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS:
Administration.
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Guerra and is listed under Other
Business below.
20. INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR USE OF THE DOWNEY HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING
POOL BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT FOR A PERIOD OF TWENTY-FIVE (25) YEARS:
Community Services. This
item was pulled at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer and is listed under Other
Business below.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
4. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
Adjourned Meeting June 7, 2011; and Adjourned
and Adjourned Regular Meetings June 13, 2011: City Clerk.
5. APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED:
Warrant Nos. 259673 - 260046; Wire Nos. 30002425 –
:
30002434 and 745 – 749; in the total amount of $3,940,560.52 Finance.
6. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S.593 – DOWNEY AVENUE PAVEMENT REHABILITATION:
ACCEPTED IMPROVEMENTS AND APPROVED FINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF
$1,407,200.48; AND DIRECTED PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE A NOTICE OF
COMPLETION:
Public Works.
7. CASH CONTRACT NO. 674 – DOWNEY THEATRE AND PUBLIC LIBRARY HEATING,
VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS RETROFIT PROJECT (PHASE 1):
AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO LIBERTY CLIMATE CONTROL, INC. IN
THE AMOUNT OF $921,070.37; AND APPROPRIATED $159,946.37 FROM THE FISCAL
YEAR 2011-12 CAPITAL PROJECT FUND:
Public Works.
8. APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PICO RIVERA FOR THE TELEGRAPH
ROAD MEDIAN ISLAND PROJECT BETWEEN LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD/ROSEMEAD
BOULEVARD AND PASSONS BOULEVARD:
Public Works.
9. APPROVED AMENDMENT TO REDEVELOPMENT COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF
NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM FUNDS EXTENDING CONTRACT TO
SEPTEMBER 30, 2011:
Community Development.
11. APPROVED RENEWAL OF WEAPONS FIRING RANGE AGREEMENT WITH RIO HONDO
COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT EXTENDING CONTRACT FOR A TWO-YEAR
PERIOD ENDING JUNE 30, 2013:
Police Department.
12. APPROVED EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT WITH EDINGTON, PEEL & ASSOCIATES,
INC. FOR WASHINGTON D.C. CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD
ENDING JUNE 30, 2012:
Administration.
13. APPROVED EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT WITH GRANICUS, INC. FOR INTERNET
STREAMING OF CITY COUNCIL, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AND
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD ENDING JUNE 30,
2012:
Administration.
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14. APPROVED LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES FEDERAL
CREDIT UNION FOR A TWO-YEAR PERIOD ENDING JUNE 30, 2013:
Administration.
15. APPROVED SUBMITTAL OF GRANT REQUEST FOR EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL
JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) PROGRAM 2011 LOCAL SOLICITATION:
Police
Department.
16. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 11-7276, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING PARCEL MAP NO. 70964, APPROVING AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER AND ACCEPTING A SUBDIVISION
IMPROVEMENT CASH DEPOSIT AS SURETY
(8236 – 8250 Firestone Boulevard and
:
11217 Downey Avenue)Public Works.
17. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 11-7277, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS
LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-12:
Finance.
19. GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD STATEMENT NO. 54 FUND
BALANCE CLASSIFICATIONS:
Finance.
A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 11-7279, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY CLASSIFYING THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF FUND
BALANCE AS DEFINED IN GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD
STATEMENT NO. 54 AND PROVIDING OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS AND DISCLOSURES
AS REQUIRED BY THE STATEMENT;
B. APPROVED ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION NO. 324, ENTITLED “FINANCIAL
POLICY FOR GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD 54.”
21. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 11-1285. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING ARTICLE IV, CHAPTER 1, OF THE DOWNEY
MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 4102 PROHIBITING THE
CONSUMPTION OR POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES IN PUBLIC
PLACES:
Police Department.
It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer and
approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar
unanimously carried, toitems as presented,
noting the abstention of Council Member Vasquez from Item 9.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
22. REVIEW OF DRAFT LOCAL CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM ORDINANCE:
City Attorney.
City Attorney Abich Garcia noted this item is a continuation of previous discussions regarding
the formation of a local campaign finance reform Ordinance. She noted there were questions to be
researched and direction from Council to bring back a draft ordinance as a starting place. The staff
report presented brings additional information along with a draft Ordinance for discussion. She
noted she will request Council direction on how it wishes to adopt an Ordinance; whether to put it on
the ballot or adopt it through the regular Council Ordinance approval process. She also referred to
additional surveys requested by Council Member Guerra and advised she has that information
available.
The City Attorney was given the following direction after discussion by the Council.
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The Council agreed not to spend the estimated $155,000 to place the Ordinance on the
ballot and would approve it through the regular Council Ordinance approval process.
Regarding contribution limits it was agreed to set $1,500 if the candidate followed the
voluntary expenditure limit and $1,000, if not following the voluntary limit, for Districts 1 through 4,
with contribution limits increased to $2,000 for voluntary and $1,500, if not voluntary, for District 5.
City Attorney Abich Garcia explained that rather than create a penalty for not accepting the
voluntary expenditure limit, you can create an incentive to have the ballot, the ballot pamphlet and
the sample ballot designate the candidates who opted into the voluntary expenditure limit. She said
before a candidate can raise money, the Ordinance requires that they determine up front whether
they will follow the voluntary expenditure limit or not. If they then violate this determination, there are
penalty provisions built into the Ordinance.
It was noted no restrictions are allowed on a candidate using personal funds.
City Attorney Abich Garcia noted cities can determine how they wish to handle loans and,
after discussion, the Council determined to put a restriction total on personal loans of $15,000 and to
follow State guidelines requiring that the loan must be from a direct family member. It was decided
there would be no time limit on paying back personal loans.
It was also noted funds raised are per election cycle and City Attorney Abich Garcia pointed
out that the Ordinance proposed states “in a single election.”
After further discussion, the voluntary expenditure limits was set at $30,000 for Districts 1
through 4 and $50,000 for District 5, with the personal loan amount to be included in the voluntary
expenditure limit.
City Attorney Abich Garcia stated she would be returning to Council with an Ordinance to be
introduced that included the above recommendations.
23. APPROVE FORMATION OF A DOWNEY YOUTH COMMISSION:
Administration.
Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer mentioned eligibility requirements and suggesting the Youth
Commissioners must live in Downey and may attend Downey Schools as well as private schools not
located in Downey. He suggested keeping staff time to support the Commission at 10 hours per
month.
The Council Members agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer’s suggestions and also
discussed the number of appointees, determining that each Council Member will appoint 3
commissioners, Citywide, for a total of 15 members, from students in Grades 9 through 12.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Guerra, and
approve the formation of a Downey Youth Commission.
unanimously carried to
OTHER BUSINESS:
CONSENT ITEMS REMOVED:
20. INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR USE OF THE DOWNEY HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING
POOL BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT FOR A PERIOD OF TWENTY-FIVE (25) YEARS:
Community Services.
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Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer noted a conflict of interest on this item and advised he will be
abstaining.
It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and
introduce the
unanimously carried, noting the abstention of Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer, to
Ordinance
.
18. ADOPTED, AS AMENDED, RESOLUTION NO. 11-7278, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REQUESTING THE CALIFORNIA CITIZEN'S
REDISTRICTING COMMISSION TO RECONSIDER PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE
DISTRICTS:
Administration.
Council Member Guerra stated he did not see in the Resolution where it states we want to be
one City.
Assistant to the City Manager DeLong advised this can be added to the second to the last
whereas clause.
It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brossmer and
adopt the Resolution, as amended,
unanimously carried, with the added wording noted, to
requesting the California Citizen’s Redistricting Commission to reconsider proposed
legislative districts.
STAFF COMMENTS:
Assistant City Manager Livas thanked the Council and staff for their work on this long
meeting and thanked Council for its direction on the water rates and budget. He also thanked the
Budget Subcommittee members, Council Members Gafin and Guerra.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 11:46 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., July 12, 2011,
_________________________________ ____________________________
JOYCE E. DOYLE, Interim City Clerk LUIS H. MARQUEZ, Mayor
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